Munro’s Restaurant dinner review by Suzanne Oswald

Suzanne Oswald visits Munro’s, a new Paisley eatery serving up classic fare with contemporary sensibilities 

It’s getting to that time of year when a hearty, comforting meal, filled with traditional Scottish ingredients and homegrown flair, is the perfect accompaniment to these longer, darker nights. Enter Munro’s – a brand-new restaurant situated on St James’ Street that prides itself on offering “a true taste of Scotland.”

You may recognise it as the former home of Bianco e Nero’s function suite and many other ventures over the years, but, if first impressions are anything to go by, this newcomer possesses all the qualities and staying power that could elevate it from hidden gem to long-standing local favourite. 

Tucked away upstairs above a busy stretch of road, Munro’s warm ambience and autumnal tones instantly make you feel removed from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, while the team have years of hospitality experience behind them, having learned their craft over at bonafide local institution Cardosi’s (which also recently appeared in this magazine). They say they are “committed to delivering outstanding service and mouthwatering food” – and you can see this in their carefully crafted menu, attentive service and fresh array of ingredients. 

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So, following a warm welcome, we were led to one of their large, plush booths and given time to peruse the menu. A celebration of all things Scottish with some modern classics thrown in for good measure, haggis bon bons and Shetland mussels mingled with king prawn tempura and cauliflower fritters, while for main, you could opt for meaty classics like steak pie or a bacon cheeseburger, or fish dishes like smoked haddock or sea bass. It was more than reasonable too, eye-catchingly so – with a two-course lunch available at £14.95 and a two-course dinner at £18.95. 

Drawn in by the merits of our national dish, I chose the haggis bon bons to start while my friend and accompanying foodie, Jillian, couldn’t see past the king prawn tempura. The bon bons were generous and moreish – crispy on the outside, while soft, gooey and peppery with haggis on the inside, doused in a warming creamy sauce. 

Head chef and owner, Joe O’Malley, photo by Nikki Stirton

Jillian’s tempura was every bit as enjoyable – the plump prawns were covered in a light, crisp batter and perfectly complemented by a sharp lemon and chive mayonnaise. 

For the main course, she opted for the more traditional chicken Balmoral – featuring two indulgent pieces of chicken stuffed with more of that peppery haggis, wrapped in bacon and served with creamy mash, roasted veg and a silky smooth peppercorn sauce. It proved an instant triumph. Meanwhile, my beef daube came with all the merits of a delicious, hearty beef stew, but more refined in appearance. Staying true to its provincial roots, the beef was melt-off-the-bone tender, covered in a warming red wine sauce, and paired with a decadent cheesy mash and roasted vegetables. This was old-school comfort food treated with love and care – there’s no doubt that this kitchen would excel at a Sunday roast. 

Photo by Nikki Stirton

To polish off this indulgent feast, we shared a portion of the sticky toffee pudding – generous in size and swimming in the kind of rich butterscotch sauce that would satisfy any sweet tooth. Given lofty praise by dessert connoisseur Jillian, it was still fresh in our minds as we rolled out to the car. 

With a focus on quality and adding a refined, modern twist to traditional Scottish dishes that we all know and love, Munro’s is a brilliant addition to our ever-growing food scene. As stated earlier, it may not be a hidden gem for long – so don’t hang about. 

Munro’s, 5 St James’ Street, Paisley, PA3 2HL, 07351 421983, book online.