Giuliano's is an Italian restaurant at 18–19 Union Place in central Edinburgh. Facing Edinburgh Playhouse and close to Princes Street, it combines a convenient pre theatre location with an elegant but relaxed dining room that can accommodate both couples and larger groups.
The extensive menu follows a classic Italian direction, moving through antipasti, pasta, pizza, fish and meat dishes. Familiar recipes and generous choice make the restaurant approachable for diners who want a quick meal before a performance as well as those planning a longer evening.
Seafood is an important part of the selection, alongside traditional pasta sauces, baked dishes and pizzas. Pre theatre choices provide a more structured option at selected times, while the main menu allows a table to share starters and choose individual courses.
Italian wine and other drinks accompany the food, and the restaurant opens from noon until late seven days a week. Booking is particularly useful around Playhouse performance times. Guests with allergies should consult the current menu and discuss ingredients and shared preparation areas with staff before ordering.
Address: 18–19 Union Place, Edinburgh EH1 3NQ, Scotland
Giuliano's Menu
Appetizer
Bread and Butter
Garlic Bread
Bruschetta
Garlic bread topped with freshly chopped tomato and olive oil
Garlic Bread & Cheese
Garlic bread topped with mozzarella
Focaccia (for sharing)
Pizza bread topped with olive oil and rosemary
Focaccia Rucola e Parmigiano
Rocket, parmesan shavings and balsamic
Focaccia
Tomato and basil
Marinated Olives
Minestrone
fresh vegetable soup
Antipasti Freddi (Cold)
Antipasto Italiano
Large Antipasto Platter
Fine Italian cured meats, cheese and grilled vegetables
Prosciutto e Melone
Gamberetti Maria Rosa
Succulent prawns coated in a light marie rose dressing
Melone
Fresh Seasonal Melon
Caprese
Freshly sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
Avocado Tre Colori
Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, avocado and balsamic dressing
Salmone Affumicato
Scottish smoked salmon, topped with a crisp leaf salad
Cornetto di Salmone
Succulent prawns coated in a light marie rose sauce, wrapped in Scottish smoked salmon
Antipasto Vegetarian
Marinated grilled aubergines, courgettes, and artichokes served with fresh mozzarella and avocado
Pâté della Casa
Homemade chicken liver and wild mushroom pâté
Antipasti Caldi (Hot)
Arancini
Crispy Italian rice balls, stuffed with bolognese, mozzarella and peas. Served with a tomato dipping sauce
Melanzane alla parmigiana
Oven baked layers of aubergines, tomato and parmesan cheese
Calamari Fritti
Deep fried baby squid, with garlic and chilli mayonnaise
Cozze Alla Marinara
Fresh mussels, white wine garlic and touch of tomato
Gamberoni Calabrese
King prawns sautéed with chilli, peppers and spring onions
Trippa Marchigiana
Slowly cooked tenderised tripe, in a rich tomato sauce
Porchetta
Pork belly, flavoured with wild fennel, garlic, rosemary and sage. Served on a bed of rocket
Modena
King prawns wrapped in parma ham on a bed of rocket, parmasan shavings and balsamic vinegar
Pasta
Half portion of pasta as a starter £9.60. Pasta containing non gluten products also available.
Taglierini Bolognese
Pasta ribbons with a classic rich mincemeat and tomato sauce
Spaghetti Polpette Pizzaiola
Homemade meatballs flavoured with garlic and rosemary, with a tomato and herb sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara
Pancetta, eggs, cream, parmesan and black pepper
Spaghetti Sofia Loren
Roasted peppers, parma ham, onions, cream and a touch of tomato
Penne Vegetariana
Pasta tubes, mixed vegetables, mozzarella and tomato sauce
Penne Pollo Funghi crema
Pasta tubes, chicken, mushrooms, garlic and cream
Penne Norcina
Pasta tubes, fresh Italian sausage, wild mushrooms, cream, parmesan and a scent of truffle cream
Penne Arrabiatta
Pasta tubes with fresh tomato sauce and homemade chilli
Penne Pollo Pepperoni
Pasta tubes, chicken, spicy sausage and picante sauce
Taglierini Della Casa
Pasta ribbons with bolognese, spicy sausage, mushrooms, peas and a touch of cream
Gnocchi Formaggio
Potato dumplings with a cream and four cheese sauce
Spaghetti Vongole
Sautéed clams with white wine, garlic and parsley
Risotto
Risotto Giuliano’s
Italian rice, chicken, wild mushrooms, asparagus and mascarpone truffle oil
Risotto / Spaghetti Seafood
A selection of mixed shellfish and seafood, with a fresh tomato sauce
Fresh Pasta
Half portion of pasta as starter £8.90.
Tortellini Alla Parmigiana
Classic dish with parma ham, peas, a touch of cream, saffron and parmesan
Haggis Raviolli
Sautéed with a touch of haggis cream and whiskey
Agnolotti ai Porcini
Fresh pasta stuffed with wild mushrooms and ricotta, with wild mushroom, parmesan and truffle oil
Agnolotti Spinaci e Ricotta
Fresh pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta, with a butter and sage sauce
Panzerotti Lobster
Fresh pasta stuffed with lobster and ricotta, with a selection of mixed sautéed shell fish saffron
Traditional Lasagne
Pizze
12” Freshly baked. All topped with tomato and mozzarella. Extra toppings: Vegetables £1.00 | Meat £1.90. Pizza containing non gluten products also available.
Margherita
Tomato, fresh mozzarella and herbs
Boscaiola
Fresh Italian sausage, wild mushrooms and truffle oil
Caprino
Goats cheese, spinach and caramelised onion
Meat Feast
Meatballs, ham, spicy calabrese sausage and chicken
Nduja
Spicy calabrese sausage, spinach and red onions
Capricciosa
Mushrooms, artichokes, black olives and mixed peppers
Cardinale
Ham and mushroom
Della Casa
Spicy calabrese sausage, peppers and mushrooms
Spice
Roast chicken, onions, mixed peppers and home-made chilli
Pollo Corn
Chicken and sweetcorn
Mexicana
Spicy calabrese sausage and jalapeño peppers
Pizza Salsiccia
Broccoli and Italian Norcina sausage with a touch of chilli
Contadina
Chargrilled aubergines and courgettes, peppers, sautéed potatoes, onions and pesto dressing
Rucola e Parma
Parma ham, wild rocket, parmesan shavings and olive oil
Small pizza
Calzone
Calzone
Folded and filled with mozzarella, tomato, ham, spicy calabrese sausage, mushrooms and meatballs
Vegetarian Calzone
Folded and filled with mozzarella, tomato, mixed grilled vegetables and mushrooms.
Sides / Salads
French Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
Topped with grated parmesan and truffle oil
Caesar Salad
Crisp cos leaves, croutons, parmesan and caesar dressing
Panzanella Salad
An old peasant salad of crusty bread, onions, cucumber, tomato and basil, marinated with olive oil and white wine vinegar
Tomato & Onion salad
Rucola Salad
Topped with parmasan shavings and balsamic glaze
Seasonal mixed salad
Pesce (Fish)
Seabass
Pan fried seabass fillets, white wine, cherry tomatoes, garlic and spring onion. Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Classic Fish & Chips
Battered haddock. Served with chips
Salmone ai Porri
Pan fried Scottish salmon served on a bed of sautéed leeks and onions with a splash of dry martini and a touch of cream and saffron
Calamari Fritti
Deep fried tender squid, served with mixed salad and a garlic and chilli mayonnaise
Carne (Meat)
Sauces – Pepper / Porcini / Diane £4.00
Bistecca alla Griglia
10oz char grilled prime sirloin steak. Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Rib-eye
10oz chargrilled prime rib-eye steak. Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Filetto alla Griglia or Balsamic
8oz Chargrilled fillet steak. Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Ham Shank
Slow cooked ham shank with Italian beans
Veal Saltimbocca or Milano
Pollo Funghi Crema
Chicken breast cooked with mushrooms and cream. Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Pollo Diavola
Tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic, mixed herbs, chilli and mustard. Served with seasonal vegetables
Lamb Milano
Lamb chops coated with breadcrumbs
Pollo Milanese
Breaded chicken breast served with spaghetti Napoli
Salsiccia alla Griglia
Chargrilled fresh Italian sausage with mixed salad and chips
Mixed Grill
Charcoal chicken, lamb, sirloin and Italian sausage
Salsiccia ai Porcini
Fresh Italian sausage sautéed with wild mushrooms. Served with roast potatoes and vegetables
Insalata (Salads)
Pollo Caesar
Chargrilled chicken breast, cos salad leaves, crispy pancetta, croutons, parmesan and caesar dressing
Goats Cheese Salad
Goats cheese, mixed leaf salad, cherry tomatoes, walnuts and honey dressing
Desserts
Gelati Assortiti
Assorted ice cream
Sorbetto al Limone
Lemon Sorbet
Banana Split
Ice cream, whipped cream, banana, chocolate sauce and nuts
Tiramisu
Italian pick-me-up!
Profiteroles con Gelato
Chocolate éclairs and ice cream
Crepe (a Giuliano’s creation)
Crepe filled with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, amaretto biscuits finished with cream, Amaretto liquor and almonds
Coppa All’ Amarena
Wild cherries, ice cream and whipped cream
Torta Di Mele Con Gelato
Hot apple pie with ice cream
Fragole (when in season)
Fresh strawberries and ice cream
Fresh Strawberries Giuliano’s Style
Strawberries, ice cream, a touch of cream and ground black peppers
Panna Cotta
Vanilla custard with caramel topping
Amaretto Pot
Ice cream with caramelised walnuts and almonds, topped with Amaretto
Eton Mess
Torta Fantastica
Layered vanilla toffee ice cream on a crisp chocolate base
Tartufo
Ice cream coated with chocolate and nuts
Coppa Giuliano’s
Mixed ice cream served with strawberry and banana, brandy, crème de menthe and grenadine
Coppa Calypso
Chocolate ice cream topped with whipped cream, crushed nuts and Tia Maria liqueur
Punky
Vanilla ice cream in a free plastic toy
Mantecato Misto
Ice cream chocolate sauce, whipped cream and nuts
Cheesecake
Of the day – please ask!
Banoffee Pie
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Dessert Wine Vin Santo (50ml)
Formaggi
Formaggi Misti
Price: from £9.50
Port
Theatre Set Menu
3 Course £28.50
Panzanella Salad
An old peasant salad of crusty bread, onions, cucumber, tomatoes and basil, marinated with olive oil and white wine vinegar
Avocado Tre Colori
Freshly sliced tomato, mozzarella and avocado with a balsamic dressing
Caprese
Freshly sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
Penne Napoli
Pasta tubes coated in a light tomato sauce
Zuppa del Giorno
Homemade vegetable soup
Pate della Casa
Homemade chicken liver and wild mushroom pâté
Arancini Siciliani
Crispy Italian rice balls, stuffed with bolognese, mozzarella and peas, served with a tomato dipping sauce
Cozze
Fresh mussels sauteed with white wine, garlic and a touch of tomato
Taglierini della Casa
Pasta ribbons with bolognese, spicy sausage, mushrooms, peas and a touch of cream
Penne Pollo Funghi Crema
Pasta tubes, chicken, mushrooms, garlic and cream
Agnolotti Porcini
Fresh pasta stuffed with wild mushrooms and ricotta, with wild mushrooms, parmesan and truffle cream
Pizza Prosciutto Cotto e Peperoni
Cooked ham and spicy pepperoni sausage
Pizza Spice
Roast chicken, onions, mixed peppers and homemade chilli
Pollo Funghi Crema
Chicken breast cooked with mushrooms and cream, served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Pollo Milanese
Breaded chicken breast, served with spaghetti Napoli
Seabass
Pan fried seabass fillet, white wine, cherry tomatoes, garlic and spring onions, served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Classic Fish & Chips
Battered haddock and chips
Pizza Caprino
Goats cheese, spinach and caramelised onions
Tiramisu
Profiteroles
Cheesecake
Gelati Assortiti
Caffe
Cappuccino/White Coffee
Espresso/Black Coffee
Caffe Latte
Caffe Martini
Wines
House White
Sauvignon
A fabulous bouquet, good body and smooth palate.
Pinot Grigio
Delicious, firm and crisp with flavours of green apples and pears.
Verdicchio Marche Bianco I.G.T
Dry and intense with a balance of flavour and hints of almond.
Vino Rosso
Montepulciano
Grape variety: 100% Montepulciano. Wonderfully rounded, full favour with a soft finish.
Rosso Conero
Grape variety: Montepulciano and Sangioverse. Full bodied, aged in wooden barrels
Rosso Piceno
Grape variety: Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Intense ruby red in colour with violet reflections, elegant aromas of ripe cherries and blackcurrant, soft and warm with good freshness and a long, fruity finish.
Barbera D.O.C
Grape variety: 100% Barbera. Well-rounded wine with a smooth finish.
Vino Bianco
Falanghina
Grape variety: 100% Falanghina. Dry with a long lasting finish, very light and fruity.
Pinot Grigio
Firm and crisp with flavours of green apples and pears.
Chardonnay
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay. Ample bouquet with hints of vanilla and almonds.
Sauvignon
Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon. A fabulous bouquet, good body and smooth palate.
Specially Selected Wines
Chianti Riserva
Grape variety: Sangiovese Canaiolo. Matured in oak barrels, full bodied with a gentle tannic consistency.
Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G
Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese. Full bodied and wonderfully smooth, dry and elegant with a long finish.
Tignanello – Antinori (when available)
Grape variety: Sangiovese and Cabernet. A remarkable, vibrant and primary tignanello, opulent with masses of dark red fruits and superb density.
Tombacco Azzurra
Grape variety: Montepulciano and Sanvigiovese. Intense, ruby red in colour with violet reflections, elegant aromas of ripe cherries and blackcurrant, soft and warm with good freshness and long fruity finish.