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The slogan synonymous with Scotland’s largest city is “People Make Glasgow,” which is true, but it should also be known that Glaswegians make delicious food.
Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Bonnie Glasgow, located on Scotland’s West Coast, is known for its industrial history, friendly humor, bustling music scene, and many of the best restaurants in the country. From trendy eateries to incredible Indian cuisine and even a couple of breweries, this foodie destination is not to be missed. Scotland really is a dream holiday vacation. While you’re here, explore Glasgow and feast on the very best this charming city has to offer.
In no particular order, here’s a list of the 10 best restaurants in Glasgow, Scotland.
10 Cail Bruich
Cail Bruich means “eat well” in Gaelic, which is precisely what you’ll do in this trendy Glasgow West End restaurant. Chef Lorna McNee took the head chef role in August 2020 and impressively earned a Michelin Star in just under six months. Cail Bruich offers fresh Scottish produce to create an elegant tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Using local and sustainable ingredients, this eatery shows attention to detail in every aspect of the business. From consideration given for allergies and dietary requirements to the sommelier’s expertise and the informative and friendly staff, this Glasgow gem offers a unique dining experience.
Try the Cail Bruich Gin, hand-crafted in Glasgow. Using botanicals and ingredients found in the Cail Bruich kitchen (such as carrot and sea buckthorn), this bespoke gin is perfect for food pairings and cocktails.
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Address:
725 Great Western Road, Glasgow -
Hours:
Friday & Saturday. Lunch 12 PM – 5 PM (last sitting 1.30 pm), Dinner 7 PM-midnight (last sitting 9 PM); Tuesday – Thursday: 6.30 PM-midnight (last sitting 8.30 PM)
9 The Ubiquitous Chip
Below the twinkly lights on the corner of Glasgow’s cobbled Ashton Lane is an iconic place for contemporary Scottish cuisine—The Ubiquitous Chip. Opened in 1971 and still run by the same family, this Glasgow institution offers a variety of dishes worth trying, such as Monkfish Cheek, Mussels, Squid & Potato Stew with Saffron Aioli, or Smoked Haddock Velouté with Caramelized Onions and Potato Croutons. It’s also one of the best restaurants in Scotland to get Haggis.
The Ubiquitous Chip is divided into sections. The downstairs restaurant has a cobbled-stoned floor, twinkling lights, and plenty of greenery. The menu is locally sourced, seasonal, and offered a la carte or as a tasting menu. The upstairs brasserie is more casual but still provides local and ethically sourced Scottish fare. Also on-site are the art deco Corner Bar, the Rooftop terrace, the upstairs bar with the comfort of a local pub, and the small but mighty Wee Whiskey Bar.
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Address:
12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow
While on Ashton Lane, catch a movie at the Grosvenor Cinema for a luxury big-screen experience.
8 The Gannet
Less than a year after this Finnieston hot spot opened, The Gannet received a Bib Gourmand award for quality dining at moderate prices. Specializing in modern Scottish cooking, The Gannet offers a tasting menu comprised of seasonal quality ingredients from all over the country. Sample lunch or dinner menu items, including things like Loch Etive Sea Trout, Hebridean Mackerel, or Pheasant Leg and Pearl Barley Risotto. The setting is relaxed, and the servers are super knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine list. This restaurant is perfect for a special occasion.
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Address:
1155 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow -
Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 5.30 PM – 8.45 PM, Friday & Saturday 12 PM – 2 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:15 PM. The Gannet is closed Monday, Tuesday & Sunday.
7 Mother India
Mother India offers authentic Indian dishes with high-quality ingredients in a welcoming dining environment. Opened in 1990, Mother India is a staple in Glasgow. It’s busy, so think about booking ahead. Some fan favorites are the Butter Chicken, Chilli Garlic Chicken, and the Aloo Saag Dosa. However, it is self-described as Indian sub-continental food, so a few dishes have a tasty Scottish influence, like the oven-spiced haddock. Mother India offers the perfect meal to share with friends and family.
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Address:
28 Westminster Terrace, Glasgow
Work up an appetite exploring the nearby Kelvingrove Art Museum or walking alongside the River Kelvin before tucking into delicious mains at Mother India.
6 Drygate Brewing Co.
The Drygate Brewing Co. is a popular destination in the East End that offers tourists two options to enjoy a meal and a pint. First up is The Peaks Bar, which won Best Pub & Bar in the City of Glasgow in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2021. This casual beer hall and beer garden serves pizza and snacks, like loaded fries and fried pickles. It also hosts a Comedy Lab and shows live sports.
Next up is the Drygate Brasserie, with 23 rotating taps and a view inside the brewery. The Brasserie offers a casual yet immersive dining experience. The seasonal menu contains classic comfort food dishes that pair great with beer.
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Address:
85 Drygate, Glasgow
While you’re here, try a guided tour. It includes a tutored tasting of their core range. Available on Sundays only.
5 Ox And Finch
Located on Sauchiehall Street, this hip eatery is busy. Bookings should be made in advance. After all, it is one of the best restaurants in Glasgow! Ox and Finch recently received the Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland (2022).
The small plates are a treat for the eyes and consist primarily of Scottish provisions that never disappoint. Menu items include bold flavors with global influences, such as the crispy pork cutlet, sauce gribiche, celery, and turnip slaw, as well as the crab tartlet, apple, and kohlrabi salad. A wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options are also available. And some good news for those traveling to Glasgow in the summer months—uncovered outdoor tables are available for walk-ins between March and September.
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Address:
920 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
4 The Bothy
The menu at The Bothy reflects traditional Scottish cooking and changes regularly to reflect the Scottish seasons. Their ingredients are sourced from around the country, like beef from the Isle of Orkney and cheese from the Isle of Arran.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner—favorite menu items include Pan-seared Salmon Fillet, Ox Cheek, Cullen Skink soup, and Ramsey’s Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. For those traveling with families, The Bothy also offers a kid’s menu with traditional Scottish staples,
The Bothy’s décor features comfy leather sofas and quirky artwork highlighting scenes of Scotland. At night, the garden lights up with hundreds of white fairy lights, making this restaurant a perfect destination for those rare but magical warm nights in Glasgow.
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Address:
11 Ruthven Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow -
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday 5 PM – 11 PM, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM, Friday & Sunday 12 PM – 12 AM
Try the Sunday Roast! Offered every Sunday (2 courses for £22 or 3 courses for £26).
3 The Ivy
With its traditional menu and vintage vibe, The Ivy in Glasgow has everything a traveler needs. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, a night of cocktails, DJs, and live musicians—The Ivy has it all, which is why it’s one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. Just a three-minute walk from Glasgow’s Central Station, the beautiful main restaurant is light and colorful. The diamond lattice floor with black, white, and pink tiles and the abundance of greenery bring enjoyment to customers the second they enter the restaurant. And on a nice day, check out the outdoor Parisian-style seating.
The Ivy’s extensive menu includes classic mains such as The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie, Chargrilled Halloumi, and Roast Salmon Fillet, while the lunch menu offers tasty treats like Butternut Squash Risotto and Keralan Chicken Curry.
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Address:
106 Buchanan St, Glasgow -
Hours:
Monday – Thursday & Sunday 8:30 AM – Midnight, Friday & Saturday 8:30AM – 1 AM
2 West Brewery
The West Brewery introduces a beautiful blend of Glasgow and Germany. With carefully crafted dishes, like fish and chips, bratwurst, and schnitzel, there’s a perfect pint to accompany every meal. Offering a beer hall and a beer garden in addition to the restaurant, this is a place you could spend all afternoon. The West Brewery is located in the Templeton Building, which is an old factory that produced carpets for homes and luxury liners, including the Titanic. Designed by architect William Leiper, the building is colorful, ornate, and worth seeing on any trip to Glasgow. And if you’re looking for completely free things to do in Scotland, neighboring Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public park, offers a unique opportunity to explore before or after dinner.
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Address:
15 Binnie Pl, Glasgow
1 Mowgli’s
Mowgli’s offers a rare peek at how Indian eats at home and on the streets. Purposely not a hushed dining experience, this family restaurant focuses on healthy, light meals full of intense flavor. The founder, Nisha Katona, gave up her career as a barrister to build Mowgli and provide tasty Indian dishes to Britain, such as the Monkey Wrap (an open roti wrap with succulent, charred tandoori chicken, jewels of pomegranate, spinach, mint & a crazy rainbow of homespun Mowgli chutneys). The prices are reasonable (the monkey wrap is only £9.25), and the ambiance is stylish. For those looking for a chic dining experience when visiting Scotland on a budget, Mowgli’s is a must!
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Address:
78 St Vincent Street, Glasgow -
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 12 PM – 10 PM, Friday – Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM