
06 Dec 2024
It’s no secret that Glasgow is a culinary hotspot. From Syrian street food stalls and bustling pizzerias to ramen restaurants and good old pub grub – the options are endless. However, if you’re looking for the creme de la creme – the finest restaurants Glasgow has to offer – then there’s only one place to turn: the Michelin guide. We’ve made your job easier and scoured the Michelin guide to find Glasgow’s most coveted restaurants.
Lorna McNee, head chef of the West End’s Cail Bruich, is the only female chef in Scotland holding a Michelin star, achieving this in just five months! This uber-chic restaurant champions the finest seasonal produce, and the team work closely with producers and suppliers to offer guests top-notch food and drink. The restaurant has two tasting menus, a five-course menu, and a seven-course menu, both completely dictated by each season. Vegetarian alternatives are available across both menus, and the expert sommelier is on hand to help complete your experience, with wine pairings available to complement the food. For a touch of serious luxury in Glasgow, look no further.
Specialising in all things seafood, Gamba is a cool, modern eatery, that never fails to make it into the Michelin guide. Alongside an extensive a la carte menu sits a two-course pre-theatre menu, at £25 per person. It’s great value for money. Starters include fish soup (prepared with Portland crabmeat, stem ginger and coriander), sherry-soaked herrings and hot salmon pate served with maple creme fraiche. For those looking for something other than fish, order the confit of duck (served with crushed potatoes and green lentils), and thank us later. For those who are super hungry, the truffle and sea salt crushed potatoes make for a delectable side, as does the broccoli, oyster and garlic sauce. Why not push the boat out and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails? There are tonnes to choose from, but real highlights are the Aqua de Gamba, and Yuzu and Ginger Margarita. Yes please!
This Glasgow gem gets a mention in the Michelin guide year after year, and with good reason. Quirky, fun and iconic, the Ubiquitous Chip (hidden down the cobbled Ashton Lane) is renowned for serving Scottish classics infused with modern twists. The Mezzanine brasserie is a fairly casual affair, serving up small tasting plates and nibbles. On the ground floor, among the leafy greenery and twinkly fairy lights, you’ll be treated to some seriously fine cookery. Big plates, like the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are comforting but sophisticated, and the vegetarian options are no less pleasing: we really like the smoked baby cauliflower dish. Always leave room for dessert at the Ubiquitous Chip, the Michelin guide itself pinpoints the Heather Honey Ice Cream as one of the finest desserts in the city!
It’s no surprise that high up on the Michelin guide’s recommendations is the Hanoi Bike Shop. Loved by locals and tourists alike, this small eatery specialises in Vietnamese street food. The team is charming, and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, decked out with lanterns and small wooden tables. Menu highlights include the rice paper rolls, red duck curry, and lamb dan dan. We also love the ‘build your own Pho’ option, where toppings include tofu, mushroom, beef fillet, king prawns and more. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes hitting the £15 mark for large plates. Not one to miss!
The Gannet was one of the first restaurants to establish itself in Glasgow’s trendy Finnieston. The modern menu changes daily, according to what’s in season, with seafood always featuring heavily. From line caught mackerel (served with seaweed and horseradish), to monkish (served with smoked butter, peas and roe) you won’t be left disappointed. Veggies fear not: The Gannet has an entirely meat-free menu, with highlights including heritage beetroot and seaweed taco (yum!), charred leek with hazelnut and creme fraiche, and steamed brioche served with Isle of Mull cheddar. Prices are relatively high – reflecting the quality of the ingredients – while service is professional and slick. For a Michelin-approved romantic dinner for two, or celebratory meal, head to The Gannet.