University Café

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

Established in 1918, the University Café is a Byres Road institution, serving fish suppers, fry-ups and homemade lasagne for nearly a century. Inside, the décor is practically unchanged since opening, original wood panelled walls, narrow formica tables with red vinyl flip-down seats, and the tall jars of old-fashioned sweets behind the counter all create a comforting feeling of falling though a time–warp to the Fifties seaside. Alongside homemade soup and pasta are the full array of deep-fried delights you would expect from a fish and chip shop. The full breakfast is a modest £4.50, while the fish supper offers a piece of flaky white fish, with fat, fluffy chips and is served with bread and butter, perfect for enjoying with a mug of milky tea. Along with its award-winning homemade Italian ice-cream, you can always just pop in for a roll and sausage or a caramel wafer if you are in a hurry. Always buzzing with a wide range of Glaswegian life, the University Café claims a special place in the hearts of locals, students and visitors alike.

• High point: chocolate snowballs!
• Low point: Difficult to get a seat when busy