Be transported to Tuscany at Villa Toscana

The inviting aroma of freshly baked bread, garlic and herbs greets those arriving through the door, as do the friendly staff. Inside, you’ll find a decor that is simple, yet elegant, with rustic wooden tables, modern wallpaper and industrial-chic lighting accents. There are also nods to Tuscan heritage, such as pottery and paintings.

Count ‘em. The menu at Villa Toscana is extensive, with all of your classic Italian faves and much more besides. You’ll find a wide range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood and tender meat dishes. Everything is made from scratch using only the finest ingredients, and the chefs take great care to ensure that each item is authentically prepared and nicely presented.

Free from 12 pm to 3pm on weekdays? You can take advantage of a great value lunch menu, offering a single course for £9.95 and either a starter and a main, or a main and a dessert, for £11.95. From 3 pm to 6.30 pm there’s an early bird option priced at £18.50 per person, for two courses. And then there’s the main menu, from which you can order at any time. To complement your meal, Villa Toscana has an extensive wine list featuring mostly Italian wines, alongside international bottles and fizz. The cocktail list includes classics, like the Woo Woo and Espresso Martini. But it also provides some quirkier drinks, such as the Fruit Pastille and the famed Long Vodka (the latter is an iconic Scottish drink yet is rarely found on cocktail lists). 

Maybe start with some bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil; some crispy fried calamari served with a lemon and garlic aioli; or for those wanting the lighter options, order an insalata caprese. In the mood for a pizza? Go for a veggie Quattro Formaggi (mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan and provolone) or a meaty Diavola (spicy salami, peppers and olives). One of the standout dishes at Villa Toscana is the Pappardelle Bolognese, a rich and homely meal made with slow-cooked beef ragu and large flat pasta. A good choice if you’re trying to reach your five a day and stock up on green veg, is the Risotto Verde, a creamy rice-based dish with green peas, courgette and asparagus, that is both hearty and satisfying.

Indulge your carnivorous side with an 8oz steak, a fillet of beef all to yourself, or a rack of lamb. Sink your teeth into some king prawns, oven-baked langoustines, or pan-fried scallops (Glasgow’s proximity to excellent fishing waters makes seafood an evergreen choice in the city’s eateries).

Make sure to leave some room for dessert. And at Villa Toscana they like them boozy. The tiramisu features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder and the panna cotta comes with lashings of amaretto. Or combine your after-dinner coffee with your sweet treat, by ordering affogato (vanilla ice cream swimming in espresso). The Sicilian pastries filled with ricotta or profiteroles are a good shout if you want to share — just ask for two spoons!

Italian restaurants are known for their family-friendliness and welcoming attitude towards little ‘uns. Dine at Villa Toscana and the kids (under 12s) have a menu of their own. This has been designed to fit the sensitivities of younger palates, steering toward plainer, child-pleasing items. They can order a pizza margherita, penne pasta with a tomato and basil or four-cheese sauce, spaghetti bolognese or for those preferring to stick with non-Mediterranean flavours; the old favourite of chicken nuggets and chips. Soft drinks and ice cream are also listed.

Be sure to stop by and experience the flavours of Tuscany for yourself. Villa Toscana is open from noon to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and from 12.30 pm to 10 pm on Sunday.