Vino’s Café Renfrew lunch review

Robert and Paul are left awestruck by a visit to Vino’s Café in Renfrew

In recent years, the boundaries of what to expect from a café have been consistently redrawn, with many lunch spots veering away from the greasy spoon to something more gourmet. One establishment that certainly epitomises that shift is Renfrew’s very own Vino’s. 

Wielding a mastery of both Italian and Turkish cuisine, Vino’s is a true gem that you’d be remiss to not check out. First and foremost, there’s the food which has an unmistakable freshness and authenticity to it. Everything they sell, right down to the cakes and burgers are made by owner and chef Ferki, his wife and their tight-knit team. 

Next, there is the instantly inviting feel of the place, compounded by the fact that as people stroll through the door, you get the impression that Ferki not only recognises them, but has taken the time to get to know them personally. 

As opposed to ordering any dish in particular, we left ourselves at the mercy of the staff to deliver whatever they felt we’d like. Paul and I’s expectations were high given the copious good reports we’d heard from satisfied customers, but what was about to emerge blew them out of the water entirely. 

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Within what felt like no time at all, a banquet of flavourful, newly prepared food was delivered to our table. 

On Paul’s side, there was a chicken pasta which had been seasoned and cooked to perfection, retaining that perfect al dente texture. Next, he gleefully tucked into a Mexican wrap, comprised of spicy chicken, peppers, red onion, lettuce and tomato.

As for me, I was treated to a mozzarella, tomato and pesto panini which was given an extra layer of allure as it was delivered in freshly baked Turkish bread. Beside that, there was a glorious helping of falafel, accompanied by richly tasty hummus and tangy feta cheese. 

As if that wasn’t enough, there was also the small matter of an immensely tasty garlic bread with cheese and homemade mozzarella stick to share. By now, we’ve tried a few of them in our time and I can say with confidence that those were the best take on that breadcrumbed delicacy we’ve ever had.

Next, the unmistakable aroma of authentic Italian coffee entered our nostrils as Paul enjoyed a cappuccino before we miraculously found room for cake. 

The homemade confectionery on offer changes on a daily basis, with Paul opting for a chocolate and honeycomb tray bake that he enjoyed to the extent that he was savouring every last morsel off the plate (and crumbs off the table).

Simply put, this is food that you’d expect to be charged vastly more for in a restaurant rather than a café on Porterfield Road. If they keep this up, anything less than unequivocal success for Vino’s would be an injustice. 

Vino’s Café, 12 Porterfield Road, Renfrew, PA4 8HG, 0141 886 4698, visit their Facebook page.