35 Best Glasgow Restaurants in 2025
Heading to Scotland’s biggest city and looking for the top Glasgow restaurants? The Glasgow culinary scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself and offers world-class dining to suit all palates and occasions.
To help you navigate through a sea of possibilities, our guide covers 35 of the top Glasgow restaurants. We judge each one on several key factors including the atmosphere, the price and, most importantly, the food. Only imaginative cooking that gives you a true bite of Glasgow’s finest ingredients, lovingly prepared and thoughtfully served, makes it onto our guide.
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The 35 Best Restaurants in Glasgow
1. Barolo Italian Bar & Kitchen
In the heart of the city, Barolo Italian Bar & Kitchen is among several Glasgow restaurants that offer a taste of Italian sunshine.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and chilled, with high-booth seating and stylish fixtures, Barolo is a terrific locale for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends.
What to Order
This Glasgow restaurant has a menu full of comforting, fresh Italian cooking from pasta to pizza. Room for dessert? You’ve got to try the tiramisu.
Barolo Italian Bar & Kitchen | 92-94 Mitchell St., Glasgow G1 3NQ | ££
2. Café Gandolfi
Located in cosmopolitan Merchant City, Café Gandolfi is a proudly nostalgic brasserie with a long history and several claims to fame, including being the first Glasgow restaurant with a cappuccino machine.
The Vibe
Pared-down fittings and a mix of booth and table seating imbue Café Gandolfi with an old-world charm.
What to Order
This Glasgow restaurant menu is full of classic options to appeal to all taste buds. Local’s favourites are the haggis, neeps and tatties and the full Scottish breakfast.
Café Gandolfi | 64 Albion St., Glasgow G1 1NY | ££
3. Gamba
Since 1998, Gamba has been one of the foremost seafood restaurants in Glasgow, channeling this experience into a menu that showcases the best of Scottish seafood produce.
The Vibe
Walk down the steps to Gamba’s basement setting and you’ll enter a snug and cheerful site with lots of piscatorial artworks on the walls.
What to Order
The lobster thermidor is an indulgent treat for celebratory dinners. The fried stone bass and grilled sole are popular options, too.
Gamba | 225A W George St., Glasgow G2 2ND | £££
4. Ox and Finch
Situated near Kelvingrove Park, Ox and Finch is a trendy Glasgow restaurant which brings diners together over tapas-style plates that are super for sharing with pals.
The Vibe
Ox and Finch has an exemplary mixture of elegance and comfort to create a space that’s clearly about good food (it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand after only six months) but is welcoming for everyone.
What to Order
Ox and Finch takes diners on a global journey with its tapas plates. It’s best to order several to share — we recommend the whipped feta, cod cheeks and pollock crudo.
Ox and Finch | 920 Sauchiehall St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7TF | ££
5. Lobo
One of several small-plate-focused Glasgow restaurants, Lobo puts imaginative spins on recipes from across the Mediterranean.
The Vibe
Attractive Lobo has a clean, pared-down backdrop with a few touches of colour to complement the vibrant shades of the food.
What to Order
How about blue cheese croquettes or a platter of hummus with crisp pita for dipping? If you’ve got any space left for pudding then you’ve got to sample the tiramichoux, an imaginative twist on the classic dessert.
Lobo | 758 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 2AE | £-££
6. Shucks
From fresh mussels to hand-dived scallops, Scotland is world-famous for its seafood and there’s no better place to try it than Shucks.
The Vibe
Sophisticated, light and airy, Shucks makes a fantastic setting that's great for those looking for date ideas in Glasgow.
What to Order
One of the best restaurants in Glasgow for seafood, Shucks concentrates on expertly prepared locally sourced produce to create favourites such as ceviche and sashimi.
Shucks | 168 Hyndland Road, Glasgow G12 9HZ | ££-£££
7. Beat 6
Made by the same team behind Six by Nico and one of the several small plate Glasgow restaurants in our directory, Beat 6 offers six-course tasting menus full of big flavours and local ingredients. Even better, all of the profits go to charity.
The Vibe
The bare brick walls and unadorned lights hark back to Glasgow’s industrial heritage, yet they help create a space with an entirely modern personality.
What to Order
Like many of the Glasgow restaurants mentioned here, Beat 6 has a changing tasting menu. Sample dishes include a hearty pie of the day and pork schnitzel with anchovy and capers.
Beat 6 | 149 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3DY | ££-£££
8. Crabshakk
Found in funky Finnieston, home of many bars and eateries, Crabshakk is one of several specialist seafood restaurants in Glasgow.
The Vibe
Like an oyster, Crabshakk’s pedestrian exterior is opened to reveal a pearl of a bistro with a mixture of seating options to suit all diners. Grab bar seats if you want to be close to the action.
What To Order
If you’re a group looking for Glasgow restaurants, then the fruits de mer platter is a perfect choice. It’s heaped high with oysters, clams, crabs and lobster so there’s no risk of anyone being shellfish.
Crabshakk | 1114 Argyle St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TD | ££
9. OUTLIER
A labour of love from owner Steven Turner, OUTLIER is one of the greatest Glasgow restaurants for brunch.
The Vibe
OUTLIER has an open, natural aesthetic with blonde wood tables and chairs and lots of trailing greenery. It gets busy so be prepared for a wait, especially at the weekends.
What To Order
This isn’t one of the fine dining Glasgow restaurants on our list; instead, OUTLIER is all about coffee and sweet treats. The onsite bakery prepares delicious pastries and the barista is an award-winner so you can’t go wrong with a beautifully buttery croissant and a smooth, silky cappuccino.
OUTLIER | 38 London Road, Glasgow G1 5NB | £-££
10. UNALOME By Graham Cheevers
Like Crabshakk, UNALOME is found in Finnieston and was the first of the Glasgow restaurants in the area to gain a Michelin star.
The Vibe
This upscale Glasgow restaurant has a contemporary feel and makes a sophisticated setting for date night dinners or celebrations.
What to Order
As with many of the best Glasgow restaurants in this guide, the menu at UNALOME is full of Scottish produce cooked in a haute cuisine style, from roe deer with cardamom quince to fresh scallops from Orkney.
UNALOME | 36 Kelvingrove St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7RZ | £££
11. Ubiquitous Chip
Part of a family of Glasgow restaurants, Ubiquitous Chip has been on the same site since the 1970s and includes a rooftop terrace, a whisky bar and a fine dining brasserie.
The Vibe
The Chip, as it’s known to locals, is a sprawling space with a courtyard that’s superb for catching the sun during the day and an upstairs brasserie that’s excellent for leisurely dining.
What to Order
As with the other Glasgow restaurants in our guide, The Chip menu draws on Scotland’s fantastic natural larder to produce courses such as Galloway roe deer and globe artichoke with pine nuts.
Ubiquitous Chip | 12 Ashton Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ | £££
12. Cail Bruich
This restaurant is overseen by the steadfast hand of Chef Lorna McNee, a local chef whose skill and passion has made Cail Bruich one of only two Michelin-starred Glasgow restaurants.
The Vibe
Elegant and stylish, Cail Bruich has a modern feel that’s accentuated by exposed brickwork, handsome light fittings and leather banquette seating.
What to Order
Crail Bruich means "eat well" in Gaelic and that’s reflected in the menu. Each dish celebrates Scottish produce, whether it’s langoustines from the Isle of Skye or heather honey.
Cail Brucih | 725 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 8QX | £££
13. Eighty Eight
Found close to Kelvingrove Park, Eighty Eight is a small plate eatery that features a daily changing menu.
The Vibe
The small plate concept here, as well as the cosy and decorative interiors, makes Eighty Eight an ideal Glasgow restaurant for friends.
What to Order
If you spy fresh pasta on the menu you should make a beeline for it. In fact, many of the options are must-tries, from cod with chorizo to vanilla panna cotta.
Eighty Eight | 88 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NX | £-££
14. Five March
Another Glasgow restaurant close to Kelvingrove Park, Five March is the ideal location to enjoy small plates inspired by worldwide cuisines and catch up with pals.
The Vibe
If it’s a warm day you can head outside to enjoy the innovative chef stylings. If it’s not, you can grab a seat in the elegantly unfussy interior.
What to Order
Prepare your taste buds for an international adventure at Five March, one of the most globe-trotting of all Glasgow restaurants. Expect a menu characterised by dishes like sweetheart cabbage with Korean gojuchang and pork collar steak with chipotle and pickled raisins.
Five March | 140 Elderslie St., Glasgow G3 7QF | ££
15. The Gannet
One of the newest Glasgow restaurants on our list, The Gannet is owned by Chef Peter McKenna and Chef Ivan Stein. The ethos at this restaurant is to celebrate the best Scottish produce.
The Vibe
The Gannet utilises natural materials like exposed bricks, bare stone and beautifully grained wood to create a space that is welcoming and modern.
What to Order
In common with other Glasgow restaurants, the tasting menu at The Gannet changes seasonally. This leads to specials such as braised hogget ravioli and Stornoway black pudding Scotch egg.
The Gannet | 1155 Argyle St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TB | ££-£££
16. Ranjit’s Kitchen
Infused with the love and care of home cooking, Ranjit Kaur serves up fragrantly spiced favourites in the eponymous Ranjit’s Kitchen, one of the mainstays of the Glasgow restaurant scene.
The Vibe
Ranjit’s Kitchen celebrates the owner’s Punjabi heritage with phulkari patterned wall decorations and communal seating.
What to Order
This should be your top choice of Glasgow restaurants for Punjabi food. Think slow-cooked daals and curries with paneer and juicy stuffed parathas.
Ranjit’s Kitchen | 607 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 2QG | £
17. Drygate Brewing Co.
There are many Glasgow restaurants but if you’re after a pie and pint, the cheery Drygate Brewing Co. should be your destination.
The Vibe
If you fancy a casual bite, you and a group of friends can head to the beer hall for a pizza. If you prefer something more substantial, the welcoming sit-down brewhouse is the perfect spot.
What to Order
The brewhouse restaurant serves rejuvenated pub classics, such as haddock in a batter made with a Drygate lager, as well as more haute options like venison with redcurrant jus.
Drygate Brewing Co. | 85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT | £-££
18. The Hug and Pint
Distinctive among our guide, The Hug and Pint stands out as one of the leading vegan restaurants in Glasgow.
The Vibe
This spirited bar and restaurant has a laid-back, fun vibe that’s enhanced by live music on selected nights.
What to Order
The kimchi porridge is one of the more unusual dishes you’ll find at Glasgow restaurants and is a favourite with locals. The black pepper aubergine and jackfruit curry are also standouts.
The Hug and Pint | 171 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9AW | £
19. Kaf Coffee
So technically this is a coffee shop, not a Glasgow restaurant, but here are three reasons why Kaf Coffee made it onto our list: white chocolate ice cream, buttermilk cakes and twice-baked almond croissants. Enough said!
The Vibe
Kaf Coffee is bijou, bordering on small, so the best plan is to get your coffee and pastries to go and enjoy a walk around the city.
What to Order
For one of the freshest brunches at any of these Glasgow restaurants, you can grab a frothy cappuccino and a croissant or, for something bigger, treat yourself to a Cubanos pastry filled with ham and Swiss cheese.
Kaf Coffee | 5 Hyndland St., Partick, Glasgow G11 5QE | £-££
20. Mother India
Since 1990, Mother India has been a certified landmark among Glasgow restaurants, plying the city with warming skillets of premier Indian cooking.
The Vibe
With its high-backed Rennie Mackintosh chairs, Bauhaus style globe lighting and wooden panelling throughout, Mother India is one of the most stylish Glasgow restaurants.
What to Order
The butter chicken is not to be missed, especially with a Peshwari naan on the side to soak up the sauce.
Mother India | Multiple Locations | ££
21. The Spanish Butcher
Our roundup of the best Glasgow restaurants wouldn’t be complete without The Spanish Butcher, an easygoing eatery that specialises in Iberian steak and meat.
The Vibe
This Glasgow restaurant has a chilled feel and a trendy, contemporary setting that makes it a superb venue for diners seeking prime cuts in a prime location.
What to Order
The Galician fillet steak arrives on your table in a sizzling dish that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water. The manchego mac and cheese makes for an interesting side, too.
The Spanish Butcher | 80 Miller St., Glasgow G1 1DT | ££
22. The Hidden Lane Tea Room
Glasgow’s cobbled lanes hide a multitude of secret delights like The Hidden Lane Tea Room.
The Vibe
This unique addition to our selection of top Glasgow restaurants is a delightful haven of mismatched china cups and saucers, flowery curtains and whimsical decorations.
What to Order
Choose from more than 30 teas served in a teapot and accompany it with scones and homemade jam or a slice of fresh cake.
The Hidden Lane Tea Room | Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND | £
23. The Buttery
Opened in 1870, The Buttery is one of the oldest Glasgow restaurants. In fact, it very well may be the oldest eating establishment in the city.
The Vibe
Like the menu, the décor is full of Scottish charm with tartan upholstered seats and baronial wood-panelling to create an impressive setting for your dinner.
What to Order
The menu features a cornucopia of Scottish ingredients with venison, chicken and haggis being regular highlights.
The Buttery | Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND | ££
24. Bothy Glasgow
A top-rated Glasgow restaurant, The Bothy brings the best of Scotland’s national larder to its kitchen.
The Vibe
Elegant and intimate, the Bothy is a super backdrop for a romantic dinner. The aesthetic is gorgeous with exposed stone walls, lots of greenery and contemporary design pieces.
What to Order
The emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients here inspires seafood plates such as Loch Fyne salmon and crab cakes and Isle of Barra seared scallops.
The Bothy | 11 Ruthven Lane, Glasgow G12 9BG | ££
25. Ka Pao
Cheery and lively, Ka Pao (Thai for "holy basil") aims to shake up your tastebuds with its innovative take on bold Asian flavours.
The Vibe
The interiors at Ka Pao are informal, clean and neat, leaving lots of space for the food to do the talking.
What to Order
There are lots of Asian Glasgow restaurants but the menu here is definitely forward-thinking, as evidenced by the vegan corn ribs with salted coconut and fried chicken with fish sauce caramel.
Ka Pao | 26 Vinicombe St., Glasgow G12 8BE | £-££
26. Sugo Pasta
Opened by the same team that owns award-winning pizzeria Paesano, another big name among Glasgow restaurants, Sugo Pasta concentrates on making the greatest pasta in the city.
The Vibe
Housed in the iconic Lighthouse Building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Sugo is a chic and vibrant space with neon lighting and a mixture of bench and table seating.
What to Order
The menu showcases dishes from every Italian region, from Tuscan tagliatelle with mushrooms in brown butter to Calabrian fettuccine in a spicy pork ragú.
Sugo Pasta | 70 Mitchell St., Glasgow G1 3LX | £-££
27. Topolabamba
Add some South American flair and spice to your next meal out by visiting Topolabamba, a small plate Mexican Glasgow restaurant.
The Vibe
The interiors at Topolabamba are a fiesta for all the senses, with lively music, colourful sugar skulls on the walls and the spicy scent of authentic Mexican cooking.
What to Order
This is a fantastic Glasgow restaurant to meet friends, thanks to the sharing style of eating. Start with guacamole and move on to tacos or tostadas, washed down with a salt-crusted margarita, of course.
Topolabamba | Multiple Locations | £-££
28. Fanny Trollopes
Named after one half of a pair of sisters who fled arranged marriages in Brazil and washed up in Glasgow, Fanny Trollopes is a modern bistro in the popular area of Finnieston.
The Vibe
Elegant and upscale, Fanny Trollopes is the ideal option when you’re searching for Glasgow restaurants for a birthday or anniversary celebration.
What to Order
Enjoy seasonal produce lovingly crafted into dishes such as smoked haddock risotto and rich and satisfying Clootie dumplings for pudding.
Fanny Trollopes | 1066 Argyle St., Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8LY | ££
29. Bread Meats Bread
After a busy day, there’s nothing like diving into a big, juicy burger and that’s just what you can do at Bread Meats Bread (BMB).
The Vibe
There are several BMB outlets across the city but each one is full of character. There’s a mixture of booth and table seating so it’s another excellent pick of Glasgow restaurants for meeting friends.
What to Order
Go all in on indulgence and order the Luther Burger — a cheeseburger topped with crispy bacon sandwiched between two glazed doughnuts.
Bread Meats Bread | Multiple Locations | ££
30. Roastit Bubbly Jocks
This most unassuming of Glasgow restaurants, Roastit Bubbly Jocks quietly goes about its business serving its loyal regulars with a selection of delicious, modern Scottish cooking.
The Vibe
Roastit Bubbly Jocks is a charming Glasgow restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s all about comfort and relaxation.
What to Order
If you’re heading to Jocks for brunch, the Glasgow Fry is exactly what you need if you’ve had one too many wee drams of whisky the night before. There’s an excellent range of lighter brunch plates, too.
Roastit Bubbly Jocks | 450 Dumbarton Road, Partick, Glasgow G11 6SE | ££
31. E-Street Café
Paul and Kerry welcome you to the E-Street Café, a Bruce Springsteen-inspired bistro that’s "the Boss" of Glasgow restaurants.
The Vibe
This hip little café is full of charm and good vibes. It’s small with only seven tables, so book ahead or be prepared to wait.
What to Order
The coffee is stupendous and pairs perfectly with the 10th Avo-noo Freezeout — that’s avocado and poached eggs on sourdough toast.
E-Street Café | 421 Clarkston Road, Muirend, Glasgow G44 3LL | £-££
32. Number 16
In the heart of the West End sits Number 16, an award-winning Glasgow restaurant where every plate is a mini-masterpiece.
The Vibe
Number 16 is imaginatively organised over a mezzanine level to create a fun and cosy space that’s rich in old-school vibes.
What to Order
Seasonal Scottish cooking is front and centre on the changing menu with fare such as pea and ricotta ravioli and roast lamb rump with hasselback potato.
Number 16 | 16 Byres Road, Partick, Glasgow G11 5JY | ££
33. Swadish by Ajay Kumar
As the birthplace of beloved foods such as chicken tikka masala, there is no lack of Indian restaurants in Glasgow, but Swadish by Ajay Kumar is among the best.
The Vibe
This two-rosette-holding Glasgow restaurant has a contemporary and inviting environment with soft lighting and colourful flowers trailing from the ceiling.
What to Order
The award-winning Swadish uses the choicest Scottish ingredients to craft delicious Indian plates such as lamb shank rogan josh and fragrant and flavourful tandoori salmon.
Swadish | 33 Ingram St., Glasgow G1 1HA | ££
34. Singl-end Café & Bakehouse
Brunch experts Singl-end Café & Bakehouse have locations across Glasgow, including the popular West End district.
The Vibe
There are several Singl-end Glasgow restaurants spread across the city, all wee in size but with big personalities. Dogs are welcome at several locations so you can bring your pup for breakfast, too.
What to Order
Meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike should head to Singl-end for some of the best breakfast in Glasgow. Celebrating the best of Scotland, popular breakfasts at this chain come with variations of haggis, potato scones and homemade baked beans.
Singl-end Café & Bakehouse | Multiple Locations | £-££
35. Maki & Ramen
Renowned for its steaming bowls of soup and noodles, Maki & Ramen is one of the top-rated Japanese Glasgow restaurants.
The Vibe
Maki & Ramen has a sleek, neat aesthetic with wooden bench seating and a ceiling decorated with traditional paper lanterns.
What to Order
The Hell Ramen includes a chilli broth, char siu pork and greens and is not for the faint of heart. There’s also an expansive selection of expertly prepared sushi.
Maki & Ramen | Multiple Locations | £-££
Try Cooking Glaswegian Foods
Sometimes you just can’t beat staying in and cooking up your own versions of Glaswegian favourites. Check out cooking classes in Glasgow to learn how to prepare an assortment of delectable recipes under the watchful eye of an expert chef. Fun and informative, these classes will teach you how to whip up your own exciting menus to wow your friends and loved ones all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner with friends or you’re looking to push the boat out with a fine dining experience, there are lots of Glasgow restaurants to choose from. Many of them draw on Scotland's incredible abundance of produce, including game, meat and local seafood, and with flavours from around the world finding a home in Glasgow, our guide to its top 35 restaurants ensures you'll experience the best the city has to offer.
For even more ways to explore Glasgow and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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