Where to go for German food in Glasgow

As close as you’ll get to a Munich bier halle in the UK, Bavaria Brauhaus was inspired by the famous Hofbräuhaus. Serving the München Big 6, with live Bavarian-style music (there’s a haus brass band) and delicious German food, the themed bar is hard to beat for an authentic, immersive experience. The venue is split into two levels – the main bar area and the mezzanine. Dine on sharing platters with three types of gourmet wurst (sausage), flammkuchen, schweinshaxe or bier battered fish. And don’t miss the apple and raisin strudel for pud. Bavaria Brauhaus is open from lunch through to late at night.

Eat like a Berliner and pop into Döner Haus. It’s just one of two in the UK (its sister site is in Manchester) and specialises in authentic Berlin Döner and currywurst. It is a kebab wonderland, an airy urban venue on West Nile Street, with quirky menu items, such as Checkpoint Cheesy (a mozzarella and cheddar cheese melt over Berlin döner served in a pida with onions, coriander and chilli sauce); Cluck Haus (chicken shawarma with halloumi and salad in a sesame seed fladenbrot with garlic sauce); and The Mustafa (chicken shawarma with mixed salad, chargrilled veg, mint, coriander and lemon, in a pida with chilli, garlic sauce and feta).

You’ve drunk the beer, now eat the food… WEST Brewery is Glasgow’s own award-winning Bavarian-style beverage producer and their relaxed warehouse restaurant is packed with delicious dishes. Family- and dog-friendly, both indoors and out (there’s a large garden overlooking Glasgow Green), the service is warm and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff that are happy to guide those new to this national cuisine. Children’s menus, large and small plates, hearty German soul food and healthy stews ensure those of all culinary persuasions are ably catered for. The dishes include classic German favourites and are all crafted using local Scottish produce. Some offer a playful mashup of the two countries’ culinary hits, like Gerwegian Fries, smothered with WEST Currywurst sauce, smoked cheese, pickles and crispy onions.

This city institution has been around since the turn of this millennium. Family-run, it’s hugely popular, in part for its enormous, sunny and central Bier Garten, which spans Gordon Street to Buchanan Street. Head below ground to the indoor bar – a take on a contemporary beer hall that incorporates Czech influences as well as German and boasts a massive selection of craft beers and tasty cocktails. Tuck into some wurst, sharing boards, a portion of decadent fondue fries, or the venue’s super value two for one pizzas (with thin and crispy bases and unique toppings). There are plenty of veggie, vegan and GF options too.

Why not pair your German meal with some slope action – as if you were actually in the Alps, but in Scotland. At Braehead, this can happen. Bar Varia is Xsite’s Bavarian-themed restaurant and Bier Halle, offering authentic dishes like savoury pretzel, Der Drachen, spaetzle, schweines and jaeger schnitzel. Diners overlook the huge indoor snow slope at XSite, providing a unique view. And it’s the ideal spot for parents to chill out with a large glass of beer, while the kids ski, sledge or snowboard. Plus there’s a purpose-built ‘exterior’ balcony for a closer view of the action. Just be sure to order a steaming mug of cocoa to keep warm in the sub-zero temperatures.

A growing international fast-food chain, German Doner Kebab began in Germany’s capital in 1989, at a significant point in the country’s history. The sauce recipes that have been developed by the brand since are top secret. Meat and chicken are imported from the company’s homeland to ensure that authentic taste, complemented by local veggies, and if you want to sample something that is a little bit different, opt for a Mexican take on a German kebab – like the Doner Quesadilla. This place is great if you want to grab and go or are in a hurry.