Long lunches in Glasgow

The Ubiquitous Chip (known locally as the ‘Chip’) has served beautifully refined meals for the best part of forty years. With a focus on local Scottish produce and a sparkling atmosphere – the inner courtyard is swathed in greenery and fairly lights – the Chip is a difficult lunchtime destination to beat. Come midday you’ll be greeted in the restaurant with an extensive à la carte menu – home to modernised Scottish dishes like their venison haggis, potato purée and whisky glazed neep (turnip). Alternatively (and if you’re looking to stick to more of a budget) order from the brasserie menu, where you’ll find mezze platters, soups and salad.

Having completed a stint with Yottam Ottolenghi, it’s no wonder that chef Rosie Healey’s new restaurant Gloriosa (located in trendy Finnieston) is such a success. Décor is reasonably sparse – all sweeping windows and wooden furnishings – and the menu focuses on small sharing plates. A perfect destination for lunch with friends, the Mediterranean inspired food is reasonably priced and extremely tasty. Crispy flatbreads spread with smoked aubergine and plates of spaghetti with brown shrimp feel at once comforting and exciting. Make sure you leave room for dessert: soft-crumbed almond-cake doused in tart crème fraiche is a sure way to finish your lunch in style.

No lunchtime guide is complete without a mention of Café Gandolfi – a Glaswegian dining institution. Owner Seumus is serious about fresh produce, and his lunchtime menu is full of Scottish classics. Real highlights include traditional Cullen skink and finnan haddie as well as seasonal specialities, like burnt leeks, walnut pesto and labneh. All the staff are extremely knowledgeable, and the interiors are beautiful: the driftwood sanded pine furniture a frequent talking point amongst guests. Visit for sophisticated food, stay for the warm and relaxed atmosphere.

If something less traditional piques your interest, head to Spanish tapas restaurant Brutti Compadres for a leisurely lunch. Hidden within Victoria Crescent, this small eatery packs a punch. Always lively, Brutti offers different tastes of Spain – from large Paellas to share to garlicky ‘angry’ prawns and salty padrón peppers, there’s plenty for meat-lovers, veggies and vegans alike. The wine list is comprehensive and well-priced, but if you’re steering clear of alcohol over lunch, they’re more than happy to mix you up a non-alcoholic cocktail.