52 Park Road, Glasgow, G4 9JG.
Tel: 0141-357-0640
Email: [email protected]

Since it opened in August 2007, Sonny & Vito's caf?/deli has galloped into poll position as my favourite Glasgow West End choice for lunch, snacks or coffee. Also handy for taking away some homecooking or tantalising deli products with shelves jam packed with things you won't find in the supermarket.

The Pelosi family business, named after the twin sons of Angela and Mario Pelosi, is one of Glasgow West End's most popular bistros. It's a very vibrant place with an increasingly enthusiastic and loyal clientele; described by Angela Pelosi as:

"a mixed bag - consisting of local residents, business people, wine buffs, foodies and people who enjoy cooking; and are used to sourcing the best quality produce on offer".

Part of the attraction is that everything on the menu is made in house and is of a high quality offering the very best in locally and internationally sourced seasonal produce, carefully selected from some of the country's finest suppliers.

The success of Sonny & Vito's is no doubt down to Angela and Mario's attention to detail and their enthusiastic approach:

We searched the length and breadth of the UK for ideas on how we wanted the caf? to look and feel and we offer a variety of specially sourced wines and foods from the best suppliers on the market.

I think they have got it just right. Sonny & Vito's is bright and welcoming and regulars and newcomers feel equally at home in the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The caf? seats 20 people and has a bar for more casual dining; service is swift and portions generous and the reclaimed timber deli shelves are packed with a host of produce from local to global suppliers and the selection of speciality wines changes seasonally.

Everything from the menu and specials board is made in house, including their tasty soup served with organic bread. They are becoming renowned for their different savoury tarts, made up daily from a selection of cheeses and meats on the deli counter. Specials such as chilli beef with mash have become an instant hit with the regulars.

Their coffee is delicious - Union hand roasted, a fair-trade coffee that according to Angela: "wins over most customers with the first taste" - it goes down a treat with some of their delightful homebaked scones or cakes. I also love their hot chocolate and coconut cake.

You are always sure to find something to tempt - no matter what the time of day. The sandwiches are wonderful - tasty filling on organic bread with crisp side salad. The daily 'Specials' can be selected from the blackboard or you could share a tasting platter with your dining companion(s). Their giant sausage rolls are sensational - putting a whole new slant on this simple fare. The homemade soups are irrestistible - tasty and sustaining - especially on a chilly day.

Everytime meeting someone at Sonny & Vito's they are more than happy with this choice. Or if it's their first visit they instantly become fans. I recently enjoyed a very pleasant lunch there with Michael Bowes - a discerning young diner, who is now a regular, and another big fan is Roy Beers - who knows all there is to know about dining out in Glasgow.

I always liked Otago, the Pelosi's previous venture in the West End but with Sonny & Vito's they have really surpassed themselves.