Charcoals

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.

Charcoals has been lavished with awards in the past year, picking up a Best of Glasgow title in the Scottish Curry Awards and Outstanding Maitre d’ in the Glasgow Restaurant Awards. It is immediately apparent why manager Ali scooped the accolade as he buzzes around the bustling city centre restaurant, polite and attentive to every table’s requirements. He has made his mark by removing the takeaway area from the front in favour of a more cosy restaurant feel, as well as insisting on daily deliveries of chicken and fish, and that all spices are ground on the premises. His efforts on food quality are self-evident in the restaurant’s succulent Lahori fish pakora, jhinga masala and chicken tikka Charcoals. For hungry souls, the sizzling tandoori mix grill offers tantalising fulfilment. The rear area could still do with a spruce up but faded wall murals, plastic dessert menus and wine lists, and soft drinks in cans create a rather charming café vibe. Very informal Charcoals may be, but once through the doors Ali's enthusiasm will guarantee you will be back.

• High point: Dazzling service
• Low point: Could do with a décor revamp