Budget, Late dining

Something of a Glasgow stalwart, the Edinburgh branch of Mother India’s Cafe opened in 2008 and has replicated the popularity of its western sibling. Serving up Indian food in tapas-sized portions ensures the restaurant maintains a buzzing social feel…

Kampong Ah Lee Malaysian Delight is a compact, canteen-style restaurant serving authentic Malaysian food in basic but comfortable surroundings. Its small shop front may be easy to miss, but it remains well known and popular with students seeking an…

From its location to its choice of pizza toppings, Kilderkin is slightly odd but pretty great. Initial impressions are of a slightly dodgy boozer, with its dim lighting, basic decor and unprepossessing exterior. Inside, however, you’ll find one of…

See Woo is a cavernous hall attached to Scotland's biggest Chinese supermarket. Ideal for large weddings and New Year celebrations, the vast dining area is bookended by a stage and a bar. Tanks of fish keep some younger diners entertained but, while…

The growing trend for sharing plates is capitalised on at this Byres Road venue. It is well suited to larger groups making a meal part of their night with popular Italian cuisine laid out in miniature over four pages of a vast menu. The monkfish and…

This firm Southside favourite is more of a dressed-up canteen than a restaurant. There is a relaxed atmosphere in this brightly lit, booze-free diner. It offers authentic ‘desi’ style cooking and a selection meats from the feature charcoal grill.

It says much about how firmly Tinderbox’s finger has long been on the pulse of coffee culture that the main Byres Road branch remains much the same place it was upon opening in 1998, in terms of both fare and décor, and yet doesn’t feel like it needs…

Beer and burgers are the main draw at Holyood 9a, and both are worth a trip to this corner of the Old Town. A selection of 11 beers is permanently on draught and, combined with another 10 rotational pumps, constitutes one of Edinburgh’s best selections…

Kampung Ali is the younger, more westernised sister of the original Kampong Ah Lee in Clerk Street. Larger in size and presented a little more for western tastes, she appears that bit more sophisticated than her smaller, plainer sibling. Both excel in…

Going to Miso and Sushi is like going back in time. The décor can't have changed in years. Glaring lights preside over a corridor of booths lined with wood and ancient flock wallpaper. It's in desperate need of a spruce up. However, if there's no love…

Billing itself as Edinburgh's new home of 'soul food' this Afro-Caribbean take away in Meadowbank has big plans: lunchtime opening starts in May 2012 and they are scouting sites for a dedicated restaurant. These are bold moves for a tiny site with just…

Food is often an expression of culture and Glasgow’s only Afghan eatery is a fine example of this. Combining almost familiar Pakistani flavours with the richness of Persian influences, it’s certainly a crossroads of culinary routes. Though somewhat…

With a wall covered in 1930s mirrors, low-hung chandeliers over tables, plush wallpaper and dark leather seating, there's a feeling of metropolitan luxury here. Staff are smart – not just in dress but also in their knowledge of the fare on offer. Being…

Variously known as The Indian Lounge, Tipu's Indian Lounge, or Tippoo Sahib (its previous moniker that lingers on menus and framed certificates on the walls), this stalwart of Rose Street has been serving up traditional curries and Punjabi specialities…

If you can't see through the windows as you pass this Chinese restaurant on the fringes of Glasgow's vaguely demarcated Chinatown, that's because of the many hotpots bubbling away in the small, mezzanined diner. Master Sun's is the town's first and only…

Worth seeking out at the top of Renfrew Street, Thai Lemongrass offers an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of City Centre life. Dark wood and warming gold dominate the intimate space with luxury red-upholstered booths, canopied with heavy…

After their introduction over a year ago it appears Akbars, the chain originating from Bradford has comfortably befriended welcoming Glasgow. A smooth, slick and confident professionalism radiates – not only from the smartly dressed management and…

Charcoals has been lavished with awards in the past year, picking up a Best of Glasgow title in the Scottish Curry Awards and Outstanding Maitre d’ in the Glasgow Restaurant Awards. It is immediately apparent why manager Ali scooped the accolade as he…

There’s a reason Giuliano’s has been a stalwart of the Edinburgh Italian scene since 1990. There is a vibrant buzz to the long, sprawling restaurant, which is effectively two adjoined rooms decorated with pictures representing each of the 22 regions of…

Big brother to its recently opened sister restaurant Pomegranate, Hanam’s is a class act. No-charge BYOB keeps spirits high across a well-appointed dining room and lower-level overspill. Décor and lighting are warm and inviting with just enough…