Glasgow’s best bars and restaurants for winter

Café Gandolfi is one of our favourite go-to’s all year round, but there’s something pretty magical about this chic gastropub come the winter. Maybe it’s the beautiful hand-carved mahogany tables and chairs, or maybe it’s the twinkling fairy lights and delicious aromas circling the air. Whatever it is, we can’t get enough of it, and if you’re looking for a warming brunch, lunch or dinner, Gandolfi never disappoints. All the menus are created with sustainability in mind, and the plates are ever changing to reflect the seasons. Winter specials include the likes of celeriac fondant with Hen of the Wood mushrooms, celeriac puree, and miso and traditional Cullen skink made with Arbroath smokies cream and chive oil. Soak up the cosy vibes and polish off your meal with the famous homemade caramel shortcake.

What could be more inviting than a piping hot bowl of ramen? Not much, according to us! Ramen Dayo! – located on the super-cute and festive Ashton Lane – started off in 2016 as a ‘yatai’ ramen cart. It quickly gained popularity and received tonnes of extremely positive press. The mission is to create an authentic ramen dining experience using only high quality ingredients, and the team does so with aplomb. Climb up a teeny staircase into the intimate dining area, and you’ll be greeted with a punchy menu that’s bound to knock your socks off. If you really want to fight the cold, order the ‘New Wave Tokyo Style’ ramen: composed of a light chicken broth and an artisanal blend of soy sauces, and topped with marinated chicken, nori, spring onions and water spinach. Yum! The staff are welcoming, and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. Where better to enjoy a wintery afternoon?

For us, winter is all about hunkering down and indulging in our favourite comfort foods. Enter Eusebi Deli: born in Italy, made in Glasgow, these guys specialise in carefully sourced produce and exceptionally tasty plates of food. The pasta dishes are second-to-none, our favourite being the ox cheek pappardelle topped with heaps of parmesan. Other wintery-inspired dishes include the maccheroni with cavalo Nero and pumpkin seed pesto, gorgonzola, and chestnuts as well as the pickled pumpkin, shaved fennel, and orange salad. It doesn’t get much more comforting than ‘yesterday’s lasagne’ — which is just as tasty as it sounds. For a perfect end to the meal, treat yourself to Eusebi’s deluxe hot chocolate – rich and velvety, it makes for the perfect indulgence – or if you’ve got room for dessert, the seasonal warm pear and brown sugar cake (served with vanilla ice cream and pecan crumble) is a real crowd-pleaser.

Ideally located next to Kelvingrove Park, The Left Bank is an independently-run cafe specialising in home-cooked brunches, lunches and dinner. The perfect spot to refuel after a wintery walk in the park, the cafe has even been recommended by the New York Times! The team prides itself on using local produce and suppliers, and the menus are updated each week. For something hearty, we can’t recommend the full veggie breakfast enough: complete with poached eggs, veggie haggis, homemade beans, herby mushrooms and a potato scone, you won’t leave hungry. There are always a number of warming soups available, as well as a range of Asian-inspired plates like gochujang crispy chicken and sesame crusted tofu with coconut rice. The dishes are as eclectic as the clientele, making it all the more special.

Opened in 2023, The Skillet swiftly earned a spot as a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. As winter has arrived, this stylish eatery continues to impress with an array of invigorating dishes that showcase a diverse menu combining Scottish and international flavours. Kickstart your meal with Keralan fried chicken, topped with sriracha mayo, chillies and spring onion. Ideal for sharing, the Tuscan king prawns with garlic and parmesan cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and sourdough bread is a comforting favourite for groups. Plus, the extensive cocktail selection is sure to brighten your chilly evenings! The Skillet is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and culinary adventure during the colder months.

Gaga Kitchen & Bar, inspired by the flavours of Malaysia, is a popular choice for Glasgow’s winter diners. With umami-packed offerings like coconut infused Nyonya chicken curry and sweet potato chips accompanied by plum ketchup, it’s the ideal spot to warm up when things start to get cold. Don’t miss the killer Irish coffees and hot chocolates to keep you toasty either! The restaurant itself is bright and contemporary, offering an inviting escape from the cold and grey outside.

The Duke’s Umbrella, adorned with charming leather booths, plush velvet curtains and mellow lighting, offers an authentic British pub experience with style. It features a fine selection of ales and elevated pub fare. Meat eaters will enjoy dishes like the roasted bone marrow deluxe with hash browns, confit onions and slow-cooked brisket, while vegetarians can savour veggie haggis neeps and tatties, and even a fragrant charcoal spiced jackfruit curry. For dessert, try the sticky toffee pudding with whisky butterscotch with homemade vanilla ice-cream — you won’t regret it! It’s the perfect place to savour outstanding food and catch up with friends and family on a chilly winter evening.

A slice of Italian charm in the heart of Glasgow, Little Tuscany blends the warmth of a family-run eatery with smart, tasty plates. The menu takes you on a flavourful journey from hearty antipasti like mozzarella in carrozza with its golden, crispy coating, to indulgent pasta dishes such as the rich spaghetti polpette topped with homemade meatballs in pomodoro sauce. Vegetarians will love the risotto alla zucca, which delivers an abundance of seasonal comfort with butternut squash and toasted pine nuts. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a leisurely evening meal paired with a glass of wine, Little Tuscany wraps you in the comfort of true Italian hospitality.