One of Scotland’s most successful young restaurateurs has opened his latest new destination Italian restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town today, just in time for summer and the reopening of hospitality in the city centre.

Stefano Pieraccini, 25, hopes to breathe life back into the capital’s restaurant scene by throwing open the doors to his new venture, Rico’s, on North Castle Street this weekend, creating 25 local jobs in the city.

The new 56-cover restaurant and 20-cover bar will be situated on the former site of The Honours, which was previously owned by Michelin Star Chef Martin Wishart for 11 years.

Named after his grandfather Enrico Pieraccini, Rico’s is the latest addition to Stefano’s growing portfolio of restaurants known as the Rocca Group, which includes The Broughton on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street and a Hood favourite, The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews.

With a unique, stand-out style, Rico’s will help kick start the post-pandemic growth strategy for the Rocca Group by focusing on the quality of Italian dishes made with the finest, locally-sourced Scottish ingredients, including fresh pasta made onsite daily.

The freshest Scottish seafood and shellfish will be provided by David Lowrie Fish Merchants; a long-standing supplier to the Rocca Group restaurants. Award-winning wines will be supplied by Antinori; one of the most well-known names in Italian winemaking with a family history that dates back almost 600 years.

The restaurant will open for lunch and dinner five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, attracting city centre workers and the New Town community as well as visitors to the city.

The Rocca Group is becoming known for its dedication to quality and long tradition of great cooking, award wins and delivering great cuisine in a refined but relaxed environment. Building on the high standards he grew up with, Stefano and his team combine an eye for new trends with an unwavering commitment to quality. Each venue has its own unique character and are connected by a shared passion for the very best food and drink, professional service and all-round excellence.

Commenting on the launch of Rico’s, Stefano said: “Despite all of the challenges of the last year, we’re always looking for opportunities grow and develop the Rocca Group further. When the chance arose to take on the space, I knew I had to grab it with both hands.

“I have no doubt that many will be sad to see The Honours go after ten years on North Castle Street. Martin and I have a good relationship and he has been somewhat of an inspiration to me in my career to date.

“We like to think of this as an exciting opportunity to bring something really different to Edinburgh city centre. The venue itself will be stylish, desirable and have a great atmosphere, but I also want it to be somewhere guests know they will get excellent, authentic Italian dishes and warm hospitality.

“It is fantastic to be announcing some good news after the trials and tests of the pandemic. We can’t wait to welcome guests to Rico’s.”

Michelin Star Chef Martin Wishart said: “Sadly, during the pandemic I made the unavoidable decision to permanently close The Honours Brasserie. It is now time for the next chapter to unfold at North Castle Street.

“It’s great to see a young and ambitious restaurateur coming through, especially following a really challenging period for the industry over the last year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Stefano all the very best with his new venture.”

Rico’s Pasta Bar will also open in St James Quarter in the city later this month.

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