Nardini's, 215 Byres Road, Glasgow (0141 339 2221)

First taste

Nardini's has occupied its enviable corner position for a year now in Glasgow's west end. It not only serves up its famous ice-cream, but also gives Byres Road some much needed competition on the patisserie front. The savoury eats and seating may be limited, but the possibilities for the sweet toothed are boundless.

One slice or two?

Home baked favourites such as chunky shortbread, fruit loaf, cherry and almond muffins, peanut butter cookies and biscotti are the first to catch the eye. Then, if the allure of the ice cream counter doesn't distract, there's a patisserie cabinet filled with pretty-as-a-picture tarts (including strawberry, apple, frangipane, mixed fruit and banoffee) and individual gateaux and cheesecakes. Average price is £2.50 per cake.

Critic's choice

The apple tart is refreshingly focused on the fruit, not the pastry. It's all about the textures, with perfectly cooked chunks of apple, apple puree, thin baked apple slices and a glistening glaze.

catherine.lawson@heraldandtimes.co.uk