The best restaurants serving Italian food in Ardrossan and Arran North Ayrshire South West Scotland

So, I found myself in Ardrossan on a wet Wednesday evening (don’t ask!). Arrived at Checchini’s at 7.30pm where only three tables were taken but was told that the kitchen had just shut (the table he had just served was the last one to be served). Was offered ‘a wee something’ but decided to go where I would be welcomed. Excuse was that it was very quiet. Well, perhaps that’s because people don’t know if they’ll be served or not during advertised opening hours. If you want to close early, amend your advertised opening hours. Very poor, very internally-focused.

We live locally and visit often but it was a very disappointing birthday lunch today..... I decided to try the Penne Toscana but when it arrived it was only lukewarm. The Waitress apologised & took it back to the kitchen. After a couple of minutes it returned (same chipped plate, same meal with a poor serving of mushrooms) slightly warmer but still not heated through. It was tasty so I just ate it rather than cause a fuss. When the Waiter cleared the plates I mentioned an off putting piece of what appeared to be gristly chicken or sausage that was also in the (vegetarian) meal, he apologised after prodding it with my knife, none the wiser to what it was, however it had further spoilt my enjoyment of what could’ve been a tasty dish. No second drinks were offered, we had to wait until we were ordering our desserts to have another drink. Only 1 drink then arrived, we had to ask again for the other which then was offered to 2 tables before we got it. Husband was disappointed with the tiramisu which he said had no coffee flavour to it. Overall a very disappointing visit from a food and service aspect. We understand that staff change frequently however today it was obvious that new / inexperienced staff, lovely as they were, would’ve benefitted from support from senior staff to ensure good service and to deal with problems that arose.

I have been here a few times over the past couple of years, the only reason for returning is that they do an okay panini and it’s very handy for before or after a walk on the beach. I have never dared to try anything else on the menu and by the looks of other reviews this was a wise idea. I can’t write a review without first mentioning the toilets which are like something from a horror movie. Soaking wet floor, only one cubicle with a working lock, filthy bin with broken lid, brown liquid in the hand dryers and a terrible smell. They have been like this for several years it seems, and you would think they would have done something about it by now seeing as it’s their number 1 complaint. The toilets should actually be closed until they are refurbished and refitted, definitely a health and safety hazard. Staff seem miserable and removed from their customers. Hardly any eye contact or willingness to engage. My mother and I shared a small bottle of sparkling water which came with two dirty tenants pint glasses, even the bottle of water was dirty. I suppose anyone working here would be miserable. It’s incredibly dated, the food is mediocre and the facilities are horrendous. There is something very off about the whole place and I think having visited a few times we’ll be giving it a pass until there are improvements made. It could be a much better place given its perfect location overlooking the Isle of Arran and the proximity to the beach. I suppose it needs a major cash injection, until then…avoid!