My 36 Favourite Restaurants in Glasgow (As a Local)

I’ve lived in Glasgow for most of my life and watched the culinary scene go from strength to strength. Good food might not be the first thing that pops to mind when you think about Glasgow, but you will be spoilt for choice as a foodie here.

I’ve set out my favourites below, including traditional Scottish “scran”, authentic Indian food, Italian delis, and vegan small plates. Whether you want some filling food on the cheap or the fanciest of fine dining, you can find it in this guide to Glasgow restaurants. 

And don’t forget to bookmark my guide to my favourite things to do in Glasgow!

My 36 Top Glasgow Restaurants

Six by Nico

🍽️ Fine Dining | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 334 5661

Each meal at Six by Nico consists of six set courses and you can choose from meat, vegetarian, vegan, or a combination. 

The theme of Six by Nico’s set meals changes every six weeks. When I visited it was Funfair, but it has previously been Catalonia, The Chippie, Thai Fusion, and more. Themes aren’t announced more than two weeks in advance so you have to trust the chef. 

And trust them you should. This was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had. Each bite was carefully thought out and looked beautiful. It’s true fine dining, yet affordable!

Cubatas

🍽️ Spanish | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 573 0114

The Valencian chefs at Cubatas specialise in delicious regional paellas and also offer traditional, classic tapas dishes. I opted for the tasty (and affordable) Spanish omelette, patatas bravas, and chorizo. 

There is a good range of options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and I’d recommend Cubatas’ signature vodka and Passoa cocktail. Enjoy your tapas indoors or on the restaurant’s cosy heated terrace.

Sylvan

🍽️ Vegetarian/Vegan | £££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 332 9310

Sylvan is a small, up-market vegetarian restaurant with an impressive list of natural wines, an ever-changing food menu, and a tranquil atmosphere. It often hosts wine-tasting sessions for connoisseurs and casual wine fans alike. 

Pair your drinks with some buffalo halloumi and, on warm days, take advantage of the outdoor seating to people-watch. 

The Skillet

🍽️ Scottish | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 286 7886

The Skillet specialises in local and seasonal ingredients, such as Shetland mussels and Angus steaks. The atmosphere is tranquil and it feels like a fine dining restaurant, but with a reasonable price tag. On Thursdays there’s a specialist meat night, and there’s a classic Sunday roast every Sunday. This is definitely an overlooked treat.

Boca Glasgow

🍽️ Sandwiches | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps 

This sandwich shop is tucked down a lane but make sure not to pass this by. There are only three small tables inside Boca Glasgow, but a steady stream of people popping by for their constantly evolving menu of sandwiches. Each half sandwich is enough for a meal on its own, and the bread is light and fresh.

Curry Cottage

🍽️ Indian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 258 3546

It’s not hard to find a curry in Glasgow, but it is tricky to narrow down the best ones. Curry Cottage has some great contenders here in its extensive menu of classic Indian dishes. This small restaurant is calming and very welcoming, perfect for a chilled dinner. 

Curry Cottage also offers a good-value pre-theatre menu for anyone popping in before a show at the Theatre Royal.

Civerinos

🍽️ Pizza | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 737 0387

Civernos, a New York-style “slice bar,” started as a sensation in Edinburgh, and has recently expanded to the west coast. Pizzas are available by the (giant) slice, or in 14- and 20-inch sizes. 

Civerinos claims to sell the largest pizza in Glasgow, and it’s hard to dispute that. Its 20-inch whoppers are an absolute feast, definitely designed for sharing. 

You can’t go wrong with classic flavours, but the adventurers out there may want to try the civi-churri, with ground beef, roasted potatoes, and chorizo covered in chimichurri sauce. Outside of pizza, the arancini balls are a delight.

Santa Lucia

🍽️ Italian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 552 6233

Santa Lucia specialises in food from southern Italy, particularly Naples and Sicily. As well as the restaurant on Ingram Street (pictured above), Santa Lucia has a deli and pasta restaurant, both on Byres Road.

As you would expect, Santa Lucia has a full range of pizza and pasta options. But it also has some delicious Scotch beef fillet, breaded chicken, and fish options. Each is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. This risotto here was exquisitely creamy and perfectly paired with the fresh focaccia. 

Sugo Pasta

🍽️ Italian | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 258 1650

Sugo’s vision is simple. It offers ten regular fresh pasta dishes, several changeable specials, and a handful of no-nonsense sides. Its pasta is done to perfection, and it’s not heavy on the wallet, perfect for those visiting Glasgow on a budget.

The straightforward but delicious cacio e pepe sauce is a personal favourite of mine, no matter how many times I order it. I usually follow it with the classic ice cream and raspberry sauce, but I’ll leave your dessert choices up to you. 

Sugo doesn’t take bookings and it is popular. Arriving early on busy weekend nights is advised. 

Halloumi

🍽️ Greek | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 204 1616

Anyone seeking great Greek food in Glasgow should make sure to check out Halloumi. An extensive menu offers plenty of delicious, fresh food – the gyros are a particular highlight. The portions are generous and the weekday lunch offer verges on a bargain. 

Halloumi has two restaurants, one in the city centre and one in the southside. Each has a relaxed atmosphere and bright interior to complement the dishes. For refreshment, try some Greek god-themed cocktails, ouzo, or Loux sparkling juice.

Errol’s Hot Pizza

🍽️ Pizza | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 423 0559

Errol’s Hot Pizza is probably the most hidden of the “hidden gems” on this list. This tiny sit-in does a handful of pizzas in its one oven, with the only sides being salad and burrata of the day. The fact that it has made it to this list is a testament to how delicious those pizzas are. 

Errol’s has some funky Italian football decor and would be ideal for a date night or friend dinner. 

Mother India

🍽️ Indian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +044 141 221 1663

The title of best Indian restaurant in Glasgow is highly competitive, but Mother India is always in contention. First opened in 1990, Mother India now has five locations in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh, and each is unique. The original restaurant offers flavoursome meat, fish, and vegetarian classic dishes and seasonal specials in a beautiful retro interior. 

Mother India’s cafe offers Indian small plates, perfect for mixing and matching, while the Wee Curry House fittingly focuses on curries. The Den includes a deli counter for takeaways, or check out Landsdowne’s sharing menu. 

Be prepared for queues at busy times as Mother India’s reputation has hit cult status. Don’t take my word for it — it was recommended by Anthony Bourdain himself.

Katsu

🍽️ Japanese | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 221 0669

Katsu is my absolute go-to place for comfort food in Glasgow. Order generous portions of katsu curry with miso soup, fresh tempura, and tasty sashimi rolls — you can’t go wrong.

From the outside, the red-lit restaurant looks very snug but don’t worry about finding a space as there’s another floor above and turnover is quick as the food flies out of the kitchen.

This casual bar is a warm haven on rainy days and every order is made before your eyes by a team of expert chefs. Japanese food lovers – this is one not to miss. 

Bloc+

🍽️ Pub Food | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 574 6066

Bloc+ is both a reliable restaurant and a live music venue, where you’ll see eclectic and experimental music. They offer a meat menu and a vegan one, and their trash steak is particularly notable. There is usually a deal on a different meal every day from Monday to Friday which are some of the best offers you’ll see in Glasgow city centre.

Ubiquitous Chip

🍽️ Scottish | £££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 334 5007

Of all of the restaurants on this list, Ubiquitous Chip is probably the most renowned. This Glasgow institution has been serving upmarket Scottish cuisine for over 50 years and remains at the top of its game. 

The restaurant itself is as impeccable as the food and features a mural by the artist and writer Alasdair Gray. You won’t find a prettier place to enjoy your meal than the leafy brasserie under a glass roof. For drinks, check out the Big Pub and the Wee Whisky Bar on the top floor. 

Rosa’s Thai Glasgow

🍽️ Thai | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 370 7665

Rosa’s Thai now has two locations in Scotland, one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow city centre. Despite being a chain, the food here is still of a high standard, with fresh ingredients and tasty dishes. Choose from spicy Thai curry dishes or classic noodle meals at a very decent price.

University Café 

🍽️ Italian | £ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 339 5217

Looking for character? You’ll find it at the University Cafe. The Italian fish and chip shop has been run by the same family since 1918 and the place is still decorated Art Deco style. The ice cream here is the best in the business, especially topped with some raspberry sauce. 

The food is simple but heartwarming. It’s one of Scotland’s best chippies, and that’s a tough field to compete in. Anthony Bourdain himself recognised this when he visited in 2015 and enjoyed some battered haggis and chips. 

Ranjit’s Kitchen

🍽️ Panjabi | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 423 8222

Ranjit’s feels like being in someone’s home. The Panjabi restaurant is family-run and it’s cosy and welcoming, a little beacon of warmth. It’s also extremely affordable. You can get a meal for two for under £20.

The kitchen is fully vegetarian and based on seasonal produce. I’ve yet to find something on the menu I didn’t love. My personal favourite is the paneer pakora, which is unfailingly delicious. For dessert, I’d recommend gulab jamun.

Van Winkle

🍽️ Barbecue | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 552 1177

Van Winkle serves up hearty Kentucky-inspired barbecue pub food. Why not pair a 100% Scottish burger with an alcoholic milkshake, cocktail or a bourbon? If you time your visit right, you may even get good enough weather to eat outside in the beer garden. If anyone is feeling especially hungry, Van Winkle has a Buckin’ Hell Burger Challenge to try out. 

Dogs are welcome at Van Winkle, and there’s even a dog menu serving healthy food to pups.

Mono

🍽️ Vegan | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 553 2400

At Mono, all the food is vegan and handmade with a lot of twists on Scottish comfort food. My personal go-to is the pizza crunch – a deep-fried pizza slice with chips. Don’t knock it until you try it! The spicy sausage pizza is also to die for. 

Mono has a wide beer selection. For soft drinks, try the range of Paisley sodas. 

As well as being a restaurant, Mono hosts the occasional gig for underground artists. Vinyl shop Monorail Music is under the same roof as Mono, adding to the cool vibes.

Scran

🍽️ Brunch | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps 

“Scran” in Scots, the language spoken by many Scottish people, means food. At Scran you get exactly that. This brunch spot offers a range of toasties, egg dishes, and breakfast rolls. It has taken the classic hangover cure of a potato scone on a roll and added pea puree, sriracha, and rocket.

La Bodega

🍽️ Venezuelan | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 73470 29438

La Bodega offers something a bit different for the Glasgow food scene – fresh and authentic Venezuelan food. They specialise in empanadas and arepas, which come out of the kitchen piping hot. Make sure to also try some traditional Venezuelan drinks cocada, chica or papelón. They’re all delicious and refreshing. 

Il Pavone

🍽️ Italian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 221 0543

Tucked away inside the luxury Princes Square shopping centre you’ll find Il Pavone. This family-run restaurant has been operating in Glasgow for 25 years, offering classic Italian food. This is a great spot for a romantic date night or a bit of calm away from the busy shopping streets outside.

Ho Lee Fook

🍽️ Asian Fusion | £ | 📍 Google Maps 

Ho Lee Fook has been an overnight sensation since its opening in 2023. The East Asian street food shop operates from a tiny hole-in-the-wall outside of the Barras Market, with limited seating on the pavement on dry days. Despite its modest space, however, it’s often queued out. 

The tonkatsu sandwich is especially popular – and huge! – but also don’t miss out on the biang biang beef noodles. Your only limit is how much you can carry away but if that’s an issue, a few minutes’ walk away is its sister restaurant Fook Mei which has seating.

Stereo

🍽️ Vegan | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 222 2254

Stereo is Mono’s sister restaurant, but the menus are distinct. Like Mono, Stereo is fully vegan, but its menu is pan-Asian. The seitan burger with miso and nooch sauce may be the best vegan burger I’ve ever found, especially with kimchi as a side. 

Stereo has a unique range of cocktails for those out there looking for an aesthetic drink. Below the restaurant, Stereo has a venue space, with club nights on weekends.

Coia’s Cafe

🍽️ Italian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 554 3822

Coia’s Cafe is another Glasgow institution. This is a traditional Italian restaurant which has been run by the same family for almost 100 years. Coia’s combines Italian dishes with local Scottish produce, especially seafood. You can’t get fresher than its sharing seafood platter.

Personally, I can never say no to the risotto alla Milanese with one of the focaccia options. Alternatively, try topped mac and cheese or pick from the wide selection of pasta. 

BAaD

🍽️ Burgers | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +52 985 102 9047

BAaD, or Barras Art and Design, is located inside the Barras Market, which is one of my favourite things to do in Glasgow. Set within a container yard, BAaD is colourful and lively. As well as serving food, the venue often hosts events such as sports games, film showings, and dance nights. 

Food-wise, BAaD offers classic pub grub including pizzas, burgers, and tacos. These are always delicious, but never tastier than on a rare sunny day in BAaD’s sun trap of a yard. 

Smokey Trotter’s Kitchen

🍽️ Burgers | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 737 3098

Smokey Trotter’s Kitchen is a fun, bold restaurant that packs a punch. It’s got a large selection of big burgers, plus chicken tenders and breakfast rolls. 

What makes Smokey’s stand out from the crowd is its dipping burgers – burgers that come with sauce and a plate of crispy onions to coat the outside. Be warned with these, things can get messy.

Dennistoun Bar-B-Que

🍽️ Barbecue | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 237 7200

Dennistoun Bar-B-Que is a no-nonsense spot. It does barbecue food and it does it well. This American-style restaurant focuses on burgers and fries. But beef brisket, pulled pork, and BBQ ribs are also on the menu.

Portions are huge and they even imported American drinks to complete the experience. If you’re looking for flavourful, sticky American bacon, Dennistoun Bar-B-Que is the place for it. 

Yeros

🍽️ Greek | £  | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 406 7377

Yeros keeps things simple. It’s Greek street food, mostly gyros, souvlaki, or loaded fries. And it is mouthwateringly good. The food is decently priced, especially for the trendy neighbourhood of Finnieston. 

You can sit in the restaurant or take your gyros to go and eat in nearby Kelvingrove Park on sunny days. If it’s hot enough you could even pretend you’re eating in Greece!

Mosob

🍽️ Ethiopian/Eritrean | £ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 237 5260

From the outside, Mosob might not seem like much. Perched above a kebab shop, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it restaurant. But if you don’t pay a visit, you will be missing out on pretty spectacular Ethiopian food. 

The portions are generous and there are meat and vegan options. For a pretty substantial taste of everything, try Mosob’s platter to share. Afterwards, coffee lovers should have some traditional Ethiopian coffee.

Buck’s Bar

🍽️ Chicken | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 648 4843

Buck’s Bar is known for its buttermilk fried chicken, which it serves up in burger form, with waffles, or on its own. The burgers blend Nashville flavours with Scottish ingredients, and they don’t scrimp on portion sizes. There is also a bunch of chicken wing sauces, ranging from pleasantly mild to mouth-stingingly hot. 

It’s good news for vegetarians too, as the jackfruit and seitan burger patty can be swapped in for any burger option. 

Sear’s Pizza

🍽️ Pizza | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 737 1247

Sear’s New York style pizza now has two locations in Glasgow – one in the west end and one in the southside. This retro restaurant only serves a handful of different pizzas, but done well. The pizza is cheap, filling and most importantly, very tasty. Mix and match slices or buy a whole pie to share.

Glaschu

🍽️ Scottish | £££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 248 2214

Glaschu represents the contemporary face of Scottish high-end cuisine. Haggis is, of course, on the menu. I promise you it is considered a delicacy. If that’s too adventurous, there is Scottish cod or loin of venison. 

The restaurant has taken a simple, traditional dessert of cranachan – made up of raspberries, oatmeal, cream, whisky, and honey – and turned it into a soufflé. This is as classy as it gets. 

‘Babs

🍽️ Mediterranean | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 465 1882

‘Babs specialises in kebabs and does them very well. I’d eat halloumi for every meal if possible,  so the halloumi wrap is my go-to. If that doesn’t take your fancy, there’s also top-notch souvlaki, hummus shawarma, and lamb iskender. 

The restaurant is bright but still cosy, and the staff are welcoming. ‘Babs is a popular date spot, so I’d recommend booking a table in advance.

Chaakoo Bombay Cafe

🍽️ Indian | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 229 0000

Chaakoo has three restaurants. Find two in Glasgow’s city centre and West End and one in Edinburgh. All have a distinctive Chaakoo design and mix of Indian and Iranian dishes. The restaurant calls its main meals “humble curries.” They’re anything but. 

Try an Irani tandoori chaat kebab or a chicken tikka masala – the latter was invented in Glasgow, after all!

👉 Read Next: The Best Day Trips from Glasgow

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Thanks for reading my highlights of places to eat in Glasgow. Whatever budget you have and whichever cuisine takes your fancy, you’ll be able to find it in the city. 

To continue planning your visit to Glasgow, why not check out my recommended places to stay?