Verona

In fair Verona where we lay our scene…reads the prologue to Romeo & Juliet, and if this Italian eatery is anything to go by, there could be love in the air around Buchanan Street station. We’re in love at least, with the homely cooking served up at Verona on Regent Street in Glasgow city centre. Their menu of classic Italian dishes is perfect for a romantic evening in the heart of the city, or for a pre-theatre dinner.

Verona is a restaurant name that evokes the greatest love story ever told – it’s named after the Italian town that gave setting to Romeo & Juliet – and certainly the relationship between Italy and Scotland has been a long and fruitful one. Well, compared to Mr Montague and Ms Capulet, most relationships seem long and fruitful, but believe us on this. Since the Italians began coming to Glasgow in the late 19th century, their contribution to Scottish cuisine has been huge, and at this Regent Street ristorante, that tradition lives on. Verona proudly provides the public of Glasgow city centre with an array of Italian favourites, from pizza and pasta to some esoteric offerings such as vitello and arancini.

The menu at Verona is always an event in itself, but it is on occasions with a romantic edge that it really shines. Their pre-theatre menu – two courses for just shy of 12 quid – is more than reasonable, and the perfect way to begin a date, whilst their speciality Valentine’s choices are guaranteed to be a hit. At this city centre establishment, high quality Italian cuisine meets Scottish hospitality in stylish surrounds, just around the corner from Buchanan Street station. Make sure you book ahead: Regent Street is a prime dining location, and tables do go quickly!