Warm, inclusive and magical: these are the words the team at El Santo Latin American restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City has chosen to describe the concept behind its festive calendar, full of live music, Fiestas, and menus containing beloved seasonal classics.
Since 2022, the restaurant has been building a concept it calls “Casa”, meaning “home”.
“Glasgow’s multiculturalism is among its most attractive qualities, hosting both traditional celebrations and unexpected experiences,” said Ester McGonigle, El Santo’s Marketing Manager.
“It is important that our thriving Glaswegian community understands what “Casa” stands for. Maybe you are far from home. Perhaps you don’t have a family of your own. Or you have just arrived in Glasgow and haven’t made friends yet, or you think you are too old to make them,” she said.
“We believe in people, and in how they make this city and its community unique. We want to be a home where people can meet, eat, laugh, drink and thrive,” she concludes.
This year, the festive season will be especially busy at “Casa”, kicking off early on 26th November, and running Thursday to Sunday, every week until 20th December.
“Our themed nights will celebrate every way of being festive, from jazz and blues, to salsa fiestas, so there is something for everyone,” said Ester.
The menus are designed to be inclusive, too. “El Santo wants to be the home of Latin American culture in Glasgow, and that means being a home for everyone. That is why we included vegetarian and halal options in our festive season: to embrace the large part of the city’s population that might feel left out at this time of year. We believe it gives them a chance to experience our traditions and feel part of them. The meaning is the same; we have simply translated it into some new ‘languages’,” Ester explains.
Besides the new food menus, Ester also shared a sneak peek of the festive cocktails. “It will be impossible to have just one. Everyone knows the cold months set the perfect mood for warm, cosy drinks, but what if we made them boozy?” The new cocktails launch officially next week, on 13 November.
All the food menus are available on the restaurant’s website. Lunch deals start at £19.95 per person for small plates, and the offering extends to fine dining, including the signature flame-grilled picanha brasileira on the four-course Festive Menu, priced at £45 per person. With Brazilian head chef Juliana Kipper leading the flavours, the award-winning venue keeps the experience rich and authentic.
Behind the main room is El Santito, the sister venue where the fiesta nights are hosted. It has a modern ambience and its own bar and staff, and, as Ester highlights, it is also available for private bookings such as office parties, birthdays and gatherings of family or friends, with special catering and bar packages on offer.
For those who cannot visit during the festive season, or who simply want to give someone a meal at the restaurant, the team has prepared vouchers. They are available to buy online and at the restaurant, for those who prefer a physical present with gorgeous packaging.
Commenting on the overall festive offering, Ester explained how important Christmas is to Latin American people. “Christmas is the highlight of the Latin American calendar, a time for nostalgia, family and hope. We believe we have planned a festive season at El Santo that allows Glasgow to experience the hospitality Latinos are known for.”
Bookings, vouchers and enquiries: www.elsanto.co.uk.
