The Giffnock Ivy

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

With the choice of name Ivy, the owner clearly has pretensions to being a first-rate establishment. Impressive from outside, with large inviting windows, a smart well-lit exterior, it calls out to seekers of fine food to enter its portals. The interior does not disappoint either, plush décor, smart white linen, fresh flowers on the tables and comfortable red chairs. It’s clearly a popular venue for the good folk of Giffnock, as friendly staff appear to know people by first name, with a small private snug acting as an intimate location for a family occasion. The menu is as impressive as the décor, and although lacking in many vegetarian options, the kitchen will try to do bespoke veggie dishes on request. The scallops come skilfully seared on slices of black pudding, which is light with a savoury cereal flavour. Large mushrooms are stuffed with strong blue cheese and grilled, creating a memorable, almost meaty taste. For main course, the duck breast comes pink in the middle with a crunchy skin, complemented by red wine sauce and creamy pommes dauphinoise. For pudding, rhubarb creme-brulee is a delightful mix of sugary custard and tart fruit. With food this good it’s worth heading out of town for a meal of this quality.

• High point: Quality food served in style
• Low point: Cheese is not the only vegetarian flavour