The Taste of Italy in Edinburgh

Calling all Italophiles - fancy a little taste of Italy this summer? You don’t have to fly to Rome or Milan to enjoy because Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing the best of Italian cuisine to the heart of the capital with the launch of its June Chef’s Table Experience. This exciting new menu forms part of the hotel’s unique Chef’s Table offering which gives guests the chance to sample the very best cuisine from around the world with different themed menus and chef collaborations each month.

Stefano Battani, Executive Chef of critically acclaimed Cucine Nervi, is introducing a bespoke menu using the finest Scottish seasonal produce for guests at the Commons Club Restaurant

Exclusively for June, the hotel’s flagship restaurant Commons Club, led by Chef de Cuisine, Emma Hanley, has partnered with Stefano Battani, Executive Chef of critically acclaimed Cucine Nervi, to introduce a bespoke menu using the finest Scottish seasonal produce.

Visit The Common’s Club Chef’s Table Experience in June for the very best of Italian cuisine

The menu has been specially curated with dishes inspired by the Piedmont region in northwest Italy, where Cucine Nervi is based. To start, guests can enjoy mouthwatering Amuse-Buche’s of Gnocco Fritto and Tuna Crudo, before having the chance to try one of Piedmont’s most well-known dishes, Vitello Tonnato with an Asian twist. Stefano’s variation, exclusively for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Chef’s Table, is named Veil Tataki and involves the veal being marinated in Asian flavours for several hours before being served with roasted Piedmont hazelnuts and tuna mayonnaise to create the ultimate umami explosion.

For pasta fans, Stefano has incorporated one of his signature dishes into the menu: Ravioli with Chicken Farci, coated in sweet paprika, coconut cream and served with a warm wild garlic sabayon. Also on the menu is Roasted Cod, covered in ‘cacio e pepe’ cream and served with broad beans and basil salad with confit lemon skins to give a sweet and sour flavour on finish. For dessert, Stefano has created his own take on the iconic Tiramisu with a 70% Dark Chocolate Mousse served with coffee caramel and mascarpone ice-cream. To finish, guests can enjoy refreshing Amalfi Lemon Ice Cream Cones.

Emma Hanley and Stefano Battani will launch the new menu by co-hosting an intimate three-hour dining experience on 1st June for guests at Commons Club restaurant. The Chef’s Table will then be expertly led by Emma for the remainder of the month.

Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club, said: “I first worked with Stefano several years ago in Melbourne and I am thrilled to be joining forces again to introduce our Italian menu for June.

“We place huge importance on using seasonal produce at Commons Club restaurant and this menu is no exception. From foraged wild garlic to sun ripened tomatoes, guests will be taken on a culinary journey straight to Northern Italy using the finest local ingredients.

 “Stefano and I share a passion for innovative, global cuisine and this shines through in the menu. I look forward to welcoming guests from the 1st June to enjoy one of the city’s most unique dining experiences”.

Based in Gattinara, Piedmont, Italy, Michelin Guide Cucine Nervi, is a contemporary restaurant with a completely open kitchen and has been led by Stefano Battani since 2021. Stefano will soon be taking up a new position as Head Chef at fine dining Italian restaurant, Roberto’s Ristorante, in Dubai.

Stefano Battani, Executive Chef at Cucine Nervi, said: “Emma and I collaborated at Cucine Nervi in Italy last year and I eagerly accepted the opportunity to partner with Emma again, but this time in her kitchen.

“We both bring a fresh perspective to the table and this menu proves to be a fusion of traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. The combination of seasonal Scottish produce and authentic Italian techniques reflects the best of both worlds and I am excited to introduce some new Italian flavours to Edinburgh and meet guests on the 1st June”.

The ‘Chef’s Table Goes to Italy’ experience will begin on Saturday 1st June and run throughout the month from Thursday to Saturday weekly from 7pm, with prices starting from £75. The experience can be booked exclusively as a private event or for individual diners, where guests can expect an intimate three-hour sociable dining experience on a long-shared table.