Massimo (Bearsden)

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

Massimo Bearsden is tucked away in a lane behind Bearsden Cross. From the outside, it might look like a small bar, but the interior opens up into a rather vast space. Cleverly divided by glass partitions, the premises include a bar, dining area and lounge area, which leads to a garden with summer furniture. There's an ultra-modern feel with some nice design highlights. For example, the glass-backed bar slowly changes hues giving drinkers some colour therapy as they sip their cocktails. All in all, it feels like the stylish interior of a cruise liner. The staff tend to be young and smart. They are good at making the well-heeled diners of this affluent Glasgow district feel looked after. There is an extensive menu ranging from antipasti, crostini, home-made soup, pizza and pasta through to steak and seabass. A classic Italian dish of risotto salsiccia e porcini – made with chunky sausage meat, intensely flavoured wild mushrooms and balsamic vinegar – comes topped with parmesan. For dessert, the warm crêpes filled with vanilla ice-cream and drizzled with sweet chocolate sauce are a small packets of pudding delight.

• High point: Heavenly crêpes
• Low point: Nowhere to hang a coat