The 5 Must-Visit Places for Foodies in Glasgow
It’s often said that the people make Glasgow. Whilst that might be true, the food in Glasgow also makes this city one of the best spots for a UK city break.
The options for food in Glasgow are truly endless, you have everything from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall takeaways that go frequently viral on social media.
However, having so much choice also makes it difficult to decide where to dine during your visit. In this article, I’ve shared the best Glasgow restaurants for foodies, organised by different parts of the city.
This guide covers the West End, the Barras, and central Glasgow, so no matter where you’re heading, you’ll find Glasgow food worth writing home about.
The Best Places to Eat in Glasgow for Foodies
1. Coia’s Cafe Restaurant – East End (Duke Street, near Dennistoun)
Coia’s Café is a beautiful Italian restaurant on Duke Street that hosts a mix of traditional Italian dishes and classic café-style comfort food.
It’s a family-owned business that’s been around for many years and holds a special place in Glasgow’s food scene (a few famous faces have even been known to drop in over the years!).
Not only is this place home to some of the best Italian food in Glasgow, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere is what truly makes Coia’s Café so special. It’s great for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.
Fancy making a night out of it? Just a short 10-minute walk down Duke Street (the road you’re on) you can book a Tennent’s brewery masterclass, which I highly recommend, and I’m not the only one who does!
It’s a favourite among locals, not just for the drink, but for the whole behind-the-scenes tour. Once the experience is over, head 15 minutes up the road and you’re in the heart of town, right next to George Square, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to carry your night on.
2. Smokey Trotters – The Barras (East End, near Glasgow Green)
Smokey Trotters in the Barras is an amazing spot for foodies. They do a lot of bold, flavour-packed dishes like huge burgers, dripping sandwiches, and loaded fries. It’s very messy food, but that’s part of the charm.
Smokey Trotters can get quite busy, and they don’t take bookings, so be prepared to wait for a table, depending on your group size and when you visit.
What’s great about this place is the location, you’re right in the heart of the Barras street market, so before or after your food, you can have a nosey around and pick up some clothes, vintage tools, or collectables.
One thing to keep in mind is that on matchdays when Celtic are playing, it will be extremely loud and busy around this area, which may or may not be your vibe. But if you’ve managed to get a ticket to the game, Smokey Trotters is the best pre-match pitstop.
3. Finsbay Flat Iron – West End (Woodlands, near Great Western Road)
If you’re out in the West End, give Finsbay Flat Iron a go. They do incredible, affordable steaks cooked exactly how you like them, and their famous blooming onion is a must if you like onions and are prepared for stinky breath.
The menu at Finsbay Flat Iron is quite simple: quality ingredients with simple execution, but the end result is seriously tasty.
As dusk falls, you can expect nice ambient lighting and music for great vibes. It’s a great place to start your evening if you’re needing to line your stomach before heading off onto Byres Road.
The staff are friendly, the drinks are well-priced, and the vibe strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and lively.
4. Chateau-X Steakhouse – West End (Finnieston)
Staying in the West End, Chateau-X is a fantastic Glasgow steakhouse with incredible midweek deals on their food.
They do £60 ‘Chateau Thursdays’ (ideal for two people sharing) and £15pp Steak Frites every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The food is simply amazing. Expect expertly cooked steaks, rich sauces, and hearty sides all served in a sleek but laid-back setting.
In Glasgow for a gig? Chateau-X is only a 5-minute walk from the OVO Hydro – yes, five minutes!
It’s the perfect pre-gig dinner option, though you’ll definitely want to book well in advance if there’s a popular act playing, as it gets booked up quickly.
5. Bloc+ – City Centre (Bath Street, near Sauchiehall Street)
A staple of the Glasgow food scene, Bloc+ has been around for years and has been featured in plenty of documentaries and news outlets.
Why? Their famous Buckfast ice cream, of course! A wild but iconic Glasgow invention, along with a whole host of incredible food that goes beyond the usual.
Bloc+ is all about big flavours and funky menus. It’s great around lunchtime and dinner, and there’s even a dedicated menu for vegans as well.
Expect a great meal and a proper slice of Glasgow’s alternative food scene.
Location-wise, it’s brilliant. You’re right on Bath Street, which is parallel to Sauchiehall Street and just a short walk from Buchanan Street, so if you have somewhere to visit after, whether it’s shops, bars, or clubs, you’ll find them all within reach. It’s one of those places you’ll want to go back to again and again.
Places to Eat in Glasgow for Foodies | Final Thoughts
Glasgow is an incredible place for shopping, bars, nightlife, people, and most importantly, food. You’ll never struggle to find incredible places to eat in Glasgow.
The variety of world cuisines in Glasgow is genuinely impressive, and the best part is that you can walk to pretty much anywhere.
Most spots are only a few minutes from each other, or a quick hop on the subway using the very, very simple oval-shaped line.
It means you can explore all of Glasgow’s food gems very easily. Happy eating!
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