Cafe Gandolfi is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in Glasgow. They pride themselves on their all-round dining experience that offers something for everyone. Using the best of Scottish produce in their ever-evolving dishes, they’ve become a renowned Scottish institution known for their warm and welcoming environment.
Opened in 2002, Bar Gandolfi sits atop the cafe. The cozy loft space was once a cheese store but has since been transformed into a go-to spot for locals. It's a Glasgow gem serving innovative drinks and naturally selected wines. With specialty cocktails such as the Highland Shoulder and Pomegranate French Martini, their menu has a drink for anyone who stops by.
Cafe Gandolfi has always been a haven for artists in Glasgow. The walls are covered in stunning art, and the space is decorated with unique pieces. Furthering the artistic appeal of the bar is the furnishing of the entire space with the creations of renowned wood sculptor and furniture maker Tim Stead. His playful and organic designs create a distinctive and unique interior unlike any other in the city.
“Since working at Bar Gandolfi, I’ve really fallen in love with the space,” says Ellie Pagano, bartender at Bar Gandolfi. “I think it’s just the perfect intimate spot for a cocktail or coffee, and I find the foregrounding of creatives and artists really inspiring. But I think it’s the atmosphere in both Bar and Cafe Gandolfi that I find really special. Everyone from front-of-house to kitchen to customers embodies a feeling of community which contributes to the undeniable warmth you feel when you’re in the space.”
Bar Gandolfi frequently serves as a venue for local art exhibitions. In the last several months the Bar has housed exhibitions by photographer Spencer Dent, Greer Ralston’s 'For the Love of' and most recently Caroline Scott’s 'Another Moment.’ The next exhibition is set to launch on the 3rd of April running until the 26th of April 2026 and will be a joint exhibition between Glasgow based visual artist Alan Campbell, whose work explores literature, storytelling and wordplay, and Ashley Cook, a Scottish printmaker who works predominantly in print making and digital imaging.
Outside of artistic events, the bar space also accommodates various dining experiences and food pop-ups. For example, in the last couple of weeks Bar Gandolfi has welcomed “Cuban Scran” a pop-up and supper club showcasing Cuban flavours ran by chef Marlon Gonzalez. They recently hosted “Cotter’s Canteen” which was a Polish supper club serving up unique Glasgwegian Polish Dining.
If you’re looking for excellent art and a welcoming community, be sure to keep up with Bar Gandolfi!
