My 29 Favorite 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 favorites 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 favorite things to do in Glasgow!

My 29 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 Valencia chefs at Cubatas specialize in delicious regional paellas and also offer traditional, classic tapas dishes. I opted for the tasty (and affordable) Spanish omelet, 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 cozy 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. 

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 center 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. 

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 flavors, 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. 

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 flavorsome 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. 

Il Pastaio

🍽️ Pasta | ($ to $$$$) | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 237 2230

Il Pastaio is a recent addition to Glasgow’s culinary scene but it’s hit the ground running. The simple but tasty menu is perfect for when you just need a big dose of pasta and the food comes flying out of the open kitchen at lightning speed.

The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Although pasta is the star of the show, my top recommendation would be to try the delicious tiramisu. 

Ubiquitous Chip

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

⚠️ Closure Note: Ubiquitous Chip is temporarily closed until further notice.

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 brassiere under a glass roof. For drinks, check out the Big Pub and the Wee Whisky Bar on the top floor. 

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 recognized 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 cozy 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 favorite is the paneer pakora, which is unfailingly delicious. For dessert, I’d recommend gulab jamun.

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 its 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.

‘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 cozy, and the staff is welcoming. ‘Babs is a popular date spot, so I’d recommend booking a table in advance.

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. 

Craving something sweet? Try some fan-favorite Big Bear Bakery cakes, stocked by Scran. I highly recommend the Empire biscuits. 

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.

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. I’m a big fan of anything with Panther Milk in it. Below the restaurant, Stereo has a venue space, with club nights at weekends. 

Rafa’s

🍽️ Mexican | £ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 79169 15425

Rafa’s is definitely what you could call a hidden gem. Tucked away literally on Hidden Lane, this might not seem an obvious choice for the best restaurants. But trust me, this Mexican food is well worth the effort. 

Whatever you’d expect to see in a Mexican restaurant, you’ll find in Rafa’s – carne asada, fish tacos, barbacoa, burritos, nachos, and more. For something a bit more elevated, you can try Rafa’s weekly six-course tasting menu which is updated regularly. Drinks-wise, horchata pairs perfectly with anything. 

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 favorite things to do in Glasgow. Set within a container yard, BAaD is colorful 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. 

Chaakoo Bombay Cafe

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

Chaakoo has three restaurants. Find two in Glasgow’s city center 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!

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 neighborhood 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. Afterward, coffee lovers should have some traditional Ethiopian coffee.

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 souffle. This is as classy as it gets. 

Hanoi Bike Shop

🍽️ Vietnamese | ££ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +44 141 334 7165

If you have a bike tire puncture, don’t bother bringing it to Hanoi Bike Shop. What this canteen-style Vietnamese restaurant lacks in bike repairs, it more than makes up for with fresh, unique food.

The dishes here are made from scratch (including the tofu) and they’re brought out as and when they’re ready. You can eat pho made to order. Is that too much decision-making for you? Then order the bike shop banquet where a selection of dishes are made based on your likes and dislikes.

With all of the paper lanterns inside, the restaurant is atmospheric and cozy. It feels like a wee window from Glasgow to Hanoi. 

👉 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?