Air Organic Restaurant
Food in Scotland
Air Organic
36 Kelvingrove Street
Glasgow G3 7SA
Tel: 0141 564 5200
When push comes to shove, eating out doesn't get any more relaxing than this. Forget fussy, over-decorated bistros, Air Organic is blissfully and engagingly neutral. With white-washed walls, pleasantly tempered lighting and an atmosphere that exudes ambience over agro, this is no nonsense dining at its very best.
As understated on the outside as it is on the inside, you'd be forgiven for walking right past Air Organic. In fact, without really knowing the area, I did. But it's Air Organic's understated confidence that gives it the edge. With a fabulously varied, and at least partially organic, menu and faultlessly attentive service, there is little need for it to draw attention to itself with trimmings.
Built over two floors, the atmosphere varies slightly depending on whether you choose upstairs or down. The bar area below tends to be a little louder and busier, whilst upstairs remains more serene.
For a restaurant that prides itself on neutral decor, the attention to detail is immaculate. Even jugs of water come to the table iced and flavoured with fresh mint and melon.
Being lunch-time, we were required to order from the smaller menu (a la carte runs from 5pm), but there was still plenty to choose from. In fact, both menus concentrate on offering variety and diversity, incorporating dishes from B.L.Ts to Sushi.
We started with an opulent pumpkin and sweet potato soup (�2.95) and a fantastically fragrant and sticky, pork salad with mango (�4.90). To follow, the oven baked linguini with overnight tomatoes, prosciutto and basil (�7.40) came topped with mozzarella and was fresh, substantial and wholesome. The Bok Choi and Shitake noodles with soy and chilli (�6.80) was equally good, but perhaps could have come with a little more Bok Choi.
And to drink...a spectacularly fresh Selaks New Zealand Sauvignon (�13.95), packed with zesty, gooseberry fruit.
In all, a Glasgow must.
~ Matt Warren