Oro provides the golden touch to Italian food in Glasgow

Food

Upon entering Oro, you will feel as though you have been transported to Italy thanks to the Italian inspired artwork and pizza portraits. The menu is extensive and is sure to delight all diners with a wide range of meat and vegetarian dishes, alongside pizza and pasta, and a mouthwatering Dolce dessert menu. 

Why not start off your Italian feast with 12-inch traditional Italian focaccia flatbread, which is ideal for sharing and is seasoned with herbs, rock salt and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively enjoy homemade garlic bread or a classic bruschetta, which is an explosion of fresh tomato, red onion, and fresh basil.

For meat lovers, a range of meat-based starters are available including crispy king prawns, meatballs al forno and pan roasted mussels with a cream, garlic and white wine sauce served with Italian toasted bread. Moving onto mains you will find a wide selection of fresh pasta dishes including mushroom tagliatelle, spaghetti carbonara, spicy chicken penne and tagliatelle Bolognese. Pollo Milanese (£16.95) is an Italian favourite and consists of breaded chicken served with a choice of side dish, such as pasta. Gluten free pasta is available also on request. 

If pizza is more your thing than get ready to be impressed. Oro specialise in authentic Italian pizzas thanks to its stone baked oven and impressive pizzaiolos. Popular options on the pizza menu include Five Pepper Inferno, which is a fusion of bell peppers, jalapeños and chilli flakes topped with spicy Italian pepperoni sausage and Nduju (£14.95). Goat’s cheese and grapes is another popular option – goat’s cheese combined with flame baked grapes topped off with baked pears, caramelised onions, walnuts, artichokes, fresh rosemary, and a swirl of balsamic syrup. Yum.

If you don’t find a pizza that takes your fancy there is also the option to create your own from a range of toppings including broccoli, gorgonzola, salami and anchovies. Make sure to request a pizza dip as they are perfect for dunking crusts. The options include honey and mustard mayo, chilli jam or garlic and herb.

Hopefully you will have left room for dessert as you don’t want to miss sampling the iconic Oro doughnuts, which are perfect for sharing and are light and fluffy. These warm, fresh doughnuts are served hot with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a trio of delicious dipping sauces. It wouldn’t be a trip to Oro without some tiramisu either.

Drinks

Not only is Oro a hit for its amazing Italian cuisine, but the restaurant also boasts an impressive drinks menu including an extensive cocktail list with prices between £8.50 and £8.95. 

Tiramisu Martini is perfect for those that can’t decide between a dessert after dinner or a coffee as it is made of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso with an added layer of hazelnut infused cream. 

Alternatively, you can also find classics such as a Mojito and Bellini on the menu. However, if you want to channel your inner Italian indulge in an Aperol Spritz and transport yourself to a restaurant in Rome.

‘Ashton Lane of Shawlands’ 

Domenico has plans to transform the area behind his Italian restaurant to become a trendy beer garden in what he refers to as ‘bringing Ashton Lane to the southside’. In 2021 planning permission was granted by Glasgow City Council for this dream to become a reality. If the plans are executed this would also create opportunities for other businesses in the area as there would be space for mixed units, which could house restaurants, hairdressers, cafes and art studios. Plans are also set to reflect old Scotland taking inspiration from Shawlands and its surrounding areas.

Until then, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Oro.