Cardosi’s Restaurant dinner review by Suzanne Oswald

Resident food reviewer Suzanne Oswald visits Cardosi’s Restaurant, a truly elite and historic Renfrewshire eatery, for a spectacular evening 

If you were asked to form a list of Paisley institutions, Cardosi’s on Storie Street would surely be up there. First opened by the Cardosi family in 2002 after the success of their fish and chip shop and the revered Cardosi’s Café on Causeyside Street that their grandparents oversaw for 50 years, the well-loved restaurant has been serving up delicious, authentic Italian food for over two decades – long securing its place in the hearts of local residents and beyond.

Proving the ideal venue for every kind of occasion from family celebrations to friendly get-togethers to an intimate evening for two, it’s a restaurant that has gradually embedded itself in the very fabric of its local community – eliciting the kind of warmth and familiarity that ensures a steady stream of return visits from its most dedicated patrons. 

So, as a bonafide Renfrewshire favourite, I was delighted to make my (shock horror) first visit to the local stalwart and I’m delighted to report it more than lived up to expectations. 

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Following a warm welcome, we were ushered through the back of the tardis-like venue into a large, spacious booth for the evening. The restaurant has recently undergone a modern refurbishment – their previous understated interiors replaced by a delicate mix of earthy tones and modern fittings, giving the room a more refined and elegant feel to match the quality of food on offer. 

What’s more, there was a real buzz about the place. The weekend rush probably isn’t in the vocabulary at Cardosi’s if it’s always this busy during the week. On this particular occasion, they were hosting a big birthday celebration alongside numerous other groups – and while the staff darted from table to table, nothing was ever too much. The service was friendly and attentive throughout the duration of our meal and this has undoubtedly contributed to its long-time appeal. 

But, let’s get to the food. At the turn of the year, the team unveiled a new evening menu which, from Sunday to Thursday, offers two courses for £18.95 or three for £23.95 – very good value in today’s increasingly costly landscape. If you’re a weekend diner, this rises ever so slightly to just £20.95 and £25.95, respectively. 

On first glance, it was clear the menu had been designed to cater to all ages and demographics with an extensive mix of pizzas, pastas, meat and seafood dishes on offer, as well as a carefully curated vegan menu. So, with many plates vying for our attention and Gianluca no stranger to the Italian classics, we opted for two shared favourites: the Bruschetta Rustica and the Arancini Aosta for our starter.

The former arrived with a vibrant array of fresh cherry tomatoes sitting on top of a thick, generous slice of sourdough, which had been doused in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. A classic combination that had been seamlessly executed. Meanwhile, our second plate featured two arancini balls filled with a gooey, creamy cheese and roasted peppers on a pool of moreish arrabiata dip – sweet, tangy and with just enough kick. It goes without saying that both plates were quickly devoured. 

For the main course, Gianluca chose the evening’s special of ricotta and spinach ravioli which was promptly given the fervent nod of approval. A man who knows his way around pasta of all shapes and sizes, he was quick to compliment the depth of the tomato sauce and the generously filled pasta parcels, plump with creamy ricotta and spinach.

Personally, I couldn’t see past the allure of the Rigatoni Pollo Alfredo. Enticingly labelled a ‘Cardosi favourite’, it was easy to see why – luscious with tomato and basil sugo, a touch of cream and chargrilled chicken pieces, it proved an instant hit. This was comfort food at its finest. We’ve all tried our hand at a pasta dish in the house, but when it’s this good, the kind of ‘close your eyes and you’re in Italy’ good, you know you’re in safe hands.

With both plates polished off and every morsel dutifully devoured, we rounded off the trip with a slice of Italian decadence in the shape of the tiramisu. After all, what’s not to love about an after-dinner combo of coffee, cream and booze? Soft, creamy and delicately balanced, it was a triumphant finale the meal very much deserved. 

With its brilliant service and delicious food, it doesn’t take too long to figure out the secret to Cardosi’s long-standing success. Every town deserves a restaurant like Cardosi’s at the heart of its community and the palpable buzz on this Thursday night is testament to its well-earned reputation as a local favourite and the sheer quality of food on offer. We most definitely won’t leave it so long till our next visit. 

Cardosi’s Restaurant, 4 Storie Street, Paisley, PA1 2AR, 0141 889 5720, visit their website.