Lorna McNee’s guide to Glasgow

Lorna McNee is Head Chef at Michelin-starred Cail Bruich in Glasgow, where she cooks elegant, classically inspired food in a relaxed, buzzy setting, making use of the enviable larder on her relative doorstep.

McNee worked for many years with the late chef Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and is known for being a Champion of Champions on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

Here’s McNee’s guide to Glasgow’s best food experiences, from restaurants to bakeries to the city’s biggest and best chicken burger. Discover where to eat Indian food, homemade pasta, and much more.

Ox and Finch

“I love Ox and Finch. It's got great energy and atmosphere as soon as you step in the door. The food is delicious. They do a wide variety of sharing plates with lots of different flavors that interest your palate and make you excited about getting stuck in. The portions are generous and a great value point. They do great drinks and cocktails and it's always my go to for a night out with friends.”

Brett

“This is a sister restaurant to Cail Bruich. A lot of stuff cooked on the BBQ and over flames. They serve a great à la carte menu with lots of bold flavors. The mushroom XO pasta is a must for anyone who loves those bold strong flavors. They also have an exceptional wine list. This is good for a date night or going out with friends.”

Cottonrake Bakery 

“A great pastry shop in Glasgow. They do lots of different sandwiches on homemade breads. Great pastries and cakes. They now even have a sit-in cafe which offers brunch items. The Turkish eggs are my go to every time. Generous portions with an amazing coffee.”

Buck’s Bar

“This is one of those fried chicken places. They do the most incredible burgers—I swear there is a whole chicken on there. Delicious toppings and specials on every month. They do salt and chili chips, which are the best I've had. They also have wings in lots of their own sauces and marinades. When you get your order, you can get a rack of different hot sauces. There are plenty you will have never seen and they will blow your socks off if you like heat like me. Lots of quirky fun catchphrases also. They have live music at the weekends and the buzz inside this place is off the charts.”

Eusebi Deli

“This is the home of amazing Italian food, cooked and created by the heart of the amazing Giovanna. This place makes you feel at home immediately. Homemade pasta to die for, including ‘yesterday’s lasagna’ which we all know is better than today’s lasagna. I love this place. You can't walk by without getting one of their delicious strawberry tarts either.”

Mother India’s Café

“If you’re looking for Indian food in Glasgow, look no further. This place has been on the map for years. They have a few places throughout Glasgow, all just good as the last. My favorite being Mother India’s Cafe. Homemade Indian food with real culture. If you sit in, it's not just your usual curry you should get. Dive into the fish and the lamb chops. You should try the tapas menu and get loads of different Indian dishes; they really know how to work their spice here.”