Food Review: IKEA Restaurant, Braehead, Glasgow

Ikea restaurant braehead glasgow Meatballs

Mountains of meatballs at IKEA

Unless you’ve been living under a Rökk, you’ll be aware that IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad died just the other week, aged 91, so a fitting tribute to the man and his revolution of interior decoration was called for.  What better way to do this than eat a budget meal of meatballs at IKEA?!

It has been a while since my last requirement for tea lights that I almost got giddy with the array of scented candles on this visit.  I keep calm and decide that meatballs first, will prevent me from buying more “bits” for the house.

Through the metal parallel bars and past the rows of Daim cakes to the hot counter. There’s fish and chips, pasta and curry on offer but I only have eyes for meatballs, mash, gravy and lingonberry sauce which is dished out without any real love but it’s what IKEA is famous for, other than furniture right?

Ikea restaurant braehead glasgow

After navigating the checkout and drinks area, a clear table is found. Just as you would expect, the decor is minimalist and furnished with IKEA products.

Ikea restaurant braehead glasgow Meatballs

Onto the meatballs.   Well, they are OK and probably as I remembered – filling comfort food with no lumps or unexpected tastes.  Just pork and beef in a creamy sauce with buttery mash and a sweet jam sauce.   It’s cheap and cheerful but just what was needed for this cold winter’s day.  The creamy sauce is like an American gravy so add a splash of mustard if you feel you need to liven up the plate.

Ikea restaurant braehead glasgow Meatballs

I settle back with a cup of tea and a cinnamon bun just to keep up the post-lingonberry jam sugar rush and am content that I’m travelling home by car as you really need one to get to/from here. I have done the lengthy bus trip before but if you are travelling into Glasgow afterwards check whether Rangers are playing at home as the traffic after a match can add 30 minutes onto your journey.

TL;DR

+ You get what you pay for

+ budget-friendly food

– Service without a smile

– Awkward to get to without a car

Where:

IKEA, 99 Kings Inch Drive, Braehead, Glasgow

 

Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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