Discover why Wee Paree is one of our favourite fusion restaurants

A neighbourhood bistro

This little pocket of Crow Road has become a source of culinary delights. Kothel, The Marlborough, Oscar and Holly’s, and Wee Paree all reside here, giving residents of Victoria Park, Broomhill and the west side of Hyndland plenty of dining choices on the doorstep. And this neighbourhood location, away from the thoroughfares of the city, ensures it has a neighbourhood feel too. This venue was formerly known as Pianola, also a much loved West End restaurant, but having closed its doors during the pandemic, it later re-opened in this new form: Wee Paree. It’s owned by parent company Kothel, also found in the same stretch of street, as well as across multiple other sites in the city.

But while Wee Paree may be a Glaswegian restaurant, step inside and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in Paris. The decor, design and ornamental pieces all evoke an old-world Parisian feel that gives the bistro a very unique personality — one that will delight Francophiles. Leather banquettes, velvet upholstered bar stools, dark parquet flooring, black and white photos, art deco era lighting, and brown wood panelling all contribute to the effect.

Sharing small plates

Wee Paree recently underwent a significant change in terms of its menu and dining style. This has moved the bistro from the traditional setup of starters and mains to a range of small plates. These can be shared (around two to three per person are recommended), so diners can experience a wider variety of dishes and flavours. They arrive as and when they’re ready, and if you’ve ordered a fair few, soon the table is piled high with delectable goodies. It’s all very relaxed, yet sophisticated at the same time.

Decadent dishes

The braised beef bourguignon, slow-cooked with smoky bacon, chestnut mushrooms and red wine encapsulates the essence of French cooking, while the baked courgettes topped with ricotta and walnut wouldn’t be out of place in a city fine dining venue. And if you’re in the mood for something indulgent that’ll transport you to an Alpine chalet (albeit not literally), order the baked camembert with rosemary and honey — just don’t think about the calories. There’s plenty more on the menu besides, with some larger chicken and steak plates.

Le brunch

While the menu is based around the small plate offering from 4pm, between the hours of 10am and 4pm, it’s all about the brunch. And it brings in plenty of elements of the classic petit dejeuner. Crepes come with savoury fillings like honey roast ham, spinach, gruyere and béchamel and sweet treats such as pistachio, strawberry and Chantilly cream. Croissants can be loaded with a number of items, including melted gruyere and honey-roast ham, or the family favourite of Nutella, strawberry and banana.

Those fancying something a little more lunch-like can order a morning baguette (poached egg and Stornoway black pudding with hollandaise sauce is popular), or something less conventional such as ratatouille with chilli dip. And if you’re avoiding carbs, the range of omelettes will be right up your rue.

Perfect Paree serves

You don’t have to come here to eat, many come to drink. Especially on the year-round heated terrace that glows under its warm orange lights. The cocktail menu is made up of signature French-themed serves (although you can request classics also). They include the Fleur de Lis (Lillet rose, Puerto de Indias, cinnamon, prosecco, soda); Vieux Carré (Makers Mark, Courvoisier, sweet vermouth, benedictine, bitters; Revolution (gin, mezcal, lemon, smoked marjoram, soda) and the perfect brunch accompaniment, Breakfast in Paree (Absolut Vanilla, Aperol, lemon, marmalade, tonic).

If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, but do want something different, try the orange wine – Rigal Gros Manseng. Of course, as this is a French bistro, you’ll see a lot of the patrons drinking the traditional vin rouge. And during the day, it’s mostly coffee that’s brewing behind the bar.