Food & Drink in Glasgow
Glasgow is the third biggest city in the UK and is suitably cosmopolitan with many fantastic bars and restaurants throughout the city.
While many of these are within the City Centre and can be found strolling through the streets, there are a lot of hidden gems we’d recommend you visit.
1. Mharsanta
- Stop Number: Stop 3 (Merchant City)
- Cuisine: Traditional Scottish
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Dinner
- Details: Mharsanta offers a taste of Scotland with dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, alongside locally sourced produce. It’s a great option for those looking to experience Scottish cuisine in a cozy setting.
2. Van Winkle (2 locations)
- Stop Number: Stop 4 (Barras) or Stop 18 (Sauchiehall Street)
- Cuisine: American BBQ & Bourbon Bar
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Casual Dinner
- Details: Van Winkle specializes in American BBQ and bourbon. With a relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, especially if you’re craving hearty, smoky flavors.
3. The Blue Lagoon (multiple locations)
- Stop Number: Stop 7 (St Vincent Place) Stop 8 (Central Station)
- Cuisine: Fish & Chips
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Dinner
- Details: The Blue Lagoon is a well-loved spot for traditional fish and chips. It’s a great option for a quick, affordable meal at any time of the day. With its central location, it’s an easy stop for a classic Glasgow meal.
4. The Willow Tea Rooms/ Mackintosh at the Willows
- Stop Number: Stop 7 (St Vincent Place) Stop 12 (Sauchiehall Street)
- Cuisine: Afternoon Tea
- Meal Recommendation: Afternoon Tea or Light Lunch
- Details: Inspired by the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Willow Tea Rooms offer a quintessentially British experience with afternoon tea, scones, and light lunches. It’s a lovely stop for a relaxing afternoon break.
5. The Ubiquitous Chip
- Stop Number: Stop 15 (Byres Road)
- Cuisine: Modern Scottish
- Meal Recommendation: Dinner
- Details: Known for its innovative approach to Scottish cuisine, The Ubiquitous Chip is perfect for a special dinner. The restaurant features a beautiful interior with a courtyard and mezzanine, adding to the dining experience.
6. Paesano Pizza
- Stop Number: Stop 7 (Merchant City)
- Cuisine: Italian (Pizza)
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Casual Dinner
- Details: Paesano Pizza is a popular spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza at a great price. It’s ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch or a casual dinner.
7. Mother India
- Stop Number: Stop 16 (Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum)
- Cuisine: Indian
- Meal Recommendation: Dinner
- Details: Mother India is one of Glasgow’s most beloved Indian restaurants, offering rich and flavorful curries. It’s best enjoyed for dinner, especially if you’re a fan of Indian cuisine.
8. Sloans
- Stop Number: Stop 7 (St. Vincent Place)
- Cuisine: Scottish, Pub Grub
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Casual Dinner
- Details: As Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant, Sloans offers classic Scottish pub fare in a historic setting. It’s a great spot for a hearty lunch or a relaxed dinner.
9. Ox and Finch
- Stop Number: Stop 17 (Kelvingrove Park)
- Cuisine: Modern European, Tapas
- Meal Recommendation: Dinner
- Details: Ox and Finch offers contemporary small plates with a European twist. It’s an ideal spot for dinner, especially if you enjoy sharing dishes and trying a variety of flavors.
10. The Butterfly and the Pig
- Stop Number: Stop 19 (School of Art)
- Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Casual Dinner
- Details: With its quirky vintage décor and comfort food menu, The Butterfly and the Pig is a delightful choice for a cozy lunch or dinner. The menu features a range of hearty British classics.
11. The University Café
- Location: 87 Byres Road, Glasgow
- Stop Number: Stop 15 (Byres Road)
- Cuisine: Italian Café, British Café Classics
- Meal Recommendation: Breakfast, Lunch, or Light Dinner
- Details: Established in 1918, The University Café is a Glasgow institution known for its nostalgic vibe and simple, comforting dishes. It’s perfect for a traditional breakfast, a casual lunch, or even a light dinner.
12. Òran Mór
- Stop Number: Stop 15 (Byres Road)
- Cuisine: Scottish, Modern European
- Meal Recommendation: Lunch or Dinner
- Details: Òran Mór is a unique venue housed in a converted church, offering a vibrant mix of culture, dining, and entertainment. The restaurant serves a modern take on Scottish and European cuisine, making it a great spot for both lunch and dinner. With its dramatic setting and beautiful stained glass windows, it’s an excellent choice for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a refined dinner, Òran Mór provides an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
Check out www.peoplemakeglasgow.com for more information on the many cafes, bars and restaurants that the city has to offer.