Lunch at Taste Buds

If you’re in the market for friendly ambiance and a hearty lunch, Paisley’s Taste Buds is for you. Editor Robert Blair pays a visit. 

Situated on Lawn Street, Taste Buds is a true gem of a café. Embedded into the fabric of their community, their exuberant staff have gone above and beyond to get involved in a litany of recent events include a “takeover” of Gantry that fed the throngs of revellers on Sma’ Shot Day and manning a stall at Ingliston Country Club & Hotel’s Summerfest. Imbued with a welcoming homeliness, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that they aren’t steeped in a more rural location and are in fact located at the heart of Paisley’s commercial district. 

Roast beef melt ciabatta with caramelised onions, photos by James Stevenson, insta – jablesphotography

Offering a sit-in dining experience or takeaway options for those on the go, their food surpasses that of the archetypal café fare. Exemplified by their increasingly popular tapas night, the award-winning team will take any opportunity to show off their culinary prowess in new and delectable ways. Boasting an inclusive and affordable menu, our designer Paul and I’s trip to Taste Buds had a very clear division of labour. As a vegetarian, I’d handle any plant-based delights whilst he dove into the meatier cuisine. 

For the main event, I opted for a generous helping of vegetable fajitas (£4) that came with all of the accoutrement of guacamole, salsa and cheese while Paul tucked into a roast beef melt ciabatta (pictured) with caramelised onions and an infusion of mozzarella and cheddar. A fragrant mix that incorporated both spiciness and a tangy hint of barbecue, their take on the signature Mexican dish was just the ticket for me while Paul lavished praise on the delicate balance of flavours that he’d enjoyed for just £4.85. As if that wasn’t enough, we were then treated to decadent helpings of homemade Victoria sandwich and Bakewell slice (£2.95 each) which I washed down with a barista-style latte. 

A convivial locale that is tailor-made for repeat visits, Elaine, Tracey, Susie & Co’s charmingly quaint eatery and its expansive menu is perfect for anything from en-masse family outings to quick business luncheons and anything else in-between. 

Taste Buds, 22 Lawn Street, PA1 1HF. 0141 889 9555. This review was published in Mill issue 7 September/October 2019.