Lunch at Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen

Affordable fine dining is the order of the day at this highly impressive family-owned restaurant in Johnstone. Paul Whitelaw finds himself spoiled for choice.

The range of food on offer at Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen is quite something to behold. I’m not just talking about the sheer variety of meals, snacks and desserts to choose from: Papamacs serve up high-quality fare. That’s because its co-proprietor, Scott Keenan, is an acclaimed fine dining chef with several years of experience under his belt.

Scott and his team were busily slaving away in the kitchen when t’other Paul and I arrived for lunch. After being shown to our table by a friendly member of his waiting staff (as opposed to an unfriendly member of his waiting staff, who presumably don’t exist), we took some time to choose something from the bounteous menu.

While struggling to make a final decision, I surveyed my surroundings like the seasoned multitasker I am. Papamacs is fairly small without being claustrophobic. It’s cosy and tasteful. It may offer the finest fine dining, but it’s not pretentious in the slightest. 

Paul (him, not me) fancied something eggy, an astonishing stroke of luck as the all-day breakfast menu is a veritable yolk fiesta. He eventually opted for the location-specific Eggs Johnstone (£6), an unabashedly mouth-watering dish consisting of creamy poached eggs and a sumptuous sausage served on thick pillows of toast.

I seized upon the home-baked Angry Scotsman pizza (£6), a hot, delicious and supremely filling combination of tomato sugo, mozzarella, chili and dizzying satchels of feta cheese.

While I happily recovered from this spicy dairy feast, my namesake found room for dessert: a delectable chocolate brownie (£2.50).

Papamacs proves that you don’t need deep pockets if you fancy dining out on some exceptional food. You won’t spend more than £10 on a two-course meal. What’s more, Scott and co provide an array of pop-up events and healthy ready-meal deliveries. Check out their website for more details.

It’s a little restaurant with big ambitions, effortlessly backed up by the incontestable quality of its food, service and ambience. Unlike most things in life, it won’t disappoint.

Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen was located at 5 Houston Square, Johnstone, but has moved to Elderslie Golf Club, 63 Main Rd, Elderslie, Johnstone PA5 9AZ.