THE Moll got a little too excited when I told her we were going to a little canal side restaurant I had heard of.

“Ooh Tec, Venice?” She cooed.

“No, a bit closer to home my dear.”

“Hmm Amsterdam. That is nearer isn’t it?”

“It is, but no. Closer still.”

Her face fell a little as she guessed again.

“Birmingham? Manchester?”

I though I better put her out of her misery and tell her we were going to Spiers Wharf at Port Dundas.

“I don’t even know what you just said,” was her reply.

“We are going to Ocho on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal,” I told her.

At weekend nights, the café is taken over by two of the day time Ocho staff and run as Tomillo.

The enterprising pair are Natasha and Mark who as well as taking their first steps in the restaurant business with the dining do take away and delivery.

It could be a little tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area but once you are there it is a lovely setting.

On the ground floor of the old grain mills and stores now converted into flats and offices the little café overlooks the west end and city centre skylines from up on the canal with boats moored outside.

Inside the Tomillo team offer a vegan menu at night. We started with three dishes from the small plates section and ordered charred cauliflower, sweet potato tacos and guacamole.

The cauliflower was a sensation. Never again will I boil the veg to a soggy mush. Although I doubt I could cook it like Mark the chef.

The sweet potato with tacos was very tasty and the chunky crisp taco chips, made in the kitchen, were perfect. For the main the Moll chose the Sesame Ramen after Natasha had explained it.

The noodle broth vegetable dish was to the Moll’s liking as the bowl was polished off and her smile said it all. I chose the Tofu Katsu, a mild Japanese style curry, served with rice. The flavours of both dishes were full and for non-vegans, like Tec here, you won’t miss meat when it’s cooked like this.

We finished with coffee to savour as the sun went down over Glasgow outside.

It was very quiet with just one other table occupied when we visited which might be down to the location. It may seem a little out of the way but is only a short walk form Cowcaddens Subway and the city centre and is well worth the trip.

By day Ocho is a café, not vegan or vegetarian, but with options for both and is popular with people out for a stroll or cycle along the canal. It is very handy for somewhere a little different for lunch or dinner at night.

Tomillo are launching officially this month and if our visit was anything to go by it won’t be long before they are turning people away.

FOOD - Four stars

ATMOSPHERE - Two stars

SERVICE - Four stars

Food

  • Charred Cauliflower £4.50
  • Sweet potato tacos £5.50
  • Guacamole £4.50
  • Sesame Ramen £12.50
  • Tofu Katsu £13.00

Drinks

  • Sauvignon Blanc 175ml £5.46x2
  • Beer Jaw Brew £3.80 x2
  • Coffee £2.80

Total £60.80