At the heart of a busy city centre office district, Operetta on Waterloo Street is a diner-style Italian specialising in sit-in and takeaway lunch options for the suited masses.

I popped in for a mid-afternoon visit, after a meeting in Glasgow had run on a little later than expected. I had some time, so took the opportunity to sit in, perching at one of the high tables in the window.

The place is surprisingly smart, even although it’s configured partly in a canteen style to best deal with high volumes of takeaway customers. The booth seating is quite stylish and I was comfortable in the spot that I’d chosen.

It offers a set lunch menu deal, with a decent range of options, priced at two courses for £7.95. This sounded good to me.

Each day they have a selection of five or six soups, which is always a delight to see. Unsurprisingly, many of them had already sold out during the lunchtime rush, but I was happy to try their chicken noodle. I followed with a plate of penne amatriciana.

Service was extremely friendly, cheerful and prompt throughout.

My soup was soon delivered. It packed a good aroma and was a tasty, filling opener.

The pasta was similarly good. The tomato sauce packed good flavour, not least from profuse bacon pieces. It was a simple and well executed dish.

So overall, I enjoyed my trip to Operetta. It reminded me a little of Edinburgh’s Taste of Italy, which is an inexpensive and reliable Italian doing good work. I’d be happy to visit Operetta again as it does what it does really very nicely.

Scores
Blythe scores Operetta
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: chicken noodle soup; penne amatriciana

I drank: water

I wore: short overcoat

Total bill: £7.95