Today marked my third visit to Laboratorio Espresso, which considering they’ve only been open for a couple of weeks, was not bad going. On my previous trips, I’d just popped in for espresso, so today was my first experience of their food.

Their glass-fronted shop front encases a tall and slender internal space, with a modern elegance to it. There’s room for around ten people to sit-in, with plans to add some more seats outside, for hardy souls, but their main business is in takeout or swiftly sipped coffee, in the style of the classic Italian espresso bar.

The welcome is as warm as you’ll find in the city, with owner Scot full of great chat about their project, how things are going, and plans for the future.

They showcase Dear Green coffee, usually offering both their specially developed house blend and a regularly changing single origin. I’ve tried both, and the standard is impressively high.

Their food offering is simple and focussed: pastries and granola-type things for breakfast; filled Italian rolls for lunch; and a good selection of cakes for those who favour them as a coffee accompaniment.

On this lunchtime visit, I tried a cambozola, artichoke and sun-dried tomato toasted ciabatta. I’m a great cambozola fan, and this was excellent stuff. It was beautifully melted, bringing the other delicious elements together really well. It made me a very happy chappy.

So overall, Laboratorio Espresso is a great new place. You’ll be very happy with their coffee, the food is prepared with good attention to detail, and the service is full of welcoming good cheer. Along with nearby Riverhill, it’s great to find Glasgow city centre’s espresso needs being handled so impressively.

Scores
Blythe scores Laboratorio Espresso
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20

I ate: cambozola, artichoke and sun-dried tomato ciabatta

I drank: espresso

I wore: black suit

Total bill: £6.60