Contini’s become brand for their family business

The husband and wife team behind two of Edinburgh’s best known restaurants are celebrating ten years in business by bringing all their interests under one brand, writes Dominic Jeff.

Carina and Victor Contini. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Victor and Carina Contini are giving up on teaching customers how to pronounce “Centotre” and are putting their own names to the George Street restaurant, as well as the cafe they run at the Scottish National Gallery. The new branding will also be used for their events business.

The couple, who are also celebrating 20 years of marriage tomorrow, said the change had been prompted by listening to their customers and staff, who at the peak of the season number almost 100.

Carina, who is also reinforcing the family reputation for fine food by publishing a Scots-Italian cookbook, said she and her husband had only recently gained the confidence to use themselves as a brand.

“When we started out ten years ago, we were frightened and scared,” she said. “Now we are confident in our team, confident in our customers and confident in the economy.”