eating out
restaurant dining for all tastes
Ten years ago when someone inquired about the best places to eat in Glasgow about a half dozen recommendations was the norm. How times have changed!
Now, the eating and drinking environment is vastly different and significantly improved. Some restaurants that would have been named in the early 1990s – such as the venerable Ubiquitous Chip, Buttery or Rogano—are still trading at the top today. But they have been joined by more than a dozen excellent establishments: restaurants such as La Bonne Auberge, Gamba, Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or, Rococo and Lux; Quigleys, Saint Jude s, Air Organic, Stravaigin or Battlefield Rest, Mulberrys, Smiths of Glasgow, No Sixteen, Two Fat Ladies or Otago.
Dining in Glasgow has become noteworthy across the board: there is tremendous diversity in style of cuisine and in prices. There are branches of huge multinational chains as well as much more individual and locally owned bistros and brasseries full of character.
Glasgow has the most complete restaurant scene in the UK outside of London. Whatever you are looking for, you are likely to find it in Glasgow. You should find yourself spoilt for choice.
Recently (April 2003) a top editor from the US culinary magazine Bon Appétit – which sells over one million copies monthly – visited Glasgow to see first hand its potential as part of the publication's annual collector's edition dedicated exclusively to the food of Scotland.
You can virtually eat your way around the world in Glasgow . Traditionally the city has been home to a strong and vibrant Italian and South Asian communities. That is reflected in a wealth of more than 100 Italian and Indian restaurants across town. In the city's West End , the Giovanazzi family have made La Parmigiana one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the city, full stop, while the Sarti brothers offer a casual continental atmosphere at their Wellington Street café in the city centre. Curry fans know that Monir Mohammed has earned a justifiably strong reputation at Mother India and Nav Basi is blazing new territory at the Dhabba, which recently opened in the Merchant City district.
Fancy Greek? No Problem, there are several options from the homely Greek Golden Kebab on the Southside to Antonious at Charing Cross, where traditional dancing and plate-smashing are featured at occasional Greek nights.
Asian and Far Eastern food is plentiful, whether Chinese, Thai or Japanese – the latter of which takes full advantage of Scotland 's bountiful seas for a range of sushi and sashimi. Over a half dozen places specialise in Spanish tapas, and there are choices ranging from French and Mediterranean cuisine to Mexican and US-influenced food to East European and Mongolian.
Vegetarians are increasingly well catered for at a selection of meat-free cafes and restaurants as well as mainstream eateries that ensure the menu offers vegetarian selections.
In addition to the global diversity, Glasgow offers meals to match most every budget. Bars are especially important for economical dining out. Many of them serve much more than traditional pub meals. The gastro-pub phenomenon has had its impact: for every place that has classic pie beans and chips expect to find another with offering freshly prepared courses with side salads.
Also check for pre-theatre menus across the city: early dining deals abound. Many feature on www.5pm.co.uk a well-known web-based booking service founded by two Glasgow restaurateurs.
Finally, your dining options are never limited to one area of the city. The West End is richly endowed, with the restaurants and bars of Byres Road and Ashton Lane serving as the centrepiece. Across town, the Merchant City district just east of the heart of Glasgow has become another hot spot some 20 years after Café Gandolfi, City Merchant and Babbity Bowster blazed the trail. Now it is downright trendy. The City Centre, naturally, has the greatest density from Sauchiehall Street to the Clyde . And across that mighty river, the Southside's reputation for restaurants is still growing.
