Gambrino

Gambrino

333 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G4 9HS

Telephone 0141 339 4111
Food served Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm
Pre-theatre times Mon–Fri 5–7pm
Average price £6.95 (set lunch); £15 (evening meal)
Pre-theatre price £8.95
Email
Website www.gambrino.co.uk

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Eating & Drinking Guide

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.

Walking through the porch entrance to Gambrino transports you from the bustle of Great Western Road to a Tuscan trattoria. From the terracotta floors to exposed brickwork walls, worn table-tops and dried flowers, there's a warm, traditional feeling that doesn't seem forced. With tables pushed together to accommodate large parties and hidden corners for couples, the intimate and inclusive co-exist. There is a wealth of a pasta and pizza options. Starters include familiar antipasti dishes; the insalata di bresaola consists of a pretty display of beef with a healthy handful of rocket plumped on top. Thin-based pizzas are crispy with a tangy sauce, though toppings could be more generous. If pasta takes your fancy, the creamy fettuccine sees vibrant, crisp broccoli complementing the plentiful pancetta strips and perfectly cooked pasta. Homemade desserts may not all be traditionally Italian but when they're as good as the apple pie, provenance is of little concern. It's an uncomplicated offering and the owners decision to locate a restaurant across the road from their bar has proven to be a good one.

High point: Freshness of veg and salad
Low point: Paper Italian flags pinned to desserts

Number of wines sold by the glass: 8
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: trad Spanish guitar
Capacity: 75
Largest group: 30
Open since: 2002
House wine: £14.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

6. Kristina – 20 Apr 2013, 8:03pm Report: On Saturday 20th April at 18:45 hrs, I encountered the rudest Manageress of any customer restaurant that I have ever attended. I ordered a dessert which was quite late in coming. The waitress came and I asked her to cancel it. She said OK! Around 2 minutes later the Manageress herself came to my table with it and I said "Sorry, I just cancelled it!" She proceeded to tell me that I couldn't as the chef had just made it. She rambled on some more to such an extent that I was becoming very frustrated with her. When I tried to speak to her, she was extremely hostile and finally in front of her own waitresses and my friends simply said "This conversation is over". She then walked away leaving everyone in direct attendance completely flabberghasted!
HOW UNPROFESSIONAL !!!
We paid the bill, felt sorry for the lovely waitress, then my partner gave the rude Manageress a piece of his mind as we were leaving. This caused some heads to turn in wonderment.

5. Useful Idiot – 8 Jun 2010, 10:49am Report

I think it is stretching the imagination to say Gambrino is the best Italian restaurant in Glasgow, foodwise. Osteria Piero, Sarti and Itallian Caffe are better in my opinion.

That said, I have been to Gambrino a few times because the pizzas are great, the staff are great, and it's a relaxing, laid back place to go and eat.

My only bone of contention is that some of the starters and sundries are overpriced. For example, at £8.45, the antipasto was absurdly costly, given that the meats on the plate were standard fayre and can be bought in any supermarket.

Nevertheless - a good place.

4. Chris O'Donnell – 16 Feb 2010, 9:21pm Gambrino Report: The restaurant is fantastic, I have multiple food allergies & the staff & manager were extremely helpful. The food was delicious and reasonably cheap. The best Italian restaurant in Glasgow by far.

3. Graham,Glasgow. – 8 Feb 2010, 12:46pm Gambrino Report: I can honestly say that Gambrino is the best Italian restaurant in Glasgow. I have eaten there at least a dozen times and never once been disappointed with the quality of food or the service. The décor is relaxing and comfortable.
The owner clearly is passionate about his business and takes a hands on approach to customer service leaving you feeling like valued customers every visit.
The wine list is excellent and the house red is better than many of the expensive wines at over inflated prices in other restaurants.
Our most recent visit was no exception, pizzas are thin and crispy with delicious fresh toppings and the calzone is perfect, with thin and light dough and full to bursting point. Fresh linguine with pesto and pine nuts is a real favourite.
No other Italian restaurant in Glasgow can match the service, quality of food and real hospitality that Gambrino offers.

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Average rating 5/5 from 2 reviews of Gambrino.

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