The Best Restaurants in Glasgow

We start with one of Glasgow’s very best restaurants. Chef Lorna McNee is becoming an increasingly prominent name in Scottish gastronomy and it’s easy to see why. She and her team produce mature dishes with complementing flavours and a subtle creativity, all underpinned by strong classical technique. Knowing when there are enough ingredients are on the plate is a particular strength of the kitchen, with each dish free from over-elaboration. The same owners also run Brett, a relaxed, grill-centric spot just a short walk away.

Situated close to the magnificent Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, Celentano’s stands out for being one of the few top restaurants located on the east side of the city. Situated inside a lovely, 19th-century sandstone building, it’s a characterful place and a great location in which to relish the thoroughly enjoyable Italian cooking. The pasta dishes are always a good bet and, whilst providing excellent value for money, the produce quality is impressive throughout.

The suburb of Bearsden may be a little way outside the city, but it’s well worth making the trip to this elegant restaurant with the feel of a smart neighbourhood operation. The cooking is characterised by its produce, which is seasonal, Scottish and of excellent quality. Dishes sometimes draw on international influences and often showcase a variety of different flavours, backed by strong technical skill. Fitting with the restaurant’s name, the cocktails are designed to reflect the natural elements.

If you’re a fan of intimate dining experiences, then this might be the Glasgow restaurant for you. Located in the desirable Kelvingrove neighbourhood, it’s an endearingly small and personally run place, with diners all sat around one communal table. Chef-Owner Craig Grozier chats away with his guests before cooking generous, proudly Scottish dishes that are crafted with real care and passion. For something a little different and run with palpable pride, it makes a fabulous destination.

Whether you’re a Malaysian food enthusiast or a novice looking to explore the wonders of a new cuisine, GaGa is the place to be. The latest restaurant from Malaysian-Scottish chef Julie Swee Lin is located in the Partick neighbourhood and occupies a large former butcher’s shop that feels bright and fresh, just like the food. Every plate is bursting with colour and flavour, often taking on influences from surrounding countries, such as the Sichuan fried chicken or the nasi goreng. There’s also an extensive cocktail list to add to the fun.

More delicious southeast Asian flavours can be found at this buzzing Bib Gourmand spot that is deservedly packed full of contented diners. Whether it’s the addictive corn ribs or one of several delicious curries, the cooking is carefully executed and based on top-quality produce. The atmosphere is pleasantly laid-back and, despite turning over big numbers, the service team run the place with brilliant efficiency – whilst always taking time to be friendly and engaging. If you’re visiting the Botanic Gardens, this is the ideal place to stop for lunch.

Spread over two floors in the heart of the city, Margo may occupy a vast space, but it has no trouble filling it with happy diners and an electric buzz in the air. That’s probably got something to do with the affable yet efficient service team, the great value for money and the extensive menu of Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates. The dish ideas may come from southern Europe, but the produce is largely Scottish and helps to provide bags of flavour in every bite.

Another restaurant from Jonathan MacDonald – the man behind both Ka Pao and Margo – Ox and Finch is Glasgow’s longest-serving Bib Gourmand, having held the distinction for over a decade. Still just as enjoyable as ever, it is the epitome of honest, value-driven dining, a place which prioritises a relaxed atmosphere and straightforward flavour over unnecessary bells and whistles. Mediterranean cuisine is the basis of the menu, with savvy use of simpler ingredients being the kitchen’s calling card.

Glasgow’s other MICHELIN Star is this mightily impressive spot in the Finnieston neighbourhood. The eponymous chef marshals a kitchen team who are skilled in their classical technique, with a menu full of dishes that showcase precision and refinement in their execution. The style of cooking is largely traditional and tried-and-tested, resulting in satisfying dishes which lean on the quality of their ingredients – ingredients which are invariably superb and befitting of a MICHELIN-Star kitchen.