The best small Glasgow restaurants (expert view)

Glasgow's restaurant scene is brimming with wonderful little eateries so we asked some of the best bloggers, reviewers and chefs in the city to pick out their favourites.

Published 19th Jun 2017
Updated 18 th Sep 2023

Alchemilla

1126 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8TD

(As chosen by food and drink writer Jane Wright and food blogger Briony 

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Jane said: "The almost too-cool-for-school surroundings (bright splashes of orange, unfinished balsa wood panelling, wooden bar stools that hurt your bum) are entirely redeemed by the food.

"Thoughtful, imaginative plates of exceptionally pretty fare bursting with fresh, zingy flavours will ensure your granny's phrase 'Your eyes are bigger than your belly' comes true.

"Don't miss the sea bass ceviche; ribbons of courgette with pistachios and pomegranate; and wild garlic and parmesan risotto. Tip top."

Briony said: "The sharing menu makes it the perfect place for an intimate meal for two and the food is incredibly simple, yet executed outstandingly.

"There’s no where else quite like it in Glasgow and it was so good that I recently ordered an extra plate of nutmeg and Parmesan risotto to have for dessert."

Cail Bruich

725 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 8QX

(As chosen by Food Blogger Emma Mykytyn of Foodie Explorers)

Picture: Cail Bruich Facebook

Emma said: "Cail Bruich means 'eat well' in Gaelic and you certainly will at this three AA-rosetted restaurant.

"Their tasting menu is worth splashing out on, with modern creative cooking using delicious seasonal ingredients.

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"I'm a big fan of their smoked chicken fat butter and their homemade bread is some of the best in Glasgow, and I'd be happy to feast on it all day!"

Sapori D'Italia

1021 Cathcart Rd, G42 9XJ

(As chosen by food and drink blogger Fionn Hunter of fionnfionnfionn.com)

Picture: Sapori D'Italia Facebook

Fionn said: "My pick has to be Sapori D'Italia in Mount Florida. I've chosen this restaurant because it's relaxed & unpretentious atmosphere stands out to me & the traditional, authentic Italian food is unmatched in Glasgow.

"I have been enchanted by this trattoria from their opening in a small corner unit in Mt Florida as the staff are genuine & attentive.

"Sapori D'Italia is the place to visit in Glasgow for informal and traditional Italian dining."

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Ox & Finch

920 Sauchiehall Street, G3 7TF

(As chosen by The Scotsman restaurant reviewer Gaby Soutar)

Picture: Ox and Finch facebook

Gaby said: "The food here is carnal, indulgent, satisfying and they don’t seem to care about delicacy.

"After this sensory overload, I left with an array of new cravings that I know will only be satisfied by a repeat visit."

Paesano

94 Miller St, Glasgow G1 1DT

(As chosen by food writer Jane Wright)

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Picture: Paesano

Jane said: "Loud, clattery, convivial pizza joint serving up the very best pizza in the city (now with new West End outpost on Great Western Road at Kelvinbridge).

"The proper proper ingredients come all the way from Italia (Campania mainly) from the flour to the mozzarella to the tomatoes. And it's all served up fresh, hot and chewy from a wood-fired oven. Eight pizzas plus a special or two, with none of that add-your-own-toppings nonsense."

The Gannet

1155 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TB

(As chosen by The Scotsman restaurant reviewer Gaby Soutar)

Picture: The Gannet Facebook

Gaby said: "I can confirm that The Gannet is as good as they all say. Big Tick, Gold Star.

"It does that smart casual food thing, as eaten at the Ubiquitous Chip, Cail Bruich and Number 16, that Glasgow excels at."

La Boca

189 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 2UL

(As chosen by Food Blogger Mark Murphy of Foodie Explorers)

Picture: La Boca Facebook

Mark said: "Everyone loves a holiday in Spain right? Especially when you have a long night of drinks and good food in relaxed surroundings.

"Well, La Boca is the most authentic tapas bar I know in Glasgow, all the beer is Spanish, the wine is Spanish and even the toilets are authentically Spanish (if you get what I mean?!).

"It's small, but that's part of the charm so take a seat and take your time, go for lunch but stay for dinner!"

 

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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