Experience rustic, family style cooking at award-winning French restaurant La Garrigue. Sample the tastes of Languedoc at one of the most authentic restaurants in Edinburgh (Hitlisted in The List Eating & Drinking Guide 2012) or visit our fantastic little bistro in Leith.
Restaurants, Pre-theatre menu and "Glasgow"
- City Merchant
Outstanding cuisine in Glasgow’s Merchant City. Discover the value of good eating. - Athena Greek Taverna
The simple Greek recipe for a great night out - Cail Bruich
The Cail Bruich Restaurants present modern cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques and an appreciation of the best ingredients available from Scotland's outstanding natural larder. - Khublai Khan Mongolian Barbecue Glasgow
Come & Eat a Safari Park
Chinaski's
239 North Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7DL
Named after a Charles Bukowski alter ego, Chinaski’s maintains its underground roots by eschewing any signage on the exterior in an effort to deter large groups of rowdy drinkers from nearby Sauchiehall Street. During daylight hours the bar is bright…
The Finnieston
1125 Argyle Street,
Glasgow,
G3 8ND
As you enter the snug bar decked with rope bannisters, polished wood and boat motifs you could be in a sleepy fishing village pub rather than on the main Finnieston strip. This smarter, more grown up sister to Lebowskis down the road really does looks…
The Ashoka
108 Elderslie Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7AR
A Glasgow fixture since 1982, this Ashoka is not part of the popular Harlequin-owned chain of the same name. Downstairs is the 110-capacity Curryoke restaurant, where you can experience a full banquet plus a spot of singing, while upstairs the…
Tinto Tapas Bar
138 Battlefield Road,
Glasgow,
G42 9JT
This Southside neighbourhood treasure feels exactly like a rustic and cosy local tapas bar should. Dark wooden tables sit against a backdrop of regional Spanish wines, beers, liqueurs and knick-knacks, while a leg of Iberico ham lies ready to be carved.
Creedence
48a West Regent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2RA
There ain’t no bad moon risin’ in this fun and feisty Delta-inspired bistro. A deep down, underground entrance off the busy roads of West Regent and Renfield streets reveals a chic interior of dark browns and muted yellows with pooled lighting, wooden…
The Living Room
150 St Vincent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 5NE
Weekends at this popular bar and diner feature live music and even a regular magician – helping to create a lively infectious buzz that is easy to get caught up in. Couples and groups are seated in leather booths, helping to break up the restaurant…
China Buffet King
53–55 Bath Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2DH
These bustling, bright eateries hit the spot with families, students and office workers looking to fill up on a budget. On offer is a wide range of familiar favourites, salads, fruit and delightfully childish desserts. Some options survive the buffet…
The Grill Room at the Square
29 Royal Exchange Square,
Glasgow,
G1 3AJ
Part of private members club ‘29’ this restaurant thinks of itself as a place to see and be seen. Slick black interior dotted with white linen table cloths, chandeliers and sparkling glassware give a city chic look to the long rectangular space. If you…
China Buffet King
22–24 West Nile Street,
Glasgow,
G1 2PF
These bustling, bright eateries hit the spot with families, students and office workers looking to fill up on a budget. On offer is a wide range of familiar favourites, salads, fruit and delightfully childish desserts. Some options survive the buffet…
Cottier's
93–95 Hyndland Street,
Glasgow,
G11 5PX
Stencils on the walls, fairy lights and candles add plenty of character and atmosphere to proceedings in this converted church. Service is genuinely warm and helpful while suitably informal given the relaxed surroundings. The carpaccio of Inverurie beef…
Guy's Restaurant & Bar
24 Candleriggs, Merchant City,
Glasgow,
G1 1LD
It's almost certainly worth booking at this well-established Merchant City favourite. At the end of the bar, the dining area is bright and buzzy, with some of the tables quite close together – more suited to social rather than intimate dining. Service…
The Libertine
45–47 Bell Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1NX
A competition saw this bar named after the decadent 17th-century poet, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, but here’s nothing debauched about this Libertine, which neatly balances daytime bistro and night-time bar. Tall windows line both aspects, allowing diners…
The Partners Italian Bistro
1051 Great Western Road,
Glasgow,
G12 0XP
This classy looking bistro tucked away near Anniesland offers an upmarket experience within a highly stylised, spacious interior. A lovely buttery, rich crab fettucine is a great opener, but though the dolcelatte soufflé is in itself satisfying, the…
Bibi's Cantina
599 Dumbarton Road,
Glasgow,
G11 6HY
It’s often said that if you venture off the beaten track you’ll find treasures. This is true of Bibi’s – a cosy candlelit bistro offering fresh authentic Mexican-inspired cuisine at the west end of Dumbarton Road, but just a stroll from Partick Station.
The Bothy
11 Ruthven Lane,
Glasgow,
G12 9BG
The Bothy enjoys an unusual location hidden amongst the quirky businesses of Ruthven Lane off Byres Road. That’s about the extent of any Bohemian pretensions though – once inside, it’s a slick, efficient member of the G1 Group and one of five Bothies…
Chukoku
298 Sauchiehall Street, City Centre,
Glasgow,
G2 3HQ
Chukoku, which means 'China' in Japanese, fuses a Victorian Sauchiehall Street façade with a friendly but functional modern interior that presents one of the more stylish options among the city's entourage of buffet-style Chinese eateries. More than 50…
Crabby Macs Seafood Café
61 Otago Street,
Glasgow,
G12 8PQ
Based in the former Tattie Macs, Crabby’s is the ideal relaxed, friendly destination for those who may be curious but unconfident about delving into the magical world of Scottish seafood. The small shopfront opens into a large warm contemporary setting…
Jade Garden
303 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3HQ
A Sauchiehall Street fixture since 1971, the Jade Garden feels little affected by the passing of time. A well-trod carpeted staircase leads up to its genteel, pastel-tinted dining room where, within minutes of sitting down, a little basket of light…
Stravaigin
28–30 Gibson Street,
Glasgow,
G12 8NX
As this place pops up in most Glasgow guides, many a nationality can be found rubbing shoulders with die-hard regulars enjoying interesting Scottish produce given an international twist. Stravaigin’s well-known branding is ‘think local, eat global’. The…
Arisaig
1 Merchant Square,
Glasgow,
G1 1NY
This smart establishment serves Scottish flavours and produce in an upmarket but unfussy environment. Perched on the edge of the Merchant City cobbled square, there is plenty of ‘people watching’ to keep you entertained. Seafood broth as a starter…
Dragon-i
311–313 Hope Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3PT
Both the sharp, minimalist surroundings and quasi-Asian menu serve to underline Dragon-i is anything but a traditional Chinese restaurant. There is an undoubted Scottish element running through the menu, with Stornoway black pudding accompanying crispy…
Nachos
15 Skirving Street,
Glasgow,
G41 3AB
Nachos is the Southside’s newest and only Mexican restaurant, located upstairs in a spacious open-plan dining room, well suited to couples, groups and families, where Mexico’s cultural and architectural icons are illustrated in colourful spray-painted…
1901
1534 Pollokshaws Road,
Glasgow,
G43 1RF
Though a little removed from the main Shawlands dining strip the value of the food along with the decidedly relaxed and jovial atmosphere at this unassuming corner pub and bistro make it worth the venture. New owner Graham Sutherland, who also has the…
Stereo
20-28 Renfield Lane,
Glasgow,
G2 5AR
Although it’s hard to catch the full vista from the narrow lane, Stereo is housed in a superb Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed building, all exterior white tiles and square windows with double doors opening into a leisurely eating and drinking space…
Torna Sorrento
148 Woodlands Road,
Glasgow,
G3 6LF
This modest eatery retains a welcome place in Glasgow’s Italian scene. Serving up traditional Italian food in simple, unpretentious ways, fresh ingredients and appealing presentation lift familiar dishes above the ordinary. Seafood crostini and arancini…
Arta
The Old Cheesemarket, 62 Albion Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1PA
In Glasgow’s trendy Merchant City the competition among restaurants to attract discerning diners is high. Artà stands out architecturally. Once the location of a medieval cheese market this listed building was developed Baroque style in 2000 into a…
Ashoka Curry-Karaoke
90 Berkeley Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7DX
110-capacity curry karaoke restaurant downstairs from the long-established Ashoka.
Assam’s
57 West Regent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2AE
Assam’s has quickly affirmed itself as a City Centre mainstay, having only been in its current premises two years. The restaurant is grand and elegant, with split level dining and huge luxurious circular booths – it certainly has the air of fine dining…
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…
Bruadar
The Millhouse, 2 Partickbridge Street,
Glasgow,
G11 6PL
Opened in late 2011, Bruadar is an attractive, minimalistic venue over two floors with bench seating downstairs and a more intimate mezzanine, all flooded with light from the large window. Theirs is a simple enough formula – beer and a burger – but with…
Fanny Trollopes
1066 Argyle Street,
Glasgow,
G3 8LY
From its cheeky name and origin story (see the portrait inside or on their website) to the lively weekend crowds attracted by pre-theatre deals, Fanny's doesn't seem exactly a subtle place. Yet a glance at its inventive menu contradicts that: it's a…
Amarone
2 Nelson Mandela Place,
Glasgow,
G2 1BT
Enter the plate-glass doors and down the elegant stairway into this basement venue, and it is clear that Amarone is at the classier end of the Di Maggio's chain. There's the slick modern décor, warm chocolate and neutral colours, and mix of open tables…
Ashoka Ashton Lane
19 Ashton Lane,
Glasgow,
G12 8SJ
You’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time upon entering the charming Ashton Lane branch of the popular Ashoka chain. Things haven’t changed much since they first opened their doors 20 years ago – but that’s exactly the point, they…
Battlefield Rest
55 Battlefield Road,
Glasgow,
G42 9JL
Prepare for your senses to go into overdrive when you visit this gem of a restaurant. It's brimming with tables, diners and waiters, and if you could bottle the atmosphere then you’d surely be able to sell it, if only to the people who fill this place…
Le Bistro Beaumartin
161 Hope Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2UQ
Stylish and elegant at the front yet homely at the back, this newcomer on the scene is like a kitsch Frenchman’s front room: all black and white photographs on the walls, rich thick wallpaper and retro bistro chairs. Co-owner Richard Dupupet ran his own…
Black Sparrow
241 North Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7DL
The Black Sparrow is certainly an attractive room, packed with original details, with a huge ornate bar that runs the length of the space and lots of rather cute booths perfectly made for two. There’s a mezzanine level for larger groups and a much…
Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or
176 West Regent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4RL
Trained in France, and having lead the Michelin-starred La Gavroche kitchen in London, one expects Mr Maule to conjure up truly accomplished dishes. And he does. Everything from the crisp white table cloths, black leather chairs to the sharply dressed…
Browns Bar & Brasserie
1 George Square,
Glasgow,
G2 1DY
Browns is a safe pair of hands in George Square, a busy part of town where food choices can seem overwhelming. It has a French influence in its styling and décor but a very British feel in the food – with a name like Browns it could hardly have anything…
Café Andaluz
2 Cresswell Lane,
Glasgow,
G12 8AA
Glasgow’s original of two Café Andaluz restaurants is notable for its unique West End location – nestled down rustic wooden steps below Cresswell Lane’s quaint cobbles. Inside, it’s all Moorish blue, white terracotta tiles, stained-glass lanterns…
City Café
Hilton Garden Inn, Finnieston Quay,
Glasgow,
G3 8HN
The City Café is a riverside hotel restaurant (under new ownership this year) boasting great riverside views and convenient proximity to concert venues. Servings are relatively small, so if ravenous then it’s probably best to plump for the full three…
Dino Ferrari
35–41 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3AT
Dino Ferrari is the new look for a much-loved favourite on the Glasgow Italian scene (it was formerly plain old Dino's, but the owners sold the Hope Street branch in 2011 and tweaked the name). The avuncular welcome and charmingly retro décor – both in…
Kama Sutra
331 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3HW
At the upmarket end of Indian dining, Kama Sutra is spacious yet intimate. As well as the northern Indian cuisine found in most Glasgow curry houses, Kama Sutra offers dishes from various Indian regions, as well as embracing Scotland's own larder with…
Masala Twist
192–194 Byres Road,
Glasgow,
G12 8SN
A relative newcomer to Glasgow’s curry scene, Masala Twist certainly manages to hold its own, pulling some surprising punches. The staff instantly make you feel welcome, in a genuine, honest, and natural manner. Split over two small floors, the…
Metropolitan
Merchant Square, Candleriggs,
Glasgow,
G1 1LE
Given the weather, Metropolitan’s indoor terrace overlooking Merchant Square is the safest way to dine al fresco in Glasgow. It’s a very pleasant place to be, with the sandstone walls, linen napkins and twinkling fairy lights adding atmosphere to the…
Mussel Inn
157 Hope Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2UQ
Mussel Inns aren’t just restaurants but the end point of a diligent infrastructure of sustainable fresh food that begins at seed in West Coast lochs – a truly remarkable operation that has to be commended for re-introducing many Scots to the glories of…
Nur
22 Bridge Street,
Glasgow,
G5 9HR
Run by a Scots-Egyptian couple, Nur is an oasis of warmth, friendliness and good food. A cosy mezzanine is furnished with low tables, divans and plenty of cushions, while the downstairs dining space is dotted with shisha pipes, papyrus and pottery. As…
One Ten Bar and Grill at Marks Hotel
110 Bath Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2EN
The One Ten Bar and Grill offers a calm and classy escape from the more jumping bars and restaurants that populate Glasgow's Bath Street. While there's nothing strikingly distinctive about this establishment in comparison to any other hotel restaurant…
Sapporo Teppanyaki
2-6 Ingram Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1HA
The Merchant City plays host to the Glasgow branch of this three-strong UK chain. Popular with stags, hens, birthdays and works night outs, Sapporo Teppanyaki has a well-deserved reputation as a fun destination for parties. Large hotplates provide a…
Stravaigin 2
8 Ruthven Lane,
Glasgow,
G12 9BG
The younger Stravaigin, located near Byers Road, is an invitingly intimate space if lacking something of the character and quirkiness of the original. The food, however, is all you expect: imaginative combinations from around the globe impressively…
Tribeca
102 Dumbarton Road,
Glasgow,
G11 6NX
With a name like Tribeca, after the area of New York, the Americana inside – not to mention the yellow taxi and NYPD cruiser parked outside – should come as little surprise. Pictures of Manhattan street scenes, wooden tables (rather crammed in) and a…
Two Fat Ladies in the City
118a Blythswood Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4EG
With its curved windows and polished wooden surround it’s easy to spot this plush sibling of the TFL franchise situated just shy of Blythswood Square. The swooping artistry is continued inside where latticed ironwork fish dive beneath undulating…
Amore
30 Ingram Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1QA
At the quiet end of Ingram Street, Amore sits mezzanine height above pavement level which, along with the smart furnishings, lots of sparkling glass and stone-bake oven, provides a pleasant sense of occasion. It's a warm and welcoming enough space, but…
Bar Soba
11 Mitchell Lane,
Glasgow,
G1 3NU
One of the first restaurants in Glasgow to serve fashionable ‘fusion’ food, Bar Soba serves up a mix of Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese influenced dishes including the soba noodles that the restaurant’s name suggests. Bar Soba claims that its…
Café La Padella
124 Woodlands Road,
Glasgow,
G3 6HB
A bright turquoise exterior is the first clue that Café La Padella is definitely not another corporate café. Idiosyncratic is the word that best describes this Mediterranean/Middle Eastern eatery, exemplifying, as it does, an 'original mix of…
Cafe Source Too
Hillhead Sports Club, 32 Hughenden Road,
Glasgow,
G12 9XP
You might expect isotonic drinks and granola bars from the café at Hillhead Sports Club, but with the arrival of Café Source to run the kitchen there’s a rather more indulgent and ambitious offering to tempt you in. As at the original St Andrews in the…
The Corinthian Club
191 Ingram Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1DA
The brasserie and bar area in the Corinthian must be one of the most beautiful rooms in Scotland. If you want to impress then this dramatic central hall of the former High Court is certainly the place to come. The food can’t really compete with such…
Driftwood
2–4 St Georges Road,
Glasgow,
G3 6UJ
Driftwood has been a fixture of Charing Cross for a few years now, offering cheap and cheerful food to hungry students and weary shoppers. The dining area is decked out in the 'traditional' Mexican terracotta and yellow, though it's actually barely…
Gizzi's
87 Cambridge Street,
Glasgow,
G3 6RU
Previously known as Bistro du Sud but renovated and renamed Gizzi's in 2007, this bistro has a small, unassuming exterior and, inside, may be mistaken for a café with limited seating. There is more space upstairs, and the place would no doubt be full…
The Italian Caffè
92 Albion Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1NY
The food here more than matches the elegant surroundings dispelling any initial fears over Merchant City style over substance. Serving a tapas-style menu invigorates a scene overladen with the usual pizza and pasta suspects, and the ability to sample a…
Kitsch Inn
214 Bath Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4HW
A Thai restaurant kitted-out in Polynesian iconography and 50s Americana might seem a tad incongruous, but authentic ‘tiki’ bars (of which there is one, aptly named The Tiki Bar, downstairs) tend to have accompanying restaurants serving south-east Asian…
Koh-i-Noor
235 North Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7DL
Having served up Indian cuisine since 1964, Koh-i-Noor is part of the fabric of Glasgow’s curry culture. When it relocated to Charing Cross in 1983, the already reputable restaurant speculated on future success and created a cavernous 150-cover…
The Left Bank
33–35 Gibson Street,
Glasgow,
G12 8NU
Within its warren of nooks and crannies, the Left Bank offers a kaleidoscopic take on casual dining. Aimed squarely at the broadsheet-reading classes of this undergraduate-heavy area, and housed within a refurbished, multi-levelled bank building, it…
Neelim
1590 Dumbarton Road,
Glasgow,
G14 9DB
After two decades of serving loyal Scotstoun locals, Neelim must be doing something right. Couples and families flock here, whether it be for a sit-down dinner or some takeaway dishes to enjoy at home, and it can fill up even on week nights. The menu…
No. Sixteen
16 Byres Road,
Glasgow,
G11 5JY
In this small but perfectly formed restaurant at the bottom of Byres Road, attention to detail is a speciality. Fresh bread comes with a rosemary and parmesan infused dipping oil, simple but stunning. The diminutive size of the kitchen dictates that…
The Pelican Café
1377 Argyle Street,
Glasgow,
G3 8AF
Sitting opposite the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery means there is plenty of footfall for the retro-style Pelican. Yet clearly they're intent on matching quantity with quality, for there's a careful attention to detail on their menu, which proudly…
The Pipers' Tryst
The National Piping Centre, 30–34 McPhater Street,
Glasgow,
G4 0HW
Attached to the National Piping Centre in Cowcaddens, the Pipers’ Tryst maintains an authentically Scottish identity without descending into shortbread-tin tweeness. The dining room is a relaxed, informal space, with scrubbed wooden tables, dark leather…
Qua Italian Restaurant
The Todd Building, 68 Ingram Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1EX
Situated in the fashionable Merchant City area, Qua likes to think of itself as a stylish place to eat quality Italian food, the way they do back home. The décor is minimalist, with red and black furniture dominating the large dining area which is…
Alla Turca
192 Pitt Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4DY
Alla Turca mixes Scottish and Turkish fare well. The seafood salad of calamari and swordfish is the perfect size to whet your appetite, and is one of many interesting starters. These include carpaccio made with Scottish beef, olive oil and watercress…
Amber Regent
50 West Regent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2RA
From the staffed cloakroom to the waiters effortlessly filleting fish at the table, the Amber Regent retains many of the characteristics of hospitality from a bygone era. This theme carries through to the furnishings with the restaurant’s adjoining…
Barbarossa
Cartside House, 1–7 Clarkston Road,
Glasgow,
G44 4EF
Barbarossa comes in two parts – a wine bar downstairs and a chic restaurant upstairs – and thanks to a very committed chef, a host of regulars have been dining here for more than 10 years. The wine bar has a reasonably priced selection of pasta, pizza…
The Bay Tree Café
403 Great Western Road,
Glasgow,
G4 9HY
Around since 1960, the Bay Tree Café has a relaxed air to it, the walls and shelves decorated with various Arabian/Mediterranean knick-knacks. If the décor evokes one region though, then the menu is far broader ranging. The breakfast menu is available…
Bella Napoli
85 Kilmarnock Road,
Glasgow,
G41 3YR
From the street Bella Napoli looks like a run-of-the-mill Italian deli, but discerning food lovers know that through the back, past the racks of wine and tins of olives, is a reliable restaurant of some worth. While the front cafe offers casual…
Bellini
67 Kilmarnock Road,
Glasgow,
G41 3YR
Bellini is a lovely little pocket of Italy in the heart of Shawlands. Almost all the staff are Italian and, beef aside, all produce is from Italy, and with no freezer on the premises, everything is fresh. Thanks to this the restaurant has a faithful…
The Big Blue
445 Great Western Road,
Glasgow,
G12 8HH
A perennial student favourite and something of a West End institution, the Big Blue endures in its picturesque location by the Kelvin. Portions are hearty enough to satisfy diners with big appetites. The fried calamari with lemon is a tasty starter and…
Celino's
620–624 Alexandra Parade,
Glasgow,
G31 3BT
When a restaurant consistently hits the heights in the ways that Celino's manages it becomes difficult to ignore, even if located in a neighbourhood where passing trade is scarce, particularly in the evening. Stepping off a deserted Alexandra Parade…
Charcoals
26A Renfield Street,
Glasgow,
G2 1LU
Situated on one of the city's busiest traffic streets, it would be easy to mistake Charcoals for just another takeaway, but its restaurant is surprisingly cosy. Under new management since January 2011, staff explain details of the menu as they flit…
Fratelli Sarti
42 Renfield Street,
Glasgow,
G2 1NF
There is an expectation with Italian restaurants that the experience be one of feeling loved and entertained as well as fed, yet few manage to pull off the feat with such aplomb as Fratelli Sarti. There's a uniformity of excellence across all three…
Gamba
225a West George Street,
Glasgow,
G2 2ND
The sign of a good fish restaurant is how well the front and back of house work in close synchronicity. Gamba has that instinctive, almost telepathic communication between cook and floor staff meaning everyone is alert to the unique properties of your…
Gambrino
333 Great Western Road,
Glasgow,
G4 9HS
With its warm, cosy interior, dim lights, terracotta tiles and worn wood, Gambrino feels like a rustic Tuscan taverna, even on a rainy Glaswegian night. The menu is simple, focusing on a few things and doing them well – pizza, pasta and a handful of…
Merrylee Road Bar and Kitchen
128 Merrylee Road,
Glasgow,
G44 3DL
Candles, soft lighting and a piano player give this neighbourhood brasserie something of a posh hotel lobby atmosphere. The service is warm and informal though, and a mainly local and family clientele mean the place is actually quite relaxed. The menu…
Mother India
28 Westminster Terrace, Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G3 7RU
A much-loved Glasgow institution, Mother India's flagship restaurant is set over three floors, each with its own unique character. The small dining area on the ground floor is bright and casual, the first floor is grand with dark wood and candles, and…
Paperinos @ 78
78 St Vincent Street,
Glasgow,
G2 5UB
With two City Centre venues and a branch in the West End, Paperino’s has become a byword for quick and easy Italian food. The original Sauchiehall Street branch is most intimate, with wooden booths, dim lights and terracotta tiles, while the newer St…
Rab Ha's
83 Hutcheson Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1SH
Rab Ha’s is a well-loved and fairly busy Merchant City pub (and small hotel), and over the past 20 years or so its basement restaurant has meandered up and down market, with varying critical and commercial success. Currently it feels like an…
Saint Judes
190 Bath Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4HG
This ivy-clad basement townhouse on the Bath St social hub is an interesting and attractive mix of bar/bistro and hotel with a dark and dangerous (especially when you trip on the way to the toliet) interior and a public yet surprisingly intimate…
Saramago Café Bar
CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3JD
Occupying a light, airy atrium in the heart of the CCA, Saramago draws a bohemian crowd – you’re more likely to find an up-and-coming conceptual artist or filmmaker at the next table than a weary Sauchiehall Street shopper. The menu is a tour of mostly…
Thai Siam
1191 Argyle Street,
Glasgow,
G3 8TQ
Occupying a steadily gentrifying section of Argyle Street, Thai Siam is a neighbourhood favourite with a friendly atmosphere. The décor is a bit curry house circa 1990, plus large wall reliefs of the Buddha and the menu also appears to have stayed the…
Topolino's
285 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow,
G2 3HQ
A low-key doorway leads down from the main drag of Sauchiehall Street to this basement bistro, which has an airy and comfortable atmosphere thanks to uncluttered wooden tables, stripped floors and warm reds. Mirrors on the wall add to the sense of…
La Vita
161 Queen Street,
Glasgow,
G1 3BJ
You can’t get much more central than La Vita’s, and despite being spread over three floors it manages a cosy, traditional Italian vibe. It is a busy place, with booking on most nights recommended, and you are still likely to be just a few centimetres…
Viva
77 Bothwell Street,
Glasgow,
G2 6TS
Clearly profiting from its positioning – slap bang in the centre of Glasgow’s financial district – Viva draws in a healthy crowd of diners even on a drizzly Monday night. Yet there’s more to the restaurant’s success than simple location – while it…
Zorba Mediterranean Taverna
25 High Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1LX
This old-fashioned family-run taverna is about as cheesy as a package holiday to a sunny island resort. But its staff are friendly to a fault, with impromptu dancing and cheerful service. Most importantly, the food is excellent. The cosy room is…
Anatolia Chargrill
140 St Vincent St,
Glasgow,
G2 5LA
On arrival at Anatolia Chargrill, olives and fresh bread with dipping oil are brought to the table, giving you something to nibble whilst perusing the menu. It’s worth ordering a tasting selection as there are several interesting hot and cold options…
The Arches Café Bar & Restaurant
253 Argyle Street,
Glasgow,
G2 8DL
In the Arches’ subterranean dining room, regularly changing installations – often by local artists – provide the backdrop to interesting, well-executed food. An appetising menu includes adventurous options such as deep-fried baby octopus and wood…
Baby Grand
3–7 Elmbank Gardens,
Glasgow,
G2 4NQ
With its proximity to Charing Cross Station, the Premier Inn and the motorway, the long-established Baby Grand is handily placed to cater for commuters, visitors and business folk, particularly during the day. At night the area is quieter but a…
The Bath Street Pony
207 Bath Street,
Glasgow,
G2 4HZ
After a few name changes over the last decade, this venue seems to have finally found its feet as the Bath Street Pony, now enjoying its third year in the guide. Ironically, the décor hasn’t changed since previous incarnations – the contrast of open…
