Wondering where to find Glasgow's best local food scenes? Let us provide you with a few good pointers, below. Glasgow is the most popular city in Scotland, and with that popularity comes a wide variety of cultural influences. While that can be seen throughout the city's numerous attractions, nothing exemplifies it quite like Glasgow's bustling restaurant scene. 

Whether you're looking for traditional Scottish fare or something a bit more exotic, you won't have trouble finding something suitable within the 'dear green place'. Here are among the best places locals love to eat in Glasgow where you can enjoy real local food.

  • 1

    Alchemilla

    For high-end fine dining

    Alchemilla
    • Food

    Alchemilla is one of the most popular establishments in Glasgow offering a fine-dining experience with food as appealing and tasteful as the decor. Pale wood and stone walls with a whitewash design embody the restaurant's interior, but that's just the beginning. The food itself is notable for its freshness and variety. 

    Most of the dishes descend from Mediterranean eats, and the menu changes frequently based on the season and availability of ingredients as they won't settle for anything less than the best fresh ingredients available. Additionally, there's a wine list with options designed to pair perfectly with their dishes.

    Location: 1126 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8TD, UK

    Open: Daily from midday to 1 am

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1337 6060

    Map
  • 2

    Wee LOCHAN

    Try the special lunch deals

    Wee LOCHAN
    • Food

    Wee LOCHAN is a relatively small restaurant, but you'll find huge experiences within. The food is notable for having something suitable for anyone. The menu is patently Scottish, but there are vegetarian and vegan options available that are just as delicious and expertly crafted by the chef. 

    Additionally, you'll find works from local artists around the restaurant that offer a nice bit of ambience to your dining experience. Many are even available for purchase if you find a piece that you love enough to take home.

    Location: 340 Crow Rd, Glasgow G11 7HQ, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1338 6606

    Map
  • 3

    Stravaigin

    Think globally and eat locally

    Stravaigin
    • Food

    At Stravaigin, you'll find rustic decor and global influences that take pub grub classics to a whole new level. There are 2 floors in this restaurant, and they each offer a different experience. On the ground floor, you'll find typical pub food cooked to perfection with high-end ingredients along with a generous drink selection. 

    On the basement level, the food gets a bit more eclectic with options like pan-seared cod, ras el hanout lamb neck, and za'atar-spiced mackerel. Throughout the restaurant, you'll find stylish stone walls, timber roof beams and even a metal staircase to take you between floors.

    Location: 28 Gibson Street, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow, G12 8NX, UK

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 1 am

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1334 2665

    Map
  • 4

    Ubiquitous Chip

    Have a fine dessert

    Ubiquitous Chip
    • Food

    Ubiquitous Chip has been family-owned and -operated since 1971 when it first opened its doors. Since then, this restaurant has become a shining star among the Glasgow restaurant scene as it offers the best that Scottish cuisine has to offer. That includes expertly cooked Isle of Gigha halibut and venison haggis. You'll also find delicious dessert options, especially if you choose the Caledonian ice cream. 

    There's additionally a bar area and bistro section if you're looking for a more casual dining experience in this establishment.

    Location: 12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ, UK

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 1 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1334 5007

    Map

    photo by Dan Costin (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Bothy Glasgow

    Try the rustic atmosphere

    Bothy Glasgow
    • Food

    At Bothy Glasgow, you'll find a unique home for Scottish classics as they not only specialize in traditional dishes but traditional cooking styles as well. In fact, the Scottish flavour available here extends far past the food itself. You'll also find rustic decor creating a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff here sport kilted uniforms. 

    The dining experience is served in 3 courses per person, and you can get a bottle of house wine with recommendations on perfect pairings to your food.

    Location: 11 Ruthven Lane, Hillhead, G12 9BG, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1334 4040

    Map
  • 6

    Ox and Finch

    Have creative, trendy tapas offerings

    Ox and Finch
    • Food

    Ox and Finch stands out among other restaurants in Glasgow as it's not exactly a casual dining experience. Book your meal well in advance, and you can enjoy a refined fine dining experience offering top-of-the-line small plates, many of which feature a powerful Scottish provenance. Meals here are served as numerous small plates that the whole table can enjoy a bit of rather than going through starters and main courses. 

    While these creative and trendy dishes are small, their flavours can pack quite the punch, and that's in addition to the colourful vibrancy and sizzling aroma of the cuisine.

    Location: 920 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G3 7TF, UK

    Open: Daily from midday to midnight

    Phone: +44 (0)1413 398627

    Map
  • 7

    Number 16 Restaurant

    Try a rotating menu and working-class setting

    • Food

    Number 16 Restaurant is a modest establishment with affordable prices that don't seem to match the sheer quality of its food. Appealing to a working-class audience, Number 16 works to keep costs low without sacrificing quality. You'll still find dishes crafted from fresh ingredients like slow-cooked ox cheek or Toulouse sausage. 

    The decor is also quite appealing thanks to the abundance of natural wood tones and warm red walls that make the restaurant feel inviting. There are 2 levels, so you can enjoy either a more intimate or more open dining experience.

    Location: 16 Byres Road, Glasgow, G11 5JY, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from midday to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 pm to 9 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1413 392544

    Map
  • 8

    Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery

    For old-school tartans and upscale cuisine

    • Food

    When you visit Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery in Glasgow, you'll feel like you've taken a trip back in time thanks to the rustic old-school decor. You won't find an atmosphere like that anywhere else in town with oak and mahogany wood throughout the interior complemented by stained glass windows and a tartan carpet. 

    The food is crafted from traditional Scottish recipes, yet they still feature contemporary tastes, especially if you opt for the seafood. Of course, dessert is one of the best features. You can even order an entire platter of their available desserts called the Two Fats' Grand Dessert perfect for the whole table to share.

    Location: 652-654 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8UF, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10.30 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1221 8188

    Map
  • 9

    Arisaig

    Dine on a cobbled outdoor patio

    • Food

    Arisaig has much to offer that's sure to delight all kinds of diners thanks to its exceptional food and stylish decor. The restaurant is located in the historic Merchant Square and features an outdoor patio from which you can enjoy the district's age-old beauty and the delicious food in equal measure. 

    The food itself is predominately Scottish, but you'll find a few more international offerings as well, so you can stick with what's familiar or branch out into items a bit more adventurous if you're feeling up to it.

    Location: 1 Merchant Square Candleriggs Glasgow, G1 1LE, UK

    Open: Daily from midday to midnight

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1553 1010

    Map
  • 10

    Fanny Trollopes

    Try seasonal meat and fish

    • Food

    Fanny Trollopes prides itself on using prime seasonal produce to craft a fine dining experience like no other. Inside, you'll find a friendly atmosphere and a specialization in fish, seafood, Scottish beef, and lamb. While their selection of meats is all prepared to perfection, there are plenty of other options for vegetarians and vegans. 

    In fact, you'll likely be able to find something delicious here no matter what kind of dietary requirements you have. Be prepared for a rotating menu as the dishes on offer will change based on the season and what they can get from their suppliers.

    Location: 1066 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8LY, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)14 1564 6464

    Map