In Scotland, there is a long history of Italian migration into major cities. Since the 1890s, people from across the nation have travelled to and settled in areas such as Glasgow, with many bringing aspects of their rich culture with them, from food through to music.
Today, Italian and Italianate businesses can be found throughout the city, with many early migrants having made a living from the Scottish sweet tooth. Setting up ice cream carts, parlours, and cafes, settlers are also responsible for introducing fish and chips in the region and setting up some of the earliest and most popular pizzerias.
This is a trend that we can still see now, with Glasgow hosting many amazing places where you can eat that most famous of Italian dishes: pizza! Here are four of the best.
Paesano Pizza
In modern Glasgow, the hallmarks of Italian culture can be found everywhere you look, from the recipe books in shop windows through to popular online slots like Belissimo!, which you might play on your mobile as you commute to and from work.
Where it is most evident, however, is in the many popular pizzerias that line its streets, Paesano Pizza foremost among them. Located on Miller Street, this popular eatery is famed for its wood-fired, artisan pizzas, which are created in an open kitchen and taste exquisite. If you fancy giving it a try, the Pizza Napolitana and Vegan Special both come highly recommended.
Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria
Situated on Ingram Street, Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria very much resembles the pizza ovens that have made it famous. With exposed brick décor and a minimalist vibe, its food is renowned throughout the city, with many fabulous dishes for you to choose from.
These include something for every palette, all cooked in an authentic Italian style. However, what really makes this place special is its staff; family-run, it is peopled by happy and enthusiastic workers who take absolute pride in delivering the ultimate culinary experience and exceptional customer service.
Baffo Pizza and Birra
If you fancy eating somewhere that does amazing food but has a laidback and chilled-out vibe, Baffo Pizza and Birra is the place for you. Located on Argyle Street, near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, this beautiful brick-clad eatery offers an assortment of Italian dishes, each of them cooked to the same exacting standard. Serving up not only pizzas but pasta too, its many delicious recipes come complete with a host of creative toppings and a menu full of cocktails to complement them.
Soho Pizzeria and Cocktail Bar
Last but not least, why not give Soho Pizzeria and Cocktail Bar a try? Perfect for those times when you want an upmarket evening vibe, this exquisite eatery can be found on Miller Street, making it easy to access from most city-centre locations. Serving up rustic, thin-crust Italian pizzas, its dishes are completed by the many fancy cocktails that the bar staff are all too happy to whip up whenever you ask it of them. An ideal spot for first dates and anniversaries, the food never fails to impress.
Tell us, which of these four perfect pizzerias will you decide to try first?