Renowned as purveyors of fine Italian food by those in the know in the West End, Sal-e Pepe is well worth seeking out. A deceptively spacious restaurant situated on Gibson Street, half way between Charing Cross and Byres Road, the restaurant itself is split into three levels. The main restaurant is at ground level with a mezzanine upstairs, while the downstairs area, which can seat up to 60, opens at weekends and is also available for function hire.

There’s a distinctly Mediterranean feel to Sal-e Pepe with warm terracotta walls, wooden flooring and a sprinkling of white fairy lights. You can’t help but soak up the warm and intimate ambience - the ideal setting in which to relax and enjoy good food and company.

Sal-e Pepe is also perfect for a lunchtime visit with a selection of hot and cold sandwiches on offer, and a two course set menu for only £7.95.

There are two evening menus to choose from; the Pre-Theatre menu (Mon-Sat) which at £8.95 for three courses is excellent value, or the extensive à la carte menu. It’s also worth noting that pizzas and pasta dishes on the à la carte menu are half price between 3pm and 6pm, Mondays to Fridays. With a vast array of dishes to choose from including Salads, Pizza, Pasta and Main Courses, your choice is made even more difficult by the tempting array of ‘Specials’ on offer which change regularly depending on the season. To begin, my companion chose the Escarole con Formaggio de Capre (£4.25), a deliciously fresh salad consisting of crisp ‘Scarola’ leaves with Capers, Olives, Apple Slices and tangy Goat’s Cheese which was beautifully presented, while I opted for the Bruschette Sal-e Pepe, hot toasted Italian bread, brushed with Olive Oil and Garlic and topped with mouth-watering Mushroom Trifolati (£3.75). Other tasty Bruschette toppings are also available including Tomato and Basil, Roasted Red Peppers and hot grilled Mediterranean Vegetables. Finding the choice of main course rather difficult, our waitress suggested I try the Tartan Chicken (£8.95), one of the evening’s specials. Intrigued by the unusual name, a tender Breast of Chicken duly arrived, stuffed with Haggis and wrapped in Smoked Bacon, surrounded by a Tartan Sauce and served with Roast Vegetables and Duchesse Potatoes. The creamy sauce, which was packed with colourful vegetables giving it that tartan hue, complemented the chicken perfectly, and the haggis and smoked bacon was an inspired combination. My companion, a huge risotto fan, decided on the Risotto Pollo Funghi - Arborio Rice infused with Chicken Breast Fillets, Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Cream. The portion was huge and was proclaimed “the best in Glasgow” which is no small compliment from someone who can only be described as the ‘Risotto Queen’.

The chef is relatively new at Sal-e Pepe, having only joined the company in October. However his innovative and adventurous influence and indeed his skill, is evident throughout the menu.

Two scoops of Steve’s All American Blueberry Thrill ice cream laced with blueberries, vanilla wafers and chunks of white chocolate finished off the meal perfectly and I am ashamed to admit that despite the fact it was shared, we still couldn’t manage to finish it!

All in all, the service was excellent, the food was truly outstanding and my friend and I left vowing to return immediately after February pay-day!