Fun restaurants in Glasgow

After many years sampling and working in the Glasgow restaurant scene, Locarno (formerly Guy’s) is still full of life and fun, and that’s not just because I used to work there. The restaurant packs a punch in terms of flavour and personality, with their signature Glasgow Tapas feeding Glasweigan crowds for years, and will continue to do so I’m sure. If you’re lucky enough to come here on a weekend, you’ll be able to hear some great music from local singers and musicians. Head chef Audrius has taken the helm after Guy stood down, and he’s done so wonderfully. The old classics are still on the menu for die hard fans, I was so glad when I saw the duck ravioli on the menu, my mid-shift favourite. There’s something for everyone here, the menu is still as eclectic as I remember (I always hated the question “what would you recommend?” as you can’t say “everything!”) and you’re bound to have a great evening whenever you go.

The brasserie is a hidden gem, tucked away in the old Manse on Great Western Road, the Mackintosh inspired interior is welcoming and harks of the art deco age. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience, and a couple of cocktails. The brasserie menu has dishes including scallops with shallot puree, braised pork belly, and star anise. For your main, go for the pan seared duck breast, perfectly cooked. After you’ve had a delightful Scottish affair for dinner you can choose from any number of things to do. A former church now turned bar, theatre, restaurant and event space, Oran Mor is a Glaswegian institution. It’s the place everyone goes for a late night dram, or a wee boogie in the club downstairs, making this one of the fun restaurants in Glasgow as you’ve got everything under one roof.

Sloans are known for their mac and cheese and their Friday night ceilidh. Ever been to a ceilidh at Sloans in the grand ballroom? If not, you’re missing out. It might be the last thing you want to do after a big bowl of mac and cheese, but it’s a whole lot of fun. If you want to go, you’ll need to book as their infamous mac and cheese is a little bit too well known in Glasgow. Get yourself a table in this historic Glasgow pub now!

The Big Lebowski tops many people’s best film lists, a Coen brothers classic, and inspiration for this Glasgow gastropub. Serving toppling burgers and white russians, this is a great place to go if you fancy a fun night. There’s two in Glasgow, one in the west end and another on the southside. Since opening doors in 2007, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength. With over 30 varieties of white russian, you can have a pretty fun night. Our top picks would be The Walter, made with chocolate milk, and The Donny, white russian with amaretto, need we say more? To soak up all the white russian madness are burgers galore, try The Big Lebowski burger, if you’re brave…