Singl-end

Went back to Singl-​end today to have lunch with my friends. We ordered some pasta which took a little longer than expected to be served to us but despite the tardiness, the food was marvellous! I had the pasta with calamari, cockles and prawns, and it really satisfied my seafood craving! Also, the staff are extremely sweet and friendly; they even came to apologise and explain why the food was a bit late, which to me seemed very polite and responsible of them so kudos! I really recommend trying this place out! The food is well worth it!

The time has come that someone in their infinite wisdom has decided to open a retro futuristic Italian restaurant in Glasgow. What ever next you may say? A post war apocalyptic Filipino art café? It’s a strange concept for an Italian restaurant but beyond the wacky tv’s, tablets on extenders and industrial type factory feel this is one of the most honest and authentic Italian menus in the city.
Having no idea what dishes to go for we decided to try the taster menu at £25 a head. The waiting staff explained that we would get a sample of different things over 5 courses, so it was an excellent way of getting to try everything.
We were quickly seated when we arrived and were asked whether we wanted still or sparkling water for the table. A nice touch I thought and about time a restaurant starting giving out complimentary water, we all know its cheap after all. HOWEVER, be warned we were actually charged a fair old price for the bottles we consumed and I was annoyed as hell. I massively hate up selling and there is no need for it. I will happily buy a bottle of water but don’t lure me into a false sense of belief that it could be free. Grrrrrr, angry face!!!
Anyway onto the fist course, which was the aperitivo. Two tiny bottles of Crodino (a classic Italian bitter soda) to share amongst 4? Hmmm, you do the maths. These drinks are inexpensive so surely they could have given us one each, naw? I decided not to have one and left the other 3 to fight over the 2 bottles, hehe. We also were served some delicious mini fired nibbles like mini arrancini and sausage wrapped in courgette. They were really delicious and I scoffed ‘em up no problem.
Next up a mixed antipasto platter on what looked like a piece of cardboard. The presentation was nice, but the majority of food lacked real flavour. Most of the stuff was decent quality though. Nice cured meats, cheeses, mini salads, roast /​pickled veggies etc. Again, a bit annoying as because there were 4 of us it was difficult to split some things. Maybe a little thought about the number of slices of some things wouldn’t go a miss here?
The primi or pasta /​risottos were next and perhaps these were the best of all the dishes. We got a lovely pea orrechiette dish, some Roman dumplings in a tomato and sausage ragu and a seafood risotto. All cooked well, nicely seasoned with authentic flavours. I’m always a fan when the menu doesn’t contain your typical boring Spag Bol and Carbonra, after all, restaurants in Italy would never serve this stuff!
In true Italian style the secondo was next which is usually fish or meat course. We got some lamb cutlets which were very tender and nicely seasoned. For me they were a bit too bloody so I concentrated on the monkfish instead. The meat and fish were served with a classic southern Italian style Ciambotta which is a mix of fried peppers, aubergine, potato and tomatoes. This is one of my all time favourite things in the world but it was a little bland and I thought the choice of herbs used to flavour the dish was odd. Anyway the fish was great but all the other side dishes (like the roasted tomatoes) were again flavourless and not very appealing.
To round things up were a selection of deserts and unfortunately they were some of the worst deserts I have ever sampled! A massive disappointment :(Basically you could quite easily tell that they had all been lying in a fridge for about 3 days. Dried out wiped cream, soggy biscuits, you get the picture. I was shocked that they actually served us this stuff. Anyway to wash away the rather horrid deserts I opted for a wee espresso. Again BAD choice. Acidic, burnt and oily tasting. Not how an espresso should be, another sad face.
All in all this was a major mixed bag for Singl End. The pasta and meat /​fish dishes where fantastic, some of the best I’ve had in the City but the other courses were massive let downs.
However, at least I know when I go back it will be for the pasta and meat /​fish dishes. If I could award half stars this would definitely be a 2.5. But seeing as the pastas and secondi were so good I’m gonna round it up to a 3, cause I’m nice like that. Here’s hoping the next visit will be much better.

Place had a great review in the herald so went, with a very lost taxi driver, to have a look. Really nice venue and décor although not a fan of the screens everywhere.
We went for the tasting menu, very reasonably priced at £25pp. Loads of wee starters, three beautiful pasta dishes, a wonderful fish main, amongst many others (five courses).
It’s byob as it doesn’t have its license yet — so remember and bring a bottle or you’ll have to take a wander to the local offie (like me!). Will definitely be back and once the owner has his license I’m sure he’ll be getting the fifth star !

This place initially caused me some confusion, as I had been led to believe that it was owned by someone I know. Turns out that that was a michty fine confusion, but it still leaves me positively disposed toward the place. As does the fact that all the ceramics for the place were made at Fireworks Studio in Garnethill, who also do all the mugs for the Tiki Bar on Bath St.
We were here last weekend for a private function (friend’s birthday) and as fizz & nibbles had been laid on, we got to sample some of the culinary treats — I’m making up the names as there wasn’t a menu so: sausage wrapped in courgette, whitebait, tiramasu, wee tiny dessert bite ‘hings, blue cheese & shrimp, parma ham & cheese sandwiches… presented on a pizza lid (savoury) and tiny wee paper cups (tiramasu). I’m led to believe that there’s some sort of tasting menu that’s pretty good. The wine was good, the beers of quality but not too expensive.
I was really impressed with the quality of the food, the décor and the staff attitude. I like that it’s hidden, I like that the sinks in the bathrooms are made from Singer tables & the taps have wee shut-​off valves. I like that the tables have postcards and cigarette cards set between glass. I like that the staff were just amazing, I like that it’s sorta kinda hidden behind Sausageroll street.
Will be back on a regular night to see how these here pull-​down menu things work.

This place opened towards the end of last year. It really is the definition of a hidden gem as it could be easy to miss (there’s now a lot more signage which was handy). It’s located behind the Beresford and you can either walk up the stupidly steep hill on Garnet Street, or take the more reasonable approach by going via Charing Cross and up Renfrew Street (I hate hills, ok).
On my first visit, they weren’t open when they were meant to be and so I had to wander off and find food somewhere else. I was a bit disappointed but they tweeted me to say they’d had a problem with the delivery that morning, so that’s fair enough.
The place was pretty quiet last night when we visited but I really liked the décor — very futuristic and unusual. Glass tables with postages and stamps as decorations, and tablet menus that you pull down from the roof. While these menus aren’t really perfect (it’s a powerpoint presentation so if you spy something you like you have to wait for it to get back to that page) but we had a great waiter who was very helpful and assisted us in making a choice. I was totally starving so was keen to order quickly — we went for the antipasti which is 9 different selections served on a pizza box lid for £8 pp.
When the box lid arrived, I initially assumed that was our total order to share but Graeme got his own box lid so I was very impressed with the generous portions. While I don’t really get the presentation, I really loved the selection. My favourites were the arancini and the pizza potato croquette but it was nice to try some bits that I wouldn’t necessarily order if I had a choice. We also got some focaccia and olives to share — the focaccia was a little doughy and perhaps needed a bit longer to cook.
We then opted to share a main sized pasta between us and had the pappardelle with Italian sausage for £8. This was verging on the side of being far too salty and either needed less salt, or a creamy cheese to cut through it. That being said, we still ate it all and I really enjoyed the very fresh, homemade pasta and the tomato sauce.
Service was friendly, efficient and helpful. You must visit the bathroom while you’re here — they are very cool. I’ll say no more!
Our bill came to a very reasonable £30 between two with a couple of soft drinks. They also offer a tasting menu for £25 pp which I’d be keen to return to try.

So I do like to be ahead of the curve and this place is defiantly ahead of the curve.
A very modern feel with tv screens everywhere. The difference is that the tv screens that pull down at the tables are the menus.
Food wise it is a little early to tell what the permanent menu will be like. Currently the taster menu is fabulous. Covering every pallet and plenty of choice if you are veggie, vegan or need gluten free.
If you are just looking for a coffee and a cake they cover that too. Coffee tastes fabulous and is far better than their big name competitors and in a much nicer environment.
The staff are all excellent from what I have seen and it gives the place an excellent atmosphere
The only issue may be the location. It is a little hidden away in a basement location and on the wrong end of the road to get much passing trade. That said if you work or live around charring cross once you find this place you will never want to leave.