Eating Out in Glasgow's West End: Italian Restaurants

The Big Blue, 445 Great Western Road,(357 1038)

A very lively bar/restaurant with a strong Italian influence. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. On warm summer evenings the seats overlooking the River Kelvin are very popular. (£)

Di Maggio's, 61 Ruthven Lane (334 6000)

Tucked away at the end of the lane Di Maggio's gives you a warm welcome and extensive menu to choose from. Their famed lasagne is reckoned to be the best in town and portions are very generous. The restaurant is spacious and relaxing and it is popular with groups and families. (£)
Also have a nice little cafe for shoppers in Ruthven Mews.(2006)

La Parmigiana, 443 Great Western Road. (334 0686)

A small classy restaurant with a reputation to uphold. The surroundings are elegant and the range of dishes is impressive. (££) Pre-theatre and set lunches are good value.
On The List's Hit List - so comes highly recommended.

La Riviera, 147 Dumbarton Road, Partick (334 8494).

A really lovely restaurant with good food and a lively atmosphere. A good choice for those who like seafood and also great for large groups. (££) Good value lunch and pre-theatre deals.
website

Little Italy, Byres Road.

More of a cafe/bistro but I can't risk you missing this great Byres Road attraction, where Remo Crolla provides fine quality food that he 'would eat at home'. Great pizza, pasta and reputedly the best coffee in the West End - winner of numerous awards including James' sandwiches. Jim is mad on their minestrone and other fans include: Tom Cannavan, Michael and Jim Bowes and Jeana Papmikail.
Good for people watching. Open till late. Quick service and friendly staff.
Now lovely little low seated area which encourages you to stay a little longer but you can still takeaway. Jim could not survive without Little Italy's minestrone.

Paperino's

227 Byres Road, 0141 334 3811
The West End now has its own Paperino's, saving you the trip to Sauchiehall Street. Stefano and Sandro Giovanazzi's latest addition to the eating out scene (they also own La Parmigiana) serves delicious food in a relaxed atmosphre. I've had a few meals in Paperino's and will be back. A good place to meet friends if you haven't had time to book as there is a fair chance of getting a table because the restaurant is huge. Still manages to have a convivial atmosphere though.
I love their melanzane alla parmigiana - the vegetarian pasta style dish with aubergines layered with mozzarella and tomato, oven baked. Very tasty and large portion - £8.80.
Price for lunch around £12 - £14.
Open Monday - Sunday 8.30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Children welcome and Watch out for the takeaway next door.

Torna Sorrento, 148 Woodlands Road (332 2288).

Small, friendly, family run Italian restaurant. Usual pasta and pizza plus lovely fish (I had some amazing sea bass on Hogmanay, 2006), We went along with Jim's Mum and Dad, Rena and Jimmy and we all enjoyed our meals.
Open for lunch Monday - Saturday noon - 2.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Closed Sundays.