The Giffnock Ivy

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.

Sharing the name of a famous London restaurant, The Giffnock Ivy is setting its standards high with such a name. Inside it's modern, intimate and welcoming, with white tablecloths and plush red seating. The menu is deceptively simple with comfort food on offer but look closer and there is fine dining to be found. Set on the edge of the city, it brings elements of fine dining to suburbs. The clientèle is mostly older folk and the odd young romantic couple. The pan-seared king scallops with black pudding, chorizo, peas and garnished with red chard is a truly beautifully cooked dish. For mains, the roasted cod fillet is served on an island of creamed mash, surrounded by a leek broth with mussels. It all melts into a fishy, potato experience. For afters, the ginger pudding consists of soft sponge and a sticky spicy middle, served with rich ice-cream. Equally fine, is the tiramisu, made to order.

• High point: The subtle and delicate flavours of the scallops
• Low point: A lack of art on the walls