Bar Napoli

It takes a confident Italian restaurant to proclaim itself "the best in Edinburgh" but the owners of Bar Napoli have impressive moves to back up the fighting talk. Situated on Hanover Street, Napoli is an unassuming little basement bar, ideal as a refuge from the throngs of Princes Street or as an eaterie between the smattering of nearby cocktail bars. The menu is ginormous - so much so that making your mind up could well edge over the fifteen-minute mark - with a mind-boggling array of delicious-sounding dishes that are, without exception, served fresh, piping hot and generously proportioned. The only downside is the service; while the staff are efficient and ever professional, the gloomy demeanour of our waiter led to a tacit acceptance amongst the table of the nickname "Lurch".
Then again, with food this good, prices this low (main courses start at £4.95) and a central, authentic Italian restaurant that opens its doors until 3am, maybe seeking service with a smile is just being greedy.