Emma Mykytyn Review Santé, Helensburgh
If you’re searching for the best restaurant in Helensburgh, a Mediterranean restaurant on the Clyde coast, or a place offering a relaxed dining experience, then Santé Restaurant could be for you. We dined here as part of our stay at Riva Boutique Hotel.
Located within the stylish Riva Hotel Helensburgh on West Clyde Street, Santé combines Italian and Mediterranean influences with views towards the waterfront.
First Impressions
The setting manages to feel comfortable as well as special, making it equally suitable for a casual lunch, date night, family celebration or weekend dinner with friends.
The seafront location adds to the appeal, particularly on sunny days when Helensburgh’s waterfront provides a picturesque backdrop to your meal.
Menu
Santé’s menu draws inspiration from Italy and the wider Mediterranean, offering a mix of traditional dishes and modern interpretations. The restaurant also caters well for different dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely lunch, a relaxed evening meal or a special occasion, the menu offers enough variety to appeal to a wide range of tastes.
What we ate and drank
Mark had a pint of Riva lager which is brewed by Glasgow-based German-style brewery WEST. I had a Riva Spritz – peach liqueur, aperol, lemon, prosecco and soda. Both hit the spot on this hot, summer day.
Our small plates arrived in no particular order: burrata, heirloom tomatoes, basil and olive oil first. Some more slices of tomato would have been good, however a chonk of creamy burrata.
Scallop and prawn panciotti, beurre blanc. Translated as ‘little bellies’, plump pasta shapes smothered in this classic sauce was a winner. No watery filling here.
28 days aged 6oz rump steak with chimichurri sauce. This was perfect with the parmesan and truffle skinny fries. Moist and tender steak with a tangy chimichurri.
Mini pizza, there are four on offer on the menu, we picked Camembert, hot honey and smoked sea salt. Maybe less herbs would be better, however…a good slab of Camembert atop a crisp pizza base.
A look at the Parmesan and truffle skinny fries alongside pan con tomate. The pan was probably the weakest dish here. Not what we expected. The tomato mix needed more oil and garlic and the bread was very dry. 🙁
Another pasta dish, lobster bauletti with shellfish bisque. Little parcels this time instead of bellies. Another smashing pasta dish. Flavoursome, filled pasta with a superb shellfish sauce, more of a sauce than a bisque here which I liked as the texture went well with the pasta.
and another pasta, we did like the sound of these so couldn’t stop! Salmon rettangoli with fennel sauce. Guess what rettangoli means? yup, retangular! The fennel sauce was light and coated the salmon filled rectangular pasta parcels. These disappeared quickly with the help of Mark.
By this time, I was full, so Mark had to take one for the team and try the Italian sorbet. A scoop of mango and a scoop of raspberry. Refreshing and a perfect end to a Mediterranean-inspired meal at the seaside
Verdict
We had a lovely meal at Santé restaurant in Helensburgh and would certainly return for the pasta and pizza, and cocktails! Easy to share small plates menu, which is ideal for us picky bits eaters. A tip would be to order a couple of plates at a time, especially as the pasta cools down quickly.
Book a table at Santé Bar and Bistro
Address: 12-14 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 8SQ
Click here to book a table directly with Santé Bistro.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santé Bar & Bistro Helensburgh
Is Santé Bar & Bistro dog friendly?
Yes. Santé Bar & Bistro, located within Santé Bistro, welcomes dogs. Treats and even dog beds available, making it one of the more dog-friendly dining venues in Helensburgh.
What are the opening times for Santé Bar & Bistro?
Current opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Opening hours can occasionally change, so it’s worth checking before visiting.
Where is Santé Bar & Bistro located?
The restaurant is located within the seafront Riva Hotel Helensburgh at 12–14 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh, overlooking the Clyde waterfront.
Do I need to book a table?
Booking is recommended, especially on weekends, during holiday periods and for Sunday lunch. Tables can be reserved directly through the hotel.
What type of food does Santé Bar & Bistro serve?
Santé specialises in Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisine, drawing influences from regions including Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily and Piedmont, alongside seasonal Scottish ingredients.
Does Santé cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available on the menu. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s advisable to notify the restaurant when booking.
Is Santé suitable for celebrations and special occasions?
Absolutely. The stylish setting, waterfront location and attentive service make Santé a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings and romantic meals.
Is there parking nearby?
There is public parking available close to the restaurant along Helensburgh’s waterfront and throughout the town centre. Helensburgh Central railway station is also within walking distance.
Is Santé family friendly?
Yes. Families are welcome, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for diners of all ages.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code. Smart casual attire is perfectly suitable whether visiting for lunch, dinner or drinks.
