Eighty Eight reasons to love this Glasgow spot

A spotlight on Glasgow's Eighty Eight

If you’re walking through Glasgow’s West End, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon Eighty Eight on Dumbarton Road — a cosy, unpretentious spot that’s all about delicious food and an intimate atmosphere. Eighty Eight isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a small, laid-back space with a creative menu that keeps locals and visitors coming back. The place is a bit of a hidden gem, where good food, great company, and a comfortable vibe all come together.

Step inside, and Eighty Eight’s warm, informal space immediately makes you feel at home. The decor is minimalist but full of character — soft lighting, natural wood accents, and subtle, earthy tones make it feel like the ideal spot for a relaxed dinner with friends or a cosy date night. The place is small, which adds to its charm, creating a vibe that’s both lively and personal. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can relax, enjoy the moment, and dive into a memorable meal without any fuss.

The story behind Eighty Eight is as genuine as the food. Created as a place where people could enjoy fresh, flavoursome food without any of the pretence. The team are passionate about using local, sustainable ingredients and reducing waste, so the focus here is all on quality and simplicity. The whole idea is to offer a space where people can feel connected — to the food, to each other, and to the community.

Eighty Eight’s food is all about sharing plates, and they’re great at making dishes that are simple, seasonal, and packed with flavour. The menu changes daily, with everything as fresh and seasonal as possible.

To start, expect the likes of Freedom sourdough with goats cheese custard, basil, and marmalade, as well as boquerones (anchovies) served with salsa verde. Moving on, you’ll find dishes along the lines of braised pear with quince, whipped crowdie, & oatcake, Arbroath smokie with piccalilli salad & cucumber, and potato with brown butter and truffle.

Pasta lovers are in luck, wth Eighty Eight often featuring a handful of Italian dishes, including recent dishes such as their classic pappardelle with mushroom ragu & gremolata, tagliatelle with chestnuts, parmesan, & hazelnuts, and cavatelli with sausage, nduja, & pomodoro.

And if you’re looking for one last big dish to split amongst the table, wee’d have to recommend something like their pork belly with tarragon, mustard, & tenderstem, or the beer-braised turnip with brussel sprouts, miso sauce, & pistachio dukkah.

There’s certainly something for everyone, as well as few surprises and new flavours to explore along the way. Vegans and vegetarians are well-taken care of, as well as any gluten-free or dairy-free diners.

Right next door, you’ll find 86, Eighty Eight’s intimate cocktail bar that feels like the perfect complement to their food. 86 has a creative drink list full of fun twists on classic cocktails, all made with seasonal ingredients. You might try the Jungle Bird with a mix of spiced rum, Aperol, pineapple, lime, & sugar for something fresh, or the Coco Pisco which combines pisco, creme de cacao, citric acid, & sugar for a perfectly sweet and sour taste. There’s also a nice selection of Scottish whiskies and craft beers, making it an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.

With its ever-changing menu, cosy atmosphere, and fun cocktail bar next door, Eighty Eight and 86 are the kinds of spots you’ll want to keep in your back pocket as an ol’ reliable. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and just a great place to slow down, share good food, and enjoy a drink (or two) in one of Glasgow’s coolest neighbourhoods.

You’ll find them at 88 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NX. Book your table right here!