Dino's in Glasgow is closing! :(

In the overcrowded environment of Glasgow's restaurant scene, three cuisines stand tall: Italian, Chinese and Indian.  And when it comes to Italian restaurants, one stood above all others: Dino's in Sauchiehall Street. It feels like it's been there for ever - but the sad news came today that Dino's is closing down (for reasons unknown at the time of writing) and becoming a bank.  (Yeah, like Glasgow city centre needs another bank.)  Anyway I thought it would be the perfect time for a post about the legend that is Dino's!

As I said earlier, Dino's has always been there.  Sitting proudly slap bang in one of Glasgow's busiest shopping areas, not down a side street or a back alley, it was a special place.  It was, for me, "the people's restaurant", a place which was inclusive to all, and always welcoming.  Many a cold winter's day was immediately made better by a trip to the 'cafe side' and no trip to the equally legendary Glasgow Pavilion theatre was complete without a lunch or dinner at Dino's.

Step through that door and you immediately step into Italy - Italian music wafting through the speakers, waiters busily buzzing around, and the smell of pizzas, coffee and ice cream.  This restaurant has a special atmosphere which is a rarity - only the now defunct Bath Street eatery Sannino ever managed to capture that same unique atmosphere for me.  The fast-growing and impressive Tony Macaroni chain may be growing in popularity, but while it has good food and a good atmosphere, it's not the iconic Dino's, is it?

You always were guaranteed a good meal at Dino's, whether pizza or pasta or anything else on the varied menu.  And you always got a damn fine cappuccino.

Time is running out to enjoy the Dino's experience, as the restaurant is due to close on March 16th.  Get in there while you can and show your support.  I doubt if anyone will be as enthusiastic about the Halifax bank which will replace it :(

(pictures courtesy of www.dinosglasgow.co.uk)