Glasgow West End: Pat's Guide to Eating Out: Restaurants and Cafes.

Book a table and get a special deal: Glasgow Restaurant Reservations

Glasgow West End - a great place for eating out. It's simply brimming over with cafes, restaurants, bistros and bars - with prices to suit every purse and produce to suit every palate. Not surprisingly culinary treats include Scottish dishes but you will be amazed at the range of international cuisine on offer. This section will be organised so that you can select the type of restaurant you prefer. I will highlight my favourite restaurants, cafes and bistros and Roy Beers will keep you up to date with all the latest news on Glasgow Dining and Drinking

Reviews and Comments

We love to hear about your eating out experiences. You can send any rstaurant reviews to pat@glasgowwestend.co.uk and place comments using the Comments Box at the bottom of each page.

FotoBareesta - something new in Woodlands coffee bar and photo development. July, 2008.

Restaurant Review: The Milton Inn. C. Byrne.

Eating Out in Glasgow

Roy Beers' 'Eating and Drinking in Glasgow' - in the know and up to date about pubs and restaurants in Glasgow West End (From March, 2006)

Read my regularly updated, West End Restaurant News

Restaurant Reviews - by Tom Cannavan, March, 2004.

Eating Out - Some comments from Tom Cannavan, West End Wine Guru (20th February, 2002)

Pat's Picks

Read about my favourite West End Restaurants, Cafes and Bistros

Read the Glasgow West End Food and Drink Column by Lindsay Hopwood - what to eat, where to buy it, and how to cook it.

Restaurants in the West End:

The above information is sourced mainly from my own eating out experiences and input from friends and other Westenders. I have also refered to: 'GO Glasgow Events and Listings' Magazine, The List 'Edinburgh & Glasgow Eating and Drinking Guide' (revised edition 1999). 'Eating Out in Glasgow', David Phillips (1997) and The Evening Times (GO For a Meal).

I'd like to hear about your favourite West End restaurants and all your good experiences dining out so get in touch. pat@glasgowwestend.co.uk or add your comments below

Comments

Chimmi Chiunga's closed several years ago and re opened as Bar OZ
-- FrankM ( fmurphy at dial dot pipex dot com ) from Glasgow on 22.11.2002; 21:05:02 Uhr

We regularly eat out in Glasgow, and mostly are impressed. There's one cafe we keep on going back to - Otago Cafe on Otago Street. The food is always superb and the service is great - really friendly.
--Laura ( pixicat at pixicat dot worldonline dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 24.4.2002; 14:14:21 Uhr

Any views or comments about the Kelvingrove Cafe in Kelvingrove Museum would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, Sara.J.
--Sara ( saraj at handbag dot com ) from Scotland on 28.2.2002; 12:37:57 Uhr

When your in Glasgow you have to try out this restaurant called Est Est Est. The serving is really good. The food even better for a reasonable price. The restaurant is really trendy decorated and has a nice atmosphere. So go on and try it out!!!
--Rens Blommaert ( rens dot blommaert at nl dot yachtgroup dot com ) from Netherlands on 28.8.2001; 21:58:49 Uhr

Thanks for getting in touch Remo. I've altered the information - Yes, you've got great staff down in'Little Italy" including James, Paulo etc. Pat.
--Pat Byrne ( pat at glasgowwestend dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 26.9.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Dear Pat, we have not yet met although i have spotted you wizzing in and out of my shop, Little Italy. I would like to thank you for the effort you have taken to give Little Italy a very good mention on your web page ( thanks go also to Jim Bowes who is obviously a dedicated fan!). I would like to mention an error that was made in referrence to James coming third place in London for the UK Delifrance Sandwich Challenge finals: he came in first position for the UK and third position in Europe, held in Paris, June. Hopefully my staff members will continue to win these competitions with their talents, and Little Italy will maintain a presence on your web site. Thanks, Remo.
--Remo Crolla ( remo at littleitaly205 dot freeserve dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 7.9.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Joe - I assume you are the owner/close friend of the owner of the Internet Cafe you describe? :-)
--Jim Byrne ( j dot byrne at gcal dot ac dot uk ) from Scotland on 4.8.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

I recently visisted the SURFIN INTERNET cafe on St Georges Road, Charing Cross. It is amazing, it has the be the best internet cafe in glasgow. It is done up really well and the computers are brill. It serves COSTA COFFEE and the cappacinos are amazing. The prices to acess the net are very reasonable and the place has a very nice atmosphere. The staff were very helpful, polite and talkative - good for tourists and locals alike. It also has very long oping hours 07.00 am all the way throght to 02.00 am !!!!!
--joe ( glasgow_joe at hotmail dot com ) from Scotland on 4.8.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

has chimmy chungas closed down? nothing on the net.
--David Smith ( tapit at netscape dot net ) from canada on 1.8.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

The Wickets is a great place to drink beer outside on a sunny day. Unfortunately the food is less than great. The salads are eighty per cent frizzy lettuce which hasn't even been torn into manageable pieces and much the same could be said of the sandwiches which are made out of unwieldy chunks of focaccia. Apparently the burgers are good though - and obviously made on the premises from 'real' meat. It's also very annoying having to queue up at the bar to order your food.
--Hilary ( e-mail at your dot host ) from Scotland on 7.7.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Leonardos is a great place take kids at lunchtime, especially at the weekend.

The Tinderbox has usually got its fair share of refugees from various Mothers and Toddlers groups as well.
--Colin ( cd at colsar dot com ) from Scotland on 1.7.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Pat/Jim

An excellent new addition is a small cafe on Queen Margaret drive called North star. Excellent coffee and super eats. It has been established by Ian( I believe) THE founder of the original Cafe Gandalfi in Albion St. This cafe , although much smaller has the same charisma. Well worth a visit.

Also my favourite Chinese restaurant is the Manchurian in Dumbarton Road ...James, the owner runs a great restaurant with good food and a personal touch
--Jim Bowes ( integriteam at euphony dot com ) from Scotland on 12.4.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Pat,

Great idea. Net pages for the West End.

Just one comment for your eating guide. Avoid the "The Rock" if you have children. It is an extremely family unfriendly pub. I had the misfortune to sit with my Children, 13 to 11, on the wrong seats one lunchtime. After a torrent of abuse and being told to wait outside till a table was free, I left. I will not be visiting "The Rock" again.
--ALASTAIR ( 1066317 dot 2070 at COMPUSERVE dot COM ) from Scotland on 26.3.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

I'm sure you must know this but the "Sun" is now "Chows" and you have them both listed.

Good site though.
--Julie ( julie at grizzley dot freeserve dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 19.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Thanks for all the information ,Pat. I'm returning to the west-end after nine years in L. A. The west-end has obviously changed somewhat since I was there!!!!! Very informative web-site. Thanks again. Connie Reed.
--Connie Reed ( Creedscot at aol dot com ) from Los Angeles California on 17.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Grassroots in Woodlands Road have a brilliant new vegetarian restaurant. Great food, wonderful choices and good price.
--Eileen McCusker ( dot dot dot ) from Scotland on 16.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Il Bosco, Italian Restaurant on Dumbarton Road, Partick - good food and you can spot 'famous folk' there.
--JD ( North Kelvinside ) from Scotland on 13.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Happy Birthday Martin, glad you and Sophie enjoyed your meal at the Amber.
--Pat ( pat at glasgowwestend dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 4.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Hi Jim, Thanks for drawing my attention to Little Italy's cappuccino - don't know how I managed to miss them out. Their pizzas are also great. (Regarding Yahoo we are in their queue for consideration and with some luck they will take us on board).
--Pat ( pa at glasgowwestend dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 4.2.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Pat , love the site....you must add little italy for the best cappucino in glasgow west.

ps i could not get access via yahoo , something you may want to investigate

Be in touch soon
--Jim Bowes ( e-mail at your dot host ) from Scotland on 31.1.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Sunday Breakfast in the West End

Anyone with any good recommendations for Sunday Breakfast in the West End - preferably with Sunday Neswpapers provided. Jim and I are checking out this very civilized pursuit and would like some tips. Pat.
--Pat Byrne ( pat at www dot glasgowwestend dot co dot uk ) from Scotland on 20.1.2000; 0:00:00 Uhr

Hi Jess,

Myself and Pat where in the Littlejohns restaurant when we where up in St Andrews for the weekend. It too had an antique train train set but this time it was buzzin around the perimeter of the room a few feet from the ceiling. There must have been a firesale in the antique toy train factory.

We only went in for a coffee and a bun - the service was very pleasant - no complaints

--Jim Byrne ( j dot byrne at dial dot pipex dot com ) from Scotland on 23.12.1999; 0:00:00 Uhr

Dropped in to the newly refurbished Salon cinema which unfortunately is no longer a cinema but now run as a Littlejohns Restaurant - one of ten in Scotland. They have however retained all the major feature of the cinema and have made a valiant attempt at retaining and restoring the decor to its former glory (although the colours would perhaps not be my personal choice) They have retained a cinema screen of sorts which I believe shows old footage of the Laurel and Hardy/Buster Keeton type (on a loop?) I can't really comment on the how that works since it wasn't on offer in the afternoon when we were there.

The alternative distraction was a wee antique train set buzzing round the stage in front of the cinema screen. I couldn't quite get the connection to the cinema theme in evidence everywhere (ancient projectors and bits of equipment; clapper board; picture of the last supper a la Hollywood)but perhaps it was in tribute to all those blackeyed Suzies who found themselves tied to the railtrack struggling to get free split seconds before being rescued from the jaws of the oncoming choo choo. Anyway......to get on to the main attraction...the food. The menu is an American diner menu and the food like you would get in any of these diner type chains although they do have haggis & neeps (the neeps come in irritating little hard cubes) A 'nip' of whisky is served with the haggis along with oatcakes and butter. I presume they have lots of wee quirky features on the menu like that but not being a food writer or an Egon Ronay spy I will confine my comments to what I was eating.We didn't order a sweet or coffee as it has to be said, the service was a bit slow (maybe we were in too much of a hurry!)

but we did get chocolates with the bill!

The atmosphere is a bit cold because of the big space and the white unshaded side lights (a downlighted cinema glow would be much better on the walls) but since they were putting candles out when we left (albeit in ghastly beatnick wine bottles with the wax flowing) presumably the evening atmosphere would be a tad warmer. Worth a visit especially with children (they provide balloons)

but perhaps not the venue to pop a major question!

--Jess Fitzgerald ( jess dot fitzgerald at which dot net ) from Scotland on 21.12.1999; 0:00:00 Uhr

Sal-e Pepe was very nice but they were a bit overwhelmed by the friday lunchtime rush and the service suffered a bit. However they were quite nice about it. The Creperie in Byres road is vastly overpriced. The mineral water (when it eventually arrived via the less than satisfactory service) was warm and although the food is nice the surroundings haven't been updated since god knows when.
--Penny Heighes ( Heighes at compuserve dot com ) from Scottish but live in London - Sorry! on 29.11.1999; 0:00:00 Uhr

Hi tried the fusion sushi bar and it might have been that day but the food was awful and they did not charge us. I like sushi and have tried numerous tastes but it was terrible.
--Nancy Ott ( N dot Ott at gcal dot ac dot uk ) from Scotland on 11.11.1999; 0:00:00 Uhr

Hiya Pat my very own wired gal pal! CONGRATULATIONS to you and Jim--you,ve created a very smart, goodlooking and interesting website -- reflecting your own qualities in fact. Yet another string to your bow- is there no end?

Enough - on to the business of contributing some info this week: Tried new places down Byres Road - Leonardo's: upmarket Italian trattoria - beautiful Milan-style decor - only had a latte but served with a lot of style and a bit of tablet it wins the prize of the only westend place beating Princes Square price for coffee - must be trying to keep out the scruff! - the menu looked very tempting and it has a KO facility next door. Look out Little Italy. Also tried Naked Soup - a super selection of fresh soups - the chef let me taste three of them - wonderful -- very Seattle. Julie
--Julie Gorevan ( julie_gorevan at goplay dot com ) from Scotland on 7.11.1999; 0:00:00 Uhr

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Comments

I agree , i work for the council on High Street and my colleague and I had lunch in The Red Lizard on friday , the burger is really good and the steak pie reminded me of my grans growin up , I will agree with you on their burgers , i have never had a burger like that before ( superb ) . we will definately go back .

Joe | Sun Apr 19 2009

Does anyone know what's happening with Lux & Stazione at Gartnavel? Been closed for a few days now, with a notice on the door "... for staff training and stock take ..."

Allan | Thu Oct 02 2008

For the couple looking for a good sunday brunch spot. I have explored this for quite a while myself and TriBeca on Dumbarton Rd is great. Unfortunately its not licensed so no accompanying Bloody Mary's.

Debbie | Sun Aug 17 2008

Any suggestions for a good family pub in the West End...anywhere where kids aged around 5 are allowed???

Sameer | Tue Jul 22 2008

Just been to a wee gem of a restaurant on byres road called La Vallee Blanche. It's only just opened so curiosity took me there. The lovely decor suggested it may be a bit expensive, but I found the price very reasonable. AND THE FOOD IS FAB. Pass this wee snippet on to your readers, I,m sure they'll appreciate it. H

Howard Ross | Thu Feb 21 2008

This is a great site! Just to say that Paperino's on Byres Road has just launched a new wine list! Looks good and the prices are very reasonable! The Chianti is fantastic!

Russell | Mon Nov 05 2007

I Read an article in the herald about louis today and i was shocked. I am a regular custmer in Louis, eating there often more than once a week. In fact i had my husbands birthday party there last night. we had the downstairs function room and it was amazing. To start i had the beetroot and poached pear salad. followed by crocodiles tail!My husband just had a burger but it was fantastic and he raves about it. It was the best meal in my life and i would recommend it to any close friends.

Lisa friel | Sat Aug 18 2007

If you remember the Di Maggio's that used to be at 18 Gibson Street, it has been reborn as a modern burger grill come restaurant, Louis' Grill. I first heard of it on the Glasgow Underground, where there are adverts in many of the carridges, also advertising the sister restaurant Number 16, a well established and respected restaurant that has been running for many years. I visisted Louis' Later in the week, and the claim of it having "Possibly the Best Burgers in the World" is most definately not an idle boast, and the specials and mains left nothing to be desired on later visits. I would definately recommend that you review it for yourself soon. Anne Connolly

Anne Connolly | Sat Aug 04 2007

Great site - I agree with almost everything, and there's a lot there that I'll want to try now. There's one gem been missed out, Louis' Grill on Gibson Street. Its only recently opened, but I went down there during a lunch break from uni to try it out, and the burgers were to die for. There's also a good range of grills I tried on return visits.

James Morris | Mon Jun 04 2007

had a wonderful dinner at Fanny Trollopes on saturday night with three friends, excellent food, wonderful service and extremely resonabley priced... also tried 'enjoy' on Great Western road -best coffee in the west end...so far...

catherine | Sun May 13 2007

I can thoroughly recommend Rio Cafe in Hyndland Street, best coffee in West End! A good big menu too, their breakfasts are delicious. I go there a couple of times a week with my baby daughter & staff are really nice & friendly.

Eilidh | Sat Dec 30 2006

Visited Left Bank in Gibson Street on 24 October 2006. Been there at least half dozen times and usually good. However, waited over one hour between starter and main course. Also 2 out of party of 4 got mains at least 10 mins before others. Party of 6 at next table also complained. Needs to sharpen up act before customers drift away.

Michael Watters | Wed Oct 25 2006

Just been to the Cabin Restaurant on 996 Dumbarton road, Whiteinch this weekend. By far the best food ive ever had in glasgow. A variety of fabulous seafood and meat dishes with a vegetarian choice as well i think. Only costs around £26 or something for 3 courses and coffee, and you can bring your own booze too which is tops!...Entertainment later on in the evening from the singer or if she aint there the chef and the waiter sing...its just brill...didnt leave till 3am!...my oh my what a great night...

alison white | Sun Jul 09 2006

Pan Asian Restaurant is a great place take honny at lunchtime, especially at the weekend.

Dennis | Sun Mar 05 2006

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oPPHjTl2wt | Sun Jan 22 2006

Great cafe and bistro at 15 West street,Tradeston,Glasgow.Licensed and free Wi-fi.Homemade soup and Italian breads,Delicious desserts.Coffee is said to be the best in Glasgow.

ally | Thu Jun 09 2005

i just want to ask if there is an Arabian restaurants in Glasgow (halal food). thank you

Ameera | Wed Mar 09 2005

Hi Penny, I got hungry just reading the info on your site. I'm trying to find out how we are related,since all Heighes are related. I live in Alberta, Canada. and would love to hear from you..I have over 2000 names on my Heighes Family tree.

Jim Heighes | Tue Feb 22 2005

hello, i would like to organize a meeting in glasgow. if its possible, please send me leaflets or brochures about your restaurants like a "good food guide". Bank Building Circular Road Dungannon Co. Tyrone BT71 6DT Thank you js

Jacqueline Sell | Wed Feb 09 2005

Dear Pat, thank you 4 your useful info on eating out in Glasgow. Myself and my fiance, went to The Lansdowne on saturday 4 a meal, after shopping in Glasgow. The meal and the service were as good as your recomendation. Only thing i was alittle disappointed about, was that bar by the seating area. We were sat near there, while a group of gents were drinking. They were loud at times and swearing, it was alittle off- putting, during our meal. Other than that, it was a nice meal and will definately try more of your suggestions of eating establishments. Many thanks. Mr Shek

Mr Shek | Mon Jan 17 2005

Great site - very refreshing and interesting. Good to have more than a listing service - keep up the good work. We love Tratoria Trevi and La Parmigiana across the road and Otago is also a favourite.

Jenny and Kieran | Wed Oct 08 2003

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