Stravaigin
- Telephone 0141 334 2665
- Opening times Mon–Sun 11am–midnight
- Bar open Mon–Sun 9am–midnight
- Food served Mon–Sun 9am–11pm; Fri/Sat 11am–11am
- Pre-theatre times Mon–Sun 5–6.30pm
- Average price £11.95 (set lunch); £21 (evening meal)
- Pre-theatre price £14.95
- Website www.stravaigin.com
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The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.
Stravaigin feels as fresh and inventive as when its doors first opened back in 1995. The emphasis on local, seasonal produce combined with a global approach to flavour means even the most jaded palate should find something to please. Look beyond the time-honoured staples of fish and chips, haggis and burgers to find a menu making a whistle-stop trip around the world, taking in spice route curry, nasi goreng and pulled beef chilli with red rice and flatbread. A starter of Oaxacan beef and olive empanadas combines beautifully short pastry with a deeply flavoured meaty filling. Duck massaman curry is aromatic and well-spiced, and served with mango and papaya salad. Vegetarians aren’t left out of the party, with inventive choices including pumpkin, feta and haloumi balls in strand-tastic Greek kataifi pastry with roast baby aubergine and pistachio bulgar wheat. Dessert options include an unctuous salted chocolate tart. Wine is taken seriously with ‘wine flights’ of three small, more unusual samples. Knowledgeable waiting staff are happy to advise on both food and drink.
- High point: World food that doesn't cost the earth
- Low point: Eclecticism can complicate matching
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 18
- Private dining: Up to 40 covers
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Pop
- Capacity: 100
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1995
- House wine: £15.45 per bottle
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Comments & ratings
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3.
Bungle – 26 Feb 2013, 5:58pm
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I've been going to Stravaigin for years and it's one of the few places that manages to maintain a consistently high standard. I'm mostly talking about the upstairs area incidentally as I've not ventured downstairs very often.
The surroundings are perfect. The upstairs bar/restaurant area is cosy and elegant and is perfect for friends, groups or a romantic meetup.
The food is always excellent and well proportioned. The curries are tasty, the steaks are always spot on and the breakfasts (non-veggie) are a life saver. As for the burgers, they are the best in Glasgow...anyone who says differently, respectfully, you are wrong.
The service is very informal and friendly, it's never particularly quick but then that's not really the idea..I recently went with a friend and had a couple of glasses of wine and ordered some food..granted the food took a little bit longer than usual to arrive but it was late on a busy Saturday night. However, when it came to bill time the waiter said "sorry for the delay..the drinks are on the house, actually it's all on the house"! Without any comments from us, completely out of the blue..I've had numerous things like this where the service has been just that wee bit above and beyond.
If I have any complaints it would be that the pepper sauce is getting a little on the runny side and could be more peppery, the veggie breakfast is slightly uninspiring and would benefit from something extra like haloumi (cafe zique does a better veggie breakfast imo) and the breakfasts should reeeeeaaaaaallllllly come with toast!!
Stravaigin easily maintains it's position as one of the best informal places for food and drink in Glasgow..I really can't recommend it highly enough
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2.
Howardroark – 21 Dec 2010, 3:01pm
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Went here 2 nights ago with a few friends wanting a bite to eat. This was my first time eating here since the recent refit and expansion. We walked in and hung about waiting to be greeted eventually giving up and seating ourselves upstairs notifying the waiting staff we were there, and so began the wait to be served in an other wise fairly quiet restaurant... Flat beers arrived in a surly manner and our orders were taken, after having to ask if there were any specials. Starters were good other than the very stale bread that came with the two soups, the vodka cured salmon was great. The main courses were very disappointing with both fish suppers having to be sent back, the burger was edible but nothing better can be said. All three mains came with what looked to be deep fried frozen potato halves, these were under cooked and inedible. The tarter sauce was by all accounts the highlight of the fish suppers, the burger lacked any high point. Bad service, shoddy redesign and awful food, let's hope this place goes away and someone makes use of a great location.
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1.
Ross. – 14 Feb 2010, 5:15pm
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Stravaigin on Gibson Street has a reputation for having an informal, cosy atmosphere whilst at the same time managing to deliver top class hearty Scottish dishes.
A few friends and I decided to chance our hand at being seated on a very busy Saturday night and, pleasingly, the hostess managed to find us a table for four impressively quickly - a good start. Unfortunately, however, our waiter left a lot more to be desired. After waiting about fifteen minutes to have our order taken, we finally managed to attract his attention. Clearly having put him out somewhat, he hurriedly asked us "Guys...what do you want?" before turning back to chat to a favourite table of his. Upon returning, he personally handed each of us our plates and drinks, accompanied by a full view of the underwear cascading from his backside. Willing to perhaps overlook all of this and put it down to a busy night and inexperience, I was disgusted when he came to clear our plates. Instead of taking my plate or, indeed, asking politely for me to pass it over to him ('cosy' remains an appropriate choice of word), the waiter instead made a 'hurry up and give it to me' gesture with his hand. Not impressed: I wonder if it would have made a difference if the party had been a few years older?
That said, the food was (of course) delicious. The fish suppers were simple, but just enough to keep you filled and the vegetable curry was tremendous. The price was also very reasonable for the quality of food we received. It's just a shame that one young man let the whole Stravaigin team down. Otherwise, the experience was enjoyable and I would perhaps consider returning on a less hectic afternoon when I might be treated with a little more respect.
Average rating /5 from 3 reviews of Stravaigin.
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