Restaurant Glasgow

Italian
Price of the Pre Theatre Set Menu: £11 per person.

Hidden away on a small street in the fashionable Merchant City area of Glasgow Esca is a very nice Italian restaurant, it is small but the clever use of space and the modern décor make it feel both airy and cosy at the same time.

The pre-theatre menu is somewhat limited, but for £11 a head for two courses including a glass of wine it isn’t too bad. I am not a big soup person but as I don’t like mushrooms, mussels or sardines I was forced through default to have the carrot and coriander soup of the day for my starter which was very flavoursome, although a tad over salted, but it was very fresh and surprisingly didn’t fill me up to much which I always fear when choosing a soup for starters.

I really was in the mood for lasagne but again the limited pre theatre menu left me with little options, I would ordinarily go for the pizza but for the sake of this review I avoided it, and I chose the carbonara instead. I am usually a big fan of carbonara, but I was disappointed by Esca’s offering, it was too creamy and very very rich in flavour making me feel a bit sickly and causing me to leave half a plateful of pasta uneaten. No one had much to say about our individual meals, although the others at the table finished their whole portion so all couldn’t have been that bad. Our wine was accompanied by a free glass of white wine, and followed by a bottle of their house white, which was pleasant enough and was fine enough for the price of it.

Overall, I wouldn’t rate Esca’s food very well; my meal was overly seasoned and too rich in flavour which really can spoil it for me. I will, however, give Esca the benefit of the doubt as this meal was ordered from the small pre-theatre menu and if I had the selection of the full menu I know I would have chose differently. When it comes down to it, however, £11 for two courses and a glass of wine is pretty good value which on many occasions that is all your looking for a meal in a nice atmosphere for a reasonable price.

For the Pre-Theatre Menu priced at £10.95 visit their site on 5pm.

Italian

Total cost of meal for one (two courses, side order and soft drink): £17.00

Springfield Quay is a leisure park that hosts a bevy of restaurants and entertainment facilities; all your usual suspects are present, Odeon cinema, Mecca Bingo, Frankie and Bennies, Nandos etc… and nestled amongst all the tackiness is Ask. I have never came across an Ask restaurant before, and in the midst of screaming families and commercial restaurants, its sophisticated interiors and quiet atmosphere seemed like heaven.

Ask is not very well signposted to be honest, I initially thought it was just a section of the massive Alea casino building, so if you do want to pay it a visit note that it is beside Nando’s and has a glass front.

The restaurant itself has a modern and sophisticate feel which I found unusual in such as family orientated complex something which must have had something to do with why there were still tables available with the other patrons being mostly groups of ladies or couples, no doubt stopping for a bite to eat before a movie.

The menu is Italian, covering pizzas, pasta and salads; I was quite impressed by the large choice of salads as they are often neglected and I chose the Insallate Pollo Pancetta salad which was topped with pancetta, pan fried chicken, avocado and all the usual salad garnishes. It was very tasty indeed, with lots of toppings but a little sparse on the green side. My friend chose the Vesuvio pizza, and unfortunately for him it was far too hot, admittedly the spicy pepperoni, red chilli and chilli flakes mentioned on the menu should have prepared him for the searing spiciness but I feel perhaps the waiter could have mentioned it when ordering, as he certainly pointed it out when placing it in front of my unsuspecting friend. What was a shame, however, was that the pizza itself was good but the over use of chilli spoilt any enjoyment whatsoever and he ended up leaving half of it.

The table service at Ask was reasonable, we were seated and meals ordered fairly quickly but we did sit with our empty plates for a good 10 minutes, followed by another 15 minutes whilst we waited for someone to take our dessert order. The dessert incidentally had another mixed review; I chose the lemon sorbet which was home made and tasted mouth wateringly good whilst my friend had the chocolate cake which for me tasted dry and looked a bit lifeless to be honest.

I think out of everything Springfield Quay has to offer foodwise Ask may be your best bet, I do enjoy Frankie and Bennies, Chiquito’s etc but with regards to quality and surroundings I would prefer Ask.

Check out their website for menu and restaurant locations.

Naively thinking that Oran Mor was simply a pub restaurant I was quite surprised to discover that the beautiful Church situated in the very popular Byres Road area actually includes two bars, two restaurants, a nightclub and a private function room; which on our visit was hosting a University Ball.

The bar restaurant areas was beautiful, retaining many of the original features of the church and using furniture that maintains the rustic feel of the area that is further supported by the traditional Scottish music playing in the background. Although this portrays a some what old fashioned image of the location this is a fashionable pub, that, by the humungous inflatable Corona bottle at its entrance, I am positive attracts a young crowd.

The menu had all the classic pub foods; burger and chips, steak pie etc… all reasonably priced. The food itself was good, the burger I ordered I don’t believe was freshly prepared and tasted the same as every burger you get in these pub restaurants across the country which was a bit disappointing. Although the chips that came with the burger were good the accompanying salad was a pathetic offering consisting of a mere two limp leaves of lettuce.

Although my visit to Oran Mor wasn’t perfect I had only ended up eating by accident, having visited with the original intention to have a few drinks in the last hours of the day, therefore my sole intention wasn’t to eat. I would definitely return for a drink as it had a brilliant atmosphere, I would also like to check out what else the venue has to offer; the Concert, A Cocktail and A Canapé nights sounds right up my street; and the Play, Pie and Pint sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. So, as a pub I would say two thumbs up, but as a restaurant I am undecided… another visit is already being arranged.

Italian

Average price of meal (2 courses + glass of wine): £18

Having heard rave reviews about their pizza on numerous occasions and being a pizza fan myself I was really looking forward to my visit to Big Blue; and it did not disappoint I enjoyed every aspect of my visit to Big Blue. My only complaint being I couldn’t get a table in the outside area, but in all fairness the outside area is small and packed due to the sun being out, apart from that I really enjoyed the atmosphere and food.

Although Big Blues entrance is situated directly on the main street the restaurant itself is down two flights of stairs at the river level allowing it to have an outdoor veranda overlooking the River Kelvin. The restaurant exudes a laid back and warm atmosphere; and it was surprisingly busy for midweek- perhaps it was the beautiful weather. The menu focuses primarily on pizzas and pastas however salads and a grill menu are available; taking all recommendations into consideration I had a pizza- topped with tuna and red onion in case you were wondering.

When it arrived we were offered the usual black pepper but also a chilli and garlic oil to drizzle which I thought was a bit unusual. The pizza was delicious very light and soft, and the toppings very fresh- I was left satisfied by the pizza however I am unsure whether it was as good as everyone seemed to have made out. Although liberally topped, I felt the pizza lacked moisture and taste, I think there maybe wasn’t enough cheese on it. One thing I did notice was a large number of people having the Calzone, which literally looked like a mountain of carbs, far more than those having normal pizza which made me think perhaps I ordered the wrong pizza… that the Calzone is what everyone is talking about.

In conclusion, even though I thoroughly enjoyed my pizza and the service was brilliant I felt like I was robbed of my magical Big Blue pizza- the pizza I ate did not meet the expectations that were built up from the recommendations. Perhaps I made the mistake of putting the Pizza on the Pedestal, or perhaps I chose the wrong one… either way I did not have the out-of-this world pizza I was promised.

Italian

12pm till late

Average price of one course meal (inc. drinks): £15

I think that Royal Exchange Square is becoming a fast favourite of mine for a drink and a bite to eat. I really enjoy the use of the public space and the way it connects the bustling Buchannan Street to the über cool designer boutiques. There is a wide range of eateries and cafes to choose from; and if the weather is in your favour you can grab a bite to eat in one of the many outdoor eating areas that line the square.

Being a warm(ish) and dry day I opted to dine outside for my visit to Di Maggio’s, given the fierce competition for a good table under the canopy (should the heavens open as it always seems to do in Glasgow) I did not have the opportunity to see the interiors of the restaurant.

I have two issues that make me weary of eating al fresco; the weather- being Scotland it can be unpredictable wind, rain and chill can all spoil a good meal and animals, i.e. flies (not technically an animal but you know what I mean) and birds, particularly seagulls- coming from Aberdeen where the seagulls outnumber the people and having been attacked by one that resembled a flying cow for my chips (these stories are rife in Aberdeen I warn you) I am almost scared of anything that has wings. My visit to Di Maggio’s managed to avoid all these issues; as like all the outside restaurant eating areas in the Royal Exchange Square are there was a canopy and outdoor heaters that kept us warm and dry, as for any flying rodents I did not see one at all which kept me happy.

As the name suggests Di Maggio’s is Italian through and through, the menu offering a wide range of Italian favourites such as pastas and pizzas but also combining the Scottish and Italian with the Scottish Seafood section. I believe that Di Maggio’s is famed for their pizza’s and although they were very appetizing I did resist, another at my table however did have one and it was sublime, very fresh and topped with rocket salad and shaved parmesan. It was so good that when it couldn’t be finished we requested it to be boxed up to be devoured later which the staff were more than happy to do.

For myself I ordered the Fusilli El Greco, a pasta dish consisting of chargrilled chicken, spring vegetables and feta cheese; I am not much of a pasta fan but this was very nice indeed, the vegetables still had a slight crunch to them and with the feta cheese melting in it was the perfect combination, I feel hungry just even remembering it…

The service was very good, and given that it was a busy Sunday we were served in a timely manner and our food was prompt. I really really enjoyed Di Maggio’s, as did everyone else at my table and it was very affordable with the pizza and pasta dishes coming in at around £9, the grill and fish dishes were around £12-14, and I will definitely be going back!

Other Di Maggio’s can be found in the Shawlands, Renfrew Street (City Centre), West End, Pollockshields, Braehead Shopping Centre, Aidrie and East Kilbride.

Gastropub

Opening Times:

Food Served
Mon – Fri: noon – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 11am – 8pm
Bar Open
Sun – Thu: 11am – 2am
Fri – Sat: 11am – 3am

Royal Exchange Square is buzzing with bars and fashionable spots, and from what I gather it is the ‘in’ place to be. As the name suggests the bar is buzzing with people, both inside and out, given the drizzly weather we opted for a table inside.

The interior décor is very upmarket- all dark wood and red walls, the beautiful exotic flowers at the bar gave it a nice touch that made it feel more bistro and less pub. Yet you are very much reminded that The Social is in fact a pub by the slightly stale alcohol smell lingering in the air, a pet hate I have with these types of places- air freshener would not go amiss. However moving on to the clientele, being that it was around 7.30pm there was a good mix of people in the bar, some following up their shopping with a cocktail, groups of young twenty-something’s kicking off their night and others just looking for a chinwag and something to eat.

There was a wide range of food on choice; I was pleasantly surprised to find little gems such as the haggis and sweetcorn pizza on the menu. The prices were not bad either the majority of meals just under the £10 mark. Being a cocktail enthusiast I was very impressed not only by the extensive cocktail menu but also because the majority of them were only £3; including my favourite- the Cosmopolitan, now having just moved from Aberdeen where you are hard pushed to find a cocktail under £5 in most bars I was in my element!

Getting back to the food our table service was good; my presumption that the staff would be pretentious was completely dispelled by our polite waiter who on request even recommended several dishes. Taking his advice we ordered a pizza each, they quickly appeared before us and were thoroughly enjoyed by both- the toppings were very generous.

Overall The Social is (and I hate to use this word, but in this case it is true) a ‘cool’ place to go, both for food and drinks, the clientele is varied and the music is good- at 8 o’clock the lights dimmed and it became very pop, R&B etc which suited myself perfectly. Our bill, considering we also ordered a bottle of wine, was fairly low at £30.

My final note would be that my visit to The Social was on a Wednesday night, so I cannot comment on what it would be like on a Saturday day or night, but I am told that it is super busy and the service is not quite as good as what I received on this occasion. Regardless of this, The Social is in a vibrant area of the city centre that attracts a fashionable crowd, if you enjoy that kind of atmosphere along with good food then this is the place for you, and I would definitely recommend it.

Gastro Pub

Opening Times:

Mon – Sun: 11am till late

Average price of meal: £13.00

Situated just off of the bustling Byres Road Booly Mardys is perfect for one of those lazy Sundays eating yummy foods and reading the newspapers.

If you’re lucky enough to be out and about on the rare occasion that the sun decides to put his hat on Booly Mardys has a wonderful outdoor seating area that gives perfect views of Byres Road but far enough away from the bustle to let you enjoy your meal/drink. Booly Mardys is in fact a cocktail bar, originally named Bloody Marys after the drink which they were then forced to change through a trades mark dispute, but during the day they do in fact serve food.

The food in fact is delicious, I had the Cajun Chicken Burger with Fries and a bottle of wine (not to myself I might add, there were others at the table!), the chicken was perfectly cooked with a nice spicy kick to it and it was accompanied with a dressed salad and chips. The portion was perfect, unlike many gastro pubs that swamp your plate with mountains of chips I was served a nicely dressed salad and a modest pile of fries- after all a lady has to watch her waist! The others at my table ordered the haddock risotto from the specials board and good old sausages and mash- both of which I am told were very satisfying. All of this was washed down with a bottle of the house white, the name of which I have unfortunately forgotten nevertheless it was divine.

With it being a Sunday lunch time, and having ordered a bottle of white I did stay away from the cocktails but having cast my eye over the menu I was very impressed, the Blueberry Margarita and Parma Violet Martini looking very enticing, and I have made a mental note to return.

Italian, American

Opening Times:
Mon – Fri: 12:00 – 22:00
Sat – Sun: 10:00 – 22:00

Average Price of Meal Including soft drinks: £11

Situated in the fashionable Ashton Lane, The Loft is a popular haunt for students and young professionals alike, however, upon turning up late on a Saturday afternoon I was faced with a gaggle of families and screaming children. After waiting at the bar for 20 minutes we finally secure ourselves a table, yet it was another 15 minutes or so before we get a waitress to clean away the leftover dishes. The fashionable low level leather seating and table found in many of these pub restaurants usually provides for a comfortable place to lounge whilst waiting for food- but amidst all the untidiness and children running riot it made our table uncomfortable and struggling to hear one another.

The menu, however, provides some comfort, offering favourites such as Fish and Chips alongside more contemporary options such as the Polenta and Aubergine Stack. Choosing the Homemade Burger I realise why The Loft is as busy as it is, the burger is deliciously filling- home made and not overcooked like many ‘gastropubs’ often make the mistake of doing, and as the afternoon wears on and the crowds of families thin out the appeal of The Loft can finally be seen- it is in fact very spacious and tastefully decorated- paying homage to the classic Grosvenor Cinema that can be located below it.

Although serving good food The Loft perhaps struggles with its popularity and fashionable location- becoming over-crowed by the young families that are out in hordes at the weekend. However, the food is good and if you are willing to wait for a table then it is worth it, and come night-time the restaurant becomes a stylish pub with a certain ‘cool’ vibe that reverberates throughout most of Ashton Lane.

Indian Cuisine

Opening Times: 12:30 – 24:00

Average Price of Meal (excluding drinks): £14.00

Fixed Menu Prices

Fixed Lunch: £6.95

Fixed Dinner: £10.95

A funky and stylish restaurant nestled in the West End, Ashoka serves up a heady selection of Indian dishes deserved of their British Curry Award 2006. The large menu ensures that every palate is appeased, impressively including an Abpaz Parsee menu (cuisine from North India and Pakistan), and providing helpful guide notes for curry beginners, and if you have any further queries the staff are polite and happy to help. P

rices are reasonable and the fixed menu option is recommended to those looking for a quick bite at lunch.

Moving away from award winning cuisine and reasonable prices, what else separates Ashoka from the other curry houses in Glasgow has to be its infamous Curry Karaoke- providing parties and large groups with the perfect mix of karaoke, fancy dress, alcohol and, of course, curry. No doubt guaranteed to be a hilarious night out.

To book a table or check the menu online check out the Ashoka website.

Italian- Pizza & Pasta

Opening Times: 10:30am – 24:00 Mon-Sun

Average Price of 2 Course Meal & Soft Drinks: £15.00

Being Pizza Express typically the pizza takes centre stage, however pastas and salads are also available.

There is a varied selection of starters, yet the recommended- and perhaps the most popular is from the sides menu, the Baked Dough Balls. As the name suggests they are simply balls of dough baked served with garlic butter, a delicious alternative to the routine garlic bread.

There are is an array of pizzas to choose from; from the basic Margherita to the adventurous Parmense topped with asparagus, parma ham, grana padano finished off with a poached egg. Opting for the ‘devilishly hot’ Diavolo I was presented with a fresh pizza generous in toppings- although it lacked the ‘extra fire’ I was promised in the menu the pizza was still full of flavour and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

The Queen Street restaurant retains many of the features seen in Pizza Express’s across the country, and its open kitchen being an authentic Italian touch to what is already a modern yet welcoming restaurant.

Having ate at many Pizza Express’s in my time, the Queen Street branch served up exactly what the brand stands for; brilliant pizza’s topped with the finest ingredients within a modern and vibrant environment. The only complaint I have about this particular restaurant is the lack of service we received, we were left constantly waiting to be served, being a Sunday perhaps they were not prepared for the onslaught of weary shoppers turning up after a busy day of spending. Regardless of this, what it lacked in service Pizza Express most definitely made up for in taste and style.