Café Gandolfi

Café Gandolfi was opened in 1979 right at the start of the revival of the now trendy Merchant City. Once part of the old Glasgow cheese market, this Café Bar has deservedly lasted the course, and you will often find it hard to get a table. The name comes from the Italian Gandolfi brothers who produced cameras in a bygone age. In tribute the walls are lined with black and white photos of old cafes and restaurants.

 Key to the Café's attraction is the combination of Tim Stead wood furnishings and John Clarke stained glass windows. Add a couple of wooden sculptures, including a model of "St Mungos on the Tron", and the dark wood walls, high ceilings and blackboards all lend to the atmosphere.

The "Good Morning” Menu includes Egg en cocotte with combinations of ham, cheese and toast as well as croissants and scones.  Cappuccino, expresso, mocha, hot chocolate and a choice of teas are the hot drinks on offer. There is also a selection of cakes.

There is a choice of sandwiches (sourdough or baguettes) and pasta linguini. Light meals embrace soups, pate, salads, and cheeses. There is a modest dessert menu.

Proprietor, Seumas McInnes' parents came from the Isle of Barra and his motto is "deagh bhiadh – deagh bhennachd" or "well fed – well blessed". In keeping with the Scottish theme items on the menu include Stornoway black and white puddings, Arbroath smokies, Finnan haddock, Cullen Skink and Haggis, neeps and tatties! Mmmm…!

Bar Gandolfi, opened in 2002 and designed by John Neil McLeod, can be found upstairs. It has a contrasting décor of traditional white tiles and steel rafters. Tim Stead's furniture is the common denominator; a similar, but not identical, menu is on offer.

Such is Café Gandolfi's legendary reputation you can now buy the T-shirt (£10) …. and the Apron (£12) and the Cappuccino cup and saucer (£10).

Why would I go there?  Tim Stead's furniture and the unusual fitting out

Any Negatives? Some would find Café Gandolfi more of a bar – and less of a café.

Before or After:
1. Walking – round Glasgow's revived Merchant City.
2. Shopping at the Italian Centre

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