Mira Mare in Argyll & Bute

The food served is of good quality, but it's the same old menu time after time. The restaurant also lacks atmosphere, which is a shame because it used to be the best restaurant in Helensburgh under previous owners.

Excellent little restaurant, good service and lovely Italian food. My food was a huge portion and I was reluctant to stop eating because it tasted so good

We were staying in a nearby hotel but decided to try this quaint place for dinner. We managed to get a table booked and it was very busy when we arrived. Atmosphere is lovely, menu varied and with something to suit all tastes. The servers were busy but came and took our order fairly quickly. We then waited over 30mins for our starters with no apology or even an approach to see if we needed anything else while we were waiting. Our mains did arrive in a timely manner after that. It wasn't just us, the table across the way were waiting nearly 40minutes for their main courses too. At this point all the other tables had been served. We are thinking the issue is that the takeaway orders were taking precedence over people dining in which is not necessarily fair. The food was delicious and prices good - it would have been a 5* if we hadn't been waiting so long.

Lovely place,good was great ,atmosphere,and service,perfect

Cosy small taverna like restaurant with authentic and I might add delicious food. Book ahead so not to be disappointed.

Still the best kept secret in Helensburgh Shhhhh don’t tell anyone else. Genuine Italian, quality food at reasonable prices

We came across this little restaurant by chance yesterday walking along the front. It is a small restaurant and looks quite dated, but the food was absolutely amazing. We shared some pizza and the seafood risotto, there was plenty of seafood in it and it was really full of flavour. Our server, a young girl, was really nice. For being so young she was very friendly and attentive. I don’t think I would have managed such a fast paced job at my age. If you are in the area make sure to visit. It was also very reasonably priced.

Great food, perfectly cooked pasta and excellent service. Best food we’ve had in Helensburgh all week by some distance :-)

Very yummy italian pizza worth every penny Very friendly service.

Had a lovely meal here and really wish I’d visited sooner we found the food amazing and very fresh and the staff wonderful and friendly

Small Italian in Helensburgh with exceptional Italian food. Thoroughlyrecommend

Took a while to get our food,but it was lovely,and a doggie bag to take home as I didn't manage to eat all the plateful

Went in with kids lucky to get a table. What a hidden gem. Highly recommend this restaurant

Food was outstanding. Really recommend Focaccia. The two waitresses were incredibly lovely. Such a credit to the owner.

Second time at Mire Mare food excellent lovely wee Italian no wonder it's been Established for years in Helensburgh.

Hadn’t been in since I worked here many years ago and I was extremely satisfied & relieved that the service and food was just as superb-if not better as before! My partner is a fussy pizza eater and said the pizza he’d ordered was the best pizza he’d ever had (we’ve been to Italy itself and he said the pizza in Mira Mara was better!) I had an orange coloured sauce pasta/chicken dish with peppers; It was so rich, creamy with lots of flavours and was plenty on the plate. The waitress was super attentive, very on the ball, welcoming and so polite! If I could give more than 5* I 100% would!

Take away or sit in , this place is a hidden gem. Don't let the small quiant look confuse you. It's authentic , great quality Italian food. Pizza is the best pizza I've ever had. Fact (and my wives family is Italian!). 3 x big delicious hearty Pizzas for less than £30. You can't go wrong.

Pizzas are amazing and the service always excellent.

We visit every year over the Christmas holidays usually when it's blowing a hoolie outside. It's become a tradition. The food is gorgeous and tasty and the wine is lovely. A wee hidden gem on Helensburgh front.

My daughter's and mother in law went Mira Mare for dinner. We have dined here for many years and the food is excellent. The owner accused my daughter's, with no evidence of pealing the paint off the back of the toilet door. I found this totally unjustified. I called the owner to explain that it was not them. Unfortunately he did not accept this and said they were not welcome to dine here anymore. I would always recommended people to dine there as the food is good, but after this unjustified incident I won't be back. This is extremely disappointing behaviour from the owner.

It's hard to judge the atmosphere as we arrived right at the opening time of 3pm and we were mostly alone apart from another couple who came in for pizza. Helensburgh can be quiet in the colder months anyway. We were able to chat with the owner and our meal was really good. We both had a minestrone soup starter and lasagne main. Both were excellent. I'd go as far as saying the lasagne was the best I have ever had. Not too heavy, just perfect and really tasty. Not ridiculous prices either. Definitely recommended

Brilliant place, from the warm welcome, to the top quality and tasty food, to the cheerio at the door. Cant recommend Mira Mare enough. We went twice, while on holiday in Helensburgh. If your in the area, please remember to book as it is "Small" but perfect in every way. Thanks team Mira Mare!

Ate here tonight with my mum. Food was amazing. I had risotto primavera, arborio rice with roasted vegetables and my mum had the calzone padrina which was stuffed with ground beef, pepperoni , onions, chilli, rice and cheese. We also shared a garlic focaccia which was cooked perfectly, light and crispy with plenty garlic on top. My mum had a panacotta for dessert and she said it was beautiful. This will definitely be our new favourite place when we stay at our caravan. Can't wait to try more of the menu. They also had a specials board with a good selection of specials. We had 2 soft drinks and the bill came to £43.40 which I think was excellent value for money as the portions were definitely not an average size. Thank you to the lovely wee waitress who served us with a smile and knew the menu inside out without having to ask chef about dishes. Great addition to your staff. Definitely be back soon 😊

We went here because of the good reviews. At first glance, the restaurant seems a bit inconspicuous. But we have rarely eaten as well as we did here. The service was also very friendly.

Longest standing Italian in town and easy to see why. Excellent halloumi starter. Wonderful light foccacia. Very good pasta dishes. Wine by carafe so couple can have different. Just don't be in a rush as kitchen also serves busy carry outs but why would you want to hurry.

I had the absolute pleasure in eating in this little gem of a restaurant on Saturday 29/7/23. When we first walked in I wasn't sure we'd made the right decision in booking the Mira Mare - how wrong I was. The staff were amazing. I requested something slightly different to what was on the menu. After checking with the chef this was no problem at all. The food was amazing and the can do attitude of the staff was great, nothing was too much trouble. Their interaction with other diners was lovely to see too, especially the elderly single diners. Keep up the good work!

Amazing food and epic service, love the place!

Our Favorite Restaurant in Helensburgh! We have been going for years and have never been disappointed.

Top notch service and lovely food will be back for sure

Fantastic food best pepper sauce I've ever had steak was first class I would definitely recommend this restaurant 10/10

Disappointed. But ticked the box. I had the lobster ravioli, based on comments in another review. Quite forgettable tbh. My partner had the beef stroganoff, a strange dish and possibly the same sauce my ravioli was in. Their pizzas are excellent, possibly pipping Padrone by a fractionbut that's whwre we'll go in future. Good service by the one waiting staff but then only 3 or 4 tables were occupied, odd then that a couple of smart guys who arrived at 8.30 were turned away. On a Saturday night in Summer??!! We are local and hoped to make this a regular dining option but that also happened to us, around 8 pm one weekend evening. They obviously just don't need the business.

Shared Mozzarella frizza with rosemary focaccia, excellent. Ravioli with lobster really good. Strawberry desert great. Sangiovesi red and rose very pleasant in carafes. Just don't be in a hurry but you wouldn't want to be.

Absolutely stunning food for 4 adults. All 4 of us were delighted by what we ordered. The best takeaway meal I've ever had.

Lovely restuarant, great food. Friendly, entertaining staff. A must if you like good food

Very busy so a bit of a wait for our food which was delicious. Service very good and friendly.

Lovely staff, they were pretty busy but the waitress was quick to serve us and the food came fairly quick as well even though the restaurant was full

In town for business, popped in and bought a Parma Pizza, very tasty and very good price! Would highly recommend!

Best kept secret in Helensburgh. Shhhh don’t tell everyone - Brilliant restaurant that my family and I love

Excellent restaurant, great service and amazing food, cannot recommend highly enough, far superior to some of the larger ‘chain’ restaurants in Helensburgh, can’t wait to return!

I'd consider myself a bit of a pizza connoisseur and these guys make top notch pizza's. Will definitely recommend, I'm sure the other food options are fantastic too. Great service too!

I had been here before and found it quite friendly and the food was really good, this visit didn’t match up. Despite only 1 other table having diners it seemed a hassle to accommodate us, service was slow and didn’t seem that friendly, food was ok but very small portion sizes. Just wasn’t a fan on this visit

Amazing food and great service! So good we had to come back on the same trip!

Hands down the best pizza in Helensburgh, make this one of your stops if you're visiting!! It was so good that we ended up coming back a second time in the same day and will absolutely be making Helensburgh a future holiday destination JUST FOR THE PIZZA HERE!!! Try the Mira Mare pizza, it absolutely will not disappoint, such an amazing tangy flavour; it might be my favourite pizza in the UK!

Hands down the best pizza in Helensburgh, make this one of your stops if you're visiting!! It was so good that we ended up coming back a second time in the same day and will absolutely be making Helensburgh a future holiday destination JUST FOR THE PIZZA HERE!!! Try the Mira Mare pizza, it absolutely will not disappoint, such an amazing tangy flavour; it might be my favourite pizza in the UK!

Enjoyed a delicious meal at the Mira Mare on Saturday night. A nice buzz in the restaurant with very attentive waitresses. Nothing can beat the rosemary focaccia. Looking forward to another visit soon.

Popped in for take away. Enjoyed a lovely glass of wine while we waited. Very friendly and food was excellent

You just can’t beat the Mira Mare for good quality food at a decent price. We’ve literally never had a bad meal from here, either sitting in or takeaway. On a Saturday night we took friends for dinner and had a great evening. The service from both waitresses was low key friendly and efficient - exactly what you want. Our food was fab - the starters were delicious and decent portions, but not too much so as to spoil your appetite. Our main courses were simply delicious - my pappardelle Mira mare was perfect; pasta cooked to perfection, lots of king prawns, sauce not too creamy or rich but tasty and moreish. Only one of our party had room for dessert and his panacotta disappeared in the flash of an eye so I’m assuming it was good! House wine was lovely, birra moretti on draft, and when we got the bill we were pleasantly surprised at the superb value for money for a two/three course meal for four adults with drinks. I just can’t find fault with the Mira Mare; it’s honest, simple Italian food cooked well and without fuss or frills. It blows the Cattle and Creel out the water every time and we’ll be back time and again! So grateful for them being in town!

Table for 3 booked for 7.15pm. Arrived at 7.05pm, seated straight away at a 2 seat table with an extra seat attached. Not a lot of space. 2 empty tables of 2 when we arrived. 3 other groups in, 2 tables had starters when we sat down. Drinks order taken after 5 minutes NO KIDS MENU or option of a pizza smaller than 12 inches. Advised, "we only do one size, take rest home". Coke brought in glasses with ice and slice, not asked if we wanted this and pre-poured out of the can (can not brought to table). No offer of table water, other tables had it. Food order given approx 7.20/25pm 2 pizzas, one pasta and a starter to come with the mains. 8.10pm No food, no apology, no update, no visit to see if we wanted more drinks despite ours having been finished for 20 minutes. During the hour we had been in the restaurant, no fewer than 6 takeaway visits had been in to collect food, no fewer than 4 were told "10 minutes its not quite ready yet". On average 30 minutes after people entered they got their takeaway food. The other tables all asking where food was including the 2 now filled tables behind us. Finally at 8.20pm I had had enough and enquired as to how long food will be and if we could get more drinks. To be told, "sorry there is an overwhelming amount of takeaway orders". Again drinks brought, no cans and again ice and a slice and had to practically shove empties into her hand to get them taken away. Meanwhile table behind us had can brought to table. 8.33pm Food arrives, Pasta portion small and average in taste ( pasta was undercooked). Sauce nice only 5 or so prawns in it. Not filling at all. 2 pizzas both with extra toppings. Meat on both was thrown on haphazardly drenched in oil and herbs with at least 2 or 3 slices missing any of the extra toppings on each. The cherry on the cake, no sign of our attached starter (garlic/chilli prawns and garlic bruschetta). Parmesan offered for pasta but no black pepper offered for pasta or pizza. Only check back occurred about halfway through meal, I did not inform them of the starter as I wanted to see if they even realised their error besides it was now too late and i did not want to pay any more than I had to for this debacle. Finally after finishing food, they couldn't move fast enough to clear table and ask if we wanted anything else (clearly wanted people out as table clean down was the only fast thing about this place). I told the waitress, is there any sign of our starter that was supposed to come with the main, looking back at me emptily she said she would check. I added we don't want it anyway now. She returned after 10 minutes saying the chef apologies, no explanation though and offered "a free drink or something". I replied no, but I would like the desert menu as she stormed off. No menus appeared, so I approached again to ask for them, she returned to table with them and as she put them down I asked how long the wait on deserts was. This must have been a question too far for her as she threw the last two menus down and replied "nah, sorry nah" slapped her knees and stormed off again. We then overheard (along with entire restaurant) her telling another member of staff very loudly"HES ASKING HOW LONG FOR DESERTS". Other tables were staring at us and the back of the room, partner feeling very anxious and uncomfortable after this interaction. This waitress NEVER returned or made eye contact with us again. The second waitress tip toed sheepishly towards our table and took our order, however the cake of the day clearly displayed was not available so 1 order of gelato for child was taken. This was brought quickly with an offer of on the house (5.59). Paid bill 40.75 and left Decor is very shabby, only 6 tables (2 doubles and 4 singles). Very cold in there tonight, hottest radiator was at front door which was constantly opening and closing. Small pointless heater on floor near bar. Seems to be very busy for takeaway however, judging service on tonight they cannot satisfy the demand of either customers in the venue or ordering from home. Not to mention, if there was going to be anything over a half hour wait this should be passed on to customers, apologies made and even drinks on house offered. An hour and ten minutes though is unacceptable for a place with so few covers. Especially when the food is bang average at best and presented very poorly by huffy staff with no manners. Easily the worst service and experience in any restaurant I have had and particularly for such a "highly rated " venue. Would not recommend, would not return, If you like Italian food go anywhere else, but if you do, bring a good book you will need it. And for gods sake, do not DARE ask how ling the wait on desert is.

Lovely food will be back thanks

We had our 10th wedding anniversary dinner here today. It was lovely. The ambience and service were so great. The food was amazing. Bring back our memories of when we had pasta in Venice. Ravioli lobster is so yummy and lush. Desserts also good three flavours of cannoli with whipped cream to end with. A memorable moment for us.

When in Helensburgh, this is our favourite establishment to establish our patronage in. The food is to die for, with the lobster ravioli being a real favourite in our posse! It is great when you want to really make a night of a meal, but don't go expecting to be in and out as there is typically only one server servering at any one time. Would highly recommend giving your custom to this smashing little eatery. One Love, Sambuca Prawns

Very small place but food is good.

Best lasagne I have had outside of Italy.

Just back from this small Italian restaurant Helensburgh. Food was truly excellent as was the service.

We are in the area staying at Robin House arrived early. 7:15 and our order was pretty straight forward so ordered almost immediately. We were advised there was only one sirloin steak left and therefore one sirloin and one fillet was ordered. We chased up...

Love this wee gem. Great food every time. Simple surroundings but the food, drink and service is excellent

I’ve eaten at the Mira Mare before and recommended it to friends I went there today with my partner and was very disappointed. Take away customers were being given priority over sit in customers. We arrived at 6.15pm and were welcomed and our order was...

Fantastic early dinner with family. Really good, classic Italian food. Pasta was fantastic the lemon sole special was especially good. Also torta della nonna and cannoli was amazing.

Nei pressi di Rimini il ristorante mira mare è un ristorante da 0 in pagella, personale scontroso battute poco apprezzate...

Helensburghs best Italian restaurant, my sister and her husband used to go to Italy for pizza, the mire mare is the closest to genuine pizza.

Fantastic pizza best I've tasted for a long time

Lovely restaurant with a great atmosphere. Friendly, efficient and helpful staff. Fab menu choices. Food was really good, only minor complaint, I had Penne Formaggio which contained Spinach but there was very little Spinach in it. Will definitely be back 👍

Excellent food and really friendly service. Focaccia to share was delicious and two different chicken main dishes equally good - as was the lemon tart. Would highly recommend. Decor bit dated but doesn't take away at all from a busy wee restaurant with a great atmosphere.

Absolutely amazing, food fantastic and Amy a wonderful member of staff, so in control a huge asset to the business whatever you do keep her. Will defo be back a wonderful Christmas eve meal. Price great to and a wonderful selection of drinks. Thank you...

Good food friendly and helpful staff whi bent over backwards to help with the surprise birthday cake

Great service, the food is absolutely fantastic!

Intimate setting, friendly staff and sublime food 👌

We ate here last night with our 1 year old and had a wonderful dining experience. The food was delicious and our 1 year old enjoyed his kids pasta so much he was clapping and practically jumping out of his chair as each bite created such excitment for him- a brilliantly physical expression of how tasty the food was. On top of this our server Amy was fantastic both at her job but also at just being a top notch human being. She was brilliant with our wee boy and a happy baby meant mum and dad could enjoy their meal. To her boss- you've a wonderful brand ambassador in Amy and I hope you are very proud of her! A lovely atmosphere and good pricing rounded this experience off. I'm so glad we went here and hope dear reader you enjoy it as much as we did.

Great food, well priced and very friendly and attentive staff, who were very happy to have a child with us.

Delicious food, good atmosphere, and great service.

I wish this place was at the end of my street! One of those rare finds, an authentic little Italian restaurant offering something a bit different from the standard carbonara etc and excellent value for money. We had a pizza and the lobster ravioli, both superb, followed by panna cotta and an orange tart. Good house wine and beer too. The waitress was single-handedly efficient and friendly. So glad we found this wee gem on our stay in Helensburgh.

We moved to Helensburgh a year ago and just discovered Mira Mare…phone was ringing off the hook but Amy juggled tables and take aways with a smile. Great food, good price and we will be back for more!

Wonderful!!! Small little restaurant, apparently the oldest italian in Helenburgh. Can only comment on 2 mains and a rosemary foccacia. Absobloodylutley beautiful! Wow really wow, the lobster ravioli and it was just divine, partner had king prawn pappardelle mira mare, and said it was gorgeous. The bread was HUGE, so very tasty rosemary and sea salt, lovely and would highly recommend mmm mmm

Lovely yummy food and excellent service! Super recommended wee gem!

Thanks for a great meal last Friday night and for your excellent service, this is just a small italian restraunt but i can highly recommend it, make sure you book before you go it only seats about 20 people

A totally wonderful experience, the food was exceptional and the service was outstanding. Would highly recommend to anybody visiting the area.

It took us 2 years to eventually try this place, we have been missing out!! Proper Italian style pizza, fresh dough bases, very tasty. The service was brilliant and couldn't be faulted. Definitely recommend and we'll be back both to sit in and for a takeaway

Lovely food and friendly service. Small family run restaurant with traditional Italian food. Would recommend. Seemed to be very busy with takeaways as well so locals must rate this place too.

Happened to park outside to eat elsewhere but two places we tried were Closed/Full. Thought we'd live dangerously and try this little restaurant that we knew nothing about and hadn't been recommended to us. Absolutely the best pizza I have eaten. Waitress very friendly and...

Good service, good drinks, food let down by burnt wrap, but filling superb.

Really nice place small but that's not a bad thing at ALL food was superb the lobster ravioli was great the pasta was fresh and thin but so soft, service was really good, and the back ground music was good , I will definitely be returning

Such good service and food! First time in there and will absolutely be back again! Thank you.

Hands down the best restaurant in Helensburgh. Ive just spent the last 11 nights in the town and been to a different eatery every night. (Padrone, Ruby, Sugar Boat, Cattle & Creel, La Barca to name a few) and Mira Mare was the best by a country mile. This understated little restaurant has a loud voice and really packs a punch with flavour. Everything tasted so fresh and zingy. Give this chef a pay rise! Waitress was a lovely girl who couldn't do enough to make our evening as enjoyable as possible. She knew her stuff too, and understood the flavours of the food she was serving. Really can't praise Mira Mare enough. If you are only in this town one night and can't decide where to eat-go here. You wont regret it. I can't believe I only discovered it on my last night here! Still, better late than never....

Hidden gem of a restaurant Excellent food and great service Freshly prepared food not bought in !! I will definitely be going back soon

This is one of Helensburghs hidden gems. The restaurant may be small but its food has a big impact. The menu has a great selection of different Italian dishes, each of which are very very very good. The service is friendly and professional, with knowledge of the dishes served and the drinks menu. Be prepared to spend a few hours here. This is a proper Italian restaurant, not a bistro. You are encouraged to sit, take your time and enjoy your meal. I'll definitely be visiting Mira Mare again.

Fabulous food and service, take away available and great value. A definite must for all who visit Helensburgh, simply the best home Italian cooking.

Small restaurant, the interior may be a little dated don't be put off, but the food is excellent. Pasta and risotto were very satisfying.

We are in this restaurant tonight. Fantastic freshly cooked Italian food in a lovely environment. Friendly efficient waitress. A perfect evening.

Lovely place for an afternoon lunch, can thoroughly recommend it. Try the lunch menu, for the price it is worthwhile

Beautiful Italian food. A wee gem of a place

Lovely food and well looked after.

Had a meal with 8 friends on new years eve. The selection of food was limited but this was not a negative factor because it was quite varied. Quality of all our meals was very good and portion size was more than adequate. Drinks prices were not excessive around hotel prices. Overall good value and quality and I would go back again.

The seafood pasta special was delicious. Thanks chef 😊

Just had a great lunch everything freshly prepared & everything tasted great. Really enjoyed the Italian beer was refreshing & light. Can highly recommend the Mira Mare.

I had Veal Saltimbocca my wife steak. Both brilliant. I feel the quality of the food is best in Helensburgh made even more enjoyable due to lack of pretentiousness. (Toilets spotless always a good sign.)

Very small but an excellent restaurant, prices very reasonable, staff adorable and very attentive. Food is just wonderful

Lovely place to eat food was amazing deffo worth a visit.

Saturday night visit for my partner's birthday. Small restaurant with older decor but the food is excellent, service good and prices very very reasonable!

Great food, well presented, intimate atmosphere a winner !

Excellent authentic Italian food, beautiful pizza with very thin base and delicious delicate topping.