Nonna's Kitchen, Cumbernauld 

Buongiorno a tutti! After reviewing two pasta restaurants last week, I wanted to share my thoughts on a local near me; Nonna’s Kitchen in Dullatur, Cumbernauld. Around a 25 minute drive from Glasgow, this new location compliments their original restaurant in Kirkintilloch. I’ve visited several times at both locations, more so the one in Cumbernauld since it’s just a short walk from my home.

The restaurant has plenty of parking and is set on a golf course, which does provide stunning views from the restaurant. The interior is nice, clean and simplistic, though it doesn’t quite match the ambiance of Zucca. The view is definitely a highlight to the dining experience. 

There are some lovely cocktails on offer; however, they do come with a higher price tag from other restaurants i've been too. The Pasta and pizza prices are fairly standard like any other Italian restaurant which is ideal. Over the course of my visits there is some things to note. The Service can be hit or miss—when it's busy, it can slow down, but it’s generally decent. 

I’ve tried a variety of pasta dishes, including the favourites penne salsiccia and spaghetti carbonara. While the pasta is homemade and the sauces are consistently flavourful and delicious , I’ve noticed some inconsistency in cooking.  Their carbonara is a favourite dish of mine as it's very authentic in terms of a traditional Italian carbonara, sadly it can just be disappointing if the pasta isn't cooked properly. Occasionally on the odd visit or two, the pasta can be underdone or overdone, and the sauces can vary from too dry to overly sludgy. Although on most visits, the dishes were just perfect, but this inconsistency can be frustrating. On a good note though, their Sunday roasts are divine and are huge in size- a little pricey but worth it in my opinion. Overall, the pasta and food in general is nice, it can just be inconsistent, especially if they are busy. 

One of the things I love about Nonna’s Kitchen is the entertainment factor. They feature a fantastic live guitar singer every Friday and Saturday, which really enhances the atmosphere while you dine. 

However, accessibility can be a challenge for those who aren’t local and rely on public transport, as it’s located in a quieter area of Cumbernauld. On the plus side, they do offer good parking and a lovely setting, making it a great destination for those who can drive. 

Overall, Nonna’s Kitchen has great potential with its lovely setting and delicious pasta sauces, but it would greatly benefit from more consistency. Additionally, improving service during busier times could enhance the overall dining experience. While the staff are generally friendly, a more attentive approach during peak hours would help ensure that guests feel well taken care of, allowing them to fully enjoy their meals without long waits. With these improvements, Nonna’s Kitchen could truly elevate and become a standout choice for pasta lovers.