Dining
Be it local or international cuisine, locally sourced produce is a given in most Glaswegian restaurants, used in the most creative ways to combine the flavors of Scottish countryside with the world's favorite culinary inventions. Scottish haggis with neeps and tatties is also ubiquitous, and a popular gateway dish to the wee world of Scottish cuisine.
Daniel Fader/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia CommonsOx & Finch
Located in lively Finnieston, Ox and Finch has been a culinary gem from the outset. The stars of the show are the small sharing plates, crafted to blend contrasting yet carefully paired flavors. The meals are inspired by various cuisines from around the world and are accompanied by an ample selection of drinks from South African wines to Czech beers.
Marian Weyo/Shutterstock.comNumber 16
A multiple award-winner establishment in West End, Number 16 is a small gourmet restaurant serving artisan dishes inspired by Scottish and international cuisines. There are set menu options and à la carte, and a wine list that features gems from around the globe, from Hungary to Uruguay.
svry/Shutterstock.comTiffney's Steakhouse
Just north of Kelvingrove Park, Tiffney's is an elegant, all-adult restaurant that beckons with the prime cuts of grass-fed beef, matured on the bone for at least 70 days. Complement your steaks with delicious starters — including soup and seafood — and elaborate side dishes.
hlphoto/Shutterstock.comBibi's Cantina
A casual eatery in West End offering a genuinely Mexican culinary experience. The menu is ample and features distinct lunch, dinner and early bird options. Through fresh and vibrant flavours, Bibi's presents signature fare including enchiladas, fajitas and Mexican stew, complemented by a notable selection of beverages such as house wine, margaritas and unique items like Pechuga — Mezcal distillled with chicken.
David Franklin/Shutterstock.comUbiquitous Chip
Established in 1971, Ubiquitous Chip holds somewhat of a legendary status in Glasgow. Serving creative and refined Scottish fare alongside one of Glasgow's most extensive drink selections, the establishment is a stronghold of local cuisine and also attracts crowds with its unique rooms: whether it's the brasserie, whisky bar or the rooftop terrace, each has its distinct atmosphere and offerings.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.comStravaigin
Stravaigin offers a pleasant culinary retreat with a cellar and café bar, both exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere. Scottish cuisine in Stravaigin is made unique by influences from around the world, inviting diners on a culinary adventure. Whether indulging in those reputable weekend roasts or savoring delectable sharing plates, here you are treated to the finest ingredients from the Scottish countryside.
Norman Pogson/Shutterstock.comTwo Fat Ladies at the Buttery
Founded in 1870, The Buttery stands as one of Glasgow's most enduring culinary landmarks, exemplified by a timeless elegance in its interior. This historic establishment prides itself on presenting the finest local ingredients — from highland venison to Scottish salmon — thoughtfully interwoven with other influences from British and European cuisine.
vichie81/Shutterstock.comGamba
Gamba beckons with its excellent seafood in a chic and modern environment. The restaurant presents an array of finely prepared dishes including salmon, oyster and cod, enhanced with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, and complete with a well-curated cheese menu and an extensive selection of wines and cocktails.
Magdanatka/Shutterstock.comBothy
Tucked away in a West End backyard, The Bothy offers a welcoming ambiance with its rustic interior, creating a cozy dining environment. Priding itself on sourcing seasonal produce from across the Scottish lands, the restaurant showcases a diverse menu featuring iconic fare such as cullen skink, haggis, venison, alongside an array of artisan cheeses, fresh seafood and some vegan options. Lucky visitors can also enjoy the sun's rays while dining in the garden.
Kondor83/Shutterstock.comCail Bruich
This bright and elegant fine dining establishment is adorned with handcrafted furniture by Glasgow-based designers which, just like the food menu, is a bow to simplicity and sophistication. The meals are free of frills yet artfully assembled, and made from the best of local ingredients. The all-time favorite is the tasting menu and a promising up-and-comer is the place's own gin, which comes in a variety of flavours.
Kzenon/Shutterstock.comCafé Gandolfi
Situated in esteemed Merchant City, Café Gandolfi welcomes guests into a cosy yet artfully adorned space. This family-run establishment embraces a sustainable ethos, which is manifested on all fronts from its much-praised breakfast menu to the expertly crafted cocktails. From the art pieces gracing the walls to the thoughtfully sourced ingredients, Gandolfi blends a warm ambiance with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Melissa Walker Horn/UnsplashNanakusa
An award-winning restaurant serving some of the best Japanese meals in town, Nanakusa works with locally sourced ingredients to deliver your fix of fresh sushi, noodles and gyoza, only a stone's throw away from some of Glasgow's finest entertainment venues.
Vinicius Benedit/UnsplashOpium
Opium specializes in oriental fusion cuisine with a menu inspired by Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai flavours. The many dim sum options are great for shared meals, and there is much else to explore — seafood, duck, beef and meatless — if you want to delve deeper into Asian flavours.
Tony Magdaraog/Shutterstock.comMother India
An Indian restaurant with a near-legendary status, Mother India serves Indian cuisine with a Scottish twist and places emphasis on healthy cooking. The establishment has spawned several daughter eateries, while itself remains a major draw for local connoisseurs and a gateway for those new to this savory world.
travellight/Shutterstock.comCharcoals
An award-winning, authentic Indian restaurant, which is known by many as one of the best of the genre in the downtown area. The food here is great value for money and includes a wide range of Indian dishes, from biryani to tandoori variations, enhanced by Charcoals' mission to combine the meals with a communal experience.
hlphoto/Shutterstock.comCrabshakk
Crabshakk, an esteemed seafood haven in Glasgow, presents a wide array of ocean-inspired cuisine featuring mussels, lobster, crab cakes and more. A culinary shrine for seafood enthusiasts, the establishment emphasizes seasonality and keeps things fresh with a specials board showcasing changing offers, now complemented by its sister restaurant near the Botanic Gardens.
vichie81/Shutterstock.comCaprese Don Costanzo
Preparing authentic Italian cuisine from locally sourced produce, Caprese beckons with an experience reminiscent of la dolce vita. The ample menu, including both à la carte options and daily specials, caters to a range of palates, featuring delicacies from ravioli to veal Milanese. The courses are enhanced by an extensive wine list with selections directly from the verdant vineyards of Italy.
Francesco83/Shutterstock.comMalaga Tapas
This establishment in Southside Glasgow is a real piece of Spain: the warm atmosphere and the diverse menu, featuring tapas made from fresh and vibrant ingredients, are sure to transport you to the Iberian peninsula. This — along with the no-less authentic sherry and cocktail list — makes Malaga Tapas the perfect place to indulge in classic dishes like paella and to sip on a refreshing glass of sangria.
Paul_Brighton/Shutterstock.comThe Hanoi Bike Shop
The first of Glasgow's Vietnamese eateries, the Hanoi Bike Shop is a casual canteen, where every detail was designed to transport you to the land of pho. Here the signature dish is on offer in many varieties, but you can even assemble your own. Authentic flavours do not end here, as there is also street food and the Vietnamese take on beer and coffee.
Anna_Pustynnikova/Shutterstock.comLychee Oriental
Renowned for offering sophisticated fine dining, Lychee Oriental is characterized by a modern interior that well complements its eclectic food repertoire. Serving a fusion of Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes, the place is a must-try for enthusiasts of oriental flavours. Menu variations include a gluten-free menu and a two-course set menu.
Bastiaanimage stock/Shutterstock.comThairiffic
As soon as you open the menu at this modern yet no-frills restaurant, you'll see what a treasure you've found: from classics like pad thai and tom yum to unique interpretations of Thai cuisine, Thairiffic spoils with a wide spectrum of culinary ideas, flavours — and spiciness. The menu also caters to kids and those on a vegan diet.
jutamas/Shutterstock.com