Andi Oliver had the ‘best lasagne ever’ at Glasgow’s University Cafe, so I had to try it

The Great British Menu’s Andi Oliver has described the University Cafe on Byres Road as the home of ‘the best lasagne ever’.

Discussing the importance of local ‘cafs’ [sic] in a recent episode of her podcast “Stirring It Up”, Oliver shared with her daughter Miquita, that whilst meeting celebrity chef Laura McNee “a woman in the University Caf [sic] made me a lasagne that I’ve got a photo of on my phone that sometimes I just take it out and have a little look at it.”

Upon further conversation, Oliver revealed the makings of her perfect lasagne. “The ragu was incredible, like the meaty sauce was delicious, the creamy sauce was delicious.”

Continuing on, she noted that “there were lots of different layers, not just three, more like eight, and then she had extra sauce around it, extra sauce on the top and then parmesan melted in and then more parmesan on top!”

The famed University Cafe, Byres Road.

Of course I had heard of the University Cafe before. Many a time I had walked past it on the way to one of Byres Road’s other cafes but never had I considered it to be a renowned spot; perhaps more of a place where the old men of the West End would sit, watching the busy university students hurrying by.

I could not have been further from the truth.  The cafe boasts patrons including Rick Stein, Lewis Capaldi, and the late great Anthony Bourdain, who even has a special named after him.

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Somewhat ashamed that I had never been to visit such an establishment after living five minutes away for the past year, I set off to put these claims to the test. With an overcast Friday afternoon off and an old friend visiting for lunch, the timing was perfect.

Entering into the cafe, we were greeted immediately and found a seat, sharing a handcrafted booth with an older couple. Whilst maybe not everyone’s ideal seating arrangement, I felt it really added to the homely family cafe vibe.

The ice cream counter, covered in photos and awards

With our orders taken straight away (lasagne, of course), I had a look around. To say this place was a time capsule would be an understatement.  The art deco walls were covered with old accolades and ice cream making awards, black and white pictures, and birthday placards for the cafe’s 100th birthday in 2018.  Behind the takeaway counter, the wall filled with sweets transported me to the vintage sweetshops seen in museums. It was antique in the best way.

Now, onto the main event, the reason for my visit, the lasagne. Served piping hot by a waiter with a friendly grin: “Careful dear, that plate is boiling,” I was met with a humongous slice of lasagne, swimming in sauce.

And let me tell you, it blew my expectations out of the water, Andi Oliver was spot on.

The sauces were delicious, the eight (!) layers of pasta were delicious, and the parmesan and pepper really topped it off, literally. For only £10.50, I was thoroughly impressed.

The famed lasagne in all it’s glory

Accompanied with great chat and wholesome vibes, my friend and I ate until we were fit to burst – no small portions here. However, we weren’t quite done, the many ice cream related awards had caught our eye and of course we had to try some.

Taking the suggestion of the cheery server behind the counter, I went for the classic vanilla. I’ve always said that a good ice cream shop can be decided by the quality of it’s vanilla, and this was absolutely the case. A family recipe passed down through four generations, made in Edoni Refrigeration equipment a good deal older than myself, it is undeniable that these awards are well deserved.

Stomachs and hearts full, we left the cafe, completely content with our food – especially given both meals were under £20 each. With an experience like that promised, I look forward to my return.