The Contini Cookbook

100 authentic Italian recipes from her Edinburgh restaurant, inspired by regional Italian flavors.

For Carina Contini food is a both a passion and a way of life. Her family’s connections to Italy and their extensive travels there – from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily – have enriched the recipes which feature on the menu of Contini George Street, Edinburgh. At the award-winning restaurant, which Carina runs with her husband, Victor, all the ingredients come direct from Italy or are sourced locally – many even from their own kitchen garden.

In this book Carina shares 100 tried-and-tested dishes for sharing with family and friends including small plates, soups, hearty pastas, meat, seafood dishes, salads, drinks, dolci and other treats. The recipes come from many different parts of Italy, showcasing the rich variety of Italian regional cooking, all of which can be reproduced in your own kitchen.

'This delightful book, full of charming tales and lip-smacking recipes, will raise your spirits, whet your appetite, inspire your cooking and get you thinking' – Joanna Blythman, food journalist and writer

After training and working as a chartered surveyor, Carina Contini and her husband Victor set up Centotre – now Contini George Street – in Edinburgh. She maintains a high profile in the food and drink industry, having been Glenfiddich Food Personality of the Year and Harpers and Queens Food Personality Scotland. Carina has written on food and drink for The Scotsman since 2012 and regularly contributes to The Herald and BBC Scotland.