Edinburgh says Buongiorno to top new Italian restaurant
One of Scotland’s most successful young restauranteurs has announced plans to open an exciting new destination restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, just in time for summer.
Article Source: Rico's Ristorante
Last Updated: 20 April 2021 14:52
One of Scotland’s most successful young restauranteurs has announced plans to open an exciting new destination restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, 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 in July, 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 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 known for its dedication to quality and long tradition of great cooking, award wins and delivering great cuisine in a refined but relaxing 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.
Stefano’s ambition is to grow his restaurant collection across Scotland and the north of England over the next five years.
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 in July.”
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 restauranteur 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 will be located at 58A North Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3LU.
For more information, visit https://www.ricosristorante.co.uk/ and follow Rico’s on Instagram instagram.com/ricosristorante
Image: Martin Wishart & Stefano Pieraccini
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead
This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.
READ MORE
Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox
Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.
READ MORE
Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge
THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.
READ MORE
Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal
Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu
Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.
READ MORE
Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season
A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme
With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day
More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.
READ MORE
OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants
Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse
Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade
The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.
READ MORE
One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back
To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!
READ MORE
Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest
Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.
READ MORE
Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh
The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!
READ MORE
Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh
The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.
READ MORE
Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming
Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.
READ MORE
Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership
Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.
READ MORE
Popeyes announces Fort Kinnaird opening date
Popeyes® UK fans in Fort Kinnaird can get their hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich from Monday 3rd November, with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 100 in the queue.
READ MORE
Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National gallery
Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links