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Design & Democracy

Restaurants, Bistros & brasseries, Outdoor dining and Student friendly

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Baby Grand
3–7 Elmbank Gardens, Glasgow, G2 4NQ
Just a few short steps from Charing Cross station, the Baby Grand is by day mainly filled with office workers and commuters who do lunch and coffee in the long thin room, but by night the mood changes to a more leisurely vibe as the pianist takes over.
The Bank The Bank Café Bar
443 Clarkston Road, Glasgow, G44 3LL
Part of the Maclay Inn’s chain, this former bank has been nicely refurbished with solid wood and leather furnishings and a chrome-topped bar. Crane your neck to see the detailed cornicing and dramatic domed rooflight. There’s a good selection of draft…
Bar Milano
2 Mains Avenue, Eastwood Toll, Glasgow, G46 6QZ
From its pleasantly neutral décor and friendly service to the suburban location, Bar Milano ticks all the boxes for a comfortable neighbourhood trattoria. It’s housed in a converted bank but where such buildings often possess a cold grandeur, the…
Barça Tapas and Cava Bar
Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 3JN
Eating at Barca Tapas and Cava bar, situated in the upmarket Princes Square mall, is a classy experience. If you can, grab a table on the terrace which overlooks the light and bright shopping centre and browse the impressive menu. The calamari with…
The Basement Bar and Restaurant
10–12a Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RH
While the bustle of city life proceeds at street level, down below, and largely hidden from view, drinkers in this traditional bar sip beers from around the world, whether it’s the local Innis & Gunn or far-travelled favourites Corona and Tiger.
Big Slope
36a Kelvingrove Street, Glasgow, G3 7SA
It would be interesting to know how many folk come into Big Slope for a drink, but end up having something to eat. That's what makes a good bar food menu: perched on the table, teasing and appetising. Here we have pub favourites with lovely twists…
Brel
39–43 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, G12 8SG
Namesake Jacques Brel would definitely recognise this informal wood-filled bar as a distinctly European approach to dining and beer. The former stables at the end of Ashton Lane has the air of a Gallic tavern with its oak-lined walls, wooden floors and…
Chinaski's
239 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DL
Even if Charles Bukowski – whose biographical alter-ego Chinaski’s is named after – mostly lived off a liquid diet, this dark, discreet hipster haunt just off the main drag of Sauchiehall Street is as much about its food as it is its drink. A huge…
Cottier's
93–95 Hyndland Street, Glasgow, G11 5PX
Ascending the tight spiral staircase, leading from the grounds of this stunning converted church, an elegant dining space awaits – dark wooden flooring with matching tables and original church seating contrasts against the green and gold walls, with…
Favorit
19–20 Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QZ
Favorit is a late night diner for the young and hip and – most importantly – for those with the munchies. Black and white chequered tiles, retro tables and benches and a large, red neon Favorit sign set the scene. All that's missing is Pulp Fiction's…
Firebird
1321 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TL
This well-established neighbourhood bar and bistro makes sense whatever the occasion. The intelligent, free-flowing layout means you can dine more formally at the rear, sip a cool microbrewery pint perched at the curved wooden bar, or snack and watch…
The Grosvenor Café
The Grosvenor Theatre, Ashton Lane, Glasgow, G12 8SJ
With its filmic décor and location above the cinema, the recently rebranded Grosvenor Café offers a great opportunity for a movie and a meal night-out. The striking and cavernous venue, lit by spotlights adorning the walls, has silent movie clips…
The Hudson Hotel
7–11 Hope Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4EL
On first appearance there is very little to lift the Hudson out of that popular subcategory of pub that should perhaps be termed 'elegant Edinburgh bars that also serve food'. Like so many it is a haven of shining dark wood, subtle lighting and…
Ivy
1102–1106 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TD
Located on the Finnieston strip, Ivy very much appeals to a 21st-century audience. The sets of the live DJs who play every weekend night can be downloaded from iTunes as podcasts and enjoyed at one’s leisure. This is just one example of the clever…
The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen The Lansdowne Bar & Kitchen
7a Lansdowne Crescent, Glasgow, G20 6NQ
This deceptively large basement bar kitchen on the leafy, residential Lansdowne Crescent off Great Western Road is a great all-rounder. Spacious and versatile with an abundance of TV screens, DJs at weekends and possibly the best draught beer selection…
The Left Bank
33–35 Gibson Street, Glasgow, G12 8NU
It is hard to categorise this bistro / bar, mainly because it is so successful in all its guises – as a lazy brunch hangout, for drinks by the window or a relaxed evening meal. The atmosphere is casual but the kitchen works hard, handling flavours…
Maggie May's
60 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5EP
Just through a velvet curtain from the busy bar and gig venue is a quiet corner of Maggie May’s given over to dining. Dark wood and candles manage to create a subdued atmosphere despite the hubbub bubbling through from the bar next door. An extensive…
Mono
12 Kings Court, King Street, Glasgow, G1 5RB
Upon entering Mono, tucked down a blustery Trongate street, there is an immediate feeling of warmth and relaxation. A glass cupola floods with light the cafe/bar which houses an independent music store and also acts as a gig venue and mini-art gallery.
Monster Mash
20 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN
In April 2010, Monster Mash relocates a grand total of 15m up the road. But fans need not fear: the biggest change will simply be more space to spend your money. As 20 Forrest Road will see restaurant seating for 65, private dining for 25 and outdoor…
Negociants
45–47 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB
Negociants celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year as one of the most popular bars among Edinburgh’s student population. Year-round the place bustles, particularly at weekends, while the Edinburgh Festival brings a tourist clientele attracted by…
Tonic
34 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3BN
Update: subsequent to the publication of this review, Tonic is once again serving food with a tapas menu available Wednesday to Sundays, noon to 9pm. Tonic celebrated a decade in Edinburgh in 2010 by changing its focus. The brief food menu is no longer…

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