Restaurant of the week
Assaggini, 227 Byres Road, Glasgow
Location
Right at the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the restaurant is opposite Hillhead subway station so is perfectly placed for public transport. It also means there are plenty of options for drinks or dessert afterwards along Byres Road.
First impressions
The restaurant’s exterior glows against a dark sky and the inside is just as bright and welcoming. It’s reasonably busy for a weeknight.
Service
The service is prompt and friendly, with staff on hand to explain the menu and how the restaurant’s concept works. Plates come when they’re ready, so plan accordingly.
Menu
An Italian version of tapas, the menu suggests 2-3 small plates per person. There’s a great selection of pizzas and pastas to choose from (13 of each with further options to mix and match different toppings) as well as an array of meat dishes and sides. There are also suggested beer pairings for each meal, which have been developed alongside WEST Brewery.
Taste
We try a range of dishes and they’re all excellent. The pizzas are perfectly cooked and the beef ravioli is absolutely delicious. The penne arrabbiata has just the right amount of kick and the potato croquettes on the side go down a treat. If there weren’t more plates to come you’d definitely be left wanting more.
Ambience
On this particular evening, everything feels very relaxed and casual and it’s a very pleasant dining experience.
Value
The plates are reasonably priced for their size but, of course, the more you have the more it adds up. Two lots of three plates plus soft drinks came to just under £70.
The Glasgow branch opened earlier this year and its sister restaurant, Assaggini Edinburgh, is on the capital’s Rose Street.