In the Shawlands area and looking to grab a bite? There are several dining options around, and it’s likely Oro popped up at a suggestion – a pretty good one at that.
This restaurant serves some of the finest Italian cuisines we’ve tried in Glasgow. It doesn’t come as a surprise, though, considering who’s cooking the food. We’re talking about the one and only Domenico Crolla. Chef and owner of Oro, he’s one of Scotland’s favourite celebrity chefs.
Chef Crolla was actually born in Glasgow. He learned much of his craft from his father and since then has received several awards, among them the Italian Cuisine Worldwide Award. Lucky for us, while he’s an expert in all aspects of Italian cooking, his passion is pizza.
We had the opportunity to dine at this fine establishment and are excited to share with you what we thought
Why Did We Choose Oro in Glasgow?
Pizza… shall we say more?
You’ll find several other delicious meals at Oro; however, have you ever had a pizza with a Mona Lisa portrait on it? What about a heart-shaped pizza? It’s quite amazing! They’ve done many portraits on their pies. Spoiler alert: it’s all about the cheese placement.
Moreover, Oro is the first restaurant that uses a gold leaf-covered pizza oven. Let us clarify: they’re the first and only restaurant to use an oven covered in 24K gold leaf! If that doesn’t live up to Chef Crolla’s name, we don’t know what will. And, not sure if it’s due to the gold leaf, but the pizzas that come out of that oven are delicious!
A quick note about their dress code is that you dress smart casual. This means that you can’t wear any beachwear or sports apparel. Instead, dress in clothing that’s well-fitting and polished, such as a nice polo shirt, blouse, button-down, dark-wash jeans, or dress pants.
What’s on Offer at Oro
Oro offers old pizza dough. Yes, you heard right. Gross? Not at all, actually. Most pizzerias advertise their “freshly made dough.” Oro offers old work pizza dough, which has low yeast and is high in protein that takes a longer rising time of several days. It makes a lighter crust that’s easier to digest and much tastier.
Oro is also known for the stone-baked, artistic pizzas they offer. We don’t think your local pizzeria adds a portrait to the top of your pie. This is an elegant touch offered at this restaurant.
Also, there are 40 toppings for pizza at Oro, and you can customise it just how you like it. If you’re unsure how you’d like your pizza, just ask. They have some delicious combinations for you to choose from.
And finally, if you’re not craving pizza, Oro’s menu has a variety of other food options. They have chicken, pork, burgers, Scottish beef, and duck. They offer salads, sandwiches, pasta and more. They also have Dolci (ice cream), Italian coffee, milkshakes, smoothies, and teas.
They have vegan-friendly and gluten-free options too.
Our Verdict
If you’re ever in Glasgow and looking for an upscale dining experience, Oro is the place for you. We suggest making a reservation ahead of time to ensure they have your table ready once you get there. And, if you prefer sitting outside, they have a beautiful outdoor area available.
You won’t regret stopping by at this fine establishment. It’s definitely more upscale than the others mentioned on this list, but worth trying at least once if you’re in the Shawlands area.