
Pasta lovers, unite! Il Pastaio by Otello has officially reopened after a makeover, and said makeover included a brand new head chef, too.
Located on Saint Vincent Street, Il Pastaio by Otello reopened with a brand new look and menu, as well as TikTok acclaimed head chef Otello Calvert. Guests can expect a variety of authentic fresh pasta, antipasto and desserts, such as Tuscan fiesolana, Genovese from Naples, Sardinian-style mussels and agilo e olio.
The restaurant is owned by the same people behind the Devil of Brooklyn, The Last Bookstore and Tabac, with a decent cocktail menu with concoctions like the Classic Negroni, Limoncello Spritz and Amaretto Sour.
Secret Glasgow got the chance to try the new menu for ourselves, opting for the gluten-free pasta as well as the fresh regular pasta. And let us tell you, this is probably the best fresh pasta gluten-free alternative you’ll find in Glasgow. Sure, it’s not the real deal, but the rice noodles that resemble linguine not only soaks up all the sauce, but feels like you’re actually eating the real deal.
The fiesolana with pancetta, garlic, chilli flakes, cream, tomato and parmesan made for a balanced treat proving the gluten-free gang can still enjoy pasta without having to sacrifice texture and flavour. What is more, the genovese with slow-cooked beef shoulder and onion gravy, chef’s spice mix, parmesan and maccheroni was also noteworthy, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter sauce.
But that is not all – there is still one more thing we need to rave about – and it’s tiramisu. The popular Italian dessert is officially some of the best in Glasgow, with vanilla whipped mascarpone, spiced rum and coffee soaked savoiardi and dark cocoa. You can thank me later!
Overall, Otello’s care and love for food shows from the very first bite, with each dish carefully designed to satisfy every pasta and tiramisu enthusiast.
Otello Calvert said: “This opportunity to head up Il Pastaio and run my menu is wildly exciting. I’m going to pour everything I’ve learned during 15 years in hospitality and customer service with a team who I know are as enthusiastic as I am to do something great.
“I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 14, but I officially became a chef when I launched Tagliotello in 2021. I thought the best way for me to be successful was to pick one food and do the best I could with it, and I picked the food I love the most – pasta.”
Il Pastatio is located on 80 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5UB.