SETTING Situated amongst the sleepy backstreets of Edinburgh’s Southside, Il Positano is easily one of the best-hidden secrets in Italian restaurants. With plain tiled floor, whimsical murals, it’s an understated look of when diner meets dinner – great food, all cooked in an open kitchen giving the feel of authenticity - a real assault on the senses.

FOOD There’s something about an Italian trattoria that isn’t just ‘eating out’ it’s more of an ‘eating experience’ – and if an experience is what you’re looking for then look no further than Il Positano. It has all the ingredients of a perfect rustic Italian evening - fabulous food, wonderful wines and of course good old-fashioned hospitality – the service with a cheeky twinkle in its eye. Like the self-appointed Godfather of Italian food in Edinburgh, proprietor Giuseppe Votta (who also owns Il Castello on Castle Terrace) warmly greets you with open arms, quite literally, like a long lost family member. As he seats you down and mutters soft musings in your ear, you know you’re in for a treat. Nobody could ever accuse Italians of being shy.

The menu is as warm an inviting as Giuseppe himself, and boasts the usual favourites and ultimately satisfying crowd pleasers -subtle starters of tangy, tempting tomato and basil brushetta, homemade mama’s choice like luscious lasagne, authentic ravioli, and creamy risotto. A classic range that doesn’t exclude the more sophisticated palate or die hard carnivores; there’s a good selection from delicate veal to a choice of meltingly juicy Aberdeen Angus steaks. But the highlight and real focus of this menu is the ever-changing daily choice of fresh seafood and fish based on whatever's on offer at Eddie's Seafood Market in Marchmont, it really is outstanding and offers a lip smacking fusion of flavours. Plump and succulent mussels in a sea of creamy white wine and garlic. Beautifully cooked king prawns entangled in a net of pasta is a firecracker explosion of tangy tomato with hot chilli spikiness. Tender and moist, whole sea bass baked with olive oil and lemon juice, flakes beautifully from the bone. Every dish is simply executed but effective.

And, of course, when in Italy, it would be rude not to be tempted by the pizza, the barometer of any bona fide Italian restaurant. Good pizza means good times and the good times keep coming here - stone-baked, rustic and oozing with flavour. Cheeky toppings such as anchovies, egg and artichokes hits the spot. Eating at Il Positano is a real slice of life. It’s all about colours and smells, touch, taste and texture. We all need real life – which usually is messy and a bit unwashed but is always surprising and ultimately satisfying. Bravissimo!