Best places for large groups in Glasgow

La Lanterna has been serving up authentic Italian food in Glasgow for over 45 years, making it the oldest family-run Italian restaurant in the city, still in the hands of the original owners. Italian food and dining is all about abundance and generosity — making it the perfect spot for (hungry!) large groups. There are a range of sharing plates for the whole party to enjoy. From Antipasto Carne (a charcuterie plate filled with aged Parma ham, coppa, Spinata Romana, speck, salami Milano), to Frittura Di Mare (crispy fried calamari, king prawns, whitebait, and courgettes with garlic mayonnaise) and homemade Foccacia, there’s something to suit all taste buds. Follow this with a plate of fresh pasta (we love the Penne Pollo), hearty meat dish (like the Angello rack of lamb), or flavour-filled salad, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal. The service is second-to-none – the staff are well-accustomed to welcoming large groups – and the atmosphere is always jovial. A Glasgow must-visit.

With its sweeping windows, high ceilings and large booths, Topolabamba (conveniently located in central Glasgow) is great if you’re dining with lots of people. This place is all about Mexican street food, and importantly, sharing plates! The recommendation is that you order three plates each, but given how tempting the menu is, that might be tricky! Taking inspirations from the four main regions of Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas, Chihuahua, and, Topolobampo), the food is vibrant, exciting and delicious. There’s everything from tacos and quesadillas, to burritos, stuffed chimichangas, and ‘Gringo Fries’. No matter who you’re dining with, they’re bound to find something they like. There are plenty of veggie and vegan options, and a killer cocktail menu to boot. Yum!

Since arriving on the Scottish dining scene in 1990, Mother India has reaped great success and fame — and with good reason. The team is committed to using only the best local produce, fresh herbs and carefully selected whole spices. It’s renowned for its impeccable service and warm atmosphere, but what makes it so great for large groups? That would be the menu, which offers diners small tasting portions of all the tasty food. Alongside classic dishes like butter chicken, saag paneer and vegetable samosa, you’ll find a range of less conventional offerings. Our favourites include the Spicy Keema Dosa, Tamarind Monkfish Curry and Smoked Aubergines with Green Beans, each of which is jam-packed full of flavour. Mother India is a Glasgow classic for a reason: whether you’re there for a night out with friends, or a catch up with family, it won’t disappoint.

If you’re looking for the city’s most sophisticated spot to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a large group, look no further than the Ubiquitous Chip. Located on the pretty Ashton Lane, the ‘Chip’ specialises in modern Scottish cookery, with menus boasting the best that the season has to offer. The restaurant’s dining room is spacious, complete with large tables, and filled with beautiful greenery and twinkling fairly lights. Expect gorgeous table cloths, slick service, and impressive plates of food. The a la carte menu includes the likes of hand-dived Barra scallops, a savoury Cauliflower Panna Cotta (served with grapes and toasted oats), and a Tweed Valley rib-eye steak, accompanied with a choice of three sauces. If you want to go all out, the tasting menu is £80 per head and includes nine courses. Wine pairing is an additional £45. For a memorable group meal, this one’s hard to beat.

If you’re heading out for a night of fun with friends, it doesn’t get much better than Brutti Compadres! This Mediterranean-inspired eatery knows a thing or two about tasty tapas plates, brilliant cocktails, and great vibes. Meat eaters, veggies and vegans alike will adore the small plates. From paellas and nachos, to haggis croquettes, ‘angry’ prawns, halloumi sticks and patatas bravas, the offerings are hearty and packed with flavour – perfect for soaking up any excess booze! Cocktail-wise there’s everything from classic margaritas and martinis, to jugs of sangria (perfect for groups), and rum punch. There’s also an exceptional wine menu (filled with tipples from across Europe), and plenty of beers (craft, bottled, on tap) too.

Planning a large gathering but not a fan of fancy restaurants? You don’t have to add more work to your schedule and organise the big night at home. Glasgow boasts many family businesses that can make you feel at home as soon as you step through the door. In the case of Soulsa Bar & Kitchen, it’s the friendly regulars and employees who go the extra mile that make the atmosphere so welcoming. It also helps that the place offers a variety of homemade food, perfect for a big group of friends. The venue’s sharing platters are £29.95 per person; you can choose from the Soul Food Platter (it includes comfort food such as burgers and fries), Veggie Delight (think Buffalo cauliflower wings with celery sticks) and Mexican Munch (with spicy options such as beef chilli taco with avocado). Add tasty cocktails to the mix and you’ll have a recipe for a fun, relaxed evening. 

If you’re looking for a quiet place to spend the morning or early afternoon with your loved ones, we have a place just for you. Ocho is a hidden gem located on the banks of Speirs Wharf; you might have to climb a hill to get there but once you do the views are spectacular.

When you go inside, you’ll be greeted by a modern, airy space filled with plants that create a serene atmosphere where you can enjoy lunch and brunch. Every dish is homemade with fresh ingredients and looks almost too good to eat. For example, you can have a delicious smoked sweet potato, carrots, and chickpeas on sourdough with vegan feta and roast cauliflower. There are also scones and a range of other treats for those who have a sweet tooth. Additionally, four-legged family members are welcome to join you so you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time.

Sometimes the most difficult part about organising a gathering is that everyone has different food preferences. If that’s the case, why not make things easier and invite your group to dine at an all-you-can-eat buffet? Marbles Global Buffet offers a variety of dishes that cater to anyone’s taste. There’s a barbecue option for meat lovers, pizza & pasta dishes, teppanyaki, sushi, Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine, dim sums, salads and desserts.

With over 200 seats, it’s the perfect venue for large gatherings. All you have to do is book a table in advance. The prices vary but if you visit on a Sunday, you get to sample all that food for £19.99 no matter at what time you come in. A true foodie’s paradise.

Sharing is caring so one of the best ways to spend an evening with a large group of friends is to have tapas. Barca Tapas is a touch of Spain in the heart of Glasgow where you can share food and good vibes. Expect a friendly service and authentic tapas selection that will help you relax and leave with a full stomach.

The venue recommends choosing 2-3 tapas per person but it might be difficult with so many tasty options to opt for. From delicious nibbles such as jamon iberico and a choice of cheeses to classics such as paellas and pork & lamb meatballs in tomato sauce, you’ll all be spoiled for choice. You can also get a wine to complete the meal (we recommend sherry wine to sweeten it all up). The venue accepts bookings of up to 9 so you can have quite a feast. 

If you fancy trying something new, we have just the right place for you. Hanoi Bike Shop is a canteen-style restaurant specialising in Vietnamese cuisine that can fulfil the cravings you didn’t even know you had. Food is prepared freshly every day and includes comforting bowls of traditional Vietnamese soup, healthy snacks such as sticky glazed tofu, plenty of street food, and pot and grill dishes with the likes of butternut coconut broth and bavette steak.

If you can’t decide what to order, you can also go for the Bike Shop Banquet option for £30 per person. Just tell the staff what you like and they’ll surprise you with a selection of dishes catered to your taste. The venue accepts bookings of up to 10 people but the space is limited so make sure you book in advance.