La Vita Spuntini

La Vita Spuntini199–201 Byres RoadGlasgow, G12 8TN

Phone: 0141 339 4222

Website: www.lavitapizzeria.co.uk

The concept of Italian tapas is a recent one but has really caught on given the popularity of this Byres Road restaurant. This family friendly restaurant in Byres Rd, Glasgow is where small tables cram the large space but decorative ironwork and an attractive balcony keep it from feeling too impersonal for the people poring over the extensive menu of small dishes. Many dishes are heavy on the cream and tomato sauce, but the friendly staff will advise on the right balance. The 5-inch mini pizzas are surprisingly filling, with familiar toppings and a few unusual ones, such as pepperoni with black pudding. A dish of aubergine and courgette is smothered with cheese, making it a gooey, unhealthy mess, but crisp roast potatoes come with just enough Napoli sauce to set them off. The arancini di manzo – risotto rice balls with meat filling – are a nifty highlight, complete with dip, while chicken chunks in a creamy mushroom sauce are tender and tasty. A sharing finale of one pot of sweet balsamic-dressed strawberries and another with bananas and butterscotch sauce, both with rich ice-cream, is perfect for romantic occasions. Small tables cram the large space but its decorative ironwork and attractive balcony keep it from looking too impersonal.

High point: Great value when a family dine together and share dishes also being able to choose exactly what you each fancy

Low point: Long menu makes decisions difficult

Food served: Mon–Sun noon–11pm

Delivery: Free over £10

Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access,

Music on stereo: Pavarotti + Rat Pack

Free wi-fi