Valvona & Crolla

Once upon a time this flag ship store had unrivalled customer service and great customer service. The deli remains very wonderful with an amazing selection at dizzying prices but yesterday I wanted to show my husband the vin cafe situated at the back of the deli. A waiter said we could sit anywhere. It was not busy with only four other tables taken. Four waiting staff. After a few mins a waitress gave us the menus and five mins later came back to take our order for two cappuccinos , no breakfast. It was not busy. Other tables had ordered breakfast but after ten to fifteen minutes still not sign of the order we made. I turned around as people who came in after us had been served with coffees so I glared at the waitress. She said the coffees was on the way... So what for an apology. After five more minutes I turned around again and looked at the barista who had completed our drinks waiting to be given to us. She obviously go the hint and brought the coffees. Small cups inadequate handles for people with rheumatism - you cant get your fingers in the handle. Coffee was weak and very cool. I asked for a glass of water and extra sugar as none are found on the table and she forgot the sugar so once again I had to find a way to get it myself. Just don't buy anything big here as it is a real ripoff. I did not tip. I even sent the official website my feedback. They got back in touch and gave me £30 compensation and an apology from the MD. So I am changing my star from one star to four as they admitted there had been a problem.

The best bread and cheese in Edinburgh without a doubt

A truly astonishing range of groceries, cheese and wine. At rather astonishing prices….

The quality is great just about across the board here and for my money it’s the cheese and wine that are the stars of the show – an incredible selection of both with great Italian favourites. But the prices really pack a punch. I’m all for supporting local specialist shops, so this place gets my “special foodie treat” money when I can afford it.

The vegetables are wonderful too – flown direct from Italy (first class I think looking at the prices) but are just out of my league; but the bread is strangely disappointing.

The cafe is a great visitor spot – I always come with my Mum when she visits – but the prices reflect those in the rest of the shop so be warned!

Like stepping into a deli in the heart of the Italian countryside! The cured meats melt in your mouth…

I have fond memories of visiting this shop as a child. My mother went to school with the owner Gloria who was lovely. I went with another italian friend a few years ago and did not find the younger generation friendly at all. The shop is now vastly overpriced and i never met an italian who could not make good coffee. Disappointing

I love here the food is so fresh. More expensive than your average place but quality costs!

valvona & crolla on elm row (top of leith walk) is the flagship shop for this long-established, edinburgh-based italian family business.

they have one of edinburgh’s finest selections of italian groceries, cheeses, antipasto, oils and wines. plus a whole lot more yummy stuff too long to list. there is no doubt that shopping here will bring you great foodie joy (including great wine joy).

sadly this passion doesn’t seem to extend to coffee.

at the back of the store is quite a large and pleasant cafe that does alcohol as well as food. i had a flat white which was too hot and weak. you know this also means that the milk texture was non-existent. i’ve had this same experience several times – such a shame when the food and wine is so great.

i continue to be amazed by folk who clearly know what they’re doing with food and wine but who don’t consider coffee with the same rigour. this isn’t confined to v&c by any means. plenty of excellent, well-reviewed and highly regarded restaurants are the same. much coffee evolution yet to occur in our tea-loving part of the world!

http://edinburghcoffeelovers.blogspot.com/ twitter: @edinburghcoffee

I have to say I didnt notice the cafe at the back!! Feel quite dumb now! What I did notice instantly, when I walked in was the overwhelming smell of cheese! Good for some but I found it a little strong.

Its quite extensive in here and they sellpretty much everything.. along with every alcohol you could ever want to buy - lining the walls behind the counter. Good selection of pastas olive oils and jams - strawberry and pink champagne anyone.. As well as the obligatory cheeses and cured meats.

Great selection of wines at the back and the staff are pretty helpful as well... Clientele are a little too yummy mummy for me but a good one stop shop really..

On first glance it looks like a delicatessen. However if you walk all the way through there is a hidden cafe at the back.

Went there for brunch and it was lovely. The coffee was delicious and they come in really large cups which is always a winner for me. Food is a bit pricey but was lovely. Service was also really good, they made my own type of continental breakfast for me!

I went there for brunch on Sunday and it was really rather good.

In fact, I don't think I can really say anything that hasn't already been covered in the other reviews so I won't waffle on!

4 badger stars.

What a great selection of Italian specialty goods. Being Italian, there is nothing more frustrating that not being able to find things like polenta flour in an entire city of grocery stores. If it's Italian, chances are they'll have it. Valvona's baked goods are RIDICULOUSLY good, and their cheese selection is quite impressive. Whenever I throw a dinner party, this is my go-to place for things like wine, cut meats, cheese, and other hard to find specialty packaged goods. My ONLY complaint (if you can call it that) is that they don't have a wider selection of cut meats....But what they DO carry is top notch quality. It also helps that Mary (the owner) is as sweet as their flourless chocolate torte (a must try for anyone who loves chocolate).

The bread is great. The coffee shop is fab. Lots of tasty food. Love this store!

Wonderful shop with a fantastic selection of food and wine. Great for Italian Christmas hampers. The one in Leith has a really good cafe.

I love this shop! There's not much else I can say... I just love it!! It is exciting and fun to shop there - I always find something new to try. It's beautiful!

One of the oldest Italian Delis in Edinburgh, if not the oldest, Valvona and Crolla hides a pleasant surprise if you walk through to the back of the shop. Tucked away at the rear is a surprisingly large bright and modern looking cafe. All light wood and roof windows, it's a very pleasant space that seems popular with locals and savvy visitors; it's a bit off the beaten track tourist wise, but just a few minutes walk down the road from the Omni Centre which is itself just beyond Princes Street down.

Had a pleasant enough brunch in the cafei. Lovely croissant, great breads, good bacon butty, and tasty vegetarian breakfast which included grilled polenta, roasted and grilled italian veggies topped off with a fried egg. Mmmmm. Bit more expensive than the usual cafe fare, but a nice treat.

Valvona and Crolla is just one of those Edinburgh places you have to visit. It’s one of the oldest delis in the UK and is still family owned. Long and thin, the whole places is an absolute assault on the senses - the moment you walk in you can smell the cheeses and sausages and bread and biscuits and coffee… all piled on shelves that reach right up to the high ceilings. There’s a giant wine section; gifts; fresh produce; a bakery section; shelf upon shelf of pasta… Really good-quality stuff, with staff who miraculously seem to know everything about the place, despite its size and complexity. Things for students to look out for: free bread samples, so that you can try the delicious balsamic vinegar and olive oil. There’s also a rather posh cafe right at the back, which I’ve only been to once and long ago, but I can still remember the mouthwatering pastry I had. A word of warning - for Christmas presents go now - the narrow walkway just gets too busy in December!

Valvona and Crolla is a real Edinburgh institution. I can remember visiting with my parents when I was little and being fascinated with the sites and smells inside this place.

This a a real old school delicatessan selling a huge variety of stock and anything you could possibly want from Italy. Their cured meats and cheeses are mouth watering stuff, but do expect to pay for the priviliege. They also do freshly baked breads and rolls which are so lovely. Then there’s their fantastic selection of alcohols and liqueurs, if you’re looking for something obscure you’ll definitely find it here.

I can understand other posters when they suggest it’s crampt and busy, but i think this adds to it’s charm and makes it a perfect place for people watching.

One of the must visit places of the city. It’s about a 20min walk from mid-point of Princes Street. An old favourite, it’s popular with tourists and locals alike. Not the cheapest of places but you are paying for quality and authentic Italian products.

Full of atmosphere with a great selection of foodstuff and a delicounter with amazing selection of cheeses, not just Italian, but from all over Scotland. It’s like an aladdin’s cave for foodies/gourmets!

There’s a cafe which isnt massive so expect to queue when it get’s busy. Of course it does fantastic coffee and cake!

If you are a first time visitor to Edinburgh I recommend you make this one of your stop offs.

I love this place!! Everything they sell is absolutely delicious. Lots of specialty food that you cant find anywhere else.

This deli is really a very special place in the hearts of many in Edinburgh. Going since around 1934 , it is a little island of Italy in the capital.

It has an outstanding range of all kinds of italian produce, olive oils, vinegars, wines , pastas , chocolates at the rear. A section with delicious italian bread and bakery including italian doughnuts and fabulous meringues. Also a section for fresh fruit and veg including some otherwise hard to find items. At the front of the shop a very extensive deli counter with all kinds of cheeses and salamis. Also a range of ready prepared sauces and things like mini quiches to take away. Very delicious. !
In season a christmas shop at the back with is a good place for foodie presents, including cookery books, some written by one of the owners.
Also a cafe/resaurant at the back. Not the cheapest place but with great quality and attention to detail. I have always enjoyed what I have eaten there.