Where to Eat in Glasgow
From outstanding seafood and shellfish to unbeatable game and beef, Glasgow’s location on Scotland’s West Coast offers an abundant
source of some of the best local produce in the world.
Glasgow boasts a deep-rooted Indian and Pakistani food heritage (not to mention the huge influence of Italian settlers in the city), so Glasgow has a food scene as international as many major European capitals. The emergence of hip foodie neighbourhoods such as Finnieston in the west of the city and Strathbungo in the south, alongside an excellent vegan scene (the city was voted PETA’s most vegan-friendly city in 2013 and consistently remains in the top 3 vegan-friendly cities of the UK), have also helped to transform the city’s dining credentials in recent years. I have expanded my selection a little, to include vegetarian and others that cater to dietary constraints, rather than just Glasgow's vegan restaurants.
Many of the city's eateries offer you the opportunity to explore the distinct flavour of Scotland through traditional dishes, regional specialities and local produce, such as haggis, shortbread, whisky and Cullen skink (a hearty soup made with smoked fish).
Just thinking of them has made me hungry.
Listed below is my "baker's dozen" catering to differing types of dining. But there are many very good options not (yet) listed here.
For another perspective on Glasgow's fabulous eateries, you can also read notquitenigella's 24 hour tour.
Upmarket / Special Occasion
Gamba (City Centre/near theatres)
This has perhaps the most "formal dining" style of these restaurants. It takes local seafood and cooks it to perfection, with an international influence. Service is impeccable, if more formal than most other venues and the decor is warm and welcoming. The swanky basement location makes for a more intimate feeling at night. Among other awards, it won 2015 Best Seafood Restaurant of the Year. Prices higher than average, but in line with the level of service, food and decor. For me a special occasion venue.
I still recall my entree of scallops. When it arrived, they were so large I thought they were someone else's order of panna cotta ! Delicate and flavoursome they were truly memorable.
Cail Bruich (West End)
A relaxed and welcoming decor belies the refined dishes produced using locally sourced produce, Cail Bruich offers a fixed price menu providing a true taste of Scottish fare - game, seafood and farm-fresh vegetables. The decor is light, contemporary and stylish. A top choice in the West End - located on Great Western Road.
Hotel Du Vin Bistro (West End)
Located at 1 Devonshire Gardens (near the corner of Great Western Rd and Hyndland Road), this is the fine dining room within a stately hotel that occupies a stunning Victorian terrace townhouse.
There are french-inspired Prix Fixe menus for either 2 or 3 courses that are good value, as well as a la carte.
It offers a dedicated vegan and vegetarian a la carte menus and a vegetarian tasting menu.
All using the best of Scottish produce that where possible, is also organic.
Cheeses are sourced from nearby George Mewes Cheese, located on Byres Road. (a trap for cheese lovers).
Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery (City/West End)
Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery is the most recent version of this Glasgow institution and in style is more upscale. Scottish food, with an emphasis on seafood and shellfish (although meat-eaters aren't left out). Carpets and warm, old-school decor reinforce the difference from the more "floorboards and wooden chairs" style of the City version. In common though is excellent, friendly service and for seafood lovers, the dishes are to die for. Try to save some room for the Grand Dessert - a tasting plate of their best.
There is a specific vegan/vegetarian menu for diners, with numerous gluten-free options available too.
Located on Argyle Road, near the Anderston Rail station, which is only one stop from the station servicing the SEC. You could also walk here from the Mitchell Library then head back to Central Station along Argyle Road.
Vegan, Vegetarian or other dietary constraints
Picnic (Merchant City)
Located on Ingram St, this plant-based vegan cafe offers delicious light meals of salads, soups, wraps and curries, as well as coffee and cakes. A handy location to take-away or sit down (reservations recommended though) while walking around on a city tour.
The Hug & Pint (West End)
This funky music and dedicated vegan venue offers Asian-inspired dishes, together with vegan-friendly craft beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. The menu changes daily and has an emphasis on shared plates.
Located on Great Western Rd, within walking distance of St George's Cross underground station. The Stand Comedy Club is about a 10 minute walk further along Great Western Road, near the next station (Kelvinibridge), so you could have a meal here followed by a show
Mono (City Centre)
This cafe, bar and live music venue offers vegan meals and local beer in a relaxed setting offering live music, art exhibitions and book readings. It also has its own in-house record (vinyl) store.
Located towards the eastern end of the city centre, not quite as far as High St.
Red Onion (City Centre)
The award-winning Red Onion is has gained a reputation for excellent casual, gourmet dining. While not solely vegan/vegetarian, alongside the a la carte there are many flavoursome options on the vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free menus.
Bistro or Cafe Style
Two Fat Ladies in the City (City Centre)
The original Two Fat Ladies restaurant (named after the Bingo call for "88") started was located at 88 Dumbarton Road in the West End. This small establishment rapidly garnered a reputation for well-prepared sea food and shellfish - and value for money. So they expanded into a second restaurant at 118a Blythswood Street, not far from Sauchiehall Street, the heart of the many clubs, theatres and cinemas (and caters for them with a pre and post-theatre menu).
The original has now been replaced by a move to the Buttery, located on Argyle Street which is larger and more upmarket than the original two.
The Chandon Belles(City/West End)
The Chandon Belles is part of the same group and is located in the basement of the Buttery (see above). It too offers a high quality, seafood experience, but in a casual, bistro setting compared to the main restaurant upstairs.
Baloo (Queen St - City Centre)
Enter a bright, airy but intimate space, with two long picture windows. The design has that bold post-modern industrial look with red-brick walls, grey concrete pillars and huge ceiling fans. By day it is a relaxing café-diner serving breakfast, snacks, lunches and children's menu (soups, salads, pasta, rice, bagels).
By night the ambience remains casual while the menu switches to a quality 3-course dinner menu featuring contemporary Scottish cuisine tossed with a touch of creative flair - Try Breaded Haggis balls with cabbage and whisky cream sauce for startrers and either Angelhair pasta with garlic prawns and Roquefort cheese sauce or Braised shank of Scottish lamb with roast vegetables and cheese baked potatoes for a more substantial main.
The Glad Cafe (Southside)
The Glad Cafe is a not-for-profit, licensed cafe and live performance venue located in Shawlands. It serves good coffee, scrumptious cakes (including gluten-free) and vegan/vegetarian meals throughout the day. The evening service is provided by the team from the Hug and Pint of the West End.
Located across from the western corner of Queens' Park, so you can walk off any over-indulgance on lunchtime desserts !
Crabshakk (Finnieston)
A compact restaurant located on Argyle Street, specialising in crustaceans. Beautiful seafood, simply prepared and moderately priced. Try the (only real crabmeat) crabcakes. Desserts and meat options are a little limited, but frankly they are not what you come here for.
The Finnieston (Finnieston)
Seafood and gin feature at this restaurant that emphasises Scottish catch-of-the day freshness for meals, then becomes more of an upmarket bar later in the evening. An easy walk from Kelvingrove Museum, the beer garden at the rear of the Finieston can make for a very attractive pit-stop afterwards.
Ox & Finch (Finnieston)
The rustic wood and brick interior makes for a relaxed, cosy feel, and the flavours evoke both Scotland and the Mediterranean.
Diners are encouraged to order smaller plates to share, making for a sociable dining experience. It also gives you a chance to experience more of their excellent yet affordable dishes that have won a Bib Gourmand.
