Harden's survey result
Summary
“Not a café, but a bar and restaurant in the Merchant City area” that’s also, to give it full dues, a “Glasgow institution”, having been founded back in 1979 and having introduced Glaswegians to cappuccino machines, as well as wowing them with its distinctive wooden furniture, custom-made by Tim Stead. Downstairs is well “worth a visit for days where you want to have a simple dish, of higher quality than normal pub grub” (burgers, Scotch eggs, neeps and tatties), while the upstairs bar, of more recent vintage, is a fine place for a brew.
Summary
Born way back in 1979, this pioneering Merchant City legend was the first to introduce Glasgow to cappuccino machines, and its custom-made Tim Stead furniture has long been of note among aesthetes. The loft was converted into Bar Gandolfi relatively recently by their standards (2002), while the cosy panelled downstairs space turns out “simple” but “good- quality” grub (sourdough open sandwiches, haggis, neeps and tatties) that’s fair value too.
Summary
“Just a home from home” for its many long-term fans – this Merchant City institution (est 1979) provides a cosy setting, characterised by its paneled walls and custom-made furniture (by Tim Stead). The fare is straightforward rather than of any huge aspiration, but it makes for an affordable destination.
Summary
Original hand-made furniture (by Tim Stead) and a characterful, panelled interior add to the enduring appeal of this 40-year-old favourite in the Merchant City – one of Glasgow’s stalwart culinary institutions. The food (served from breakfast) is wholesome, but un-fancy: burger, risotto, rarebit, Arbroath Smokies and so on.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Café Gandolfi?
64 Albion St, Glasgow, G1 1NY
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.40 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
64 Albion St, Glasgow, G1 1NY
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am‑5 pm |
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Pizza restaurant in Glasgow
Japanese restaurant in Glasgow
Scottish restaurant in Glasgow
