THERE are not many restaurants brave enough to bring the traditional Scottish menu into the 21st century - except for Café Scarlet.
The Sauchiehall Street venue is offering an array of tempting dishes which can be best described as Scottish fusion.
Those classic meals that you loved as a child can now be considered as part of a fine dining experience and they still taste as good as ever.
Based in the city centre, Café Scarlet represents the stylish side of Glasgow with its funky and modern decor.
Visitors can expect the typical European cafe ambiance that is often found in the bustling bistros in stylish cities like Paris - yet they do not even have to leave the confinements Glasgow.
Since it's opening in April 2006, the trendy diner has nestled itself as a favourite with the both locals and tourists.
Café Scarlet head Chef Iain Grant also adds to the glamour of this bistro - he won a silver medal at the Blue Ribbon-Compass group, national chef of the year 2006 awards. And is a nominee for the Scottish restaurant chef of the year 2007
this chef insures that all the ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced - and the freshness and quality of the food helps create some of the best Scottish dishes around.
Stornoway black pudding and pan seared venison are some of the fine meals on offer but if your tastes are more simple Café Scarlet also offers a wide range of pastas and pizzas.
This eatery also has some unique items on its menu - and your unlikely to find some of the dishes elsewhere as they have been innovatively created by head chef Iain Grant.
Try the succulent tiger prawns marinated in fresh chilli and malt whisky pan fried to perfection with garlic and coriander. This dish also comes with linguine pasta.
French corn fed chicken stuffed with haggis and braised lamb shank is another popular choice amongst diners as is potted kedgeree and warm salmon and artichoke salad.
Aside from the menu, Café Scarlet atmosphere is warm and inviting. The cosy booth and plush decor add to the warmth of the eatery.
The establishment also boasts using the best fresh fish in its dishes and they even claim that nobody does Aberdeen Angus steaks better.
Plus the chips to complement these dishes are a piece of art themselves as the chef has mastered creating moreish and crispy hand-cut chips.
With the restaurant being so close to the King's theatre, GFT cinema and the ABC concert venue, it makes the perfect choice for a pre-theatre meal which is offered from 5-7pm and prices for two courses start from £9.95.
And if you are even in town for a bit of shopping, you should take advantage of Café Scarlet's lunch menu which runs from 12-5pm. Prices for two courses start from £7.75 and three courses cost £9.95. One of the specials on the menu includes soup and a sandwich for £5.75.
You can also take a trip down memory lane with the traditional Sunday roast that will be available on the Christmas menu.
Other dishes during the festive season will incorporate goose and venison.
Café Scarlet is a quality place to dine whether it is day or night. Its location, decor and food add to the experience.
It's perfect if you want to get back to your roots and taste some of Scotland's best cuisine.
very happy birthday girl
I have eaten in this restaurant for the first time last Saturday, as it was my birthday, it was a family occasion so my young children were there also. My children were made to feel very welcome, which is unusual for a quality restaurant in Glasgow. The food was outstanding, it was great to see the chef cooking our food, the kids loved it. I would definitely eat there again not only for the excellent food but also the great service as a whole that was provided.
a very happy scotsman
Well what can I say about this place. My wife and I had dinner here after a recommendation from a friend for our 1st wedding anniversary. We both had 3 courses and the food was outstanding. Where we sat you can see into the kitchen and we saw the chef doing his thing. It is also very refreshing to see a competent chef at work and produce such lovely food and quickly as well. So all I would say is go to this restaurant as it is the best in Glasgow. I will definitely be going there again.
jamie
I am a regular diner in some of Glasgows best known eateries. Having been recommended by a number of my colleagues I decided to try the little known restaurant out. Fantastic is an understatement, And being able to watch the chef's prepare our dinner was a real experience. Will definitely be frequenting again.
paul
Thanks to all at scarlet. my girlfriend and i payed a visit to Glasgow and happened upon scarlet by chance. we live in Norway but will be travelling to Glasgow for her birthday and i am looking forward to bringing some friends with me to enjoy a fantastic steak