Location
In the heart of the Lanarkshire town which is a favourite with footballers.
First impressions
It feels like a lot of money was spent on this sprawling restaurant and deli, which opened last year. Shimmering blue tiles, sparkling floors, perfectly white exterior – the place is immaculate.
Service
Turning up without a reservation, we had the choice of sitting on stools at the pizza bar in the restaurant, or at a table out by the bar/deli. We chose the latter. It was only as we were ordering that we discovered this area wasn’t licensed, albeit customers could bring their own bottle. We should have been told before choosing our seats.
Menu
There are separate menus for the restaurant and the deli. The former has an extensive meat and fish menu while the deli also offers a wide range of pizzas and a different choice of pastas.
Taste
Minestrone might be a staple of Italian restaurants, but this one was done particularly well. The penne alla barese was simple but packed with flavour thanks to fresh broccoli in a simple oil, garlic and chilli sauce (we chose to have it without the anchovies). Portion size was smaller than expected. We thought they had accidentally given us the small portion (£7.50, compared to £12 for the large) but the receipt confirmed otherwise.
Price
Some choices seem good value, others a little overpriced.
Ambience
The restaurant was abuzz, while the deli area was more relaxed.
Something special
Step into the main deli before you leave and take home some of their bread, coffee, cheese or meat.
Toilets
Like the rest of the place, finished to a high end and sparkling.
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