Restaurant review: Sugo Pasta, 70 Mitchell Street, Glasgow

This Glasgow restaurat is housed in the iconic Lighthouse Building, which was Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s first public commission.

Location

Perfectly situated in the city centre, just a few minutes’ walk from Central Station.

First impressions

Like its sister pizzeria, Paesano, there is no booking system so be prepared for a short wait. The lighting and contemporary décor create a warm, cool vibe.

Service

Staff are friendly, quick and attentive.

The focus is on 10 pasta mains, including meat, vegetarian and seafood varieties, plus a few specials, sides and desserts. The pasta is made fresh, authentically mirroring dishes served across Italian regions such as Tuscany, Sicily and Lazio. Standout dishes include pappardelle with slow-cooked beef ragu, and squid ink spaghetti with baby squid ragu. If you have room, Italian-style afters include cannolo with ricotta pistachio and chocolate and affogato (ice cream and espresso).

Taste

Simple but absolutely delicious. Freshly-made pasta, cooked perfectly al dente. The spinach and ricotta ravioli with sage butter tastes divine – indulgent but not too heavy. The tagliolini with pesto, green beans and potato is an interesting and tasty combination with the fresh and tangy pesto the star of the show. We don’t have room for dessert but our neighbouring diners recommend the affogato and caramel tart.

Ambience

The communal tables, large open kitchen and busy turnover of satisfied customers all add to a lively, warm and laidback atmosphere. It’s a fun dining experience but perhaps not ideal for those seeking a quiet, intimate meal.