The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Glasgow Worth the Hype
Fine dining can feel a little intimidating, but don’t let that hold you back! You might find an incredible dish that you wouldn’t typically find at your usual hangouts.
Yes, it’s not cheap—I won’t pretend otherwise—but that’s why I’ve got your back. I’ve rounded up some of the best fine dining spots in Glasgow to make sure you’re spending your money on places that are absolutely worth it.
The Gannet
– Photo credit: thegannetgla
Website: https://www.thegannetgla.com/
Address: 1155 Argyle St, Finnieston
Contact details: +44 141 204 2081
Operating hours:
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (WED)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (THURS-SAT)
The Gannet is a must-visit if you want a taste of modern Scottish dining. Located right in the heart of Finnieston, it’s been serving since 2013.
What makes this place stand out is the atmosphere—it’s warm, welcoming, and has just the right touch of rustic charm. And when it comes to food, they’re all about using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are bursting with flavour.
Every time I go, I make sure to order their spiced monkfish. It’s perfectly cooked, lightly spiced, and served with crunchy grains and rich dashi butter.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a gift idea, you might want to get one of The Gannet’s gift vouchers. Head to this page, pick the amount, add a personal message, and they’ll send it over by email or in nice packaging.
Cail Bruich
– Photo credit: cailbruich
Website: https://www.cailbruich.co.uk/
Address: 725 Great Western Rd
Contact details: +44 141 334 6265
Operating hours:
6:30 PM – 12:00 AM (TUES-THURS)
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
Cail Bruich is a cool restaurant you’ll find in the West End, just a short stroll from the Botanic Gardens. You’ve probably heard of it since it’s one of the first places in Glasgow to snag a Michelin star in almost 20 years.
They’re all about seasonal tasting menus that show off the best Scottish ingredients. Their head chef, Lorna McNee, is always coming up with something fresh and exciting.
Of all the dishes I’ve tried here, their Peterhead cod is hands down my favourite. It’s paired with Alsace bacon, baby gem, girolles (chanterelle), and chicken jus gras. The sweetness of the cod with the savoury bacon and chicken is just spot on.
Pro tip: If you work in hospitality, Cail Bruich offers a 15% discount on their food menu from Tuesday to Thursday evenings. Send an email to [email protected] so you can book a table and claim the hospitality discount!
Ubiquitous Chip
– Photo credit: ubiquitous_chip
Website: https://ubiquitouschip.co.uk/
Address: 12 Ashton Ln
Contact details: +44 141 334 5007
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (MON and TUES)
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (WED-SUN)
Whenever I’m craving something different, Ashton Lane is my go-to spot. This charming street is packed with great restaurants and bars, including one of my all-time favourites, the Ubiquitous Chip.
This restaurant is all about celebrating Scottish food, with one of their most iconic dishes being the venison haggis. It’s a great comfort dish! It’s tender, flavourful and served with creamy neeps and tatties that hit the spot every time.
But it’s not just the food that keeps me coming back. The place has such a cosy vibe with its cobblestone floors and glass roof. Plus, their rooftop terrace is a nice spot to chill with friends and catch up over a drink or two.
Pro tip: For the best dining experience at the Ubiquitous Chip, aim for a table on the mezzanine or near the lush greenery in the main dining area. They’re the cosiest spots and are awesome for making a great impression, especially if you’re on a date!
Porter & Rye
– Photo credit: porterandrye
Website: https://www.porterandrye.com/
Address: 1131 Argyle St, Finnieston
Contact details: +44 141 572 1212
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
If you’re looking for more fine dining experiences while in Finnieston, then check out Porter & Rye. It’s a proper steakhouse with a menu full of dry-aged beef and some really classy cocktails.
As a steak fan, I can’t resist ordering their Chateaubriand. It’s super tender and great for sharing with a friend. Add their rosemary mash or glazed carrots on the side, and you’ve got yourself a proper feast.
For drinks, you’ve got to try Lost in Translation. It’s this refreshing umeshu-based cocktail (umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made from ume plums) with a fizzy, fruity kick from the apricot mix. It’s great, especially for those who aren’t used to alcoholic drinks.
Pro tip: Porter & Rye often has special promotions, like discounts on food and drinks on select days of the week. Check this page regularly, so you don’t miss out on a great deal for your next visit!
Gamba
– Photo credit: gambaglasgow
Website: https://www.gamba.co.uk/
Address: 225A W George St
Contact details: +44 141 572 0899
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WED-FRI)
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (SAT)
If you’re into seafood, Gamba is the fine dining restaurant I can definitely recommend. You’ll find it on West George St in Blythswood Hill, tucked away in a quaint basement that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
This restaurant has been around since 1998, thanks to chef Derek Marshall, who’s all about serving fresh seafood straight from Scotland’s waters. I love that their menu changes every six weeks, so there’s always something new to look forward to.
Out of everything I’ve tried here, their North Sea crab meat is probably my favourite. The combo of stem ginger and prawn dumplings hits that amazing balance of sweet and zesty—it’s honestly unforgettable.
Pro tip: You can make your dining experience here more special by getting their Surf & Turf meal set, available every Wednesday. It’s £99 for two and comes with two juicy steaks paired with fresh seafood, plus a bottle of Italian wine to top it all off.
The Restaurant by One Devonshire Gardens
– Photo credit: hotelduvin
Website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/glasgow/the-restaurant/
Address: 1 Devonshire Gardens
Contact details: +44 141 378 0385
Operating hours:
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN-FRI)
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SAT)
The Restaurant by One Devonshire Gardens is a proper fancy spot that’s part of the swanky Hotel du Vin. With its oak-panelled walls, soft lighting, and elegant seating, the place has an upscale vibe that’s good for celebrating something special.
But it’s not just about the looks; their menu is quite good too. They’re all about contemporary European dishes, made with fresh, locally sourced Scottish ingredients.
If I had to recommend just one dish, it would be their Beef Wellington. It’s delightfully tender, wrapped in golden, flaky pastry, with earthy mushroom duxelles and a touch of herbs that make it unforgettable.
Pro tip: You can treat someone to a special meal at The Restaurant by One Devonshire Gardens with their gift experience vouchers. These are often available at discounted prices, so it’s a budget-friendly way to share a great dining experience!
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
– Photo credit: glaschu_restaurant
Website: https://glaschurestaurant.co.uk/
Address: 32 Royal Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 141 248 2214
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar is a cracking spot for modern Scottish dining and is located right in the heart of the city. The name itself, Glaschu, is Scottish Gaelic for Glasgow, a nice nod to the city’s heritage.
The vibe here is pretty spot-on. The decor is elegant without going over the top, and it has a welcoming atmosphere that’s good for date nights or family celebrations. But what really steals the show, in my opinion, is the food.
In particular, their 7oz fillet of aged Scottish beef is an absolute belter, served with confit ox cheek, ale suet pudding, and a rich red wine jus. The last time I had it, I was practically scraping my plate clean!
Pro tip: Glaschu Restaurant & Bar puts on some good events that are worth checking out. Whether it’s champagne dinners or seasonal tasting menus, they’re a nice way to enjoy Scottish dishes in a unique setting.
You can find out when their next events are by following their Facebook page.
The Spanish Butcher
– Photo credit: spanishbutcher
Website: https://spanishbutcher.com/
Address: 80 Miller St
Contact details: +44 141 406 9880
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (MON-FRI)
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (SAT and SUN)
For those who are looking for more delicious steaks to try, there’s The Spanish Butcher on Miller Street. First opened in 2016, it has a New York loft-inspired design with exposed brick, wood panelling, and low lighting.
Their menu is all about quality ingredients with a Spanish twist—think premium Galician beef, Iberico jamon, and fresh seafood. They also have an extensive selection of wines imported from Spain, France, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Last time I was here, I tried the Presa Iberico de Bellota, which is this tender shoulder cut from acorn-fed Iberico pigs. Honestly, it was next-level. It had an incredible nutty flavour that went well with their manchego mac and cheese.
Pro tip: The Spanish Butcher has a private room where you can host exclusive events like intimate celebrations and corporate events for up to 74 seated guests. You can reserve it by contacting their phone number or sending a message to their email, [email protected].
UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers
– Photo credit: unalomebygc
Website: https://www.unalomebygc.com/
Address: 36 Kelvingrove St, Finnieston
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (WED-SUN)
Another fine dining restaurant worth checking out is UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers. They’re quite special, as it only took them eight months after opening in 2021 to snag a Michelin star!
With that kind of buzz, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Their menu is quite brilliant! It features modern British cuisine with a touch of French and Japanese flair.
I tried their Junmai Sake Cured Black Bream, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. The sake gave the fish this lovely, subtle umami kick that made the natural sweetness of the bream shine even more.
Pro tip: If you’re after a truly special dining experience, book the Kitchen Table. It’s an exclusive setup for up to four guests, where you’ll be seated right in the heart of the action as you watch the chefs work their magic.