Glasgow is a city that knows how to eat well. From traditional Scottish fare to international delights, the city’s food scene is bursting with flavors that cater to all tastes and budgets. I’ve spent countless meals exploring Glasgow’s vibrant restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a cozy café, or a hidden gem serving up authentic Scottish cuisine, I will help you navigate the city’s best eats.
I’ll take you through five must-visit restaurants in Glasgow, sharing personal experiences, must-try dishes, price points, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect meal.
1. Ubiquitous Chip – The Best of Scottish Fine Dining
📍 Location: 12 Ashton Ln, Glasgow G12 8SJ
💰 Price Range: £40-£70 per person
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- Venison Haggis (£12) – A gourmet take on Scotland’s classic dish, made with rich venison and served with a smooth whisky sauce.
- West Coast Monkfish with Saffron & Fennel (£28) – A beautifully plated seafood dish with delicate, aromatic flavors.
- Scottish Cheese Selection (£14) – A mix of locally produced cheeses served with oatcakes and chutney.
My Experience:
Tucked away on the iconic Ashton Lane, this restaurant is a true Glasgow institution, combining rustic charm with fine dining elegance. Walking in, I was greeted by candlelit tables, a cozy atmosphere, and an indoor garden that gave it a magical feel.
The venison haggis was a revelation—rich, slightly gamey, yet perfectly balanced with the creamy whisky sauce. It was the best haggis I’ve ever had! For my main, I went with the monkfish, which was light yet flavorful, with a hint of saffron that complemented the freshness of the fish.
🔹 Tip: Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekends.
✔ Pros: Authentic Scottish cuisine, great wine list, stunning setting
❌ Cons: Expensive, but worth it for a special occasion
2. Ox and Finch – Glasgow’s Best Tapas-Style Dining
📍 Location: 920 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G3 7TF
💰 Price Range: £30-£50 per person
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- Duck Parfait with Pear Chutney (£9) – A rich and velvety starter with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Argentinian Beef Short Rib (£14) – Slow-cooked to perfection, served with chimichurri sauce.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini & Pomegranate (£7) – A flavorful vegetarian option with Middle Eastern influences.
My Experience:
Ox and Finch is a modern, stylish restaurant with an innovative menu of small plates inspired by different global cuisines. Unlike traditional tapas, the dishes here are bold, beautifully presented, and meant for sharing.
The duck parfait was incredibly smooth and creamy, and the pear chutney added the perfect touch of sweetness. The beef short rib was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the chimichurri gave it a fresh, herby contrast. Even the roasted cauliflower—a simple dish—was bursting with flavor, thanks to the tahini and pomegranate.
🔹 Tip: Order 4–5 dishes per person for a full meal, and don’t forget to try their expertly crafted cocktails.
✔ Pros: Creative menu, lively atmosphere, excellent service
❌ Cons: Portions are small, and it can get noisy
3. The Gannet – Michelin-Starred Scottish Excellence
📍 Location: 1155 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8TB
💰 Price Range: £60-£90 per person
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- Scottish Scallops with Seaweed Butter (£18) – Sweet, tender scallops complemented by rich, umami-packed seaweed butter.
- Venison with Parsnip Purée & Elderberries (£32) – A deeply flavorful dish that showcases Scotland’s wild ingredients.
- Chocolate Delice with Salted Caramel (£9) – A decadent dessert with silky texture and a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
My Experience:
The Gannet is a Michelin-starred haven for food lovers, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The intimate, minimalistic interior creates a perfect backdrop for the beautifully plated, artfully designed dishes.
The scallops were an absolute standout—seared to perfection and enriched with the umami depth of seaweed butter. The venison was tender and full of earthy flavors, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of elderberries. To finish, the chocolate delice was indulgent yet not overly heavy, with a caramel sauce that added just the right amount of richness.
🔹 Tip: Book a tasting menu experience for a curated journey through Scotland’s finest ingredients.
✔ Pros: Michelin-quality dishes, expert wine pairings, elegant ambiance
❌ Cons: Expensive, but worth it for a special night out
4. Paesano Pizza – Glasgow’s Best Neapolitan Pizza
📍 Location: 94 Miller St, Glasgow G1 1DT
💰 Price Range: £8-£15 per person
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- No. 5 Pizza – Prosciutto & Buffalo Mozzarella (£11) – A perfect balance of salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- No. 3 Pizza – Spianata Spicy Salami & Roasted Peppers (£12) – A slightly spicy and smoky pizza with a crispy, chewy crust.
- Affogato (£5) – A classic Italian dessert of vanilla gelato drowned in espresso.
My Experience:
If you love authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Paesano is the place to go. Their wood-fired oven gives the crust a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness, and they use imported Italian ingredients for an authentic flavor.
The prosciutto pizza was my favorite—simple yet incredibly delicious, with fresh buffalo mozzarella melting into the warm dough. The spicy salami pizza was a close second, with just the right amount of heat and smoky depth.
🔹 Tip: No reservations are taken, so expect a wait during peak hours.
✔ Pros: Affordable, authentic, fast service
❌ Cons: Always busy, no reservations
5. The Hanoi Bike Shop – Glasgow’s Best Vietnamese Food
📍 Location: 8 Ruthven Ln, Glasgow G12 9BG
💰 Price Range: £20-£40 per person
🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:
- Beef Pho (£14) – A fragrant, slow-cooked broth with tender beef slices and fresh herbs.
- Pork & Lemongrass Skewers (£9) – Juicy, smoky, and full of bold flavors.
- Bánh Xèo (£10) – A crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with prawns, pork, and fresh herbs.
My Experience:
This quirky, colorful restaurant transports you straight to the streets of Hanoi. The pho was the highlight, with deep, aromatic broth and perfectly tender beef slices. The lemongrass skewers were smoky and full of flavor, and the Bánh Xèo had a crispy texture with a fresh, herbaceous filling.
🔹 Tip: Try their house-made Vietnamese iced coffee for a caffeine kick.
✔ Pros: Authentic Vietnamese flavors, great vegetarian options, fun decor
❌ Cons: Small space, so it can feel cramped
Glasgow’s Food Scene is Unforgettable
Glasgow is a city that truly celebrates food in all its diversity. Whether you’re craving fine dining with a Michelin touch, comforting Scottish classics, or international flavors, this city delivers. Every meal I had in Glasgow felt like an experience, not just a way to fill my stomach. From the elegant dining experience at Ubiquitous Chip to the sizzling hot pho at The Hanoi Bike Shop, I discovered that every corner of Glasgow has something delicious to offer.
One thing that stood out to me was how passionate the chefs and restaurant owners are about their food. So many places, like The Gannet and Ox and Finch, focus on locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Scotland’s rich produce—fresh seafood, game meats, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. You can really taste the difference when a dish is made with such care and attention to quality.
Another thing I loved? The variety. One night, I was enjoying a luxurious tasting menu, and the next, I was devouring a wood-fired pizza with friends in a casual eatery. Glasgow doesn’t limit itself to one type of cuisine—it embraces food from around the world while staying true to its Scottish roots. Whether you’re a fan of high-end dining, casual street food, or cozy, hidden gems, you’ll find something that satisfies your cravings.
Why Glasgow Should Be on Every Food Lover’s List
If you’re a foodie planning a trip to Scotland, Glasgow should absolutely be on your itinerary. While cities like Edinburgh often steal the spotlight, Glasgow offers a more laid-back, authentic, and vibrant food scene. The city is filled with local gems, some of which are still under the radar for many tourists, making it a perfect place for culinary exploration.
A Few More Recommendations for Your Food Adventure
While the five restaurants I featured are my personal favorites, Glasgow has so many other amazing places to eat. If you have more time in the city, here are a few more spots worth checking out:
- Mother India Café – If you love Indian food, this is one of the best places for curry in Glasgow. Their small plates concept allows you to sample multiple dishes!
- Five March – A hidden gem offering modern Scottish-Asian fusion with incredible cocktails.
- The Finnieston – Perfect for seafood lovers, this oyster and gin bar serves some of the freshest seafood in the city.
- Cafe Gandolfi – A cozy, artsy spot serving traditional Scottish comfort food. Their smoked haddock and poached egg breakfast is legendary.
- El Perro Negro – If you’re craving the best burger in Glasgow, look no further. Their Top Dog burger was voted the UK’s best!
Eat Like a Local!
If you really want to experience Glasgow’s food scene, don’t just stick to tourist hotspots—venture into the local cafés, street food stalls, and hidden gems. Ask locals where they love to eat, and you’ll discover some truly authentic dining experiences.
I left Glasgow with a full stomach and a heart full of amazing food memories. The city’s passion for food, welcoming atmosphere, and unforgettable flavors make it a must-visit destination for any food lover. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal, a casual bite, or something totally unique, Glasgow never disappoints.
So, if you’re planning a trip, my advice is simple: Come hungry. You’re going to need the extra room! 🍽️🍻