Café Gandolfi: a Glasgow culinary institution

In 2002, the restaurant received an added hospitality space, when its gorgeous loft space was transformed into a bar. Formerly a cheese store, it was sensitively transformed by MacKenzie’s good friend, the renowned architect John MacLeod. The original cheese store tiles were preserved, complemented by bespoke rustic furnishings. 

Filled with natural light from above, the loft area also serves as a space for private functions, popular for weddings, funerals and birthday celebrations.

The interior boasts a blend of vintage charm and modern aesthetics, characterised by distressed dark wood panelled walls, brass hardware and large chalkboards with the daily specials, providing that retro continental cafe feel. The cafe is divided into different sections, each offering a distinct atmosphere. The main dining area features stained glass windows, a remarkable piece of artwork entitled ‘A flock of fishes’ by John Clark (a nod to the menu, which emphasises the fruits of our neighbouring oceans), as well as hand-crafted furniture by the artisan Tim Stead.

Now to the menu; a testament to the venue’s ongoing commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on Scottish produce, the café offers a range of dishes that celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage. Breakfast is a big deal here, with traditional favourites and inventive Mediterranean-infused takes on classics. For lunch or dinner, choose from a range of small and large plates. The cafe is known for its exceptional seafood, with dishes like Cullen Skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup) and Sea Trout Escabeche. 

Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are also available, reflecting the café’s inclusivity and dedication to catering to diverse dietary preferences; try a courgette orzo risotto, or some smoked hummus with buckwheat tabbouleh and crispy chickpeas.

Italian, French and Spanish wines (orange, red, pink, white and sparkling) dominate the wine list at Café Gandolfi. And the cocktails are something very special indeed. Sip on a blend of Tapatio Blanco with pineapple, basil, beetroot and grapefruit; H by Hine Cognac with Branca Menta, buttermilk, vanilla and pistachio; or Diplomatico Mantuano with banana, Earl Grey, mango and creamy coconut milk. These unique libations are sure to get your night on the town off to a great start. And mornings are for drinking at the cafe too, with Gandolfi’s own take on the Bloody Mary to accompany your brekkie. 

These days Café Gandolfi is overseen by Seumas MacInnes, a musician and entrepreneur, aided by his twin sons Donald and Alasdair. This independent family ethos has helped cement the cafe’s authenticity and ensured it’s a hub for artists, writers, musicians and locals seeking a unique space to gather, collaborate, and savour quality food.

Café Gandolfi’s journey through the decades is a tale of culinary excellence, innovation and community spirit. Then, as now, Glasgow’s cultural landscape was experiencing an evolution. This iconic establishment remains a steadfast presence, offering a blend of tradition and creativity that captures the essence of the city. Whether you’re a local looking for tasty authentic food, or a visitor seeking a taste of Glasgow’s gastronomic heritage, this is the place for you.