Leith locals 'gutted' as Eatalias takeaway announces closure after 45 years
The owners of the Leith institution have announced they are retiring from the business
A much-loved Italian takeaway in Leith has announced it is closing next week after 45 years of business.
Eatalias on Brunswick Place posted a “special thank you” to its customers, revealing the family owners behind the popular takeaway are to retire.
They said: “After 45 wonderful years serving our community, the time has come for us to retire and Eatalias to close.
“We would like to sincerely thank all of our customers for your incredible support, loyalty and friendship throughout the years.
“It has been a pleasure serving you all and thank you for all the wonderful memories we have shared.”
Its final day open to customers is Monday, August 31.
The takeaway, which opened in 1981 and was called the Brunswick fry until 1996, was voted Edinburgh’s favourite fish and chip shop in 2015.
On the 2009 BBC series Take on the Takeaway, the Leith Walk eatery went head-to-head with Italian chef Antonio Carluccio to see who could satisfy hungry customers on price, speed and taste.
The takeaway was originally opened by Alberto and Dina Crolla, the former owners of Vittoria restaurant, and was later run by their daughter Ida and son in law Roberto.
The Crolla family is behind the Edinburgh dining dynasty Vittoria Group, which alongside its two Vittoria restaurants runs the Brunswick Book Club, Divino wine bar, Bertie’s and Landy’s fish and chip restaurants and Taste of Italy.
The group employs more than 320 staff members across its restaurants and has celebrated the arrival of 32 ‘Vittoria babies’ born to couples who first met while working there.
Fans of the chippy said the closure was a “sad day” for the community in Leith, and lamented the shop’s delicious pizza, cream mushroom pasta, chips and chicken nuggets.
One local said: “Disaster. I love Eatalias, best chippy in Leith by a long way.”
Another said: “Gutted, they provided pizzas for the evening of my wedding and were absolutely delighted to do so. All the best in retirement.”