Divino appoints Salvatore Agate as Head Chef, ushering in a new chapter for the Italian dining institution

Edinburgh’s award-winning Italian restaurant and wine bar, Divino Enoteca, is introducing its new head chef, Salvatore Agate. Bringing over 20 years of experience in kitchens throughout the UK and Italy, Agate’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the venue hailed as one of Scotland’s best Italian restaurants. 

After graduating in Food & Beverage Management in his native Palermo, Agate honed his craft across Italy before moving to London in 2010 to refine his technique. A relocation to Edinburgh in 2023 saw him join Divino as Sous Chef, where 18 months later he now steps up to lead the kitchen with a pragmatic mindset and an eye towards authentic Italian flavours.

Agate’s cooking reflects a traditional Southern Italian ethos of simplicity, making one incredible ingredient the hero in each dish, with a handful of complementary elements that enhance the natural flavours. His kitchen favours local suppliers and strict seasonality to ensure flavour stays front-and-centre, reflected within the current summer menu with dishes like an insalate caprese using the freshest summer tomatoes or ‘tonno in agrodolce’ – pan-fried tuna steak served with sweet and sour onions, mint, pine nuts and raisins.

Of his new position, Salvatore Agate said, “My goal is for guests to feel uncomplicated joy when they dine at Divino. That means uncluttered plates, ingredients that speak for themselves and a kitchen team that’s both motivated and creatively fulfilled.  

“I can’t wait to introduce Edinburgh’s diners to the more niche Southern Italian dishes of my childhood and allow guests to discover new favourites. Guests can expect menus built around what Scotland’s markets give us each month – from North Sea fish to Borders beef – interpreted through an unapologetically Italian lens.”

Alberto Crolla, Director of Vittoria Group, said, “Salvatore understands that great cooking is about precision, restraint, and consistency. His appointment positions Divino to compete head-on with Edinburgh’s most talked-about kitchens and gives diners a fresh reason to rediscover us – whether they’re local regulars or Edinburgh visitors seeking standout Italian dining in a beautiful environment.”

Agate’s promotion complements Divino’s recent investment in new Enomatic Roma wine dispensers, which let diners sample rare bottles by the 25 ml pour. Paired with a rotating programme of themed wine tastings and seasonal set menus, the third-generation family restaurant aims to provide the ultimate Italian hospitality in the heart of Edinburgh. 

For more information or to book a meal, visit https://divinoedinburgh.com/