O Sole Mio: Glasgow’s oldest Italian restaurant

But the veteran eatery’s future was hanging in the balance a couple of years ago, when permission was granted to demolish its former home on West Nile Street. It was part of a larger plan to erect a new hotel in place of it, as well as other neighbouring properties and forced its closure right before COVID-19 hit. Naturally, this development caused a fair bit of controversy and consternation among the many local patrons and it was some time before the team were able to start again somewhere else. However, like a phoenix from the ashes, O Sole Mio returned triumphantly, in a new home; 22 Bath Street.

This prime spot of real estate received a full makeover, rekindling the original restaurant’s vibe, while adding in some more up-to-date elements (like booth seating). Many of the original staff returned too, ensuring the authentic and longstanding ambience of O Sole Mio remains and that regular diners are sure to see the same friendly faces. It’s all part of the family-run philosophy, a tradition within Italian restaurants and one which has granted this place — along with great food — some serious longevity. At the helm these days is Djamel Benouari, who brought experience gained while managing The Art House Hotel and Barca Tapas in Prince’s Square, to the table (literally).

The venue’s name means “my sunshine” in Neapolitan and has been immortalised in music many times over since its composition in the late 19th century — if you’re over a certain age you’ll remember it featuring in an iconic (and cheesy) cornetto ad, sung by a gondolier. So you’ll be forgiven if just hearing the name of this restaurant gives you a nostalgic earworm. And if you’re longing for some Mediterranean sunshine, you can visit here to at least sample the kind of food you’d be eating there. There are also some outdoor tables, so be sure to book one of those in the warmer months.

This has long been hailed as one of the best places in the city to get an authentic wood-fired pizza, and the smell of the logs as the hand-stretched dough cooks, is as delightful as the dish itself. The brick-built oven was the first of its kind in Glasgow and their crafting meets the kind of standards you’d find in Napoli — as you can tell, pizza is a serious business here. Try one such as the Quattro Stagioni (tomato, mozzarella, mushroom, cooked ham, artichoke, black olives and anchovies), the Sophia Loren (tomato sauce, mozzarella, cooked ham, asparagus and a fried egg), the Calzone Ripieno with tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, salami and black pepper, or design your own.

Get your wheat fix with a bowl of steaming pasta, all of which is freshly made each day and served softer or al dente, according to your preference. There’s meat and fish on the menu too, with seafood platters, steaks, calamari, arancini, risotto, Shetland mussels and more. And if you’re only mildly peckish, you can order a bottle or glass of vino (or some cocktails) and an antipasto sharing plate, followed by some decadent dolci. Everything is fresh and seasonal, to support sustainability and to give diners the very best ingredients.

Get your wheat fix with a bowl of steaming pasta, all of which is freshly made each day and served softer or al dente, according to your preference. There’s meat and fish on the menu too, with seafood platters, steaks, calamari, arancini, risotto, Shetland mussels and more. And if you’re only mildly peckish, you can order a bottle or glass of vino (or some cocktails) and an antipasto sharing plate, followed by some decadent dolci. Everything is fresh and seasonal, to support sustainability and to give diners the very best ingredients.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Buchanan Galleries and the Royal Concert Hall, the restaurant’s pre-theatre menu is geared up to those planning to begin their night with a couple of hearty courses, before moving to a nearby entertainment venue. And there’s a lunch menu for those out shopping or planning a working lunch. Larger parties are catered for, making it a top choice for celebrations and parties of all kinds.

If you’ve not yet been, it’s time to book your table and see what all the fuss is about. With O Sole Mio’s long and rich heritage, it’s become a Glasgow institution. So next time you have a hankering for proper pizza and pasta, made the Napolese way, stop by and treat yourself.