The singer praised the Mediterranean restaurant on social media, so I decided to see what the fuss was about.
The pasta, salad and foccacia was some of the best I’ve ever had (Image: Nicola Roy)
Dua Lipa seems to live a flawless life. A talented singer, smart, multilingual fashionista who’s always basking in some sunny location while enjoying good food? I’m convinced that’s the existence I was meant to have.
Wile I may not boast a repertoire of disco-pop hits or three Grammys to my name, I can attempt to live Dua’s lifestyle through my dining choices. During her Glasgow leg of the Future Nostalgia tour in 2022, the 30-year-old singer and her sister dined at a Glasgow West End restaurant.
She said she was a ‘big fan’ in social media posts, which made me curious – and one detail of the meal truly caught me off guard.
The restaurant in question is Gloriosa. Nestled at 1321 Argyle Street in Finnieston, it’s a restaurant and bar offering vibrant Mediterranean-inspired food and wines from small independent European producers, all set within a bright and spacious interior.
Gloriosa’s lunch deal is worth trying out(Image: Nicola Roy)
Since its launch in 2019, Gloriosa has been really popular. But, for some reason, despite my fondness for small plate dining, I hadn’t visited until last week.
On a day off work, I decided to investigate and went there for lunch with a friend. I can confidently say it won’t be long before I make a return visit.
The restaurant boasts a spacious and airy interior, bathed in abundant natural light streaming through the windows. Its minimalist design strikes a balance without feeling overly clinical, featuring a sweeping curved bar with high stools alongside a more expansive dining section.
Despite visiting on a weekday lunchtime, the venue was pleasantly bustling with diners. We were quickly shown to a window-side table, presented with menus, and left to decide what to eat.
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This eatery specialises in small plates, offering a rotating seasonal menu dictated by ingredient availability. The current sample selection includes options such as taramasalata with chickpea fritter, bluefin tuna crudo, and grilled sardines paired with marinated pepper and oregano.
Diners are encouraged to order multiple dishes for sharing, though with small plates ranging from approximately £15 to £20, it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
However, weekday lunchtimes are a more affordable alternative, with a pasta dish and green salad available for just £12. Typically, three rotating pasta options are on offer – one featuring meat, another fish, and a vegetarian choice. I selected the artichoke rigatoni, while my friend chose the mussels.
The moment our plates were set down, it was evident we were about to enjoy something special. The pasta looked fresh and colourful, topped with a liberal sprinkling of fluffy parmesan.
The taste was simply sensational – who knew artichoke could be this delicious? There were touches of citrus, lending it a bright and sunny character, and the quality of the olive oil was evident.
The salad leaves were impeccably dressed, tangy and sharp. The serving sizes were generous too, and you’d expect to pay considerably more than £12 for such good-quality food.
I can’t stop thinking about the focaccia(Image: Nicola Roy)
The pasta deal alone could suffice as it was really filling for a lunchtime bite. However, we also ordered some olives and focaccia on the side, and I genuinely cannot stop thinking about the bread.
It was incredibly fluffy and addictive, ideal for soaking up the remaining sauce on my plate once I’d finished the pasta. It’s clear why Dua Lipa was such an fan – the cuisine was exceptional, the staff were welcoming and the restaurant provided a lovely setting to relax.
I’ve already recommended this under-the-radar offer to so many people. Gloriosa initially launched it last October before removing it and reintroducing it last month. It likely won’t be around forever, so I’d suggest visiting sooner rather than later.
Dining and Cooking