Awards

In About us
AWARDS
When we say award winning we really mean it.
We are very proud of our restaurants and delighted when they are noticed and praised! We are always trying to improve how we do things – whether it is working on how sustainable we can be or delighting our customers with the freshest, tastiest dishes we think up. We also work with a number of organisations on food provenance, sourcing and sustainability. This is an ongoing conversation and commitment by our business and one that we firmly believe in. Below are of some of the awards and commendations we’ve received.
Gambero Rosso
Recommended by Gambero Rosso 2020
Gambero Rosso is the world’s authority on Italian food, wine and travel.
Ospitalita Italiana
Recommended by Ospitalita Italiana 2018,2019, 2020
The Marchio Ospitalita Italiana is the only certification recognized by the Italian Government that guarantees the authenticity of Italian Restaurants abroad.
The List Eating & Drinking Guide
HITLISTED 2018 / 19 – The List Eating & Drinking Guide – Best Italian for Contini George Street
TIPLISTED 2018/19 – Pre theatre deals “Within easy reach of the Usher Hall and Traverse, Contini’s modern Italian cooking is a delight. There’s an aperitivi menu too if you just fancy a nibble”
TIPLISTED 2018/19 – Sourcing “Celebrating 100 years in the business, the Continis were one of the first to focus on sourcing – their menus are a veritable who’s who of Scottish producers”
HITLISTED 2017 / 18 – The List Eating & Drinking Guide – Best Italian for Contini George Street
Finalist in the Reader Awards
Trip Advisor Excellence Award 2019, 2020
The List Eating & Drinking Guide
TIPLISTED 2018/19 – Groups & Parties “A fantastic location and historic building for a special celebration, Cannonball’s group menu won’t leave you feeling short changed”
TIPLISTED 2018/19 – Special views & rooms “You can’t get closer to the castle without paying an entry fee. An ex-school, Cannonball House is full of history and stunning views”
TIPLISTED 2018/19 – Whisky “The bar below this Contini restaurant is well stocked with some lovely whiskies, with innovations like their whisky afternoon tea aiming to demystify the national drink”
Trip Advisor Excellence Award 2019
Recommended for places to dine in Edinburgh by BBC Good Food Guide – read more here
Recommended by the Scotsman as one of the ‘10 best places to eat near Edinburgh Castle’ April 2019 – read the article here
National Geographic – Listed one of only 7 Best Museum Cafe’s in the UK in April 2021 – read more here
Catering Industry Awards (CIS) – Winner of the Sustainable restaurant of the year award 2018 – read more here
Scotland the Best – recommended under 3 categories:
Top listing under The Best Scottish Restaurants
Good places for brunch
Special mention under the Scottish National Gallery listing for “very good caff” and “high quality nosh with views”
The List Eating & Drinking Guide
HITLISTED 2017 / 18 – The List Eating & Drinking Guide – Best Art Cafe for The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
TIPLISTED 2017/ 18 – Place to go for afternoon tea for The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Taste our Best – read the full review here
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCREDITATION’S
Royal Highland Trust – Carina was appointed as the fist official Ambassador in June 2019 – read more here
Taste Our Best
Accredited for Contini George Street, The Scottish Cafe & Cannonball 2017
GTBA – Gold
Chefs Alliance Member
Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) member
SRA 3 Star Award
Slow Food Member for all three venues
Where Chefs Eat – Recommended
The Scottish restaurant awards 2012 – Best customer service
Scotch Beef Club member
Scottish Chefs Association
Scot Hot – Young restaurant manager of the year award
HIT Scotland – emerging talent award, restaurant manager of the year
REVIEWS
Contini George Street
- 10/10 Joanna Blythman – The Sunday Herald February 2017
- Hitlisted Edinburgh Eating & Drinking Guide 2017
- Kate Devine – The Scotsman March 2017
- Wine List – Peter Ranscombe – Scottish Field 2017
- Bite Magazine 2017
- Luxury Columnist Blog
- Foodie Explorers Blog
- Your Scottish Tour Blog
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant