Valvona and Crolla

For some strange reason many Italians emigrated to Scotland from 1870 onwards. This has left Scotland with far better coffee than can be found in England, along with great gelati and pizzerias and the odd fantastic Italian deli such as Valvona and Crolla in Edinburgh. In recent years Valvona & Crolla have extended their operation to include a classy bistro called Vin Caffe in Multrees Walk behind Harvey Nichols. But for the purposes of the cioccolata you need to go to the old deli on Elm Walk. At the back of this Aladdin’s cave of wonderful oils, salamis, breads and cheeses there is a small cafe. Ignore the menu and ask for the cioccolata (each time we have done this several people have followed our example and asked to have what we’re having in fine "When Harry Met Sally" form!)

Valvona and Crolla serve their cioccolata (which is simply very dark melted chocolate) with a small jug of frothed milk and some brioche for dipping. And they serve it in a latte glass.