With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing, there’s no better time to celebrate a fresh chapter at one of the city’s most acclaimed Italian restaurants. Divino Enoteca has announced the appointment of Salvatore Agate as its new Head Chef – a move set to excite locals and visitors alike.
Tucked away on Merchant Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Divino Enoteca has long been a destination for fine Italian dining paired with an extensive, expertly curated wine list. Now, with Palermo-born Agate stepping into the top kitchen role, the award-winning restaurant is refining its focus on seasonality, provenance, and Southern Italian flair.
Agate brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having trained in Italy and worked across both Italian and British kitchens before joining Divino as Sous Chef in 2023. His promotion to Head Chef comes after 18 months working closely with the kitchen team, during which time he impressed with his disciplined technique and creative approach to simple, flavour-led cooking.
“My aim is to bring a sense of joy through simplicity,” says Salvatore Agate. “I want guests to feel welcomed by honest, beautiful food that highlights the best ingredients Scotland and Italy have to offer. Whether it’s Orkney scallops in agrodolce or a classic caprese made with peak-season tomatoes – our dishes let the ingredients shine.”
The summer menu now features light, elegant dishes perfect for pre- or post-show dining. Think pan-fried tuna steak with sweet and sour onions, pine nuts, and raisins; or burrata with heritage tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a celebration of the Mediterranean, elevated by seasonal Scottish produce and plated with restraint.
For Divino Enoteca, Agate’s appointment signals more than just a change in the kitchen – it’s a wider reinvestment in the restaurant’s future. The venue has recently installed Enomatic Roma wine dispensers, allowing guests to enjoy rare or premium wines by the glass, and has launched themed tastings and seasonal set menus to match.
Alberto Crolla, Director of the Vittoria Group (which owns Divino), said: “Salvatore Agate has the precision, experience, and creative vision to help us reclaim our place as one of Edinburgh’s most exciting kitchens. Divino Enoteca already has the wine, the service, and the setting – now, we’re sharpening the food offering even further.”
With its soft lighting, stone walls, and romantic ambiance, Divino is a world away from the bustle outside its door – yet it remains one of the most conveniently located fine dining spots during the Festival. Whether you’re a theatre-goer looking for a relaxed dinner or a foodie keen to explore a more refined side of Italian cuisine, Divino delivers the kind of dining experience that feels both intimate and elevated.
Just in time for the festival, this culinary reset offers the perfect excuse to revisit a local favourite or discover it for the first time.
To book a table or explore the current menu, visit divinoedinburgh.com
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