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In a city that has yet to bag a Michelin star, Glasgow's culinary scene is eclectic, vibrant, diverse, uninhibited and most importantly, evolving.
Edinburgh’s unstuffy sibling has suffered from a "food is for fuel approach" over the years, yet Glasgow is slowly waking up to the Scottish larder on its doorstep with a slew of ambitious chefs keen to carve out a food identity.
In a city already littered with Italian trattorias, curry houses and fast food joints, where you can pick and choose between Vietnamese, Spanish, Greek or Malaysian at any time of the day or week, there’s an uprising of modern and bold food to be found in pockets across this friendly city, just waiting to be discovered.
Here are a few of the best restaurants that have caught our eye on a visit to the city.
1. Alchemilla
A post shared by Alchemilla Restaurant (@thisisalchemilla) on Jan 17, 2019 at 5:11am PST
This relative newcomer is a welcome addition to the hotbed of independent bistros on this stretch of Argyle street. The bright and friendly interiors are matched by an equally approachable and colourful menu of sharing dishes. The head chef is Yotam Ottolenghi trained Rosie Healey and it shows in the Middle Eastern-influenced flavours, think tahini yoghurt, dukka, chilli and orange. The magic happens in an open plan kitchen behind the counter. And if you're on your tod, you can sit comfortably at the counter and rejoice that you don't won't have to share your salted chocolate torte!
Alchemilla
1126 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TD
Website
2. The Gannet
A post shared by The Gannet (@thegannetgla) on Oct 7, 2018 at 10:51am PDT
Cross over the street and discover The Gannet, Glasgow’s award-winning gastropub. It opened a few years ago putting Glasgow on the culinary map for its modern Scottish cooking. The menu champions locally sourced ingredients with dishes like Cairngorm red deer, black garlic, egg yolk, crisp shallot, potato galette and Shetland squid with smoked mussels and salsify, to be enjoyed in the industrial styled interiors.
The Gannet
155 Argyle Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom, G3 8TB
Website
3. Crabshakk
A post shared by JOSH LINFITT (@joshlinfitt) on Aug 29, 2018 at 12:19am PDT
Heading back down the street towards the city centre you’ll find Crabshakk. A simple seafood restaurant with minimalist interiors, championing whole brown crab amongst other local seafood. Get there early to bag a spot at the counter – the place is tiny.
Crabshakk
1114 Argyle Street, Finnieston Glasgow G3 8TD
Website
4. Mother India
A post shared by theglasgownative (@theglasgownative) on Oct 18, 2018 at 6:00am PDT
Glaswegians love affair with Indian food means that this city is not shy of choice when it comes to great curry houses. Probably one of the finest and most popular remains the Mother India empire. The restaurant first opened first opened in 1996 and has been serving up memorable dishes ever since. While Mother India Café located across from Kelvingrove Art Gallery in the West End offers a “Twist on Tapas”.
Mother India Cafe - 1355 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AD
Mother India Restaurant - 28 Westminster Terrace, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G3 7RU, Scotland
Website
5. Ox and Finch
A post shared by Ox and Finch (@oxandfinch) on Jan 25, f2019 at 2:55am PST
Almost opposite Mother India café is the ever popular Ox and Finch , which seems to be full most hours of the day. The open plan kitchen kicks out accessible yet bold sharing dishes to an informal crowd seated in banquettes. Expect big flavours and honest cooking with a twist in dishes like smoked haddock, truffle polenta, pancetta and a poached egg. Don't miss the chips with aioli!
Ox and Finch
920 Sauchiehall Street / Glasgow G3 7TF
Website
6. Ubiquitous Chip
A post shared by Ubiquitous Chip (@ubiquitous_chip) on Feb 1, 2019 at 6:10am PST
This historical venue set in cobbled Gibson street was one of the city’s first restaurants to champion Scottish cuisine when it first opened in 1971. It's been hitting the high notes ever since and regularly features in the city's best restaurant lists. There's a bar, brasserie and restaurant. Scottish ingredients take pride of place on an uncomplicated menu. The novelty factor is being seated amongst fountains and greenery.
Ubiquitous Chip
12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G12 8SJ
Website
7. Stravaigin
The ultimate comfort food: our homemade haggis, neeps and tatties with a side of whisky sauce!
A post shared by Stravaigin Glasgow (@stravaigin_g12) on Nov 20, 2018 at 1:27am PST
This West End favourite is open from breakfast until dinner, for Sunday brunch or more serious dining downstairs. Set just the other side of the park it’s a perfect place to settle down with the papers and brunch or tuck into some more traditional Scottish dishes like the must try homemade haggis!
Stravaigin
28 Gibson Street, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow G12 8NX
Website
