Paesano Pizza, owned by DRG, has opened its first Edinburgh restaurant, joining the three much-loved locations already established in Glasgow.
The brands arrival in the capital is marked by a statement space that blends industrial grit, a warm glow and striking architectural drama – setting the tone for a new chapter in its Scottish story.
Taking over the former Cass Art site at 77A George Street, the restaurant brings its cult Glasgow energy while tailoring the look to Edinburgh’s grand, historic surroundings.
The 160-cover interior immediately sets the tone. In main dining area the long central axis draws the eye from the entrance straight to the open kitchen, where the copper-finished Marana Forni ovens take pride of place.
These ovens, described by the team as the “Rolls Royce of pizza ovens,” stand amongst a backdrop of stacked timber and clean white tile, their polished copper surfaces catching the restaurant’s warm ambient lighting.
Lead Designer for Studio DRG, Jelena Kerr, told DRAM, “Our first Paesano in Edinburgh has been a big project for all of us. It is a well-established brand in Glasgow, but in Edinburgh we wanted it to be even more special and refined.
“We really embraced the big space, and I was inspired by the vaulted ceiling. We restored all the original cornicing, but we also wanted to be sympathetic to the recognisable features of the brand like the big Paesano sign, sharing tables and our key materials.
“We have also added a few new elements though such as crittal screens with glazing and new leathers.”
Suspended above the dining room is Paesano’s most striking new design feature, a beautiful corten steel effect ceiling sculpture created in collaboration with Scottish artist Ranald MacColl.
This oversized installation, suspended from the six-metre-high ornate vaulted ceiling of the banking hall is described by Jelena as “crafted from perforated mesh to create a weightless volume occupying the grand space overhead. Ambitious, slightly rebellious and gloriously dramatic.”
It ripples almost the full length of the room, introducing a sense of movement while softening the height of the vaulted ceiling. The effect is both industrial and elegant, creating a distinctive visual identity for the Edinburgh site.
The original architecture remains very much present. Ornate cornicing frames the upper walls, contrasting with exposed brickwork and reclaimed-style textures below. Linear pendant lights with ribbed glass housings run parallel along the 
ceiling, giving the room its signature golden glow.
These fixtures catch the reflections from the angled black-framed mirrors mounted on the walls, amplifying light and adding depth.
Says Jelena, “We have still used the same authentic vintage industrial lighting imported from Eastern Europe, but we’ve introduced a much more elegant lighting solution of sleek tubular lights for over the tables.
“It pin spots the tables rather than producing a general glow, so you can see the food at its best.”
The illuminated PAESANO sign, built from hundreds of individual warm bulbs, stretches across a section of original brick, offering an immediately recognisable feature for returning fans.
The long runs of bentwood chairs, marble-topped tables and long benches also echo the familiar Glasgow look, creating continuity across cities. However, subtle refinements do give this site a slightly more elevated feel. The bar area is a great example of this.
Jelena explains, “I love the way this area has turned out – it’s very geometric looking. We have used our usual Paesano marble in a different way to make it a bit sleeker and more special. There is Arabescatto marble monolith slab with rusted Corten steel panels at the face of it bringing warmth and the clean edge of blackened steel.
“We’ve also introduced mirrored ceiling rafts over the bar to create an illusion of expanded space and increased light. It has been a special project for all of us.”
With its blend of heritage architecture, industrial edge and carefully curated lighting, the new restaurant delivers a design that complements the brand’s energy while creating something industrial-chic and unmistakably suited to the capital.
We are delighted to finally be bringing Paesano to Edinburgh,” adds Mario Gizzi, Director at DRG. “People have been asking for years when Paesano would come to Edinburgh and now feels like the perfect time. George Street gives us an incredible space to showcase what we do best: simple, authentic, affordable pizza made with passion.
“Glasgow embraced Paesano from day one, and we’re excited to bring this cult classic to the capital and become part of Edinburgh’s incredible food scene.”
