Pinto Mexican Kitchen

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.

Pinto is fast food, but it’s an example of how fast doesn’t have to mean junk. You line up at a counter to choose from a short, simple list of tasty and relatively healthy fillings, decide whether you want yours wrapped in a burrito, piled into tacos, heaped onto nachos or served among salad leaves, then specify which of four heat-graded salsas you fancy. Your food is served in a paper-lined basket to eat in, or wrapped in foil to go. That’s just about it – apart from a couple of soups, sides and drinks, including beer and margaritas. Pinto proudly claims that nothing is frozen or microwaved, and the slow-cooked shredded pork and chargrilled steak or chicken certainly taste fresh, particularly when drenched in Pinto’s light, sharp salsas. A concept from the Di Maggio group, the bright décor and efficient system looks ripe for rolling out as a chain – in fact the website talks about ‘our stores’ in the plural, though to date there’s only the one. It's busy enough, so we may see more soon.

Takeaway review
A welcome addition to Glasgow's tiny Mexican scene, Pinto is more LA than Mexico City, but for hungry locals after a carryout that's probably a positive thing. The various fresh ingredients on display have great appeal; add in a choose-your-fillings ordering style and the unaccustomed takeawayer may get overwhelmed. A good look at the menu is thus recommended as the staff's speedy efficiency leaves little time for reflection. The burrito barbacoa (spicy, slow-braised shredded beef) is generously hefty – or too much and over-filled, depending on your diet. Unarguable though, is the winning taste, combined with one of the four quality salsas. Other options include tacos and nachos in different meat or veg combos, plus flavoursome soups and a chilli bowl. And it's licensed.

• High point: Genuinely fresh, tasty food
• Low point: Possibly just too fast - unless you're on your way somewhere