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    Come Dine With Me: The Professionals’ Showcases Top Edinburgh Restaurants

    Sam AllcockBy 3 Mins Read

    Divino, Bijou Bistro, and Aurora appear in the hit TV show that aired this week

    Channel 4’s ‘Come Dine With Me: The Professionals’ ventures to Edinburgh this week to experience some of the Scottish capital’s finest establishments. Italian restaurant Divino, part of the family-owned Vittoria group joined foraged food eatery Bijou Bistro and modern fine dining establishment Aurora to represent the capital in the hit show.

    The long-awaited episode airs as the 11th instalment of series two, showcasing the camaraderie between Edinburgh’s dining establishments and the level of quality characteristic of the city’s food scene.

    The episode airs following a year of great successes for Divino with triple wins at the Scottish Italian Awards, and recognition from Italy’s Ospitalita Italiana tourism certification for quality as ambassadors of Italian cuisine. These accolades follow a full refurbishment of the restaurant with an improved food and drink offering that has drawn in esteemed guests and celebrities like Gerard Butler and Prince Albert of Monaco in the past year. Vittoria Group has also recently opened their newest venue, Brunswick Book Club, on Leith Walk offering a lively venue for all-day dining and local entertainment.

    Divino’s ethos of serving authentic, modern Italian cuisine was reflected within the menu curated for ‘Come Dine With Me’, developed by Head Chef Andrea Calistro. Calistro justified his recent win of ‘Scotland’s Best Pasta Chef’ at the Scottish Italian Awards with a flavourful starter of spaghetti with king prawns and courgette, followed by a stand-out main course featuring beer-braised beef cheek and oyster mushrooms, and a Piccola Caprese Cake with orange and strawberries for dessert.

    The menu from Bijou featured a starter of pan-fried scallops with black pudding ‘soil’ and, in direct competition with Divino, a similar beef cheeks main with polenta and seasonal vegetables before a lemon meringue pie for dessert. Aurora showcased vegan cuisine through a salad of heritage tomato and broad beans to begin, a cashew ricotta stuffed courgette flower main, and cherry tasting plate with red wine ice cream for dessert.

    After each team had presented their feast in a tight competition, Bijou Bistro took home the win with 30 points, with Aurora and Divino following closely behind with 29 and 26 points respectively. Filmed in September 2022, Edinburgh’s dining scene has transformed since the show’s recording, with a blow to the city as Aurora shut its doors in 2023, and Bijou changing hands in the time since.

    Co-owner Alberto Crolla said of the experience: “After keeping the secret for 18 months, we’re over the moon to see Divino and our friends in Edinburgh hospitality on the screen. It was such a joy to film alongside local restaurants in the dining scene and learn the techniques and ethos that make them special.

    “It’s been quite an exciting time for Divino and the Vittoria Group, with a few new award wins, new openings, and exciting milestones under our belt since the time of filming – we’re looking forward to welcoming in the guests that liked what they saw on the show to experience our unique brand of Scottish-Italian hospitality.”

    After airing live on 20th May at 5pm, the episode is now available to stream online at: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/come-dine-with-me-the-professionals/on-demand/

    For more information on Divino, visit https://divinoedinburgh.com

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    Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.

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