Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is made more memorable with strands of ginger, tomato, chives, soya, and tart citrus
yuzu fruit juice. Main courses might include rump of Shetland lamb or roast guinea
fowl. Staff are relaxed but totally professional.
104 Bath St.
&
0141/332-6678.
www.diningroomglasgow.com. Reservations recommended. Fixed-
price lunch £13.50; main courses £15-£24. AE, MC, V. Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm and 5-10pm; Sun 5-10pm.
Underground: Buchanan St.
Gamba
FISH/SEAFOOD For many, Gamba is Glasgow's best restaurant on
the strength of its fresh fish and seafood dishes prepared by chef and co-owner
Derek Marshall. The basement venture is modern and stylish without feeling exces-
sively fancy. Starters include Marshall's signature fish soup or a pseudo-Japanese
style sashimi, with succulent slices of salmon and scallops. Main courses may
include whole lemon sole in browned butter or delicate pan-seared sea bream. And
desserts are not an afterthought either, whether a smooth panna cotta or ice cream
infused with Scotch whisky. If you're on a tight budget, however, try the lunch or
pre-theater fixed-price menu. The great food is complemented by professional and
cordial staff.
225a W. George St.
&
0141/572-0899.
www.gamba.co.uk. Reservations required. Fixed-price lunch £17;
main courses £20-£26. AE, MC, V. Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm and 5-10:30pm. Underground: Buchanan St.
Ho Wong
CHINESE One of the city's fanciest Chinese restaurants, this classy
establishment is on a rather inauspicious block between the river and Argyle Street,
just southwest of Glasgow's Central Station. The ambience is refined and even a bit
romantic. There are traditionally at least eight duck dishes on the menu, along with
a few types of fresh lobster, plenty of fish options, and some sizzling platters as well.
If you have trouble deciding, the banquet option makes life easier.
82 York St.
&
0141/221-3550.
www.ho-wong.com. Reservations recommended. Fixed-price lunch
£10.50; main courses £14-£22. AE, MC, V. Mon-Sat noon-2pm; daily 6-11:30pm; Sun 5-10:30pm. Under-
ground: St. Enoch.
Michael Caines @ ABode
FRENCH When it opened in 2005, this restaurant
had ambitions to be the best in the city. Chef/owner Michael Caines appears on
British TV and had already earned Michelin stars in England. It didn't happen here
but still it is hard to find fault with the cooking and presentation of dishes, such as
salmon with spinach ravioli or saddle of venison with “boulangère” (slow-cooked)
potatoes, squash puree, and red cabbage. The dining room is modern and stylish, as
you would expect in a boutique hotel such as ABode (p. 173). In addition to this
fine-dining restaurant, there is a cafe/bar in the basement.
129 Bath St.
&
0141/221-6789.
www.michaelcaines.com. Reservations required. Fixed-price lunch £12.95;
fixed-price dinner £19. AE, MC, V. Tues-Sat noon-2:30pm and 6-10pm. Underground: Buchanan St.
Rogano
FISH/SEAFOOD A landmark dining establishment, Rogano boasts a
reasonably well-preserved and still impressive Art Deco interior that was patterned
after the
Queen Mary
ocean liner. Much of what you see dates back to the opening
of an oyster bar here in 1935. Since then, the space has expanded, and Rogano has
hosted virtually every visiting celebrity to Glasgow. Service is attentive and informed.
The menu emphasizes seafood, such as halibut or lobster, often in traditional if pos-
sibly old-fashioned recipes. Alas, the food doesn't always live up to expectations
raised by these prices. A less expensive menu is offered downstairs in Cafe Rogano,
where the price for a main course hovers around the £12 mark.
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