Business Details
29 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining in Colinton, Edinburgh
Established in 1997, Dantes is a family-run Italian restaurant rooted in Colinton's community. Our journey began in 1973 with a humble sweet shop, evolving into the vibrant dining destination we are today. Dante and Nancy Margiotta's legacy continues through their three sons, who uphold the tradition of serving authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. We pride ourselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft dishes that reflect both heritage and innovation. Our fully licensed restaurant offers a warm atmosphere, al fresco dining, and a private space for intimate gatherings.With decades of combined experience, our team ensures every guest experiences exceptional service and culinary excellence. Seasonal daily specials complement our classic la carte menu, catering to diverse tastes. As a local institution, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and hospitality. Our dedication to family values and Italian culinary traditions has made us a beloved choice for residents and visitors alike. Whether for a casual meal or special occasion, Dantes promises an unforgettable dining experience steeped in authenticity.
Services
Italian cuisine
Take-away service
Al fresco dining
Private dining
Seasonal specials
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of family tradition in Italian cuisine
- Our chefs use fresh, high-quality ingredients daily
- We provide flexible dining options including take-away
- Our seasonal specials showcase contemporary Italian innovation
- We have a private dining area for intimate gatherings
What people say
Exceptional service
Authentic Italian dishes
Warm atmosphere
Seasonal specials
Family-friendly
Services
Italian cuisine
Our restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with modern twists, using fresh ingredients sourced daily. The menu combines classic recipes with contemporary creations, offering something for every palate. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared meals in our welcoming dining room or on the outdoor terrace.
Take-away service
We offer a convenient take-away service for our signature Italian dishes, available Tuesday to Sunday. Meals are freshly prepared to order and ready for collection at your convenience. Perfect for enjoying our authentic cuisine at home while maintaining the same quality as our dine-in experience.
Private dining
Our private dining area accommodates parties up to eight people, ideal for special occasions or intimate gatherings. The space maintains our restaurant's warm Italian ambiance while offering a more exclusive setting. Available for bookings during regular operating hours with tailored menu options.
People
Dante Margiotta
Founder & Head Chef
Dante founded the business in 1973, transitioning from a sweet shop to Italian restaurant in 1997. He continues to oversee kitchen operations, maintaining culinary standards and creating new dishes.
Nancy Margiotta
Co-founder
Nancy co-founded the business with Dante in 1973. She remains actively involved, particularly in perfecting signature desserts like her world-famous sticky toffee pudding.
Fabio Margiotta
Head Chef
Fabio succeeded his father as Head Chef, bringing modern culinary techniques while preserving traditional Italian methods. He ensures consistent quality across all dishes served in the restaurant.
Remo Margiotta
Dining Room Manager
Remo manages the upstairs dining area, focusing on guest experience and service standards. He ensures every visitor receives warm, professional hospitality aligned with family values.
Sandro Margiotta
Operations Manager
Sandro shares responsibility for dining room operations, overseeing daily management and customer service. He maintains the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and efficient service delivery.
Questions
What are Dantes' opening hours?
We're open Tuesday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Wednesday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Friday 12pm-9pm, Saturday 12pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm. Closed Mondays.
Do you offer take-away options?
Yes, our take-away service operates Tuesday to Sunday with the same quality dishes as our dine-in menu, available for collection during opening hours.
Can I book the private dining area?
Our private dining space seats up to eight people. Please call us directly to reserve this area for special occasions or intimate gatherings.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and card payments for both dine-in and take-away orders at our Colinton restaurant.
How long has Dantes been operating?
We've been serving Colinton since 1973 as a sweet shop, transforming into our current Italian restaurant format in 1997 under the Margiotta family's stewardship.
Are there seasonal menu changes?
Yes, we feature daily seasonal specials alongside our classic à la carte menu, ensuring fresh, locally available ingredients throughout the year.
