The 22-year-old bringing a little piece of Italy to Edinburgh – in every bite!
For years, i-on magazine’s My i-on Edinburgh interviews offered a glimpse into the people who make Edinburgh what it is. We’re bringing that back with A Local Life With, a new series exploring the passions and stories of the people shaping life in and around the city.
“I left university at 18 because I believed in an idea…If you want something enough, go all in.”
We love it when someone grabs the bull by the horns to take a chance on a dream – and that is exactly what Yaya did at the tender age of 18.
ABOUT ME…
“Toscano is my way of bringing a little piece of Italy to Edinburgh.”
Toscano combines schiacciata and premium Italian ingredients with our Scottish Italian family heritage. From the music in our shops to the people behind the counter, we want people to leave remembering the experience as much as the food.
I do what I do because…
Toscano is my home away from home. It’s my younger brother Valentino’s and my way of bringing a piece of Italy to Edinburgh. It’s how we share the food, culture and hospitality we grew up with.
Starting Toscano at 18 meant trusting my instincts and not listening to those who thought leaving university was the wrong decision. Now I’m building the business with my brother, and watching something that started as one idea become multiple shops with an incredible team – something I’ll never take for granted.
What people get wrong…
Schiacciata. It might be difficult to pronounce, but it’s worth learning. It’s a Tuscan flatbread that’s lighter than focaccia, leaving plenty of room for fresh vegetables, cheese and incredible Italian salumi.
The best advice I’ve ever been given
Back yourself. People will always have opinions, but if you’ve done the work and believe in what you’re building, don’t let fear make the decisions. If you want something enough, go all in.
I‘ve always been inspired by…
My mum and dad. They’ve always believed in me, guided me in the right direction and shown me what hard work can achieve. Their story inspires me to keep building my own.
Success looks like…
Hearing someone walk through the door and say,
“You were recommended.”
Even better is when it’s through TikTok or Instagram posts. (I run all our social media too.)
Every recommendation means somebody believed in us enough to tell someone else. That’s how Toscano has grown.
I’m making more space for…
Passion beyond work. I want to keep growing Toscano while also making time to travel, meet new people and live life to the fullest.
“As we’ve grown, consistency has become everything. Wherever someone visits Toscano, I want them to enjoy the same quality and experience every time.”
YAYA’S LIFE IN EDINBURGH LOOKS LIKE THIS…
My perfect Edinburgh morning…
A walk through the Meadows with my mum, a flat white and then straight into a shift at Toscano in Bruntsfield.
If I’m showing Edinburgh to friends…
I’d start with a walk through the Old Town, wander through the Meadows and finish the day with cocktails.
The place I go when I want to switch off…
McDonald’s drive-thru for salty fries, Chicken Selects, garlic mayo and a crisp Diet Coke. Don’t judge – a girl needs balance!
The best part of the day…
Making myself a schiacciata. I never get bored of them. Mid-dried tomatoes and thinly sliced salame piccante every time.
Recently I’ve swapped…
Cinema nights for the gym. All this schiacciata has consequences.
My recent Edinburgh find…
Little Capo. From one Italian to another, it’s a 10/10.
QUICK FIRE EDINBURGH
Where you’ll find me…
Bar Westside Rodeo (country songs and cowboy boots is my vibe).
Coffee Margot’s in Bruntsfield
Restaurant Social by Matto, antipasti and a good old pizza
Shop Picky bits at M&S Food
Favourite walk Cramond Beach on a sunny day
Local business you love IJ Mellis
The view that never gets old Calton Hill at sunrise or sunset
Follow Toscano on Instagram
Where is your nearest Toscano?
165A Bruntsfield Place, EH10 5DG
15 Blair Street, EH1 1QR
