The historic University Café on 87 Byres Road in Glasgow's West End first opened its doors in 1918 and continues to thrive 108 years later. Situated just steps from the University of Glasgow, this family-run institution is renowned for its Scottish-Italian dishes, fish and chips, and homemade ice cream.
A Legacy of Family and Tradition
University Café has been operated by the Verrecchia family since it opened. Current owner Americo Verrecchia and his family represent the third generation to manage the establishment. The café retains much of its original 1950s Art Deco charm, which has attracted not only locals but also celebrities like Lewis Capaldi.
The eatery is a popular tourist destination, largely because it was featured on the late Anthony Bourdain's shows No Reservations and Parts Unknown. Bourdain named it one of his favorite places for classic Scottish comfort food, and the café now offers an "Anthony Bourdain Special" that bundles his preferred battered, fried, and saucy items.
A Personal Visit
Having lived near Glasgow all my life but never visited, I decided to experience the diner firsthand. Inside, I noticed I was the only Scottish person there; the café was filled with foreign students and tourists eager to try the Bourdain Special.
The menu is varied, featuring pasta dishes for £11.50 and under, a £10.95 all-day Scots breakfast, and fish and chips. I spotted the enormous Anthony Bourdain Special in a booth behind me, consisting of deep-fried haggis, fish and chips, melted cheese, curry sauce, and a can of Barr's Irn Bru. As a solo diner, this seemed too extravagant, so I turned to the "Old Favourites" section.
I opted for the Scotch pie, beans, and chips at £9.95. The food arrived fresh and warm, and eating it in the vintage surroundings was a pleasant experience. The perfectly cooked chip shop-style chips were a delightful accompaniment. I washed down the meal with an ice-cold Irn Bru in true Scottish fashion.
Service and Dessert
The service was impeccable; the waitress was attentive, and I was in and out within 50 minutes. The café is also known for its award-winning ice cream, so I couldn't skip dessert. Their extensive menu includes a £6.95 deep-fried Mars bar, a £7.50 banana boat, and a knickerbocker glory at £8.50. I initially considered a 99er cone for nostalgia but changed my mind when I saw it was £5.50. Instead, I upgraded to a waffle cone for an extra 45p, drizzled in raspberry sauce with a University Café wafer.
While the ice cream cost £5.95, which seemed a bit high compared to a box of chips or homemade soup from the same menu, it was well worth it. The ice cream was mouthwateringly smooth and arguably the best I've ever had in Scotland, even surpassing the renowned Café D'Jaconelli gelato.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, University Café might not be my top choice for a sit-in dinner, as the food didn't disappoint but felt more suitable for takeaway. However, I would definitely return for a chippy tea to go and definitely more ice cream. The comforting simplicity of the place and the straightforward food make it special. Sometimes, a back-to-basics dinner is exactly what the soul craves, and for affordable, hearty grub, I now know just the place to go.
