Describing itself as a 'dining experience', Bilson Eleven is based in the Glasgow suburb of Dennistoun to the east of the city centre. Serving a nine-course tasting menu which showcases seasonal Scottish produce, the restaurant's contemporary style is juxtaposed by the old building which houses it. Expect dishes prepared with a playful creativity which all demonstrate a great deal of respect for the ingredients. If you're looking for a Glaswegian fine dining experience but in a suitably relaxed setting, Bilson Eleven is a great option without needing to travel too far from the city centre.
From the outside, you wouldn't necessarily know that this was a restaurant you were looking at, as Bilson Eleven is found inside an old tenement block and blends in with the flats and houses either side of it. The décor inside mixes contemporary design with the odd traditional feature. A fire place sits on one side of the otherwise minimalist main dining area, while there is also a stained glass window and a sweeping staircase. This leads to a cosy yet informal feel to the restaurant.
When it comes to the food at Bilson Eleven, the tasting menu changes regularly depending on the season and availability of ingredients. It is suggested that you should leave between two and a half and three hours to enjoy the nine courses. Expect dainty snacks to start such as potato topped with caviar, and langoustine and lovage. Larger plates range from seafood dishes like cured Loch Etive trout, with pickles, horseradish and coal oil, and Barra scallop with a truffled chicken veloute, to meatier offerings such as highland venison served with mushroom, preserved cherry and coffee, and borders 60 day aged beef with onion garnishes.
In terms of drinks, you can opt to have a drinks pairing alongside the tasting menu, or you can choose from the exciting list of wines.