10 of the best eateries in Glasgow's south side

We take a look at some of the best restaurants, cafés and eateries in Glasgow's southside.

Published 15th Feb 2017
Updated 18 th Sep 2023

Loosely defined as the part of Glasgow south of the river Clyde, the sou' side takes up a large area comprised of smaller fiefdoms like Govan, Shawlands and Cathcart.

Rivaling the west end in terms of its rich food and drink scene, the southside has plenty of great places to grab a pint or a cup of coffee but it's with food that the area really comes into its own, here are some of our favourite eateries in Glasgow's southside:

The Battlefield Rest

(55 Battlefield Rd, Glasgow G42 9JL)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Housed in one of the more stunning and idyllic buildings you'll find anywhere in Glasgow, the iconic Battlefield Rest has been an Italian Bistro since 1994 and before that a resting place for Glasgow's tram travellers.

A favourite of local residents, there have been more than a few who have celebrated birthdays\graduations\engagements (delete where applicable) here.

Serving classic Italian dishes with Scottish flare, it's the perfect place to enjoy some pasta, seafood or even a calzone.

The Fish People Café

(Shields Road Subway Station, 350 Scotland St, Glasgow G5 8QF)

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Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Located outside of Shield's Road underground, the Fish People Café has been serving up some of Glasgow's best (and freshest) seafood for a few years now and even its remote location on Scotland Street hasn't stopped it gaining a steady flow of customers over the past few years.

Word of mouth has meant that it has become more popular than ever and the fish tea is definitely a highlight.

Café Strange Brew

(1109 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 3YG)

4 Scottish chippies named best in the UK at National Fish and Chip Awards 2024
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Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

This whimsically named little eatery has gained a steady following with Shawlands locals recently and it's not hard to see why with its delightful dishes, brilliant value and welcoming staff.

Cosy and comfortable, it's the place to go for brunch in the southside and the coffee isn't half bad either.

Ranjit's Kitchen 

(607 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2QG)

_ML48882

Serving up Panjabi food on the site of the old Pakistani Café, this new addition to the Southside's Indian food scene. Serving up authentic "non-westernised" dishes, Ranjit's Kitchen has quickly been taken to heart by nearby residents and the small restaurant is nearly always busy.

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Be warned their menu is limited, but for the right reasons, as what's on offer changes depending on what seasonal vegetables are available in the local fruit and veg shops.

Hooked

(1027 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 9XJ)

Picture: Hooked Facebook

Picture: Hooked Facebook

'Posh Fish and Chip Shop' may be an accurate description for Hooked but in reality it is so much more than that.

Far healthier than your  typical chippy, Hooked allow you to completely control how you want your fish and chips, gluten-free? Haddock, cod or hake? Baked or fried? Tempura or traditional batter?

And it doesn't stop with the fish, customise your chips with dips and seasonings or switch them out for sweet potato fries or even Spanish rice. Whatever your preference you won't be disappointed.

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Art Lover's Café at House for an Art Lover

(Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck Rd, Glasgow G41 5BW)

Picture: House for an art Lover

Picture: House for an art Lover

Glasgow owes a lot to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and this gem hidden away in Bellahouston is the perfect example of why.

A beautiful building designed in his own unique style, it's the perfect place to meat for a high tea or a spot of light lunch. Enjoy mains like Loin of pork with smoked mash potato or Sea trout with mussels, celeriac, baby leek and parsley sauce in the café or out on the terrace.

Sadly, they don't do a dinner service as the café closes at 5pm but should you wish to enjoy something later then do offer a private dining service, the perfect idea for a family party or celebration with friends.

Black Dove

(67 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, G41 3YR)

Picture: Black Dove Facebook

Picture: Black Dove Facebook

After what seemed like a drought of great places to eat in Shawlands (lessened only by Bella Napoli's consistent offering) three came along at once with Cafe Strange Brew, Bell & Felix and Black Dove bringing modern dining to resident's doorsteps, throw in the stylish plates at next door's Pazzo and things have definitely started to heat up in the area.

Black Dove take our favourite concept - small, confidently made dishes using local ingredients - and run with it, creating some truly delightful plates like Loch Fyne Scallops, Wood Pigeon Breast and Loch Earn Trout.

Don't worry if you want something more substantial, they also do some hearty mains like Venison loin and slow-cooked ox cheek steak pie.

The small eatery is the perfect place for some relaxed fine dining that won't break the bank.

Bell & Felix

(248 Kilmarnock Rd, Glasgow G43 1TT)

Picture: Black Dove Facebook

Picture: Bell & Felix Facebook

What began as a love for good coffee soon blossomed into a love of great food as we discovered Bell & Felix are not only one of our favourite southside coffee shops but also do some unbelievably good food.

Eat. Drink. Smile.

It's a simple concept but one that works and believe us you will be smiling, offering rustic takes on modern dishes, B & F have a small but inventive menu (that includes some truly delightful tasting boards) featuring some mouth-watering comfort foods and regular seasonal specials.

Loks Bar and Kitchen

(16 Newlandsfield Rd, Glasgow G43 2XU)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Slotted away neatly on one of the side roads branching off from Kilmarnock Road, the Loks bar & kitchen sits in a quiet part of Newlands and, despite being relatively new, has already proved massively popular with local residents.

Offering delicious dishes at great value, the menu is pretty expansive with the grill taking the lion share of the offerings. Sharing platters and exciting starters sit side-by-side with a carnivore's dream of a main section. Don't worry there's plenty for vegetarians to enjoy too.

Tinto Tapas Bar

(138 Battlefield Rd, Glasgow G42 9JT)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

This welcoming little Tapas bar, which is hidden away on Battlefield Road, has a large core of regulars and more than a few delighted first time visitors (who soon become regulars).

Their menu is filled with Spanish favourites like Paella, Patatas Bravas and Chorizo Fritto, and as would be expected of a Tapas restaurant chock-filled to the brim with small dishes that are perfect for sharing (oh and did we mention they do Churros?).

If you've been you'll already know how good it is, if you haven't then what the heck are you waiting for?

Honourable mentions: there are far too many great places to fit on this list, so here are some of the others we thoroughly recommend; For great pub grub you can't go wrong with a visit to Lebowski's Southside (67 Nithsdale Rd), they do some of the best burgers you'll find anywhere south of the river, Salt and Vinegar (1044 Pollokshaws Rd) is bringing modern fish and chips to Shawlands and though we've yet to try it we've heard only good things, Bella Napoli (85 Kilmarnock Rd) set for a makeover and name change, this iconic Italian has been serving locals great food for decades.

Pazzo (69 Kilmarnock Rd), another new eatery shaking things up on Kilmarnock road, these guys have quickly established themselves as the place to go for pizza in Shawlands, Fancy a steak? Your best bet is definitely The McMillan Southside (862 Pollokshaws Road)

For Indian you won't go wrong with the New Turban (2 Fenwick Place) which is just on the border of what we think as the true southside, the Anarkali (531 Victoria Rd, Glasgow) and of course Kebabish Grill (323-325 Victoria Rd). 

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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