We love Glasgow, and we adore the food it has to offer. From locally sourced Scottish dishes made with seasonal produce to almost any cuisine from all around the world, the UK’s friendliest city has it all. So, we’ve gathered some of our favourite restaurants everyone should book immediately in Glasgow.
1. Paesano
Paesano is the Italian haven beloved by most weegies, and one of the best restaurants out there. A place for traditional Neapolitan pizza, Paesano Pizza uses Artisan wood-fired ovens to achieve the most authentic taste, with all the ingredients imported straight from Italy. The restaurant has also made number one on our list of best pizzerias in Glasgow. Paesano is one of the best places to eat in Glasgow. What is more, they were named the best pizza places in Europe in 2022.
94 Miller Street, G1 1DT
471 Great Western Road, G12 8HL
1038-1040, Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, G41 3EB
2. Glaschu
Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised by this one and will be shouting about it from the Glasgow rooftops. Glaschu (pronounced Glas-a-hoo) is a Scottish fine dining spot located in Merchant City’s Royal Exchange Square and can be considered one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. Glaschu means ‘dear green place’ in Scottish Gaelic, and is the original name of what is now the city of Glasgow. With views over the Royal Exchange Square, the restaurant is not too big, boasting an exclusive members club feel, offering seasonal Scottish produce. While Glaschu is not suited for vegans, the modest menu boasts one vegetarian main and plenty of gluten-free options for the gluten-sensitive folks out there.
32 Royal Exchange Square, G1 3AB
3. Porter & Rye
This one’s for the meat lovers out there, who appreciate the quality of produce and enjoy creative efforts to take those prime cuts to new heights. Porter & Rye ages and infuses their cuts in-house in an inventive way, treating visitors to something new every time they visit. The restaurant offers the best of what the Scottish larder has to offer, with both locally sourced and fully traceable beef and seafood available for everyone to enjoy. Guests can choose from several small plates to start, moving on to the dry-aged prime beef cuts or large cuts to share, and the restaurant was also named the best steakhouse in Scotland in 2023.
1131 Argyle St, Finnieston, G3 8ND
4. Cail Bruich
Cail Bruich is a Michelin Star titan in Glasgow led by Chef Lorna McNee, having won the prestigious accolade for three years in a row as of 2023. It’s one for a special occasion as the prices are on the higher side, but there’s a very good reason that McNee is the only female chef with a Michelin star in Scotland. Chef’s seasonal menu is well worth forking out for, so it comes as no surprise when the price is concerned, given that Cail Bruich means ‘to eat well’!
725 Great Western Rd, G12 8QX
5. Atlantic Bar and Brasserie
Atlantic Bar and Brasserie not only offers stunning surroundings, but also the food brings guests the comfort of a warm hug, all wrapped up in a layer of mashed potatoes. Located in the original booking office of The Anchor Line on St Vincent Street, the French restaurant pays homage to the Atlantic restaurant of 1938. Expect stellar food and generous portions, prices that won’t break the bank, live jazz on weekends and a hidden terrace decked in flowers.
12-16 St Vincent Pl, G1 2EU
6. The Hug And Pint
Located on the long old road that is Great Western Road, The Hug and Pint is a vegan bar, restaurant and music venue. The Asian fusion menu is worth checking out, whilst the live music programme features both local artists and international acts. Their menu is full of vegetarian and vegan comfort food like mushroom and cashew curry or miso potatoes with pickled wakame and crispy shallots. Plus, The Hug And Pint is also on our vegan and vegetarian restaurants list.
The Hug and Pint, 171 Great Western Road, G4 9AW
7. Ubiquitous Chip
Describing themselves as a “West End oasis”, the restaurant offers a wee escape from the concrete streets of Glasgow. Guests can expect plenty of plants, a noteworthy tasting menu and a plentiful drinks list. It’s entrenched in the sea of West End restaurants and has always been a top-class spot to enjoy some hearty scran and a calming atmosphere. Plus, it’s one of the best spots to visit on the cute little street that is Ashton Lane.
12 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, G12 8SJ
8. Nonna Said
Known for its quirky menu, Nonna Said is an absolute gem of a spot that combines Italian classics with modern street food with 90s hip-hop, cartoons and air hockey every day. At first glance, Nonna Said seems to be a millennial’s paradise. What is more, a must-try is the Carbonara Fritta and Lasagne Fritta with garlic mayo, and it’s as good as it sounds. The Philly Cheesesteak pizza is completely amazing, topped with liquid cheese sauce, slow-cooked beef, caramelised onions and green peppers. Nonna Said is officially one of the best pizza spots in Glasgow, offering creative pizzas that will make you want to dance.
26 Candleriggs, G1 1LD
9. Gōst
Another phenomenal meat spot on the list, Gōst, which not only offers top-notch beef but also works with small, sustainable Scottish farms that grass-feed the animals. The restaurant uses “purebred Angus beef and former dairy cattle from the UK. What is more, the cocktail and wine lists are also fairly extensive, as well as two pages of whisky choices, so there is truly something for everyone at Gōst.
77 Bothwell St, G2 6TS
10. Hazel
Those who are impartial to aesthetic decor, quality food, trendy vibes and stunning cocktails should head to Hazel. Guests can expect a friendly service and comforting earthy hues along with a locally-sourced seasonal menu. Available for any meal throughout the day, the spot is perfect for anything and everything from a coffee with a loved one (open from 10am) to cocktails in the evening, and from brunch to a satisfying dinner.
65 John St, G1 1JP
11. Ralph & Finns
Ralph & Finns is a beautiful restaurant with tasteful décor throughout. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood such as the Isle of Barra Scallops or the Shetland Hake, as well as locally sourced meat like the Highland Venison loin with sweet & sour red cabbage, sweet potato fondant, tenderstem broccoli and figs. The cocktails are also worth a try, with most cocktails from the menu being worth a try.
23-25 St Vincent Pl, G1 2DT
12. Lychee Oriental
TikTok celebrity and TV chef, Jimmy Lee has expanded his Cantonese food business to Shawlands by opening a second Lychee Oriental. The Chef’s venture offers modern Asian cuisine, mashing up both Eastern and Western cultures.
59 Mitchell St, G1 3LN
67 Kilmarnock Rd, Shawlands, G41 3YR
13. Chateau-X Steakhouse
Did someone say £15 steak frites?! And no, this isn’t too good to be true! Chateau-X is your new go-to restaurant for a mid-week outing, with a relaxed and charming vibe. Chateau-X is an independent steakhouse on Claremont Street, where the restaurant prides itself on sourcing sustainable prime cuts and cooking everything fresh, in-house. Plus, guests can enjoy £60 Chateaubriand on Thursdays!
10 Claremont St, Finnieston G3 7HA
14. Bamboleo
At Beat 6, guests can dine out with a clean conscience and donate to charity at the same time. It is said that one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime in the UK. Worthy of the best restaurant spot, 100% of Bamboleo’s profits will go straight to Beatson Cancer Charity, which provides help to cancer patients and their families who are being treated at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Bamboleo is a neighbourhood Spanish steakhouse and wine bar, boasting Spanish flair and plenty of steaks. Guests are able to dine there from November 8, 2024.
149 Milngavie Rd, Bearsden, G61 3DY
15. Celentano’s
Calentano’s is listed on the Michelin Guide, so no wonder it’s on our list. However, not all restaurants on the list have to be expensive. Listed on our list of the cheapest restaurants in Glasgow featured in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant boasts a Bib Gourmand distinction for its Italian cooking. Guests can grab lunch consisting of a glass of house wine and any small pasta for £15.50 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For dinner, pasta lovers can grab a large pasta for as little as £19, or a vegetarian dish such as kale and pumpkin seed ragu with garden herbs for £15.
28-32 Cathedral Square, G4 0XA
16. Il Pastaio
Located on Saint Vincent Street, Il Pastaio by Otello boasts a brand new look and menu, designed by head chef Otello Calvert. Guests can expect a variety of authentic fresh pasta, antipasti and desserts, such as Tuscan fiesolana, Genovese from Naples, Sardinian-style mussels and agilo e olio. Plus, the gluten-free pasta is also a stand-out!
17. Rockvilla Pizza
Pizza lovers should run to Rockvilla Pizza, where they will find 48-hour-proofed pizzas with Strianese San Marzone tomato sauce and fresh toppings with fior di latte mozzarella. What is more, the menu accommodates a variety of dietary requirements, offering gluten-free and vegan options.
6 Possil Road, G4 9SY
4 Tullis Street, G40 1HN
18. Trust by Modou
Have you ever been to a restaurant with no menu? Well, now you can with the newest addition to Glasgow’s food scene. Diners have to put their trust in the Chef, not knowing what they will get. You can expect ever-changing dishes with optional drink pairings, with a one-of-a-kind tasting experience tailored to the guest’s dietary requirements. What is more, Chef Modou is also behind the beloved 111 by Modou, if you would prefer a restaurant with a menu!
1132 Argyle St, Finnieston, G3 8TD