“We canny go out on an empty belly—any chance of some scran?”
Food and drink
Food is universal yet unique – this harmonious distinction is made clearer in the multicultural city of Glasgow. Trendy restaurants and cafes pop up like mushrooms after a good rain, but the classic eateries hold its own as well. Here are some of our reccos for good grub, be it a quick bite between lectures or a fancy meal before a nite oot.
Nothing beats a good chippy or steak pie with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes)
east asian
From dim sum to ramen, cravings to be satisfied anytime.
European
Pizza or pasta, doner or gyros, Glasgow has got you covered.
south asian
There is a 99% chance that chicken tikka masala was first created in our wee Glesga!
British Cuisine
You might be surprised that there are no restaurants awarded with Michelin stars in Glasgow. Stay hopeful though, for Ox and Finch have been recommended by Michelin for a few years in a row with its creative fusion dish, great service and comfortable dining environment.
A fine dining concept restaurant with a dynamic menu that changes every six weeks, lauded for its innovation and creativity of themes. Fit for the finest of occasions, although be warned that it may get quite packed – early reservations recommended!
Sharing the same founder with Six by Nico and soon to be rebranded as 111 by Modou, this restaurant features a 10 course Trust Menu concept which is tailor-made by the chefs to cater to individual guests. Getting there may be a bit of trouble as it is out of the way from the main campus.
You can find KAF just by the outdoor basketball court in Partick. It’s a hidden gem and can be missed easily. It offers very few seats so it can be a problem during the weekend afternoon. What can’t be missed is their coffee and brunch.
Located at East Glasgow, one of the best cafes in Glasgow, highly recommended.
Located at Great Western road, the brunch they served reminds me of Australian brunch. Excellent alternative dietary options available, which is typical of our foodie-friendly city. You might have to queue during the weekend but it’s worth it!
They have 2 locations (Crow road and Great Western road), personally prefer the one in Crow road. If you’re sick of cold sandwiches and subway, why not try a toasty panini with brinjal, sundried tomato and halloumi. Oh, and need I mention the chic decor for class instagrammery?
Singl-end
Another brunch hotspot with two branches (Merchant city and Garnethill). Breads and pastries that are freshly made are being served here everyday. Both cafes are a stone’s throw from the city centre which make for a good brunch spot to start your day in the city.
An old Scots word meaning “to wander”, this beautiful gastropub fulfills both culinary and aesthetic wanderlust. Touting itself as the best Scottish restaurant in Glasgow, you’ll find a bit of everything here to suit your taste.
I shan’t spoil you with any photos – the setting of both the restaurant and brasserie are an experience on its own, which pales in comparison to the excellence of its food. Although it comes at a steep price point, this jewel of Ashton Ln is the place for any momentous celebration.
Enjoy a traditional Scottish fare in this quirky diner bursting of rustic charm.
Another local favourite with a hint of class while retaining a sense of realness in its food, you can find its sister branches:
– The Buttery and the Shandon Belles in Anderston by bus or Scotrail
– Two Fat Ladies in the City Centre
Willow Tea Rooms
A homage to renown architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, these lovely Art Nouveau tea rooms are the perfect spot for lazy afternoon teas. Immerse yourself in the architecture and get a wee trinket from its accompanying gift shop, but be warned of the long waiting times of this popular spot.
Other tea rooms:
Almost every British restaurant (even other European ones) in Glasgow has an afternoon tea menu, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re a fan of this little tradition!
European Cuisine
One of the best pizza restaurants in Scotland, this classic is famous for its stone baked pizza. A great place for gathering, you can have a whole pizza for yourself at the low price of £10 or less.
Pizza with personality made with the finest ingredients sourced from closest to home, this campus fave is a classic go-to while still being agreeable to the student budget.
With a cosy deli front and a homey sit-in area, there is no question about Celino’s authenticity. Open for business in both the East and West End of Glasgow, this Italian diner is great for a quaint break in a busy day.
Fresh handmade pasta is never in shortage in Glasgow, but this wee joint in the heart of Great Western Rd takes it to the next level and sweetens the deal with their Pasta + Prosecco promo. A perfect place for small celebrations or dinner before an inner circle night out.
A beautiful Italian diner fit for any occasion, made more visually aesthetic with their sleek decor and indoor cherry blossoms. With 5 branches in Glasgow, the ones situated in Gordon St, George Sq and Byres Rd are the student hotspots.
East Asian Cuisine
Located on Sauchiehall street, this place offers traditional Cantonese style dishes and an authentic dimsum experience.
China Sea Restaurant
A nice regal upstairs place in the city centre with classic Chinese dishes with some overseas Chinese touches that remind you of a home away from home.
Chinatown Restaurant
Chinatown serves Cantonese style dishes at a more affordable price. It’s the best place to go for a dimsum brunch, and next door is a Chinese bakery with classic Hong Kong pastries to die for. Situated a little ways north of the city center, you can get there by the subway or a taxi.
Kakalok
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South Asian Cuisine
Bombay cuisine is served in a classic Iranian cafe, famous for its Irani chai, Irani grilled dishes and classic Bombay fare. Located in both St Vincent St (City Centre) and Ruthven Ln (West End).
First open in 1996, it is well known as one of the best Indian restaurants in Scotland. It has 3 branches in the West End alone, and even one in Bearsden if you get too lost!
Reliable for its tasty yet affordable menu, the serving portions are hearty and good for sharing with friends. Located on Charing Cross, reachable by bus or Scotrail.
Claiming to be the actual birthplace of Chicken Tikka Masala (a British national dish!), this esteemed fine dining place has deep roots in not only defining the Indian cuisine landscape of Glasgow, but the whole of Britain.
Situated right at the cross of Dumbarton Rd and Byres Rd is this rustic Indian eatery is not of the most consistent quality, but serves up a good atmosphere.
If opting for something cheaper, this wee takeout is right across the road from Usha’s, offering the same fare at a more affordable range. Their app is a godsend for nights when you’re too lazy to cook.
Not to be confused with Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant, this hole in the wall serves classic South Indian meals on a banana leaf for extra authenticity.