The atmosphere is just as important as the tasty food to make for a truly romantic restaurant: the décor, the lighting, the attention to detail or adequately spaced tables can all add to an overall intimate feel while on a date. So, if you’re looking for that perfectly balanced spot to take your date to, we’ve gathered up a list of the most romantic restaurants in Glasgow just in time for Valentine’s Day.
1. Porter & Rye
This is a splendid treat for meat lovers. Guests can take their beloved to experience the meaty-licious spectacle that is Porter & Rye with their dry-aged large cuts. The interior is a combination of modern splendour with a touch of rustic elements and woody tones, making the atmosphere effortlessly intimate. What is more, the restaurant ages and infuses their cuts in-house in an inventive way, treating visitors to something new every time they visit. For example, Porter & Rye used a prime cut of tomahawk and dry-aged it in Chimney Rock Tomahawk Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 for 70 days that was available at the beginning of this year. And for Burns night, a haggis-aged short rib made a satisfying appearance.
1131 Argyle St, Finnieston, G3 8ND
2. Ubiquitous Chip
Describing themselves as a ‘West End oasis’, Ubiquitous Chip is truly an escape from the concrete streets into a green safe haven. Guests can expect plenty of plants, an exquisite tasting menu and an extensive 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.
12 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, G12 8SJ
3. Gōst
This one is also date night goals. Located on Bothwell Street, Gōst is a steakhouse and a chic cocktail bar offering quality meat and seafood. The décor is inviting yet not too pretentious, and the food is absolutely worth a try. For a romantic experience, guests can opt for Cumbrae oysters with mignonette, lemon and tabasco to start off the night, followed by a Cote De Boeuf prime cut. You can choose a sauce such as the black truffle and chive butter and there are plenty of sides available.
77 Bothwell St, G2 6TS
4. Ralph & Finns
Ralph & Finns is a pretty little place with beautiful décor throughout. It could be deemed one of the most romantic restaurants in Glasgow, and we’ve seen many a couple hold hands or kiss over the table. Indulge in phenomenal seafood such as the Isle of Barra Scallops or the Shetland Hake, or a Highland Venison loin with sweet & sour red cabbage, sweet potato fondant, tenderstem broccoli and figs. The cocktails are also delicious, so whatever you pick from the menu is going to hit the spot.
23-25 St Vincent Pl, G1 2DT
5. Fanny Trollopes
We love a decent neighbourhood restaurant, and Fanny Trollopes is a place for an intimate quality meal in Finnieston. The fine dining restaurant is a regular at the top of TripAdvisor’s lists, with over 2.1k raving reviews and some saying ‘it’s the best meal they’ve had in a long time’. Guests can expect a seasonal menu abundant in seafood, beef and lamb, as well as plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The spot is small, however, so do book in advance as it does get busy.
1066 Argyle Street, G3 8LY
6. Cail Bruich
As one of Glasgow’s two Michelin Starred restaurants, everyone should visit Cail Bruich at least once. Led by Chef Lorna McNee, the restaurant focuses on seasonality and locality of the produce with a surprise tasting menu. At £140 a head, it’s one for a special occasion, but there’s a very good reason that Chef McNee is the only female chef with a Michelin star in Scotland – and her seasonally-changing menus are well worth forking out for. What is more, Cail Bruich made it onto the top 100 best restaurants in the UK on the Harden’s list this year, taking 40th spot.
725 Great Western Rd, G12 8QX
7. Six By Nico Merchant City
Six By Nico Merchant City is the company’s newest flagship restaurant, having opened on January 15, 2024. While guests can still enjoy the signature experience with an ever-changing theme and six courses, the restaurant itself follows an elegant theme, fit for romantic restaurants. The Six Company has recently announced opening three restaurants for 2024, with a three million pound investment into the city’s restaurant scene that includes a new flagship Six by Nico in Merchant City. So, why not go and see it for yourself.
86 Albion Street, G1 1NY
8. Hazel
Hazel is possibly the most beautifully decorated restaurant in the city, with a huge hazel tree as its centrepiece. Located on John Street, the spot is one of the most romantic restaurants in Glasgow and offers guests an “urban oasis” for lunch and dinner from a seasonal and locally sourced menu, as well as drinks. Plus, there is a lounge area (with an interior just as stunning) for those after some cocktails.