Celentano’s in Glasgow offers a perfect mix of Italian-inspired comfort food, warm service, and stylish surroundings. Whether you’re enjoying inventive dishes or relaxing in their elegant rooms, this hidden gem delivers a memorable experience that lingers long after you’ve left. Here's why it’s worth a visit. 

Where is it?

Tucked into one of Glasgow’s most quietly elegant corners, Celentano’s is a restaurant that speaks softly and leaves a lasting impression – warm, genuine and modestly exceptional. My partner and I visited for a weekend that blended easy luxury with thoughtful food, and it ended up being one of those stays that lingers long after you’ve left. 

What's the accommodation like?

Housed in a grand old building on the edge of Glasgow’s Cathedral Quarter, Celentano’s is spread over two levels, with original parquet flooring and a mezzanine layout that creates a sense of intimacy and occasion. That intimacy flexes – equally suited to date nights, long lunches, or lively celebrations. Upstairs, a group were deep in a joyful gathering; downstairs, the candlelight and gentle hum made for a calm, comfortable pace. 

Upstairs, the small collection of rooms continues the same ethos: simple, warm and just-so. We stayed in the top-floor suite, a high-ceilinged space with a super king four-poster and views out over the rooftops. Breakfast arrived at the door in the morning – sourdough, banana bread, granola and yoghurt – a quiet moment to stretch out the feeling of calm. 

What did you eat and drink?

Celentano’s is the creation of Dean Parker, previously of Robin Gill’s London kitchens, and his wife Anna, who co-founded the restaurant. Between them, they’ve created something quietly confident and deeply personal. The Italian influence runs through the food, but always with Dean’s inventive touch. Familiar formats, snacks, antipasti, primi, secondi, become something you don’t quite expect, but immediately want again. 

We started with smoked cod doughnuts and kimchi – playful, generous, and bold. Then came stracciatella with barbecue kale, preserved lemon and wild garlic, which turned out to be a standout: creamy, sharp, and layered with texture from sourdough crumb and pumpkin seeds. It had all the lightness of a salad and all the comfort of something far more indulgent. 

The pasta courses were both elegant and satisfying. Cuttlefish linguine was rich and savoury, while the pappardelle with Dexter beef ragu and Corra Linn cheese was the kind of dish that makes you pause between bites – earthy, mellow and perfectly judged. 

For the mains, glazed Dexter beef came with beetroot and horseradish and a hint of marmitey depth, while the monkfish with seaweed butter and wilted greens brought clean, satisfying contrast. The secondi felt like signature plates – special without being showy, and absolutely worth the trip. 

Dessert came on a team recommendation: affogato, reimagined with malted barley gelato, chocolate mousse and cold brew. Comforting and clever – a final nod to the kind of care that runs through every part of the meal. 

The wine list brought its own personality too, from a crisp glass of cava to mellow Venetian reds, with staff who offered suggestions without ever overstepping. 

Lasting memory

Celentano’s doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. What makes it special is the sense of being welcomed into something thoughtfully made, and made to last. There’s something quietly luxurious about that.