Cafe Gandolfi
Opening Hours
🕐 Closes at 4:00 pm on Sunday 26 October
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Overview
Cafe Gandolfi is one of Glasgow's oldest family-run restaurants, established in 1979 and renowned as a Scottish institution in the Merchant City. The restaurant offers the best of Scottish produce through dishes that evolve and delight in equal measure, with sustainability at the forefront of all menu decisions. Located at 64 Albion Street, Cafe Gandolfi features two distinct spaces: the main restaurant adorned with famous Tim Stead furniture creating a warm and welcoming setting, and an intimate upstairs bar perfect for wine and cocktails in the evening, also available for private hire and events. Their Gaelic motto "Deagh bhiadh, deagh bheannachd" (Well fed, well blessed) reflects their Hebridean heritage values, emphasizing that good food is one of life's atavistic joys and that eating together strengthens bonds between family and friends. Open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday 8am-10:30pm, and Sunday 9am-5pm, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside drinks and cocktails. The ever-changing menus reflect the seasons and prioritize sustainability. The importance of the all-round dining experience is underpinned by a culture and ethos among staff, management and owner which embrace warmth, welcome and creativity. Cafe Gandolfi has become an iconic Glasgow restaurant, creating valuable shared moments around the table.
What People Are Saying
Cafe Gandolfi has established itself as one of Glasgow's most celebrated Scottish dining destinations, consistently earning exceptional praise for its authentic cuisine, cozy atmosphere, and outstanding service. The restaurant has been described as outstanding, unique, and cozy, with reviewers consistently awarding it five-star ratings and declaring it a must-visit destination when in Glasgow.
The food at Cafe Gandolfi receives outstanding reviews, with one reviewer declaring it possibly the best Scottish food they ate in Scotland. Dishes are consistently described as incredibly good, delicious, high quality, and full of taste. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its use of high-quality ingredients that are cooked perfectly, creating dishes that exceed expectations across the menu.
Breakfast at Cafe Gandolfi is particularly celebrated, with reviewers describing it as one of the best breakfasts they've had in a long time. The full breakfasts receive particular acclaim, with the Stornoway black pudding singled out as especially delicious and high quality. The Eggs Benedict is described as fantastic, and the full Scottish breakfast is consistently praised as great. The restaurant's ability to deliver exceptional breakfast experiences has made it a popular destination for morning dining, with reviewers noting it can get busy but still manages to accommodate guests.
The restaurant's dessert offerings also receive exceptional praise, with the dark chocolate cheesecake described as the best reviewers have ever had. This attention to quality across all courses, from breakfast through dessert, demonstrates the establishment's commitment to excellence throughout the menu.
Service at Cafe Gandolfi is consistently praised as really great, with staff described as very friendly, personable, kind, welcoming, and very understanding. The staff's ability to know regulars' names demonstrates their attention to building relationships with customers and creating a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. The staff's understanding and friendliness extend to families with young children, with one reviewer noting that staff were very understanding when visiting with an 11-month-old baby who couldn't stay still, making the family feel so welcome. This level of hospitality and accommodation contributes significantly to positive dining experiences.
The restaurant's atmosphere is consistently described as great, cozy, and unique, creating a welcoming environment that enhances the dining experience. The venue is described as very well-kept, demonstrating attention to cleanliness and maintenance that contributes to the overall positive experience.
For visitors to Glasgow, Cafe Gandolfi has become a destination that many feel is essential to experience. The restaurant's ability to deliver exceptional Scottish cuisine, outstanding breakfasts, great service, and a cozy atmosphere has earned it a loyal following. Whether you're seeking authentic Scottish food, one of the best breakfasts in the city, or simply a welcoming place to enjoy high-quality cuisine, Cafe Gandolfi consistently delivers experiences that reviewers describe as absolutely loved and the best time. The combination of quality food, excellent service, cozy atmosphere, and family-friendly approach makes it a standout and highly recommended establishment in Glasgow's dining scene.
Reviews
Visited Cafe Gandolfi for breakfast on a Tuesday around 10am It was busy but thankfully some spare tables to accommodate the two of us - we had 2 full breakfasts. Food was really delicious and high quality - especially the stornoway black pudding. Service was really great, staff were very friendly and personable
Read on Google MapsOutstanding, unique and cosy restaurant, the food was incredibly good. Lots of taste. And the staff is so kind and welcoming. An address you must visit
Read on Google MapsThis is possibly the best Scottish food we ate in Scotland. The place is very well-kept, and the staff is kind and friendly. An excellent place that you must visit when you're in Glasgow.
Read on Google MapsOne of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time. The staff are very friendly and know all the regulars names. I had the Eggs Benedict and it was fantastic. My wife had the full Scottish and it too was great. High-quality ingredients cooked perfectly!
Read on Google MapsAbsolutely love the place. The food was delicious and the dark chocolate cheesecake was the best we ever had. And the atmosphere was great. We came with our 11 month old baby who can’t stay still, staff were friendly and very understanding, we felt so welcome and had the best time. Will definitely go back again when we are visiting the city next.
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