Fellow foodies, you’re in for a treat (or several) on a visit to Glasgow. The vibrant city is home to some of Scotland’s most exciting dining. Whether you’re in search of traditional Scottish fare that’ll warm your soul, craving exotic flavours and creative fusions, or if you’re in the mood for unabashedly decadent comfort food, Glasgow has got you covered.
From elevated fine dining to no-frills neighbourhood favourites, you’ll find culinary experiences across the city to suit any craving. This is a city where unforgettable meals are never far away (believe me, having spent half a decade living there I had my fair share!) And, since Glasgow foodies don’t gatekeep, I’m passing on my top recommendations below.
Ubiquitous Chip
Where better to begin than with a true Glasgow icon. ‘The Chip’ has long been a culinary cornerstone of the West End’s cobbled Ashton Lane, serving incredible Scottish cuisine since the 1970s. Spread across a labyrinthian layout, you’ll find multiple bars and cosy nooks to enjoy a drink, plus a relaxed bistro upstairs, a rooftop terrace, and fine dining in the main restaurant. Known for its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, the menu celebrates the best of Scotland’s culinary heritage, and changes with the seasons to reflect the freshest local produce. Expect to find classic Scottish dishes like cullen skink and a decadent venison haggis on the menu, alongside inventive expressions of Scottish seafood and meat among the mains. The menu is rich, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions. The enchanting interior makes a meal here even more magical – with a central courtyard filled with leafy plant-life, ponds, and fountains, illuminated by the twinkling glow of string lights. In the summer months, the open air roof terrace is a gorgeous spot for drinks or dining in the rare Scottish sunshine
Where to find it: 12 Ashton Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ
Visit: ubiquitouschip.co.uk
Seven21
From the team behind the Eighty Eight in Finneston, the latest opening on the city’s Southside in partnership with HINBA coffeeshop is not to be missed. During the day the Oban-based Coffee Roastery HINBA serves up speciality coffees and fresh daily bakes from neighbouring Burnfield bakery. The bright and airy space is perfect for a laid back coffee, catching up over cappuccinos or casual co-working. In the evenings, Seven21 takes over with four and five-course tasting menus (including meat and vegetarian options) developed by a talented team led by chefs Adam Fell and David Cleary. The bar is stocked with a wide selection of expertly chosen wines, craft beers and cocktails. With one of the best value tasting menu’s to be found in Scotland (if not the U.K), you can dine on a 5 course tasting menu for just £30 with the option of expertly curated wine pairings for an additional £30 per person. With flavour and quality that punches well above its price point – run, don’t walk, to secure a booking here.
Where to find it: 721 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AA
Visit: seven21glasgow.co.uk
Ranjit’s Kitchen
Ranjit Kaur’s Southside restaurant welcomes you warmly into an inviting extension of her home kitchen. Celebrating the richness of Punjabi cuisine through an entirely vegetarian menu, Ranjit and her family serve up incredible, slow-cooked vegetable curries, a daily rotation of delicious daahls, and homemade paneer that will blow you away. Don’t miss the delicious stuffed parathas, and, if your willpower allows, save space for something sweet to finish. The communal tables, vibrant Phulkari patterns, and super friendly team give the place a joyfully homely feel. With its ultra affordable prices, straightforward menu, and delicious dishes its no surprise it has earned a local cult following. This is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Where to find it: 607 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 2QG
Visit: ranjitskitchen.com
Errol’s Hot Pizza
Staying on the Southside, Errol’s Hot Pizza is one of the best loved local pizza spots and without a doubt one of my personal favourite places to eat in the city. So much so, I’m rarely in the city without finding an excuse to pop in for pizza here. The former sweet shop turned pizza joint is oozing with the character and charm that makes Glasgow so irrepressible. Expect low lighting, a killer soundtrack spanning glam rock, metal and 80s hits. It’s BYOB so remember to bring along your favourite drinks, and tuck into mind-blowingly good pizza that has to be tasted to be believed. The grana padano-laden salad is an absolute must-try and the daily rotation of special sides and starters always delivers on flavour. Make sure to also get the side dip for dunking your crusts in – you’ll thank me later.
Where to find it: 379 Victoria Road, Glasgow, G42 8RZ
Visit: instagram.com/errolshotpizzashop
Hanoi Bike Shop
You may not expect to find a tiny corner of Vietnam tucked away in Glasgow’s West End, but hiding just off Byres road down Ruthven Lane you’ll discover Hanoi Bike Shop -serving delicious Vietnamese street food with character and charm. The wooden benches and bright plastic stools give an informal feel and the menu of classic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, noodle salad, and beef, chicken or tofu pho will have you feeling a million miles from central Scotland. Ordering multiple dishes to share is the way to go if you’re visiting with a group, and prepare to get stuck in, with food arriving at your table whenever each dish is ready.
Where to find it: 8 Ruthven Ln, Glasgow G12 9BG
Visit: hanoibikeshop.co.uk
Gloriosa
Occupying a prime corner of Finnieston, Gloriosa opened in 2020 under the expert guidance of Rosie Healey – a talented chef with an Ottolenghi pedigree, formerly at the helm of locally loved (and personally much missed) Alchemilla. Gloriosa’s vibrant, veg-centric, Mediterranean-inspired dishes take centre stage on the menu. From flavourful vegetables oozing with olive oil, crispy fritters, baked fish, indulgent meat and freshly cooked pasta (meat lovers make sure to try the deliciously rich ragu), Gloriosa harnesses the power of a bright pink wood-fired oven to give delicious depth of flavour to its dishes. Healy’s dedication to flavour extends to meticulously sourcing top-quality olive oil, lemons, and fresh herbs directly from Sicily. The wine list keeps up the exceptional standard, focusing on natural, biodynamic and vegan choices from independent European producers. Cross your fingers for sunny weather to level-up the European feel even further with enormous windows and outdoor seating, perfect for warmer days.
Where to find it: 1321 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AB
Visit: gloriosaglasgow.com
Celentano’s
Putting Glasgow’s East End on the culinary map is Chef Dean Parker, who brings expertise from renowned London restaurants The Dairy and Sorella, alongside acclaimed chef Robin Gill. Nestled in the heart of Cathedral House, just opposite the iconic Glasgow Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral, Celentano’s awaits you with a warm atmosphere and Italian-inspired menu. Kick things off with a house Negroni and settle in for delicious sharing plates, showcasing the finest ingredients Scotland has to offer. Expect dishes like freshly baked sourdough with decadent chicken liver mousse, crispy bitesize flavour-bombs of lasagna fritti, silky ribbons of pappardelle immersed in flavour-laden sauces, and locally sourced Loch Etive trout. The atmospheric dark wood paneling, chequerboard flooring, and trendy rattan bar stools will have you making a mental moodboard of your dream interiors while you dine. On Sundays, look out for live music and special tasting menus on the agenda.
Where to find it: 28 Cathedral Square, Glasgow G4 0XA
Visit: celentanosglasgow.com
Brett
Bar Brett is the younger sibling (opened in 2019) of Glasgow’s Michelin-Starred Cail Bruich. While the two are almost neighbours (both located along Great Western Road), they differ distinctly in personality. Brett is a wine-led bar with a punchy food menu. Its emblem of an illustrated Duke of Wellington (the iconic Glasgow statue, most often seen sporting a traffic cone) is, in this case, perched on a bottle of wine. It’s an expression of Brett’s Glaswegian charm, furthered by its uber-friendly staff. Aim for a seat at the counter where you can enjoy a view of the chefs at work, cooking on the open grills. The menu is split into snacks, starters, veggies, fish and meat, with everything designed to be shared, and arrive as and when ready. The dishes embrace the flavour of grill cooking, with smoky notes contrasting fresh flavours – bringing out the depth of meat flavours and elevating vegetables as star dishes. While the chicken is legendary here (with Sundays focused on yakitori – chicken cooked on skewers over the coals), the fish and vegetable dishes are just as standout. The grilled octopus (pictured), has a pleasingly pink colour palette with delicate circles of pickled radish, and packs a flavour punch with the sharp pickle, rich XO sauce and smoky grilled octopus combining to a perfect bite. Natural wine lovers will be thrilled by the wine list here, a treasure trove of low-intervention wines that pair perfectly with the dishes.
Where to find it: 321 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9HR
Visit: barbrett.co.uk
Mother India
Monir and Smeena Mohammed opened their first restaurant in Glasgow way back in 1990, with a mission to move Indian cooking forward in Scotland, introducing traditional Punjabi recipes and creating inventive India-meets-Scotland dishes. Over 30 years later, Mother India remains a Glasgow institution, with a small empire of five eateries now across Glasgow and Edinburgh. The original restaurant on Westminster Terrace in Glasgow’s West End lives up to its name as the matriarch of Glasgow’s Indian cuisine, and is considered one the best curry spots in Britain. Authentic Indian dishes are cooked to perfection, made with high-quality ingredients and served in an inviting Edwardian-era dining room. The Aloo Saag Dosa and the Butter Chicken, served simmering in a cast iron skillet, are among the most popular dishes to try here. You’ll also find Scottish influences behind unique menu items like the oven-spiced haddock that are not to be missed. If in doubt, the friendly team of suited waiters are on hand to offer recommendations to suit your tastes. Booking ahead is a good idea if you’re visiting the city on limited time – this spot is deservedly popular and often packed out any night of the week.
Where to find it: 28 Westminster Terrace, Glasgow G3 7RU
Visit: motherindia.co.uk
Ka Pao
This subterranean restaurant in the city’s West End is well worth venturing underground for. Borne out of a successful residency at Glasgow venue SWG3, the restaurant officially opened its doors in 2020 and has become a local go-to for inventive South-East Asian dishes. While the menu has plenty of individual dishes to order, dining with a group is recommended to try out as much as possible from the sharing style menu. Dishes include fried chicken wings with sweet and salty fish sauce caramel, charred hispi cabbage with cashew nut and sriracha and grilled mackerel with pak choi and burnt tomato sambal . Don’t miss the white crab, calamansi and coconut shimp crackers (pictured) as a perfectly crafted bite to kick things off. Whatever you order, prepare to be hit with serious flavour.
Where to find it: 26 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow G12 8BG
Visit: ka-pao.com
Ox & Finch
Since opening its doors in 2014, Ox & Finch has firmly embedded itself as one of the West End’s best loved restaurants. An eternally popular (for very good reason) spot in Finnieston, Ox and Finch offers a menu of contemporary small plates with Scottish ingredients at its heart, making it perfect for dining with a group – to share and sample as much of the menu as possible. The dishes are inventive and packed with flavour, drawing influences from the Mediterranean through to Asian fusion. The aesthetic space and lively atmosphere make it a great choice for a special occasion or an indulgent date. Unlike much of the city’s walk-in friendly approach, this is a place worth booking well in advance to make sure you can bag a table.
Where to find it: 920 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G3 7TF
Visit: oxandfinch.com
Ga Ga
Scottish-Malaysian chef Julie Lin (formerly of Julie’s Kopitiam) joined forces with and Marc Ferrier and Ken Hamilton of West End pub The Thornwood to open Gaga in 2021. The Partick dining spot serves South East-Asian inspired dishes that are packed with flavour, and served alongside a cracking cocktail list. The menu rotates regularly but expect to find a range of appetising options like Taiwanese fried chicken, glass noodle salad, smacked cucumber with a hefty kick of chili oil, and chop suey aubergine. The drinks list is brimming with delicious cocktail options for some added zing to elevate the experience.
Where to find it: 566 Dumbarton Road, G11 6Rh, Glasgow G11 6RH
Visit: gagaglasgow.com
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