Subscribe To This Site
Il Excellente
|
 | My mum doing the rounds |
I also remember him asking a customer once to re-tell a funny story he only caught the last part of, casually stuffing napkins in his ears as the customer began to speak! One other time the lights suddenly went out, and just as we started to think we'd been hit by a major power cut, Costanzo came in with a loaf of bread with lit candles in it, singing happy birthday for a very embarassed looking girl! An experience and a half.
Costanzo's actually been in the local newspapers over here for a while. Ristorante Caprese has been on Buchanan Street for well over 20 years, long before the street became the newly developed hub of shopping utopia it is now. Where the restaurant is situated however, is the only part of the street which remains undeveloped.
Without boring you with the complete story (too late?!!), suffice to say that there's been a long, hard-fought legal battle over development of the site and demolition of the restaurant, a battle between David & Goliath (or more accurately, Costanzo & two very large investment companies) that may yet end up in the House of Lords in London, and for quite some time this small, family-run restaurant has been holding its own with the support of its loyal & very well fed clientele. However, please read this unfortunate update.
Back to Top
What should I expect to eat?
 | Claire & John having |
As I said, once you head down the stairs into Ristorante Caprese, you'll likely be met by one of Costanzo's family who will lead you to your table. The first thing you'll notice is the hundreds of photos on the walls of delighted customers, celebrities and normals like us, and depending on what time you get there, you'll probably be immersed straight away with the busy & warm atmosphere which always relaxes & warms me up in no time.
Again depending on what time & day you book for, the menu and options available will vary. By and large though, quite aside from the massive array of outstanding wine on display, you'll find that on offer will be a good selection of traditional, freshly cooked Italian food, without much of the (usually unnecessary) twists we British tend to add to foreign dishes you'd never find if you actually visited Italy - we also do the same with Indian food here - just go to India & ask for a Chicken Tikka Masala (the UK's favourite dish) and you'd get a right funny look!
At Ristorante Caprese I'd thoroughly recommend trying one of the risottos, but if you get the chance you should also ask about their dover sole, sea bream, and their excellent caprese lasagne with aubergines & tiger prawns. Mouth watering or what? Whatever you do go for however, you can be sure it'll be v. tasty and served with a smile.
 |  |
Uncle Ronnie & me gabbing away | Me & my mummy - awww! |
 |  |
My Bro & Better Half | My family & Stevo's bald head! |
Back to Top
Where is it?
Well here's the secret! Have a good look at this handy map . Once you know what you're looking for, it ain't that difficult to find. Ristorante Caprese Glasgow is on Buchanan Street, up towards the Royal Concert Hall at the top of the street, and you look to your left when you pass the first entrance to Buchanan Galleries (the one with all the stairs).
The outside is shown on the picture at the top of this page, so you shouldn't have much difficulty in finding it. It really is a case of only being able to locate it if you're looking for it, because otherwise you'll likely pass it by without a thought - and that's probably why it's still one of Glasgow's best kept secrets.
Back to Top
How can I get a table?
So to enjoy a great Italian lunch or dinner you'll just never forget, and experience what I've been on about & what people like Billy Connolly, Dan Akroyd, Alan Rickman, and even our late First Minister Donald Dewar have come to taste, and if my (rather drunken) family photo below doesn't put you off too much, give the restaurant a call on +44 141 332 3070 and get in there quick before it's booked out.
Trust me, Ristorante Caprese Glasgow is an absolute gem of a restaurant you'll be talking about for years to come!
Mia Famiglia! To the left - Dad, Steven, Tracey, Claire, John - to the right - Mum, Me, Ronnie, Margaret, John
Return from Ristorante Caprese Glasgow to Glasgow Restaurants
Return to Home Page
