Glasgow’s 100 Best Restaurants book brings together the culinary highlights that define the hospitality scene in Scotland’s biggest city. You’ll find recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and chips on the way home.
A comprehensive snapshot of Glasgow food right now, consider it your restaurant tick-list for 2020.
Here are five great places in Glasgow for date night.
For the full story, buy the book at glasgowist.com/100best
5 La Lanterna
447 Gt Western Rd, G12 8HH / 0141 334 0686
Luca Conreno, the charismatic Head Chef at La Lanterna, brings flavours imported straight from Italy, to his Glasgow restaurants. Pasta tossed with bacon and garlic, finished with egg, parmesan and cream – the best version of carbonara in the city.
Linguine with scallops, king prawns, monkfish and mussels. King prawns cooked in lemon juice, white wine and sweet chilli served on garlic bread. It’s a gastronomic tour of regional cuisine, all from the comfort of your table on Hope Street or Great Western Road. An impeccable host, he is a passionate advocate for authentic Italian cuisine.
A night out in La Lanterna is a joyful experience. Part of the local food story since 1970. Peter Mullan, Kevin Bridges, Johnny Logan and actor Chris Pine are fans.
BUY THE BOOK: GLASGOW’S 100 BEST RESTAURANTS
4 Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery
652 Argyle St / 0141 221 8188
When discussing dining in Scotland, actress Kelly MacDonald told the New York Times: “I love Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery, one of the oldest restaurants in Glasgow, with dark-wood paneling and tartan upholstery. They do an amazing sole meunière”.
The best table is probably the alcove in the corner, ideal for indiscreet conversations over a leisurely lunch. Having said that, there’s a Chef’s Table built into the kitchen, where groups can gaup through glass as their meal is prepared. Ryan James started off on Dumbarton Road and then took over The Buttery thirteen years ago. He also has a city centre restaurant on Blythwood Street.
The Buttery itself dates from 1870 – but it took a patient refurbishment and some culinary flair for it to retake its place among the best restaurants in the city. On one level, it’s an old-school classic, but it could also be considered something of a hipster trendsetter as, it’s fair to say, Two Fat Ladies liked Finnieston before it was cool.
A traditional dining room without being stuffy. If you took a date here, they would be impressed. Tip: Always order the scallops starter. To close your meal, The Grand Dessert is a triumph.
3 The Spanish Butcher
80 Miller St, G1 1DT / 0141 406 9880
The Spanish Butcher has carved out a stellar reputation serving the finest grades of Galician Beef, premium Iberico Jamon and seafood infused with Spanish and Mediterranean flavours.
Hollywood actor Will Ferrell was a recent diner and ordered second helpings of the Manchego mac n cheese with puffed paprika pork skin. Vegetarian options include the cauliflower steak with potatoes a la pobre, caperberries, piquillo peppers and salsa verde.
The chic interior takes inspiration from New York’s dining scene. Order an espresso martini at the bar after dinner. In 2018, The Spanish Butcher was the first Scottish restaurant to be nominated in the Best Restaurant in the UK category at the GQ Food & Drinks Awards.
2 Halloumi
697 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AB / 0141 423 6340
Halloumi look to Athens for inspiration. Greek flavours shine through from the menu, crafted with modern Mediterranean sensibilities. Visit with friends who like to share their food.
This is leisurely, small plate dining, with plenty of opportunities to interrupt your procession of dishes for cocktails or wine. Good for date night. Gyros: difficult to pronounce, easy to eat.
A fresh, light, toasted flat bread stuffed with grilled pork, chicken or halloumi. They also find space for tzatziki, and Glasgow salad – a scattering of chips.
Unwrap, divide and hoover up. Halloumi fries are a conspicuous and popular signature dish. There’s an express lunch menu Monday to Friday. The original Halloumi restaurant is on Hope Street
1 Le Petit Cochon
Radnor St, G3 7UA / 0141 357 1666
Sitting on the edge of Kelvingrove Park, Le Petit Cochon is an independently owned neighbourhood wine bar and bistro that has stormed its way into the affections of locals. They serve food all day, seven days a week in a cosy, fairylit dining room.
The bistro transforms local produce and imported treats into strong, seasonal dishes – small plates, main courses and sharing plates. The extensive wine list features a range of options from Europe, with more wines by the glass than anywhere in Glasgow, to go with your charcuterie and cheese.
The staff will happily chat you through what goes with your meal. At brunch, order a buttery croissant with bacon, Gruyère and a fried egg for a suitably continental start to the day.