Mr Foodie Say aye to the paes I know
A much-awaited addition to the Glasgow foodie scene opened this week: a second Paesano in the city, and the first in the west end. So there’s now no need for westendies to head into the city centre and queue for the legendary pizzas.
Inside
Paesano occupies a prime location on the corner of Great Western Rd and Otago Street, where Costa used to be. Although we were never in the Costa there, we understand that it was quite dark and claustrophobic in comparison. Originally the building was a bank, as you can see from the window inscription above the entrance (it would be good to see interior photos from the building’s banking days).
Inside it’s bright, airy and spacious, and completely different in style from the original Paesano. Think more Parisian bistro rather than the beer hall look of the Miller St location but you can still watch the chefs at work.
Menu
The menu is the same as the Miller Street location so no panic there, and just like the city centre restaurant there are specials on the wall.
Food
I chose a special, a Cantabrian anchovy sugo and garlic pizza (£7). The server advised that these are the best anchovies in the world and that the pizza had NO cheese! For a cheese lover like Mr Foodie this was almost a deal breaker! But he was glad he ordered it – lots of tomato sugo and enough garlic to flavour but not overpower, it was actually really tasty despite the missing cheese! The anchovies were, as expected, not as salty as regular ones.
Mr P chose another special, the Nduja chorizo pizza (£8), a really spicy meaty “volcanic” looking pizza.
Both had the trademark Paesano soft and light bases with a scattering of fresh toppings which make it such a draw.
Sides of artichokes and sun-blushed tomatoes (£3), and rocket and Parmesan salad (£3) were also ordered. Everything was fresh and tasty.
Sadly for pudding, they had sold out of Chocolate peanut torte (£4) so we both opted for the spiced apple & pecan cake (£4) instead. With a proper home-baking taste it was moist, fruity and an absolutely massive slice! We struggled to finish the cake – pizza (with salad?!) is surprisingly filling!
We also had a glass of a decent house red, free tap water was provided and we both finished with two Danesi coffees.
With such speedy, prompt service we didn’t even have time to check out the facilities!
TL;DR
+ Best pizza in the west end?
+ Fast service
+ Handy location
+ Very filling
+ Good cake and coffee
+ It’s not expensive for what you get
Location:
Paesano Pizza West End
471 Great Western Road
Glasgow
G12 8AB
Nearest public transport is Kelvinbridge underground a 3 minute walk away.
Come say hello
Disclaimer: We visited on their launch night so got free grub but Fred says you should still trust us even though he doesn’t like pizza, though he is partial to the occasional anchovy. Chorizo and Nduja not so much as it “bites back”.
