The Italian Kitchen

In Merchant City, The Italian Kitchen wears its ambition on its sleeve: to be measured against the trattorie of Italy rather than the neighbours next door. The kitchen champions freshness, from sauces and breads made daily to the bright bite of San Marzano tomatoes at the heart of its sauces and pizzas. Passion is the through-line, and it shows on the plate.

Pizza is treated with reverence, prepared to DOC standards with double '0' grade flour, extra virgin olive oil and mozzarella di bufala. Across the menu, the story moves from delicate carpaccio and crisp arancini alla salsiccia to restorative minestrone and risotto alla pescatora. Pasta finds its stride in fettuccine gamberoni or rich spaghetti con filetto, while the stove brings branzino and filetto di salmone to the fore.

The mood is unhurried and generous, the kind that invites a second conversation as readily as a second course. Tear into warm focaccia al pomodoro or indulgent focaccia aglio e burro and linger as Merchant City hums outside.

Whether it is a swift lunch or a lingering evening, The Italian Kitchen serves Italian flavours with a Glasgow heart. Book a table and let la dolce vita lead the way.