A NEW Cicchetti & cocktail bar will bring Tuscan flavours to Edinburgh’s New Town.
Ciao, a stand-alone cicchetti & cocktail bar within the chic Rico’s Ristorante on North Castle Street, will look to celebrate Italy’s iconic cocktail – The Negroni – as well as Italy’s more informal dining style with Cicchetti served all day with an affordable lunch menu.
The Italian cocktail has seen a bit of a renaissance thanks to a recent Titok craze, with a new generation discovering it, and now the social media trend has translated to real life, with bartenders across the country making more negroni-based cocktails than ever before.
While you’re probably familiar with a classic Negroni (equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, with an orange slice or twist for garnish), other effervescent versions will be the perfect party starter to a sophisticated dinner or the perfect foil for generous Italian bar snacks. Ciao will provide guests with an assortment of Italian aperitivo style and crafted cocktails, including a full negroni list with a variety to choose from.
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Set to open in November 2022, Ciao will breathe life into the capital’s food & cocktail scene by welcoming a new generation of drinkers. The 26-seat cocktail and cicchetti bar will be open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday to begin, aiming to attract city centre workers, the New Town community, and international visitors. The intimate and charming bar will be the ideal stop for lunch, pre-dinner drinks or a laid-back date night in the city.
Ciao’s lunch and light bites menu is more casual and affordable, with two courses for £15 and three courses for £20. There will also be a full bar menu available all day, giving diners more options while Rico’s serves more formal refined fine-dining Italian cuisine.
Ciao is part of young restaurant entrepreneur Stefano Pieraccini’s (27) Rocca Group, which includes Rico’s Ristorante, The Broughton on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, and The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews. The group has become known for its dedication to quality and long tradition of great cooking, award wins, and delivering great cuisine in a refined, relaxed but professional environment. All three of Rocca’s restaurants are included in this year’s Michelin Guide.
Stefano Pieraccini said:
“Rico’s will benefit from Ciao’s distinct identity. The bar has always been a lovely space, but it hasn’t been used to its full potential since Rico’s opened last year. With the decision and investment to give the bar area its own identity (Ciao), I believe it will add value to the space and offer something unique to the city.”
Stefano and his team combine an eye for new trends with an unwavering commitment to quality, building on the high standards he grew up with. Each venue has its own distinct personality and is united by a shared passion for the best food and drink, professional service, and overall excellence.
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