George and Josephine were the first in Midlothian to serve ‘foreign food’… pizza & pasta, and the Cavaliere has since went from strength to strength ever since, whilst at the same time adding to our ever expanding extensive menu and wine list. We are a family orientated restaurant, with excellent service from our highly trained staff, so whether it’s a romantic meal for two, a quick bite before the theatre, Granny’s 80th birthday party, the girls catch up night, a family meal or just a coffee/cake… come to see us, there is something for everyone.
Tony has grown up in Dalkeith, went to both the local primary and Secondary school. Many of you will remember him sitting at the table doing his homework as a young boy! Tony has spent his entire life in the catering industry, from a very young age he started to work. He has a great passion for providing a warm and inviting atmosphere with excellent food and wines, all individually selected with his dedicated team of highly experienced chefs and waiting staff.
Tony is very hands on with the day to day running of the business, and you will most often see him in the restaurant or takeaway. He loves chatting to all our regular customers; they are like an extended family! Also meeting new customers, getting to know them, and enveloping them into our BIG CAVALIERE FAMILYTony is very integrated into the local community, and sponsors lots of local events and football teams.
When not working, he loves nothing more than a game of golf at the Newbattle Golf course, and watching a game of football, he is a keen Juventus supporter, or spending time with his wife Gemma and young son Giorgio.
Gemma joined the Cavaliere part-time whilst she studied dance at university. Even after she graduated as a ballet teacher, she continued to help andsupport Tony in the restaurant. After a while they fell in love and got married, and joined the team full time. Alongside being Mamma to Giorgio, she helps Tony with the day to day running of the business.She is also responsible for our party/group bookings, and will be personally involved with our new function room.
Gianni joined us in 2005, and has been a dedicated part of our team. He has a great knowledge of Italian food and wines which is evident as he passionately explains our specials, and recommending wines to compliment them. When not working Gianni loves to cook, and spend time with his brother over a nice bottle of Red wine, however sadly, he supports Inter-Milan……. (Ha ha Tony!)
Maurizio has over 20 years experience with Italian cuisine. He creates many excellent fish specials, which the Cavaliere is renowned for.Maurizio, alongside his team of chefs, also, loves to make home-made fresh pasta. In his free time he loves to visit local farmers markets with his wife and daughter. Twice a year he accompanies Tony to our various produce suppliers in Italy.