Restaurants, Scottish, Child friendly within 5 miles of Glasgow

Named after the famous ‘Glasgow Glutton’, Robert Hall, who made a living from eating contests, this restaurant and bar (with four hotel rooms) is tucked down one of the Merchant City’s quieter streets. You enter through the cosy bar with a glowing open…

Housed in the former Sheriff Court there are few building fronts as impressive anywhere in the city. Gone are any remnants of law court life. Split between a ground floor with a massive glitzy cocktail bar, and an upstairs restaurant that has a more…

You’d think Arisaig’s location around that climate-free covered-style courtyard would pull in weather-beaten punters all day long, but although evening crowds throng, the cobbled delights of Merchant Square are a tad more sedate around lunchtime which…

With its handsome interior, chunky Tim Stead furniture and globe lights, Café Gandolfi is the granddaddy of Merchant City bohemianism. Serving a mix of clientele from shoppers to concert-goers, it’s been dishing out high-end bistro food for more than 30…

Set in the heart of Candleriggs, Guy's is an unusual find, it has the feeling of a place where something extraordinary could happen. Eclectic décor reflecting the owners fun-loving tastes – film posters, white wood paneling hung with paintings, china…

The informality of the Mussel Inn is one of its principal attractions – a relaxed, almost café-esque atmosphere that’s enjoyably appropriate for the experience of tearing mussels from their shells, getting fingers dirty and dipping bread into the…

Church conversions don’t come much classier than this chic and spacious bistro tucked beneath the St Andrews on the Square building. Moody glowing booths, dark leather seating and copper lined pillars break the large room into intimate zones while a…

It's next-door to the home of Scotland's national instrument and they serve traditional food in a – let's say typically Scottish – warm and cosy atmosphere ideal for quiet conviviality and romantic rendezvous. It's even handily located at the top of…

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…

There is nothing quite like The Red Onion in Glasgow. It has an established clientèle that clearly likes its casual style, and prices. At the heart of the city it offers food with French and Far Eastern influences, using quality Scottish ingredients.

Situated in the former ballroom of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the restaurant in Blythswood Hotel feels grand but never unnecessarily opulent with its predominantly red and black décor, tasselled lampshades and comfortable sofas. Dining here is…

It’s nice to see roast salmon on a Glasgow menu, and even nicer to have thoroughly crispened, blackened skin that gives way to robust flesh with heaps of flavour. It’s typical of the Two Fat Ladies restaurants, where produce is high quality and cooking…

Morblas – derived from the Gaelic words for ‘great’ and ‘taste’ – is located in the Glasgow Hilton, a hotel situated beside a distinctly unglamorous stretch of motorway. However, things greatly improve once inside as you stroll through the impressive…

The Buttery is the only ‘destination’ restaurant in Glasgow that actually feels like a quest to get to, hidden in no-man’s land near the M8. Hushed tones, stained glass, ornaments everywhere – it’s full of character, as well as fine food (and not just…

Everything about The Shandon Belles is a little bit special, from the warm welcome to lovely vintage crockery on the table. The cosy basement is crammed with small trinkets and curiosities. Run by the Two Fat Ladies team (the Buttery is upstairs) what…

Tibo looks as if it should be in the the city's West End. The huge glass windows, large twinkling-star ceiling lights and candles dotted about are inviting and create a warmth inside. Laid back and friendly is the vibe the owners are going for, making…

Themed around the Coen Brothers’ cult movie, it’s easy to assume that this Finnieston bar-restaurant is beholden to tacky gimmickry. But there’s much more to Lebowskis beyond a big picture of the Dude, bowling-pin adorned fittings (homage to his…

Don’t be put off by the nudge-nudge, wink-wink name – when it comes to food, there are lots of good things going on in this compact little neighbourhood bistro. With a reputation largely built through word-of-mouth, locals and tourists alike flock to…

With its clean white walls, dark drapes and wooden floors Sisters Kelvingrove has a smart, business-like appearance that attracts celebrating couples, families and local hotel guests, while also becoming a meeting, greeting and eating point for the…

No place captures the energy of the Finnieston renaissance better than Crabshakk, a few years old but still packed to the rafters most evenings. At the bar and on the mezzanine, diners sit beside, opposite – practically on top of each other. Brushed…

There’s always a lively buzz around this ground-level section of the popular restaurant where staff move with a studied air of relaxed professionalism amid babbling West Enders. Although it’s lighter in spirit and intentionally less formal than the room…

With an informal wine bar atmosphere, racks of wine bottles around the walls and a gallery of artworks for sale in aid of a hospice, there's a feeling of caring and community here. This caring extends into the food, wine and cheery service on offer.