Rocca Group to reopen Calton Hill restaurant – Daily Business

Scottish hospitality operator, The Rocca Group, has acquired the former Lookout restaurant at the top of Calton Hill, Edinburgh, which closed suddenly before Christmas.

Cafe Calton will be an all-day destination at a popular location for locals and tourists who enjoy views across the city.

Rocca’s other venues include The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews, and The Broughton, a contemporary gastropub in Edinburgh’s New Town.

The Lookout – which opened on Calton Hill in 2018 – initially opened as a partnership between the Gardener’s Cottage and The Collective, which redeveloped the neighbouring City Observatory into an art gallery.

With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and partial suspension over Calton Hill’s north-west slope, the Lookout provided diners with panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Cafe Calton opens next month and will include an outdoor terrace for up 40 guests.

Speaking about the launch, Stefano Pieraccini, managing director of The Rocca Group, said: “Cafe Calton is about more than just food and drink – it’s about celebrating this city. We wanted to create a space where Edinburgh’s past and present come together, where the views are matched by the atmosphere, the service, and the menu.

“Whether you’re joining us after a walk or meeting friends for lunch or evening bites, we want you to feel part of something very special.”

In addition to its food and drink offering, Cafe Calton will host a series of small-scale cultural events, including collaborations with neighbouring institutions like Collective. The venue will also offer private events and look to engage the local community through wellness initiatives such as running clubs and outdoor gatherings – embedding itself as a go-to spot on the hill.

Speaking about the partnership, Sorcha Carey, director of Collective said: “We are so excited to welcome Cafe Calton to our special site in the City Observatory complex.

“As a contemporary art gallery, we bring new creative perspectives to the city of Edinburgh. This new addition brings another layer to the Collective experience – inviting visitors to not only engage with world-class art but also to gather, share and experience food and drink in an extraordinary setting.”

Cafe Calton will create 20 jobs.