Our Review Of Divino Enoteca Wine Bar & Restaurant: Italian Food And Live Jazz In Edinburgh Old Town

If authentic Italian flavours, an impressive wine list and smooth live jazz sound like the perfect evening, then Divino Enoteca Wine Bar & Restaurant should be at the top of your list. For my fiancé and I, that combination is the definition of the perfect date night.

So, on a cold Wednesday evening after work, we wandered up the Cowgate toward George IV Bridge, ready for a much-needed night out, and excited to finally experience this beloved institution that’s part of the Vittoria Group Edinburgh.

The guancia di manzo al merlot (pictured right). 

DesignMyNight's Review Of Divino Enoteca Wine Bar & Restaurant In Edinburgh Old Town 

We first arrived at Vittoria on the Bridge, which Google Maps seemed to think was our destination. After a brief moment of confusion, we realised Divino was actually tucked away downstairs - a true hidden gem waiting below.

As we made our way through Vittoria and down the staircase, the warm aroma of Italian cooking drifted toward us, hinting at what was to come. When we finally opened the door, it felt as though we’d stepped through a portal straight into Rome.

After settling into a plush booth tucked into a cosy, candlelit corner, we took our time exploring the extensive wine list and admiring the impressive variety on offer. Having already heard about the restaurant’s Enomatic machine, we were eager to experience it for ourselves.

Our server guided us through the process, demonstrating how their wine-by-the-glass system preserves opened bottles and prevents oxidation, ensuring every glass is as fresh as the first pour. After chatting through what we both tend to enjoy in a wine, we made our selections.

I chose the Amarone della Valpolicella, drawn to its smooth, rich character and gentle warmth. My fiancé settled on the Il Poggione, which offered a slightly brighter profile and a clean finish. It was the perfect way to kick off the evening.

There are cosy interiors aplenty at Divino Enoteca. 

Our first dish to arrive was the focaccia al prosciutto crudo e fichi (£18) - a handmade focaccia topped with a generous portion of Parma ham, Grana Padano, and mulled figs, finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The mix of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours was perfectly balanced, making it a starter that immediately set the bar high for the rest of the meal.

Our server recommended the bruschetta con pomodorini (£11), which we enjoyed alongside the focaccia. I’ve always thought a sign of a quality Italian restaurant is when simple ingredients flourish, and this classic bruschetta proved that theory perfectly.

For the main event, we tucked into the guancia di manzo al merlot (£34), featuring Scottish beef cheek braised in Merlot and herbs, served with creamy mashed potato and sautéed mushrooms. I couldn’t think of a better dish for a chilly November evening. Rich, warming and melt-in-the-mouth moreish, it was comfort food at its finest.

Meanwhile, my fiancé couldn’t resist the orecchiette con salsiccia e ‘nduja (£20), a baked gratin of orecchiette tossed with Italian sausage, ‘nduja and creamy ricotta sauce, which arrived piping hot. Rich but balanced, it was hearty and comforting without feeling too heavy.

The bruschetta con pomodorini (pictured left). 

Just as we started on our mains, the live jazz duo began to play, and we were treated to beautiful background music for the rest of the evening. It added such a lovely atmosphere to our date night - noticeable enough to enjoy, but not so loud that we had to shout over it.

After finishing our mains, we were far too full for dessert, but we couldn’t quite bring ourselves to leave just yet. The music had us fully settled in, so instead, we treated ourselves to a dessert wine flight (£16) and soaked up the atmosphere a little longer. The flight included four different dessert wines, each of which our server walked us through. This was our dream way to finish a meal.

Overall: Divino Enoteca Wine Bar & Restaurant 

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, searching for a romantic date night spot, or simply craving authentic Italian food in an intimate setting, Divino Enoteca Wine Bar & Restaurant delivers on every front. From the thoughtfully curated wine list and smooth live jazz to the warm hospitality and beautifully crafted dishes, it strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and special occasion. It’s cosy, a little tucked away and full of charm. We already can’t wait to go back.

Discover more with our guide to the best wine bars in Edinburgh.