Glasgow's Hidden Gem: Tiny Basement Restaurant Serving Celtic & Rangers Stars

Glasgow's Hidden Gem: Tiny Basement Restaurant Serving Celtic & Rangers Stars

Tucked away in a basement just off Charing Cross, Caprese Don Costanzo is an unassuming Italian haven. With its red-and-white chequered tablecloths, vintage posters, and photographs of patrons, the restaurant evokes a charmingly old-world atmosphere.

Born from a desire to bring authentic Capri cuisine to Glasgow, Caprese Don Costanzo is the brainchild of Costanzo, born in 1950 on the sun-kissed island of Capri. He moved to Glasgow in 1971 with his Scottish wife and, after working his way up through the ranks of Italian restaurants, opened the original Caprese on Buchanan Street in 1982.

From the outset, Caprese became a haven for diverse clientele, with celebrities and local faces alike drawn to its genuine Italian flavours and warm hospitality. The restaurant's popularity was such that Costanzo became known for remembering regulars by their favourite dish, fondly referring to them as "beef stroganoff" or "penne arrabbiata."

However, the Glasgow landscape transformed significantly over the years. When Caprese first opened, Buchanan Street was a far cry from its modern shopping centre incarnation. The restaurant was surrounded by tenements, a stark contrast to the towering structures that now dominate the area.

In 2011, with plans to revamp the city centre underway, Caprese on Buchanan Street closed its doors after a successful 28-year run. But its loyal customers need not despair. The restaurant found a new home in a basement on Woodside Crescent, marking a slight shift westward while retaining its essence.

Throughout its decades of operation, Caprese has consistently attracted celebrity clientele. Despite their access to the world's finest dining establishments, prominent figures like Rupert Everett have made a point of returning to Caprese whenever in Glasgow, forging a lasting connection with the restaurant.

The restaurant's appeal extends beyond Hollywood, with Glasgow's sporting scene well-represented amongst its patrons. Over the years, both Celtic and Rangers stars have frequented Caprese, enjoying its authentic Italian fare. Celtic players like Jota, Joe Hart, and former managers Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers have all been spotted at the restaurant.

Rangers fans are not left out either, with Steven Gerrard, Ally McCoist, Graeme Souness, and Philippe Clement among the team members who have dined at Caprese.

Even Hollywood stars like Brendan Fraser, who was filming the now-cancelled *Batgirl

in Glasgow, made time for a Caprese meal, as did Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.

Caprese Don Costanzo has stood the test of time, charming Glasgow locals and celebrities alike with its combination of authentic Italian cuisine, welcoming service, and charmingly unassuming atmosphere. This tiny basement haven continues to thrive, demonstrating that sometimes, the best things in life come in small, hidden packages.

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