In the heart of Scotland, in Musselburgh, Crolla’s Italian Kitchen is one of the standout names in this celebration: it has received the Platinum Certification from ITA0039 by ASACERT and the prestigious ITA0039 Award, presented during the Scottish Italian Awards. This double recognition rewards the restaurant’s loyalty to Italian gastronomic tradition and granted it free access to the certification process, officially joining the selected network of 100% certified Made in Italy restaurants.
The restaurant is located in Musselburgh, a picturesque coastal town in East Lothian, just a few kilometers from Edinburgh, known for its ancient history, its famous racecourse, and its strong sense of community. It’s a place where Scottish charm meets the quality of the most authentic Italian cuisine.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
The story of Crolla’s Italian Kitchen is rooted in two lands deeply connected to Roman culture: Musselburgh, a town with Roman origins and historic ties to Italy, and Atina, in the province of Frosinone, the hometown of the Crolla family. This geographical and cultural link lives on today in the restaurant’s dishes and hospitality, passionately led by Joe Crolla, together with the father-son team Giuseppe and Adriano Amato, respectively manager and chef. Adding even more authenticity to the kitchen is a Sicilian touch, thanks to a team that brings with it the richness and variety of Southern Italy.
Italian Tradition, International Taste
The menu showcases the most authentic Italian cuisine, with Sicilian influences and a thoughtful adaptation of some recipes to British taste—always maintaining the high quality and Italian origin of the ingredients. A fusion of tradition and innovation is perfectly embodied in the restaurant’s signature dish: Strozzapreti del Golfo, a flavorful tribute to Musselburgh’s seafaring tradition, historically known for its mussel fishing. A dish that tells a story and harmoniously blends two identities: Scottish and Italian.
Simplicity as a Secret Ingredient
According to Joe Crolla, the global success of Italian cuisine lies in the simplicity of the recipes, the genuineness of the ingredients, and a careful, conscious preparation. These essential elements—combined with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service—make every experience at Crolla’s unique and memorable. “Great atmosphere, great service, with excellent dishes made using high-quality Italian ingredients”: this is the promise the staff makes to their guests every single day.
A Tip for Authenticity Seekers
For those traveling and truly wanting to experience Italy abroad, Joe’s advice is to “choose a restaurant that serves authentic Italian dishes, not a place that does fast food for tourists.” A simple but effective recommendation that also reflects the spirit of the ITA0039 certification: to promote and protect true Italian cuisine around the world.
ITA0039 by ASACERT is proud to take part in this important occasion, actively supporting the promotion of the Made in Italy Decree and, since 2019, certifying Italy’s agri-food heritage through an international network of Italian restaurants. This commitment goes beyond certification, extending to global consumer awareness, made possible through the ITA0039 App, which helps users identify real Italian products on shelves worldwide. A daily mission to ensure that the authenticity of Made in Italy is celebrated every day.
