Editor Pick
Fratelli Sarti
- May 17, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
artslover from Calgary, Alberta
Fratelli Sarti has two locations. The original deli is on Wellington Street; around the corner, steps away from the Arthouse Hotel on Bath Street, is the slightly more formal restaurant.
The Bath Street restaurant is a couple of steps down from the street in a basement or semi-basement. The minute you step inside, you feel like you are no longer in Scotland, but in Tuscany. The brick walls are covered with shelves holding olives, sauces, coffee, and cakes. Wine is stored in an alcove dining area and stocked in abundance. Tables are covered in red and white chequered tablecloths. There is an open kitchen at the far end and you can hear Italian being spoken among the staff.
The menu and specials lists are extensive, with traditional family recipes alongside regional delicacies. Our starters included thin deep-red slices of beef, marinated in strong Barolo wine with rocket, Parmesan and pine nuts; giant prawns, grilled and flamed in white wine with a lemon, garlic, chili and parsley sauce. There are plenty of affordable pizzas and pastas, and traditional Tuscan stews which include plump, herby sausage slow cooked in a spicy tomato sauce flavoured with black olives and wholesome borlotti beans. The linguine vongole and spaghetti carbonara were the most delicious we had eaten anywhere. For dessert, we loved the smooth, rich tiramisu accompanied by the best espresso we sampled in Scotland.
The servers were very friendly and efficient. Despite being busy with the crowded restaurant, they took the time to find out where we were from and whether we were enjoying Glasgow. They were glad to give us suggestions of what we should do and see. They also told us you can bring in your own alcohol for a corkage fee, but with all the choice available at the restaurant, we were happy to order from the wine list.
The restaurant is very popular so reservations are strongly recommended; although, when we went, they some how had lost our reservation but managed to squeeze us in despite the lack of a reservation. For traditional Tuscan food, this is one of the best we have ever tasted and the lively friendly atmosphere cannot be beat. We will definitely be going back.
From journal Friendly Glasgow