Where to go for Lebanese food in Glasgow

Scotstoun locals will have spotted the makeover that took place in this property over the summer months. Now the restaurant on Dumbarton Road has a slightly more formal and glamorous feel, with leather seating and glowing Middle Eastern lanterns within. But it retains the same unfussy and casual ambience, with great value food and a community feel. Take a seat and order some hummus Beirutty, warak inab, kabees, salads, bammieh B’zeit, freshly baked manakeish bizzaatar, grilled shashlik king prawn, or a Lotus special sandwich. Or swing by at lunchtime for some handmade sambousek cheese, fatayer b’sabanekh or shawarma to grab and go.

This new addition to Glasgow’s Lebanese food scene arrived at the end of 2022 just around the corner from the King’s Theatre. It’s the work of restaurateur Mehrab Fakouri, also known for Saffron by Paradise and Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me: The Professionals. Roya (meaning “dream” or “vision”) is chic and high-end, with a real charcoal fire in the kitchen and a seductive deep blue and dark wood decorated vintage-esque dining room, set within the features of a period building. 

The halal-friendly menus are equally alluring, as are the cocktails; this is one of the few places in the city where you can sample artisanal Lebanese-inspired cocktails such as a Date Old Fashioned (Aperol with fresh watermelon juice and prosecco), a Persian Martini (Grey Goose, Chambord, rose, pineapple and raspberry) and a Rose Lassi Gin Fizz (rose-infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, pistachio orgeat, cardamon, single cream, lemon and egg white). The food here is made with love, following the Middle Eastern and Arabic principle that a guest should never leave the table hungry.

Named after what was a Lebanese centre of trade in the third millennium BC, Byblos is a family-owned BYOB restaurant in the west end. It was one of the first Lebanese eateries to arrive in the city, having opened just over a decade ago. The team made it their mission to bring flavours of the Middle East to Glasgow, through authentic homemade dishes and their own signature secret recipes. If you want something quick and healthy, opt for a falafel or chicken steamed rice box with red pepper and peas. Those with a little longer can go for a full three-course meal, comprising a hot or cold starter (like a kebbe mincemeat patty or stuffed vine leaves); a platter or stew-based main; and a pud (such as maamoul, or a piece of kanafeh cheesecake made with honey syrup and rosewater). On a nice day you can sit outside and watch the world go by, with herbal tea, some baklava and shisha. Byblos Cafe caters to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets and is open from Monday to Saturday, noon to 8pm.

Sustainable Scottish produce — and kebabs of course — are at the heart of ‘Babs Mediterranean menu, meaning you can enjoy flavours from afar while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Make your meal even more planet-friendly with a vegan hummus shawarma (charcoal grilled This Isn’t Chicken and charred sweet peppers on lemony tahini and sundried tomato hummus with herby olive oil infused chickpeas, charred tomatoes, sweet pickles, pomegranate seeds and pita on the side). Plates at ‘Babs are filled with colour and sprigs of fresh greenery, served on stylish deep blue earthenware. It incorporates Greek, Turkish and Levantine heritage in a wide range of gourmet street food.

Looking for some of the city’s best handmade baklawa with a glass of mint tea, a traditional Lebanese coffee in a bone china cup, or a rich hot chocolate? Look no further than Beirut Star, where you can dine beneath a glittering crystal chandelier and gilt-edged cornicing, among large pictures of its namesake. The restaurant also offers comfort food such as burgers and chips balanced by healthful green mocktails and makloube (spiced rice and slow-cooked meat). You can also go vegan on Meat Free Mondays at Beirut Star, with delicious falafel and pomegranate-laced nutritious salads.