Restaurant REVIEW

RISTORANTE TEATRO, 61 ELMBANK ST, GLASGOW, G2 4PQ

1 Location

It sits between Sauchiehall Street – the section undergoing major redevelopment – and Bath Street, just next to the King’s Theatre.

2 First impressions

It’s downstairs, but feels bright, thanks to the light green walls and cream couches. It’s on the small side, not exactly cramped but certainly cosy. Bijou might be an estate agent’s description.

3 service

Had a bit of trouble getting someone to answer the phone to book ahead on a Sunday, but on arrival it was very efficient. It felt more practised and by numbers than friendly.

4 menu

All the Italian staples are front and centre. Unsurprisingly, as it’s a stone’s throw from the King’s, there’s a pre-theatre menu which has one course for a tenner and two for £14. Starters include calamari fritti and arancini. Among the main options are lasagne, a couple of penne dishes, a couple of spaghetti and a pizza. Much wider choice on the a la carte including fillet steaks from £20.

5 taste

The arancini and minestrone were spot on. The lasagne, however, despite being nice and plentiful, was a little salty.

6 price

We ordered off the pre-theatre menu and with the two courses and a couple rounds of drinks it came to a shade under £60.

7 ambience

Every table was full – until near theatre show time – so there was a good buzz. But with the tables very close together, you wouldn’t want to be sharing any secrets.

8 something speciaL

The penne arrabiata with chicken was the star, tasty, tender and a real treat.

9 toiLets

Clean and tidy but like the rest of the establishment very much on the small side.

10 verdict

A decent option if you’re looking for a bite before a show. 14/20.