Where to enjoy the best date in Glasgow

With its sparkling lights dotted all around the city, buzzing atmosphere and plenty of cosy bars and restaurants, Glasgow is the best place to lean into romance! After a day of exploring museums and galleries or strolling around the city’s different green spaces – what better way to finish the evening on a high, at one of Glasgow’s finest date night spots.

Best places for a first date

Mother India aims to provide the best of Indian sub-continental food at affordable prices, and has been doing so since opening in 1990. The experienced team of talented chefs work constantly to expand and refresh the menus, whilst retaining established favourites and offering specials created with the best seasonal produce and freshest ingredients. The super friendly, efficient service makes for an even more special evening – Mother India is never one to miss for any date night meal.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
La Lanterna
cuisinesItalian

This cosy, family-run Italian eatery is the perfect date night restaurant. Every dish oozes authenticity and comfort – think pasta tossed with king prawns, lobster meat, cream and white wine – and the low-level lighting creates a welcoming and warming atmosphere. The service is terrific; all the staff greet you with welcoming smiles and the evening set menu is very reasonably priced, too.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Best places for an anniversary
111 By Modou
cuisinesFine Dining, Contemporary

111 By Modou is one of Glasgow’s smallest restaurants. The menu changes each week – and you get to have a peek at it being prepared with the open kitchen located at the centre of the restaurant floor. Though there are Italian influences, like the buttery herbed gnocchi that always makes a reappearance, nothing is too heavy. Salads of raw fennel with saffron aioli and garlic crisps keep things light and interesting, and at reasonable prices for three courses, you’d be missing out not to book a table at this tiny gem.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Ting Thai
cuisinesThai

Ting Thai has some of the most authentic Thai street food in the whole of Glasgow. With two locations in the city, including this one on Byres Road, it’s a vibrant, bright dining space with superb service. Order one of the many noodle dishes and you could reenact that spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp for some added romance.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Best places for a romantic meal

Barca Tapas is located in the heart (swoon) of Glasgow City Centre, and offers a unique Mediterranean food and drink experience. Here you can savour the flavours of authentic Spanish tapas, to make it feels as though you’re enjoying a holiday romance. Dine on one of the terraces and enjoy the al fresco atmosphere of Princes Square or relax in the bar with a cocktail to soak up the beautiful Spanish-inspired decor.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Mackintosh at the Willow
cuisinesScottish, Cocktails

If you’re seeking something classy for date night, then book with Mackintosh at the Willow. These beautiful tearooms can be found in the heart of Glasgow. Here you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the main tearooms if you’re after a daytime date. Expect a selection of loose teas and freshly ground coffees, alongside freshly made cakes, scones, soups and sandwiches – all enjoyed in the stunning historic surroundings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Miss Kate Cranston. How romantic.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Best places for drinks
Cafe Gandolfi
cuisinesScottish, Cafe, Bistro
Cafe Gandolfi is one of Glasgow’s oldest family-run restaurants. It’s renowned as a Scottish institution in fact, and offers the best of Scottish produce in dishes which evolve and delight in equal measure. Alongside a breakfast menu are popular lunch and dinner menus, which offer “smaller” and “bigger” plates. There are some really brilliant cocktails available here too, if you want to really indulge on your next date night.
calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Ubiquitous Chip
cuisinesScottish, Fine Dining, Cocktails

Heaven knows there are more than enough choices in the West End, so perhaps it’s best to stick with a well-beloved option. Another more upmarket choice, The Ubiquitous Chip has been a mainstay of the famous Ashton Lane since 1971 focusing on Scottish cuisine. This restaurant guarantees a memorable setting for a first date, with a unique interior filled with greenery and water features. The food is legendary, as are the drinks. We highly recommend you and your date making the most of the cocktail menu.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Best places for a quirky / experiential date

Lebowskis, otherwise known as home of the White Russian, is a relaxed venue offering an extensive range of cocktails, beers, wines and great burgers, all of which are sure to set you up for the night ahead. This is no nonsense, simple, classic pub fodder manned by a team that takes pride in its aforementioned White Russian – the drink of choice for “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...

There’s nothing fishy about enjoying some seafood on your date, and if this speaks to you then Gamba is your spot. Nestled in amongst the offices of West George Street is where you’ll find Gamba, considered one of the best restaurants in Glasgow and the setting of choice for those who like to go all-out on a date. The decor is just right for a swanky evening – subdued and intimate, classy without being stuffy. Open since 1998, Gamba’s seafood dishes have earned a reputation that justifies the higher price points. The fish soup is a favourite, made with Portland crabmeat, stem ginger, coriander and prawn dumplings, while the king scallops demonstrate the best of Scottish cuisine.

calendar
arrow-up-down
Loading...
Stay Updated
Get the latest updates on new restaurants, food guides, local events and more.
mobile app promotional banner