Enjoy quick bites and big flavours at the top lunch spots in Glasgow!
Lunch is easily the best part of the day. Work can be hectic, but that wee break in the middle is when you get to slow down and enjoy yourself. Sometimes it’s just a quick bite; other times it’s a chance to meet pals and catch up.
I love heading out in Glasgow at lunchtime. There’s always something new to try, and it’s miles better than a meal deal or whatever I’ve thrown together at home.
Good food makes the day brighter, so I’ve put together some of the best lunch spots I’ve tried or heard great things about so you can enjoy them too.
@Lunch Glasgow
Photo credit: lunchglasgow
Address: 1620 Great Western Rd, Anniesland
Contact details: +44 141 954 5093
Operating hours:
9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
@Lunch Glasgow is one of my favourite places to make my lunch breaks feel more satisfying. They focus on fresh, hearty food that’s quick to prepare, so you can enjoy it within minutes.
The menu has plenty of familiar favourites, including soups, wraps, salads, and burgers. When I need something fast but filling, my choice is always the buttermilk burger.
The chicken comes out crisp on the outside and tender inside, coated in spices that give it a tangy kick many will enjoy. I usually pair it with a shot of espresso for the extra boost of energy to push through the afternoon.
| Pro tip: If you’re always rushing through your lunch break, the @Lunch Glasgow mobile app is a real time saver. You can check the menu, order ahead, and pay before you even leave the office. By the time you arrive, your food is ready to pick up, so there’s no more waiting around in a queue. The app is available to download from both the App Store and the Play Store. |
Cafe Gandolfi
Photo credit: cafegandolfi
Website: https://cafegandolfi.com/
Address: 64 Albion St
Contact details: +44 141 552 6813
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON)
8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
For anyone who enjoys a classic lunch, Cafe Gandolfi is always worth a visit. Open since the late 70s, it has had a simple but warm atmosphere, with wooden interiors and soft yellow lighting that make it a welcoming spot for a relaxed meal.
What makes it stand out is its focus on Scottish cuisine, which means you can expect familiar flavours done well. The menu shifts with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try alongside the favourites.
I often go for the haggis, but for first-time visitors, my top pick is the Cullen skink with a baguette. The creamy broth, smoky haddock, and fresh bread come together beautifully, giving you a lunch that feels satisfying without being too heavy.
| Pro tip: Cafe Gandolfi offers monetary vouchers that make a great gift or even a handy treat for yourself. You can choose the amount, use them any time within a year, and spend them on anything from the menu. They can be bought online and either sent straight to your inbox or packaged nicely if you want to give them as a present. |
Number 16
Photo credit: number16glasgow
Website: https://www.number16.co.uk/
Address: 16 Byres Rd
Contact details: +44 141 339 2544
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-SAT)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (SUN)
Number 16 is a small restaurant that never fails to impress me with what they bring to the table. Open since 1999, it has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its modern Scottish cooking, all served in a cosy two-level space that feels intimate and refined.
Like the restaurant I mentioned earlier, their menu shifts with the seasons, which gives me a reason to return and see what’s new. One dish that truly stood out to me was the rump of Scottish beef.
It comes with potato fondant, celeriac, cavolo nero, mushrooms, and black garlic, creating layers of flavour that feel balanced. The mix of earthiness and sweetness gives the dish a comforting quality that’s especially enjoyable in the middle of the day.
| Pro tip: Number 16’s three-course lunch is one of the best ways to enjoy their Michelin-recognised cooking without spending too much. At £32 for three courses, it gives you a proper taste of their seasonal menu at great value. Make sure to book ahead to secure a table, as seats tend to fill quickly thanks to their reputation. |
Scran + Roadie
Photo credit: scranandroadie
Website: https://scranandroadie.co.uk/
Address: 180 Saltmarket
Contact details: +44 141 375 0236
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Whenever my friends and I get the chance to meet up for lunch, we often end up at Scran + Roadie. It’s a modern diner on Saltmarket with a good mix of dishes that work well whether you’re eating on your own or sharing with others.
The menu covers plenty of options, such as hamburgers, wraps, and sandwiches, but we usually go straight for their New York-style pizzas. They’re served from noon and come in both 12” and 20” sizes, which makes them good for any appetite.
Our favourite is the aubergine pizza. The base is crisp, the sauce has a nice tang, and the smoky topping makes it feel hearty. The addition of goat cheese gives it a creamy and earthy flavour that ties everything together nicely.
| Pro tip: The £5 Roadie at Scran + Roadie is a bargain, especially if you’re looking for a quick lunch. For just a fiver, you get a big New York-style pizza slice with a drink, making it perfect for a quick and tasty lunch! It’s served from noon and lets you enjoy their 20-inch pizzas without needing to order a whole one. |
Sebb’s
Photo credit: sebbs_official
Website: https://sebbs.com/
Address: 68B Miller St
Contact details: +44 141 739 9381
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
I came across Sebb’s on Miller Street during one of my walks, and it felt like a hidden gem. The underground setting makes it easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, which, in my opinion, adds to its charm.
Although it opens right at lunchtime, the place fills up quickly with folks looking for a hearty midday meal. The menu is small but well put together, with generous portions that are ideal if you arrive hungry.
On my first visit, I tried their DC’s Texan hotlink with gold sauce and bread and butter pickles. The sausage had a deep, smoky spice that paired beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the pickles. I’ll likely order it again for my next visit here.
| Pro tip: Sebb’s isn’t just for lunch. They also host live music and DJ sets in their underground space, which makes them a decent spot if you’re looking for local live music venues. Check this page now and then to see when the next performances are scheduled. |
MacTassos
Photo credit: mactassos
Website: http://mactassos.co.uk/
Address: Kelvin Way
Contact details: +44 7733 657484
Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SUN)
When work gets too hectic for a proper meal, I often make a quick stop at MacTassos in Kelvingrove Park. Their food truck is easy to reach, and they usually have my order ready within minutes.
They specialise in Greek street food, with gyros and souvlaki as the main draw. Their wraps are perfect for eating on the move, and more than once I’ve found myself finishing one while rushing back to the office as my break comes to an end.
On days when I have more time, I go for the mixed gyros plate. Juicy chicken and pork are served with warm pita, crisp salad, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. It’s always enjoyable, especially when I can sit back on a bench and take my time with it.
| Pro tip: MacTassos offers vegetarian gyros, such as falafel and halloumi, for anyone who wants to skip meat. These can also be made fully vegan if you prefer. Simply ask their staff for dairy-free sauces, and you’ll still enjoy the same generous wrap with salad, chips, and warm pita. |
Dishoom Glasgow
Photo credit: dishoom
Website: https://www.dishoom.com/glasgow/
Address: 6, 11 Nelson Mandela Pl
Contact details: +44 141 611 4411
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (MON-THURS)
8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (FRI)
9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (SAT)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (SUN)
Dishoom Glasgow is one of my favourite lunch spots because it highlights the city’s culinary diversity. I love how the setting pays tribute to Bombay’s Irani cafes, with vintage decor and a moody atmosphere that make the whole experience feel special.
Their menu stretches from hearty breakfasts to late-night feasts, but for lunch I often go lighter. The Dishoom Fancy Chicken Salad is a standout, with chargrilled chicken, pomegranate, crisp greens, and a dressing that balances spice and tang.
It feels fresh yet indulgent, perfect for a midday break. Of course, they have plenty of other dishes worth exploring, like biryanis and curries. They even provide craft cocktails if you want to give your lunch a little extra lift.
| Pro tip: Dishoom Glasgow can come to you. They deliver through Deliveroo, and the menu has plenty of favourites that travel well, like the House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby, and their naan rolls. It’s an easy way to enjoy their food at home, but make sure to check here if your area is covered before you order. |
Kinara Glasgow
Photo credit: kinaraglasgow
Website: https://www.kinara.co.uk/
Address: 10 King St
Contact details: +44 141 237 0810
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 9:30 PM (MON-THURS)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (SUN)
If you’re after another lunch spot with international flavours, Kinara Glasgow is worth checking out. I’ve heard plenty about how the restaurant celebrates Indian cooking with a modern twist.
A friend of mine swears by their chicken makhni. It’s their take on butter chicken, with a rich and velvety sauce that coats tender pieces of meat in a mix of spice and gentle sweetness.
I also found out they serve classics like tandoori sea bass and grilled pomfret, which makes the menu even more tempting. By the time my friend finished talking about his visits, I was already thinking about booking a table for myself.
| Pro tip: If you want real value at lunchtime, Kinara’s two-course deal for £12.99 is hard to beat. It runs on weekdays at midday, which makes it perfect if you work nearby or just fancy a proper sit-down meal without spending too much. |
Sugo Pasta
Photo credit: sugopastaglasgow
Website: https://www.sugopasta.co.uk/
Address: 70 Mitchell St
Contact details: +44 141 258 1650
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
As someone who really loves pasta, I often find myself returning to Sugo Pasta for lunch. They focus on fresh pasta dishes made with seasonal ingredients, and every noodle is crafted by hand each day.
Their menu features 10 pasta options, each inspired by classic recipes from Italian regions such as Campania, Tuscany, and Sicily. You can enjoy dishes like orecchiette with broccoli and anchovy, tagliatelle with porcini, or rigatoni with spicy sausage.
My top choice is the pappardelle with beef ragu. The beef brings a deep savoury flavour that pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
A sprinkle of their complimentary Grana Padano cheese adds a nutty finish that makes it even more satisfying.
| Pro tip: If you’re stuck for a present, Sugo’s gift vouchers are a safe bet. You can buy them online, and they work just like cash in the restaurant, so the person you’re treating can pick their own pasta and wine when it suits them. Since the vouchers are digital, you can sort them out last minute and still look thoughtful. |