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The Buttery, A True Glasgow Institution, review by Pat Byrne

The Buttery – A True Glasgow Institution

The Buttery, 652 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8UF

The Buttery, established in 1870, describes itself as a ‘true Glasgow institution’ and is thought to be Glasgow’s oldest culinary establishment. Tucked away in a corner of Anderston it’s unlikely to attract passing trade but this much loved restaurant has a faithful clientele and is a particularly attractive destination for visitors to the city. In 2007 the restaurant became Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery. 

If you are planning a very special celebration, entertaining friends or just feel that you deserve a very special treat then The Buttery is a perfect destination.

From the minute you step over the door, to be greeted by smiling workers, you can expect to feel welcome, leave your troubles behind and relax into the restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere.

It is a beautiful restaurant with a classy old world charm Scottish style, with it’s wood panelling and  touches of tartan  I went along with my friend Maggie and we were shown to a very elegant corner table, intimate but very much part of the atmospheric restaurant. For early on a Tuesday evening the restaurant was busy with a mix of  young couples, a family celebrating an 18th birthday and at another table they were presented with a birthday cake for a younger child. Next to us sat a couple enthusing over their meal in Italian.  However, there was no hustle bustle nor any feeling of being rushed. The waiting staff are very efficient, pleasant; some of them in them in Scottish dress – looking splendid in their kilts.

Now to the food and where to start!!

We took some time perusing a very interesting and original menu with each dish crafted  “using only the finest locally sourced ingredients”

To start, Maggie chose Whisky Salmon Gravlax – Salmon gravlax, pickled radish, cucumber & watercress puree, toasted sourdough. I had Duck & Black Pudding – Duck leg braised in soy, ginger & garlic, Stornoway black pudding, red wine reduction.

The dishes could not have looked more appetising, beautifully presented and the verdict of both was ‘delicious’.  My duck could not have been more tender and simply melted in my mouth. We were offered a choice of breads and encouraged to ‘have some more’ – there is nothing stinting about The Buttery.

For main courses, Maggie chose duck and I had coley fish served on a bed of coconut rice.  The portions are generous, and, once again, looked and tasted wonderful.

With our meal we had a wine that Maggie recommended but was new to me – the Gavi La Battistina worked very well and was indeed dry and aromatic.

The dessert menu was very tempting but we were pretty full after the two courses so, although the Passionfruit Tart  – Passionfruit curd tart, white chocolate cream cheese, raspberry coulis sounded  extremely inviting and the flavours of the trio of ice creams tantalising, we opted for coffee and petit fours.

The cappuccinos were wonderful and looked splendid served in delicate china  cups– that final touch of sweetness with the petit fours sweets was the perfect finish to a glorious meal.

On the way out had a wee chat with Jade, a member of the friendly Buttery Team, who helped us with our coats, and bade us farewell. 

Jade, The Buttery

It was a marvellous evening and I hope to return to The Buttery before too long.  Incredibly the first time I went there was in 1972 and each time I return it just gets better and better.

Pat Byrne, June, 2024

The Buttery, G3 8UF Argyle St, Glasgow

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Check out the menus at The Buttery

• • A La Caret menu at The Buttery
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Menu
  • Lunchtime menu
  • Childrens’ Menu
  • Wine List 
  • Cocktails

Social Media

The Buttery on Facebook

Instagram – @thebutterygla

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