No. Sixteen

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £11.95 (set lunch)
   £22 (evening meal)
• House wine: £16.50 per bottle

• High point: Beautifully presented food
• Low point: Diners downstairs get more attention than those upstairs
• Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10pm; Sun 12.30–3pm, 5.30–9pm
• Private dining: Up to 12 covers
• Open since: 1991
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Children's portions, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
– in the shops now or buy online.

Since opening in 1991, No. Sixteen has consistently been regarded by foodies as a mainstay of the ever-changing landscape of Byres Road. Owners Margaret and Ronald Campbell continue to uphold their reputation of excellence through a commitment to serving seasonal Scottish ingredients, often with a Continental or Far Eastern spin. A meal at this two-level restaurant is an intimate affair, but it never feels cramped – it's more a case that securing a table creates an atmosphere of exclusivity among diners. The full-length glass frontage, combined with the unhurried service, makes for an ideal, leisurely spot for watching the world go by. Beautiful presentation is a feature of all the seasonal dishes, and begins with braised pig cheek – its dark, salty flesh contrasting with a bright white, sweetly fragrant onion and parsnip purée. Mains might include roast sea bream on a bed of potato crushed together with sun-blushed tomato and olives, and all surrounded by a band of vivid green basil and pea velouté. Elsewhere, incredibly tender braised belly of pork comes with chilli crushed potatoes and sweet and sour onions. The attention to detail that accompanies every dish continues with dessert; for example, a strawberry and balsamic iced terrine which has the spicy companion of a crisp black pepper tuile.