The best Mediterranean restaurants in Glasgow

Halloumi is a Greek-Cypriot mezze restaurant specialising in fresh and authentic food, carefully selected and crafted by head chef Andreas. The idea here is to pick a couple of dishes and share them among others, but we won’t judge you if you keep the mezze to yourself! From the traditional (like Fasolia Karavisia, a mix of cannellini beans, tomatoes, celery and potatoes), to the less conventional (hello halloumi loaded fries), there’s plenty on offer. Veggies and vegans rejoice, at least half of the menu is meat-free, and there are also several gluten-free dishes available, too. Prices are reasonable, with most of the dishes coming in under £6, and the service is super friendly. What’s not to like?

For the finest taste of Italy that Glasgow has to offer, head to Eusebi. The menu is heavily influenced by the owners’ upbringing in the south of Italy, where food was always homegrown, seasonal, and sustainable. Eusebi is positively Mediterranean: there’s artisan cheeses, wines from small vineyards, fresh mozzarella from Naples, homemade Italian sausages, and – of course – copious amounts of freshly prepared pasta. There’s plenty for kids (not least the yummy sourdough pizzas), an entirely separate vegan menu, and a brunch menu, boasting an array of tasty and traditional Italian baked treats. Order the famous Bombolone, a pillowy filled doughnut, or Crema Cornetti, a croissant fried and filled with Nutella (yes, really!), and thank us later.

Hola! Evoke the warmth and liveliness of sunny Spain at Brutti Compadres, a restaurant that prides itself on serving sumptuous tapas dishes designed for sharing. Real highlights include the Halloumi and Chickpea stew, Steak Vueltas, and Patatas Bravas. Many of the dishes combine traditional Spanish flavours with a taste of Scotland: the Haggis Croquettes never fail to disappoint! The restaurant is laid-back but animated, and the low lighting lends the restaurant a rather romantic atmosphere. Indulge in one of the well-made cocktails and transport yourself to warmer climates.

Côte Brasserie is the perfect destination for brilliantly cooked French food at exceptionally reasonable prices. The restaurant serves both regional specialities and traditional classics. Starters include French Onion Soup and Prawn Gratinée; for your main course you can sample Cassoulet, Moules Frites, Tuna Niçoise and more. The French aren’t known for their vegetarian cookery, but at Côte, veggies and vegans won’t feel left out. Excitingly, the restaurant has worked to recreate many of its classic dishes without meat and dairy. The Mushroom Paté makes for a great starter, and both the Celeriac Steak Frites (served with lentils and sauce vierge), and Mushroom Cassoulet (complete with truffles and sourdough croutons) are knock-out main courses. What’s more, a prix fixe menu runs every Monday to Friday 12pm-7pm, where you can get your hands on two courses for under £15 —
a real steal!

Gloriosa captures the different types of Mediterranean cookery with aplomb. The setting is vibrant and inviting – with wide, sweeping windows – and the menu is small, but expertly designed. The dishes change daily, in accordance to the season. Summer highlights include Crab and Saffron Tarts, Basil Pappardelle, and Grilled Mackerel with Cucumber and Harissa served on homemade flatbreads. Dishes for cooler days have included Pumpkin Ravioli, Slow Cooked Courgettes, and Quince Sorbet with red wine. For a seriously sophisticated taste of the Med, look no further.

Last, but certainly not least, is Celino’s, an Italian delicatessen established in 1982. The deli offers ‘tutto per tutti’: that is, everything for everyone. Here you’ll be able to purchase classic Italian pantry staples (Baci chocolates, 00 flour, Neapolitan passata), as well as sit down and tuck into a deliciously authentic meal. From sourdough pizzas, risotto and antipasti to cannoli filled with sweet ricotta and a wealth of regional wines – there’s something for everybody. Inside is super atmospheric, and the staff are always up for a chat. Buon appetito!