The Jolly Restaurant

I go to Jollies quite a few times ina year. I have always found the restuarant to be one of the best in Edinburgh. Waitresses are attentive and very plesant. Do not believe these bad reports...... they definately look like a case of bad business rep. I have never heard of anyone having a bad meal here. I certainly have never had a bad meal here, quite honestly I do not think "Vito" the owner would allow it. He is always on hand to make sure you are happy and having a nice time. As for the food. It's tasty, satisfying and above all very reasonably priced. If you are in Edinburgh, have a meal here. You will not regret it.
Comment on this reader review

Jacquie Christie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 04, 2010

found this restaurant on 2nd January when going to a show in the Pavillion. It was a terrible night, snowing and very cold. After parking the car, it was the first place we came to, and I am so glad we found it. Certainly not posh or fancy, but so warm and welcoming, with a typical Italian ambiance. We loved it. Food was fantastic....sooo tasty... can't praise it enough. House wine was really nice, and we felt the prices were very reasonable. It was very busy, but we were attended to quickly. Going again in February with friends.
Comment on this reader review

Maureen O''Hare - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 02, 2010

For some reason I'd heard wonderful things about Jolly throughout my younger years but it was only in the last few years when I moved to Leith that I actually found myself finally going there - and I haven't looked back since. Finding out that the restaurant also delivers pizza means that moving to this end of town has made me put on about 2 stone but it's absolutely worth it! :)

Pizza on a night in, a bite to eat before heading to the Playhouse for a show, grabbing a table with a bunch of friends after a few drinks in town, getting together with family for someone's birthday...The Jolly always hits the spot. It's not stuck-up, flashy or pretentious....but the people who go there regularly do so because it's friendly, it's laid back, the staff take the time to make everyone feel at home even when they're run off their feet (and it's often very very busy!) and most importantly, because the food is just DELISH.

If you're a pizza obsessive then this is one you just have to try - you won't find a better one in Edinburgh. Personal favourites include the Pizza Gingerino (ask them to add mushrooms) or the Pizza Pino. Yum.

It's not flashy, it's just yummy food. Go try it.
Comment on this reader review

Amy Wright
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 28, 2010

Being half Italian I'm ashamed to think the people of Edinburgh think this may be typical of the food and service you should expect from and Italian restaurant.

Waiters were, at best, uninterested. More accurately rude and useless.

Food arrived quickly but was bland, lukewarm and tasteless.

In short, this place is best avoided. You'll get a more authentic Italian meal from your nearest Dominos or Pizza Hut.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, January 05, 2010

I cannot believe anyone enjoys this place. Cheap and cheerful? Well its definately cheap but the taste of the food confirms this. Starters are a throw back from the 80's, look and taste awful. The pasta was over powering with garlic that I could taste it for hours afterwards. The bacon was frozen cubes that were full of water. Myself and my boyfriend barely ate anything that was put infront of us. The music - Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep and YMCA?? We felt we were are a kids party.It couldnt have been any cheesier. The chef obviously does not know what italian cusine should taste like. And for everyone that says how great the pizzas are. Well of course they will be great - To sprinkle some cheese and mushrooms over a dough and pop it in a lovely woodburning oven - what a hard job for any chef to do? Dissapointed is an understatement. If you are going to go to the trouble of spending some money on a night out iand looking to dine italian cuisine - in this current economic climate - sdont waste your money and stay clear of this place: Im sure for a few extra few pounds a head you could at least get something that is you can eat, tastes italian, without the kids part music, and not walk away feeling you have been ripped of!
Comment on this reader review

TAZ
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Me and my husband have just had the best Italian food ever. Jollys has simple decor but great atmoshpere and super service. Vito, the owner is the biz.. It was busy with theatre goes creating a lively, enjoyable atmosphere not rushed at all. (We were not going to the theatre, just enjoying the evening). The pizza which my husband had really was to die for (I am a convert, cos i always thought a pizza was a pizza ! - not at Jollys!). My pasta dish was flavoursome and filling - perfect. We will defo go back and recommend it to friends and work colleagues.
Comment on this reader review

Jo from Livingston
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, November 07, 2009

Obviously the very bad review has to be from a competitor. (Disclamer, Vito is a friend of mine)

I have been going to Jolly’s for years. It is a wonderful place. All of the Staff are terrific, Vito would not allow it any other way.

The food is delicious, the service is good and the atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed.

All I can say is read ALL of the reviews below and do not be taken in by obvious bad reviews.

That goes for any review on this site for any Restaurant.
Comment on this reader review

Mark - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 21, 2009

I am gobsmacked that this restaurant is in the top ten in Edinburgh. Went there for lunch with my husband, a very rude waiter took our order. Did not ask us what toppings we wanted on the pizza. We asked for ground pepper and not any of the staff could find a pepper mill that actually worked, also the parmeasan was not fresh. The pizza and pasta however was ok.

The decor was disgusting, the walls were filthy, the toilets not much better. The hand drier does not work and there are no paper towels.

The food was acceptable for the price. Not worthy to be in the top ten!
View/Add comments (1)

Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 5
Monday, August 17, 2009

As a business user I have taken clients to Jollys over the years and colleagues. None have ever been anything but impressed by the atmosphere, the excellent food and wine and of course, Vito himself.

A taste of Italy on your own doorstep and the best value in town.

Not to be missed
Comment on this reader review

Gordon Brownlie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, July 31, 2009

Went to Jolly while in Edinburgh and had to go back for a second visit. Vito is so lovely and yes his pizza IS better than one made in Italy
Comment on this reader review

Jeanette
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 27, 2009