21-05-2025
First look inside Glasgow's new Paesano Southside
The newest branch of the authentic Neapolitan pizzeria chain will open on Pollokshaws Road at 11.30am on Wednesday, May 21 in the unit previously occupied by Di Maggio's.
The Glasgow Times was invited down to Shawlands to get a sneak peek inside the new restaurant ahead of its opening.
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Paul Laing (Image: Newsquest) Paul Laing, general manager, told the Glasgow Times: "We're really excited.
"We had a soft launch which went fantastically well and [on Wednesday] from 11.30am we're fully open to the public.
"The response and anticipation in the local area have been great to say the least.
"Neighbours and other local businesses around have all been really supportive.
"There's a good buzz about the area, and we're looking forward to getting started."
(Image: Newsquest) Sitting in the restaurant on Tuesday afternoon, that buzz was clear to see as passers-by pressed their faces up against the window for a look inside, or popped their head in the front door to ask when the restaurant would be opening.
Despite being the smallest of Paesano's three restaurants, the new location has 65 covers and is bringing 40 jobs to the area.
We previously reported hospitality giant DRG had announced ambitions for a "major expansion" of Paesano and Sugo after the company acquired the brands for what was believed to be an eight-figure sum last year.
In November, it was reported that planning permission was being sought for the unit at the corner of Minard Road to be transformed into the city's third Paesano.
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(Image: Newsquest) Speaking of the brand's popularity, Paul said: "Paesano in Glasgow is synonymous with fantastic pizza, great quality, fresh ingredients.
"We source only the best, we've got the best guys in the kitchen cooking the pizzas, so for me personally it's a brand that doesn't have any limits.
"You could take this to any city in the UK and I believe it would do really well."
He added: "The Southside is a real up and and coming area, it grows year on year and everyone wants to live here now so why wouldn't we want to be a part of that growth?"
(Image: Newsquest) Occupying a corner unit with large windows, the new restaurant is nice and bright and its smaller size offers diners a more intimate experience.
Customers will be able to see their pizza being freshly made, with some seats looking into the pizza chefs' station.
On the outside of the building, old signage which was previously hidden by Di Maggio's frontage has been uncovered and will now be visible.
First opening in 2015, Paesano quickly became a beloved institution across the city with its simple menu of 10 pizza options and regularly changing specials.
The wood-fired pizzas use the finest Italian ingredients and are cooked in ovens built by artisans in Naples.
Paesano Southside is located at 1038-1040 Pollokshaws Road.
