On Howe Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, Little Capo is a bold and buzzy Italian-ish restaurant that’s impossible to miss thanks to its irreverent pink exterior and the lively hum of diners spilling out onto the pavement. It’s the brainchild of a creative partnership including restaurateur Stuart McCluskey (formerly of The Bon Vivant Group), chef Jamie Broussine, and hospitality veterans Will and Jess Oxenham and Robbie McDermott. Together, they’ve created a space that’s playful, confident and full of flavour.
The menu is rooted in Italian cooking but takes plenty of creative liberties. Dishes are designed for sharing, with starters like zucchini fritti with aioli, burrata with fennel and citrus, and house-baked focaccia. Larger plates might include cioppino - a San Francisco-style fish stew with cod, mussels and potato - pappardelle with ox cheek ragù and celeriac purée, or crispy polenta with white beans, rainbow chard and mascarpone. The kitchen leans into bold seasoning and generous portions, with specials and tweaks appearing regularly.
Inside, Little Capo is compact and cleverly arranged. A broad-topped tiled bar dominates the room, surrounded by high stools and a handful of tables. The vibe is energetic and informal, with upbeat music, quirky cocktails and a team that’s genuinely passionate about what they do. Guests often sit at the counter to chat with staff and watch the action unfold, and would make a fun, buzzy date spot or even a solo diner hangout.
Its location on Howe Street is a short walk from George Street and Stockbridge, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Little Capo is not trying to be traditional - it's main aim is to be delicious, memorable and fun. With its punchy cooking, warm service and cheeky sense of style, Little Capo is one of the city's coolest restaurants to date.