The city is also home to a thriving café scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Trendy, modern hangouts — many of which spill out onto pavements come the warmer months — are found on almost every corner and certainly in every neighbourhood. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a brunch buff, a pastry lover or a cake-a-holic, these Glasgow cafes have you covered.
Best Cafes In Glasgow
Riverhill Coffee Bar
- Takeaway and eat in
- Serves coffee, cakes, sandwiches and pastries
- 24 Gordon St G1 3PU
Located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, Riverhill Coffee Bar is the place to go for local brews and artisan pieces (that’s sandwiches to those of you non-Scot readers). Low-key and funky, with a bare-brick interior, this top pick of coffee shops in Glasgow offers a small amount of seating for those keen to linger over their locally produced Dear Green coffee.
If you’re running past on your way to work, they also offer their wares to take out.
Laboratorio Espresso
- Takeaway and eat in
- Serves Milanese espresso, pastries and cannoli
- 93 W Nile St G1 2SH
Craving an artisan Milanese espresso? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Situated in the vibrant West End, Laboratorio Espresso is a haven for coffee connoisseurs.
This Italian-inspired café takes pride in its artisanal approach to coffee-making, serving a wide variety of single-origin coffees and expertly crafted espresso-based beverages. You can also purchase gifts and attend events here. It’s the full package for the coffee aficionado.
The Singl-end
- Eat in
- Dog-friendly
- Serves breakfasts and brunches, homemade cakes, coffee and cocktails
- 15 John Street G1 1HP
If you’re searching for good honest grub with plenty of flair, look no further than Singl-end Café and Bakehouse. This quirky establishment is renowned for its creative menu, which features a combination of healthy and indulgent options.
From unusual cakes and pastries to wholesome salads, piping breakfast skillets and freshly baked bread, Singl-end ensures that every dish is a visual and culinary delight. There’s a Singl-end in Garnethill and another in Merchant City.
Papercup Coffee Company
- Eat in
- Serves breakfasts, brunches and coffee roasted in-house
- 603 Great Western Rd G12 8HX
With its rustic and minimalist ambience, Papercup Coffee Company is a favourite among locals seeking a laid-back café experience and home roasted coffee. Renowned for its commitment to ethically sourced beans and expert brewing techniques, Papercup offers a diverse range of coffee flavours to suit all preferences.
Alongside the exceptional beverages (for which you’ll spot a large queue at the weekends), their menu includes delicious brunch options and mouth watering cakes that are sure to leave you satisfied.
Wilson Street Pantry
- Eat in
- Serves breakfasts, brunches and coffee roasted by Papercup
- 6 Wilson Street G1 1SS
Nestled in the heart of the Merchant City, Wilson Street Pantry is a charming café that emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. It prides itself on serving high-quality dishes with care (and generous portions too).
Try gourmet sandwiches, hot breakfasts, homemade soups, and of course, bakes. With its cool interior and friendly staff, Wilson Street Pantry offers a delightful respite from the bustling city streets. Dogs are welcome inside the venue as well.
Cafe Strange Brew
- Eat in
- Serves breakfasts, brunches and coffee
- 1082-1084 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 3XA
Strange Brew in Glasgow is where quirky charm meets top-tier coffee. A must-visit for caffeine lovers and creative souls, this café is an eclectic haven tucked away in the heart of the city. With an atmosphere that’s as laid-back as it is vibrant, Strange Brew serves up expertly brewed coffee from some of the UK’s best roasters, alongside a selection of mouthwatering pastries and light bites.
The space itself is full of personality - think cool, modern decor with pops of colour, artfully mismatched furniture, and a playlist that matches the cool vibe. Whether you're working on your latest project, catching up with friends, or simply escaping the bustle, this café offers the perfect blend of great coffee, good vibes, and creative energy.
Perch & Rest
- Eat in
- Serves pastries and coffee
- 39 Otago Street, Glasgow, G12 8JJ
Perch and Rest in Glasgow is a cosy, welcoming hideaway where comfort food and exceptional coffee come together to create the ultimate chill spot. Nestled in a charming corner of the city, this café is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, offering a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, rustic vibe, complete with pastel yellow accents and inviting seating. Whether you're sipping on a flat white, munching on a fresh pastry, or just soaking in the ambience, it's a perfect place to unwind and recharge.
1841 Coffee
- Eat in
- Serves pastries and coffee roasted by Thomson's
- 14 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow, G12 8BG
1841 Coffee in Glasgow is a true gem for coffee lovers and those who appreciate a good vibe. This cosy spot blends industrial chic with warm, inviting touches, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Known for its exceptional coffee, 1841 serves up expertly brewed cups made from high-quality beans, along with a selection of delicious pastries and light bites.
Whether you're a black coffee purist or a fan of creamy lattes, their baristas have you covered. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with friendly service, makes it an ideal place for everything from casual catch-ups to focused work sessions.
Black Pine Coffee Co.
- Eat in or takeaway
- Serves coffee from Black Pine
- 516 Great Western Road, G12 8EL and 30 Hillfoot Street, G31 2LF
From the moment you step through the door at Black Pine Coffee Co, you’re greeted by the rich, intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee that promises to kickstart your day or offer a perfect pause during a busy afternoon. What sets Black Pine apart? It’s the craftsmanship. Their beans are sourced with care from some of the best roasters around, ensuring every cup is a perfect blend of bold flavours and smooth finishes.
Whether you're after a classic espresso, a creamy flat white, or a quirky seasonal brew, they've got something to tickle every taste bud. But it's not just about the coffee. The vibe here is chill yet energetic, with an interior that blends modern minimalism and cosy charm. Think plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and a welcoming crew of baristas who are always ready to chat about the latest roasts or serve up a delicious pastry to pair with your coffee.
The Good Coffee Cartel
- Eat in
- Serves pastries and coffee
- 12 Cornwall Street, G41 1AQ
The Good Coffee Cartel is a vibrant Southside coffee shop and roastery where great coffee, baked goods, and good vibes come together. Specialising in stimulating coffees that you’ll want to tell your pals about, The Cartel roasts all their own beans right on-site, offering a live roasting experience that lets you see the journey from producer to cup. This hands-on approach ensures every brew is crafted to perfection.
But it’s not just about the coffee - The Good Coffee Cartel partners with local bakeries to bring you the best baked goods in Glasgow. After taste-testing the city’s finest, they serve up treats that pair perfectly with your coffee, making each visit a delicious experience.
Gordon St Coffee
- Eat in
- Serves pastries and coffee
- 79 Gordon Street, G1 3SL
Since 2014, Gordon St Coffee has been serving up some of the freshest, shop-roasted coffee in Glasgow, starting with their first roastery and coffee shop on Gordon Street. Known for doing things a bit differently, they’ve been giving Glasgow’s coffee lovers a taste of high-quality, small-batch roasted coffee that’s hand-roasted with care in their roastery by Deirdre, their beloved (if temperamental) roasting machine.
Whether you’re in Glasgow and can watch the roasting magic happen live, or you’re ordering from further afield, Gordon St’s fresh coffee is always just a few steps away, delivered straight to your door. With over eight years of perfecting their craft, Gordon St Coffee is more than just a great cup - it’s an unmistakable experience.
Willow Grove Coffee
- Eat in
- Serves pastries, brunch and coffee
- 531 Sauchiehall Street, G3 7PQ
Willow Grove Coffee is an independent café that’s been delighting Glasgow’s coffee lovers since 2017. Founded by Adele, who brings years of experience from the coffee scenes in Glasgow and Melbourne, Willow Grove is all about exceptional, carefully sourced coffee from top independent roasters like Unorthodox and Gatehouse.
The café’s welcoming vibe, inspired by Adele’s travels and local artists, combined with a talented team of baristas, makes it a cosy haven for both regulars and newcomers. Whether you’re enjoying a rich espresso, smooth flat white, or a refreshing cold brew, you’ll find something to love. The café also serves delicious in-house baked cakes and pastries, catering to all diets, from meat lovers to vegans. With a commitment to quality, local suppliers, and a strong sense of community, Willow Grove has become a staple in the Glasgow coffee scene.
Short Long Black Coffee
- Eat in
- Serves pastries and coffee by Thomson's and guest roasters
- 501 Victoria Road, Glasgow, G42 8RL
Short Long Black (SLB) on Victoria Road in Glasgow is a haven for coffee lovers and pastry fans alike. Serving up speciality coffee from the renowned Thomson’s, along with rotating guest roasters, SLB is all about great brews and a commitment to local and ethical produce.
Whether you’re sitting in to enjoy the relaxed vibe or grabbing a takeaway to stroll around the beautiful Queens Park, every sip is a treat. But the real star here is the baked goods - think cinnamon buns the size of your head, fresh, flaky, and absolutely irresistible. SLB also collaborates with local gems like Bare Bones Chocolate, making every visit feel like a tasty adventure. Plus, for the true pastry enthusiast, don’t miss their new venture with Thomson’s, Burnfield Bakery, just down the road.
Ottoman Coffee House
- Eat in
- Serves breakfasts, brunches and coffee
- 73 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3
The Ottoman Coffeehouse is your local neighbourhood sanctuary, offering a laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of city centre coffee chains. Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic coffeehouses of the Ottoman past, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning brew, indulge in an afternoon tea, or simply unwind with a good book. Whether you're seeking solace in their meditation room or relaxing in the cosy lounge, the atmosphere is all about comfort and connection.
Known for its meticulous attention to detail, the Ottoman Coffeehouse serves up a curated selection of the finest speciality coffee from around the world. From traditional Ibrik coffee and pour-overs to expertly crafted espresso blends, every cup is brewed with care to offer an unparalleled experience. And for food lovers, their menu features a fusion of South Asian and Turkish street food.
