Is Andiamo the most authentic Italian in Glasgow?

Cooked the way Italians like it

The pasta here at Andiamo comes al dente (firm to the bite, as the Italians eat it), with pasta and pizza sauces formed using a base ingredient of San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin oils. Lasagna is home-baked and pizzas are cooked to order in the wood-fired oven. And, although the menu is packed with wheat-based dishes, there are lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu.

What can you expect to try when dining at Andiamo?

Starters on the extensive menu include Cozze (steamed mussels with freshly baked bread and your choice of marinara or livornese sauce); Pate Della Casa (chicken liver pate served with oatcakes); and Zuppa del Giorno (soup of the day). Mains are separated into the categories of pizza (suggested menu options or create your own), pasta, pesce, carne, risotto and hearty burgers. If you’re partial to seafood do try the lobster ravioli or if you’re a meat fan, the prime nine-inch Scotch fillet steak is a must.

Catering to kids

As is typical in Mediterranean dining establishments, families are made particularly welcome. At Andiamo this extends to a dedicated children’s menu, on which there’s an educational quiz, a word search, a maze and colouring in sections — so you don’t have to arrive laden with activities for the little ones.

The kids’ food offering includes healthy choices, such as carrot and cucumber crudites with a tomato dip, and mini stalwarts of the adult menu (pizza and pasta), alongside kiddie faves like goujons and burgers. And of course, there are lashings of dessert in the form of chocolate cake and ice cream. While the kids are occupied and enjoying their feast, mum and dad can kick back and relax with a Limoncello or Aperol spritz. So everybody’s happy.

Modern and airy

The decor here is very much designed in a contemporary style (with the exception of a huge white feature fireplace) and glitzy. Glass dominates, allowing plenty of light to stream into the dining rooms. The lounge area has floor to ceiling picture windows and the restaurant includes a glass-ceilinged section for the sun by day and some romantic stargazing by night. And the proliferation of glass extends to the artificial lighting too, with impressive chandeliers adding to the glamour.

A monochrome colour palette used for the decor gives a sophisticated feel, with accents of purple lighting creating pops of vibrant colour. The size, layout and flexibility of the spaces mean they’re frequently booked for private functions, including wedding receptions, birthday parties and graduations, with management offering bespoke packages to meet the customer’s individual requirements.

Al fresco

There are several areas in which to imbibe; white bar seats run the full length of the bar, providing a ringside seat for the mixing and shaking and sofas are provided to get comfy over a coffee or Campari. There’s also a large beer garden outside, with picnic-style table seating, brightly coloured parasols, various topiary and artificial grass. As it gets the full strength of the sunlight, it’s a popular place to soak up some rays with a drink in hand, come the warmer months. And kids can roam and play while remaining under your watchful eye.

The two neighbourhood venues are open throughout the week and at weekends, from 12 noon to 10.30pm. They’re a short walk from Milngavie station and Giffnock stations respectively. As this genre of cuisine is an evergreen favourite that rarely fails to please all generations, it’s a failsafe choice for a family get-together. Andiamo’s decor and vibe also lends itself to a date night, drinks with friends, or a catch up with colleagues.

Book your table and enjoy some quality Italian comfort food in swish surroundings.