Amaretto Ristorante & Pizziera, Bridge of Weir

A while back we were lucky enough to win a 5pm.co.uk / Herald Scotland competition for a dinner for two for £100 at one of 20 restaurants. We got Amaretto in Bridge of Weir – thankfully we both work in Renfrewshire so this was a great after work treat which we finally got to enjoy before the chaos of our wedding/honeymoon period descended on us (in a good way!).

Right from the moment I booked dinner (“Oh! You’re the competition winner!”) I knew this was going to be special. We enjoyed a drink in the upstairs bar as we arrived really early and then headed downstairs for dinner. The restaurant is small but not cramped and we were seated at a table of four (just the two of us) – it was nice to be able to spread out a bit, and you’ll soon see why we appreciated the extra space!

For starter, we decided to share the antipasto.

Antipasto Misto – a selection of imported Italian cured meats and vegetables, accompanied with a rosemary focaccia (below) £13.95

When this arrived at our table, every head on neighbouring tables turned to check it out as it was so beautiful and enormous! This would have been easily enough for four people but we put in a good effort devouring it. When we were defeated, the waiter generously offered to package up the leftovers for us to take home.

Filetto alla Griglia – fillet steak with Dolcelatte e fungi sauce (blue cheese & mushroom) £19.95 inc sauce

This was my main. Again, a not so beautiful looking steak to photograph but the taste was heavenly. The sauce was a real winner – all the things a blue cheese sauce should be by perfectly balancing the zing with creaminess. The steak itself was tender, soft, and mouthwateringly juicy. I absolutely loved this and really tried my hardest to eat it all (but as I’d overindulged in the antipasto, I really struggled to finish it!).

Vitello alla Parmigiana – veal escallope with napoli sauce and mozarella cheese £13.95

Perfectly crisp outside, as every parma should have. The pasta was soft and juicy – personally, I’d never had pasta with a parma before but I really liked this combination!

Sponge pudding

This restaurant really changed my perception of dining in the suburbs. We tend to stick to Glasgow or the southside for a meal out but this place really shone and completely wowed me. The food was excellent – really high quality and the service was efficient, smooth and super friendly. From now on I will definitely be expanding my horizons more when it comes to suburban restaurants.