Arcaffe

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Frequented by office workers who disdain the trend for a quick bite at one’s desk, Arcaffe’s kitchen serves up hefty portions of proper food, providing somewhat of a challenge to clear the plate. It’s a quiet, comfortable café with fresh, neutral décor and a relaxed continental atmosphere – service is efficient but at a suitably leisurely pace. Opening hours are extended in summer, welcome news as some of the city’s nicest al fresco tables are laid out here along a sheltered side street with views up to Kelvingrove Park. Cooking is homely and tasty, although the composition of some dishes is a little unexpected – polio pizzaiola is a large chicken supreme, pan-fried in olive oil with Napoli sauce, and the addition of capers and olives, served with boiled potatoes and broccoli. Simple dishes work best here and the bruschetta is crisp and garlicky, fragrant with basil and loaded with fresh, sweet, chopped tomatoes. Great value lunchtime deals mean it doesn’t have to be payday to treat yourself – any burger, pizza or pasta comes with soup or bruschetta for £8.95.

• High point: Laid-back continental lunch spot
• Low point: Limited choice for dessert