The leading sustainable restaurants in Glasgow

Serving up fresh seafood and craft gin in the heart of Glasgow, The Finnieston showcases the best produce Scotland’s shores have to offer. With an emphasis on only ethically-sourced Scottish seafood, complimented by a collection of bespoke draught beers and fine champagnes, the gin bar is the place to be for some of the freshest seasonal dishes around. Every clam, scallop, mussel and fish has been checked for ethical wellbeing in the sourcing process, as well as The Finnieston keeping the menu as seasonal as possible and presented often at market weight and price. Paired with a carefully crafted cocktail made by one of their award-winning mixologists, this is the spot for a luxurious night out.

The Hug and Pint is a quirky vegan bar, eatery and music venue located in the west end of Glasgow with an emphasis on providing exciting and sustainable food. As a venue The Hug and Pint prides itself on avoiding the use of any animal products within its kitchen. The bar has a wide selection of premium spirits, craft beers and ciders, which makes it a great spot to go for drinks with friends. Alternatively, if you are looking for a delicious Asian meal, The Hug and Pint also specialises in a food menu based on Asian cuisines with ingredients being sourced by local producers. While the menu changes daily, a sample of dishes that are on offer include lemongrass tofu, mushroom and cashew curry and sweet soy and coconut tempeh.

When it comes to authentic Italian delis in Glasgow, it is hard to beat Eusebi Deli in Gibson Street in the west end of the city. With 40 years in the business, Eusebi prides itself on importing only the finest Italian produce to present the iconic Eusebi experience that Glaswegians have come to love. Alongside the mouthwatering deli of delicious breads, meats and pastas, Eusebi Deli also offers a breakfast, brunch, evening and dessert menu as well as a vegan menu. A few star dishes include the devilled eggs, citrus salad, ‘yesterday’s lasagne’ and octopus prosciutto. In the lead up to the COP26 conference in November 2021, Eusebi Deli took part in the ‘Plate up for Glasgow’ initiative, which saw a range of Glasgow restaurants pledge to reduce food and drink waste in support of combatting climate change.

Ox and Finch is a leading innovator within the hospitality sector for supporting sustainable cooking practices and sourcing local Scottish produce. The laid-back tapas-style restaurant can be found within the Finnieston area of Glasgow and is perfect if you are keen to sample a range of delicious, fresh mini dishes to share with friends or family. The menu changes on a regular basis so you are sure to find new tasty dishes upon visiting. A sample of dishes available on the current menu include burrata, muhamarra, walnuts and pomegranate, skate wing, samphire, hazelnuts, brown butter and lemon and roasted pineapple, coconut, coriander and lime. The restaurant also provides an extensive range of both vegetarian and vegan options.

An institution in the Glasgow dining scene, Ubiquitous Chip is not only delicious and iconic, but also ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability. The bar top is made from a reclaimed mortuary slab and the ceiling from reclaimed tin, and they’re focused on keeping their restaurant and bar to a minimal waste policy. The seasonal, regional menu means they’re also supporting local and know exactly where their sourced produce comes from. After fifty years of serving up fine dining in Glasgow, they’ve certainly nailed having a menu that is not only inventive and exciting but also green and thoughtful towards our planet.

Another legendary spot in Glasgow, GAMBA on West George Street is your go-to spot for seafood in the city. With more than 25 years of service in the city, GAMBA is synonymous with seafood excellence, drawing in diners from across Scotland to get their hands on GAMBA’s famous fish soup and fresh plates of oysters, mussels, sashimi and so much more. Sustainability and sourcing ingredients locally are at the forefront of everything GAMBA produces, so much so that they credit this to their unwavering success over the past two decades. And if you want to know if they really walk the walk, the restaurant received the highest possible rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, so you know they’re the real deal!

Doing their part for veganism in Glasgow, Stereo is a local haunt for vegans and non-vegans alike. With a menu dubbed as ‘vegan junk food’, you’ll find comfort foods such as Buffalo cauliflower bites, burgers, chip supper, cheesy chips, mushroom pierogi, and butties, all made without any animal produce. Pair your choices with a couple of Stereo’s draught beers or a bespoke cocktail and you’re in for a great time. Who knew you could dig into some junk food and be doing the planet some good?