Well-known for its friendly atmosphere, stunning Victorian architecture and thriving cultural scene, Glasgow is also fast becoming a foodie hot spot. The city’s growing restaurant market is ever-expanding, incorporating traditional Scottish eateries alongside a range of global cuisines. Many of Glasgow’s best restaurants make ample use of the incredible fresh produce that Scotland has to offer, giving famous dishes a unique modern twist, and serving premium-level meat and seafood imported from Scotland’s remote northern and coastal reaches. Whether you’re looking for a charming brunch spot, a romantic gem for date night, or some of the city’s best tandoori ovens for a group get-together, the best restaurants in Glasgow promise a memorable time.
Try a seafood restaurant that serves top-end Scottish shellfish in a chic, modern dining room, or chow down on American-style fried chicken hot wings in a trendy, rock ‘n’ roll-themed bar. Glasgow restaurants with a wide selection of Scotch whiskies and single malts let diners sip a dram with their meal. You can also find a range of Glasgow cocktail bars that serve fabulous light bites. No matter what type of food you love, these are the 10 best restaurants in Glasgow to try right now.
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The best restaurants in Glasgow for a special night out – read on for the top 10 must-trys
For one of the best steakhouses in Glasgow – don’t miss The Spanish Butcher in Merchant City
Situated in Glasgow’s historic Merchant City area, The Spanish Butcher is a traditional Mediterranean steakhouse and one of Glasgow’s best restaurants for premium quality beef. Meat is sourced from both Spain and Scotland, bringing a taste of southern Europe to the heart of Glasgow city. Dine out on a 230g Galician fillet served with Manchego truffle fries and a selection of steak sauces or enjoy a Scotch sirloin topped with bone marrow. Premium Scottish ingredients are given a Mediterranean twist, with dishes like the Shetland monkfish roasted with chorizo or the Cumbrae oysters served with mojo Verde Spanish green sauce. The Spanish Butcher also lays on a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Creative cocktails are a refreshing accompaniment, and the bar also offers a range of Mediterranean wines. The bustling atmosphere and central location make this a perfect spot for a catch-up with friends.
For local seafood at one of the best fish restaurants in the city – visit Iasg Restaurant at the Blythswood in Glasgow
Indulge in a nautical feast at iasg Restaurant at the Blythswood, one of Glasgow’s best restaurants for freshly-caught, sustainable seafood dishes. The refined decor and striking presentation set this restaurant apart, while the smart casual vibe makes it an ideal spot for a business lunch or a celebratory dinner. Start your meal off with local Cumbrae Rock oysters sourced from a family-owned seafood farm in Cumbrae or a plate of seared scallops. The mains menu features decadent seafood delicacies, like grilled monkfish and classic cod and chips. iasg also offers an extensive wine list, with a wide range of European, South African and Californian vintages. You can also enjoy a glass of premium champagne or an oyster shell Martini – Bute gin mixed with martini Bianco and garnished with mara seaweed. Showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability, iasg uses part of its earnings to support the regrowth of Scottish lobster stocks.
For traditional Scottish fare and local produce – try Ardnamurchan in Glasgow
With a strong focus on sourcing high-quality regional ingredients, Ardnamurchan is one of the best restaurants in Glasgow for classic Scottish cuisine. The restaurant takes its name from the Ardnamurchan region in northwest Scotland – one of the most remote parts of the UK. Ardnamurchan and the surrounding Highlands and islands are known for exporting incredible local produce, with a world-renowned reputation for quality and sustainability. Try famous Scottish starters like Cullen skink – creamy fish soup made with peat-smoked haddock – and Shetland mussels cooked in a white wine sauce. For mains, tuck into a Caithness lamb shank braised in Scotch broth or try Hebridean lobster thermidor. You can also enjoy a Speyside steak, straight from the grill. The broad whisky selection includes fine single malts from around Scotland. Ardnamurchan is located across the road from Glasgow’s Theatre Royal and boasts a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
For elegant small plates at one of the best restaurants in Glasgow City Centre – don’t miss Hazel in Glasgow
Blending traditional Scottish dishes with sophisticated flair, Hazel is one of the best restaurants in Glasgow for an elegant meal out. Located just off George Square in the heart of Glasgow City Centre, it emphasises seasonal and sustainable produce with a luxurious presentation. The menu is made up of small plates and sharing platters, as well as a varied selection of mains. Small plates, like braised Scottish beef and haggis pie or dill and pickled ginger crab, are perfect for a light lunch. Seafood lovers can tuck into a main of Shetland salmon served with spiced crab and French peas. Meanwhile, vegetarians can enjoy grilled cauliflower with a tempura batter and a coconut raita. Seasonals gins made with local botanicals are the perfect accompaniment to your meal – try them in an artisanal house cocktail. The relaxed yet urban vibe gives Hazel’s a chic, modern feel.
For one of the best Scottish restaurants in Glasgow West End – try Number 16 Restaurant in Glasgow
Located in the stylish Byres Road area of Glasgow’s west end, Number 16 Restaurant is a charming, bistro-style eatery that puts a modern twist on Scottish ingredients. This award-winning restaurant has been a well-known Glasgow institution since it opened in the late 1990s and was featured in the 2024 MICHELIN guide. Number 16 also received two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in 2024. Sink your teeth into luxurious starters, like Teriyaki glazed salmon with wasabi and wild puffed rice or crispy lamb belly with split pea dahl. The mains menu centres around high-quality ingredients bolstered by complementary flavours. Popular options include the pan-fried hake served with pickled mussels and dill gnocchi and the Scotch beef rump with crispy ox cheek. Pair your meal with a fine wine from the regularly updated cellar. With its relaxed, charming feel, Number 16 is perfect for a special occasion or a date night.
For premium whisky and stylish surroundings at one of best places to eat in Glasgow – head to Ralph and Finn’s in Glasgow
With a hearty menu built around premium Scottish produce, Ralph and Finn’s just off George Square, is one of the best restaurants in Glasgow City Centre. Diners at Ralph and Finn’s can enjoy regional dishes with a modern twist, like Barra crab and ginger soup or Borders lamb rump served with samphire and rosti potato. If you love fresh seafood, the whole Shetland plaice cooked with prawns in brown butter is an absolute must-try. Meanwhile, the double patty Scotch beef burger is a classic crowd-pleaser. Whisky lovers can cap off their meal with a relaxing dram in the Whisky Room. The restaurant’s whisky bar features a selection of fine single malts, including Dalwhinnie 15 and Glenmorangie, as well as unique blended malts. You can also enjoy a Fettercairn whisky cocktail. Modern interior design and elegant lighting give Ralph and Finn’s a chic, upmarket vibe.
For one of the best rooftop restaurants in central Glasgow – try Sacred Garden Rooftop in Merchant City
Enjoy star treatment in gorgeous natural surroundings in the heart of the city at Sacred Garden Rooftop – one of the best restaurants in Merchant City Glasgow for Mediterranean fare. Sacred Garden Rooftop is located at House of Gods Glasgow and offers stunning outdoor surroundings where diners can enjoy drinks and a meal alfresco. The menu offers a lavish spread of traditional Mediterranean plates that are perfect to share. Indulge in deep-fried seafood and baked eggs or enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle with fresh bread, olives and charcuterie. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of wine – perfect on a warm day – or celebrate with some prosecco. House of Gods is renowned for its luxury service, making this the ideal place for a relaxed weekend outing or a special date night. The casual outdoor dining vibe also makes this a brilliant place to catch up with friends.
For glam decor and luxurious dining – visit The Ivy Buchanan Street in Glasgow
With gorgeous, plant-filled interior design and a luxe British-inspired menu, The Ivy Buchanan Street is the best restaurant in Glasgow City Centre for a stylish meal out. This brasserie serves food all day, with breakfast from 8.30 am and an elegant weekend brunch menu served from 11 am to 4 pm. Brunchtime diners can enjoy weekend specials, like buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh berries and Greek yogurt or eggs royale with cured salmon and Hollandaise sauce. For main meals, The Ivy classics menu features popular favourites, like lobster linguine and sirloin steak tartare. The cocktail list is well worth a look, with seasonal classics and fun, modern mixers on offer. A champagne mojito is super refreshing, while the ivy iced tea – gin, peach syrup, and tea leaves – is a sweet afternoon delight. This lively hotspot is centrally located and perfect for a special night out.
For one of the best cocktail bars in Glasgow – visit The Spiritualist in Glasgow
Start your night out in the city with stunning cocktails and elegant light bites at The Spiritualist – one of the best cocktail bars in Glasgow. The bar food menu includes a variety of sharing snacks and small plates that are perfect for groups. Meat and seafood options include mouthwatering dishes like garlic infused Pil Pil King Prawns served on a hot skillet and kilted sausages wrapped in crispy bacon. Salt ‘n’ chilli chips served poutine style are a decadent twist on going out food. If you want to share, the grazing board for two offers a tasty selection of olives, cured meats and hummus served with pickles and flatbread. The cocktail menu is always exciting at the Spiritualist, with sweet treats like the pear and honey mojito and sophisticated tipples like the cucumber and basil sling. You can also book a boozy brunch on Thursday through Sunday.
For one of Glasgow’s best burger restaurants – head to Buck’s Bar, in West Regent St., Trongate and Southside
Buck’s Bar in West Regent St., Trongate and Southside is one of the best restaurants in the city for southern-style fried chicken. It has a relaxed rock ‘n’ roll vibe and specialises in hearty American cuisine. Feast on buttermilk fried chicken and waffles or turn up the heat with Nashville-style hot wings. The range of buttermilk chicken burgers includes simple and classic fillings, like chicken, herb mayo and lettuce on a brioche bun, and adventurous combos, like the fiery BBQ burger or the Chinese-inspired Salt ‘n’ Chilli burger. Head to Buck’s Bar for a quick midday bite and enjoy the Express lunch option of chicken wings or fried halloumi cheese. It’s also one of the best restaurants in Glasgow for a night out with friends, offering tempting tropical drinks – try the mango margarita or the Jack Daniels sour – and a boozy milkshake menu.
📍 West Regent St. — Check availability
📍 Trongate — Check availability
📍 Southside — Check availability
Whether you want to sample the best in premium Scottish produce or you’re looking for a Friday-night spot for cocktails and a bite, Glasgow has a wide array of options. With tons of fantastic bars and restaurants located in the city centre and the stylish west end, you won’t have to venture far to find your ideal spot. You’ll find some of Scotland’s best restaurants located in the heart of Glasgow city.
