City Merchant

City Merchant
97–99 Candleriggs
Glasgow, G1 1NP
Phone: 0141 553 1577
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  • Food served: Mon–Sat noon–10.30pm. Closed Sun
  • Pre-theatre times: noon–6.30pm
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 6
  • Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
  • Capacity: 135
  • Largest group: 135
  • Open since: 1988
View larger map of G1 1NP
  • Average price 2 courses:
     £12 (set lunch)
     £22 (evening meal)
  • Pre-theatre price: £12
  • House wine: £13.95 per bottle
Nominate this restaurant for
The List Reader Award 2010
Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

The City Merchant, as the name suggests, was well ahead of the curve in predicting the Merchant City’s rise as Glasgow’s premier eating and drinking hotspot, setting up shop in 1988 as one of the first upscale outlets in the neighbourhood. 21 years on, it’s surrounded on Candleriggs by a plethora of similarly smart establishments, yet it still holds its own as one of the best Scottish restaurants in town. Fish is a speciality – oysters, seafood platters, salmon and lobster plus exotic catches from around the world. Prime Scottish meat is a speciality too – lamb cutlets, venison, supreme of chicken and juicy steaks up to 2lb in weight. For a full meal comprising the best the Highlands, Islands and Lowlands have to offer, try the Flavour of Scotland menu – three home sourced courses ranging from starters of Cullen Skink and Cockburn’s of Dingwall Haggis to Cranachan ice-cream for dessert.

  • High point: Finest Scottish produce
  • Low point: Newer part of dining room is cavernous

Comments for City Merchant (97–99 Candleriggs, Glasgow)

1. Marionb, Glasgow – 25 March 2009, 2:11pm(5s)Report

The City Merchant has everything that Scottish dining should include; a friendly welcome, good service, amazing fresh food which tantalises your tastebuds. It's one of my firm favourite restaurants in Glasgow, if not my favourite. I had seared king scallops with Stornoway black pudding as a starter, scallops so fresh they made my mouth water and then one of the specials seared tuna steak with mushroom risotto as a main. The wine list is varied and caters for all tastes. I can't fault this restaurant and would highly recommend it for a romantic evening or dinner with friends and family. I truly do hope that this establishment looks set to remain for years to come...!

2. budeluv, City Merchant – 21 April 2009, 1:56pmReport

Don't bother with this place as it serves some of the worst food I've ever had in a restauant anywhere. The oysters were so old and gross! The shell fish are full of stale water and the soup tastes like dirty dish water. Don't try to complain as the arogant owners think they have a real jewel there..what a joke..The Matteo family does not know the first thing about fine seafood food any food...stay far away form this over priced hole.

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