Glasgow’s best late night eats

Squeezed into the city centre just round the corner from Central Station, the narrow space and bright neon of Bibimbap puts you in mind of the Korean street food joints that inspired it. Bibimbap is named after one of Korea’s favourite dishes (translated as ‘mixed rice’), which is served until 10pm Sunday-Thursday, and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, along with a whole range of Korean dishes. The Bi Bim Bap itself consists of a stone pot filled with rice, beef and mixed vegetables, topped with a fried egg. Or you could order some Korean fried chicken in traditional crispy style, rounded off with some dumplings or a plate of rice rolls.

Even better, the drinks list boasts a range of inventive cocktails, from a Pineapple and Ginger Mojito to a Kimchi Bloody Mary. They take bookings and walk-ins all the way up to 11:30pm.

Sometimes it gets to a certain point in the evening when all you crave is pizza. Not only is Pizza Punks serving food until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays (10pm the rest of the week), but it can serve you exactly the pizza you’ve been craving. For just £11 you can build your own with an unlimited number of toppings – excellent value considering what the big names in pizza would charge for the same privilege. And do those franchises make their dough fresh from a mature sourdough starter imported from San Francisco? We think not. Pizza anarchy is truly the name of the game here. Toppings range from the traditional pepperoni and olives to onion bhaji and barbecue pulled jackfruit.

Mother India has long been considered Glasgow’s most popular Indian restaurant. With last food orders at 9:45pm during the week and 10pm at weekends, it’s ideal for a late-night feast. There’s plenty to suit all tastes on the menu and with the small plates, there’s no need to choose. Options include the beloved Butter Chicken, South Indian Ginger Lamb with coconut and tamarind, or Smoked Aubergines with sweet potato and green beans. And, of course, a whole host of samosas, pakoras and dosas to nibble away at, too. 

Why shouldn’t quality, premium food be available late into the night? This Finnieston steakhouse lays down the gauntlet, serving food until an impressive 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Specialising in dry-aged beef and featuring several lesser-known ‘Butcher’s Cuts’, Porter & Rye is a must for beef fans. Be aware that the Late Night Menu served after 10pm is significantly smaller, although no less appetising. Nighthawks can opt for either the ‘Cut of the Day’ with skinny fries, and peppercorn and brandy sauce, or the Rib-eye Burger served with coffee-braised brisket, pickles, beef dripping chips and black truffle mayo. If you’re still hungry after that there’s a choice of cheese or charcuterie spreads, and nine different red wines by the glass to pair it with.

Not only does Hanoi Bike Shop hold the title of Glasgow’s first Vietnamese restaurant, but it also serves food until around 11pm every day of the week. Tucked away down a cobbled lane off Byres Road, little touches like the curtains on the windows and the sea of paper lanterns make this a perfectly cosy spot for a late-night meal. Vietnamese food is meant to be shared, and three or four plates between two is recommended here. Highlights include the homemade tofu (served a number of ways including inside bao buns with pickled cabbage and jackfruit salsa), or the lemongrass and ginger steamed salmon fillet with pak choi. 

For those who like their meal with a livelier atmosphere, The Howlin’ Wolf is an American-style bar playing live music seven nights a week. All the way up until 2am the kitchen serves a selection of bar bites designed to hit the spot if you become suddenly ravenous on a night out. There are chicken wings, cauliflower wings, tacos, burritos… But best of all are the loaded fries, served with either crispy bacon, black pudding and hot sauce, or the vegan-friendly roast peppers, caramelised onions, vegan mozzarella and sweet chilli.