Best Restaurants In Glasgow Southside

As well as its thriving arts and music scene, not to mention historical sites like Pollok Country Park and The Govan Stones, Glasgow Southside is recognised as a food hub with a growing selection of trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants. Shawlands and Govanhill are particularly well-known for their independent eateries, offering everything from classic Scottish fare to international cuisine.

If you fancy getting your chops around some haggis-featuring fry-ups or perhaps some of the best fish and chips around, we've got you covered with our guide to the best restaurants Southside Glasgow has to offer.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 14th November 2024




Torrisdale Tavern

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The traditional Scottish pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Glasgow, The Torrisdale Tavern, is known for its friendly service and comfortable, unpretentious environment, as well as exuding a classic charm with its cosy, rustic interior.

Wooden furnishings, dim lighting, and vintage decor create a welcoming space where you can unwind with a pint of local ale or enjoy a hearty meal. Swing by for mains like a triple cheese macaroni or beer-battered fish, or make the most of its cracking lunch deal where you can bag three courses for £15.95 during the week, and wash it down with a Nippy Margarita.

Alea Glasgow Casino

For entertainment and delicious food all in one place, venture on over to Alea Glasgow Casino where you'll find head chef Etekpi Okpan at the helm of the kitchen, delivering modern Scottish plates using locally sourced ingredients. 

Delight in a pre-meal tipple in the Lounge Bar before heading over to one of the best restaurants in Glasgow Southside, Waterfront. Part of the casino, it features vibrant decor and is home to a droolworthy Sunday roast, as well as tempting mains like green risotto, bangers and mash, and salmon tagliatelle. 

Kilmurry & Co

For a friendly, neighbourhood brunch spot, Kilmurry & Co ticks all the boxes. The contemporary bar and restaurant in the heart of Glasgow mixes modern design with a nod to classic Scottish hospitality, with a combination of polished wood and soft lighting that creates an inviting yet upscale atmosphere.

The menu is a celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on fresh, flavourful plates that cater to a variety of tastes. Signature dishes often include elevated takes on traditional Scottish fare, as well as contemporary European-inspired creations. Our favourites include their take on a fry-up, with black pudding and haggis, loaded fajita fries, and banana cream pancakes, topped with maple syrup. 

The Glad Cafe

This charming, community-focused café and venue in Glasgow's Southside is known for its relaxed vibe, creativity, culture and seasonal menu.

Offering a range of fresh, delicious dishes - from weekend brunches featuring waffles topped with house-made seitan bacon drizzled in maple syrup to large portions of linguine - The Glad Cafe is the perfect spot for a casual bite or a leisurely coffee. Better yet, the café doubles as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting live music, events, and workshops, making it a favourite gathering place for locals.

Mr MacGregor's

Mr MacGregor's is a popular eatery and one of the top restaurants Glasgow Southside has to offer, known for its cosy, rustic decor, which combines warm wood tones, industrial touches, and vintage Scottish charm. The menu includes a blend of modern Scottish cuisine with a twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients.

From classic pub fare like fish and chips to the likes of smoked haddock and chorizo arancini or laksa curry, there's something to satisfy every palate - they also serve a fantastic mid-week set menu with three courses for just £24.50.

The McMillan

The McMillan Bar & Chop House is a stylish, sophisticated family-run dining destination, combining the warmth of a traditional British chop house with a modern twist: think wooden panelling and plush seating.

If you're on the hunt for restaurants in Glasgow Southside Central and are hungry, then you're in luck. The menu celebrates the art of perfectly cooked meat, with a focus on premium cuts of steak, chops, and expertly grilled dishes sourced from Scotch beef and prepared by master butcher John Davidson. Alongside its renowned meat offerings, the restaurant also serves a range of seasonal sides, fresh seafood from Bernard Corrigan's of Glasgow, and gourmet desserts, like an impressive chocolate bomb. 

The Bungo

The Bungo bar and kitchen can be found in the heart of Glasgow Southside, offering a modern place to sip cocktails and dine on small plates with your friends. The menu features seasonal, modern European dishes, with options ranging from homemade Scottish beef burgers to broccoli and burrata salads. 

If you fancy visiting for brunch, you'll be thrilled to find Lebanese shakshuka, daal-baked eggs and more served until 4pm daily, as well as cocktails like its signature bloody mary and mimosas.

Salt and Vinegar

Sometimes, you can't go wrong with a classic battered cod and that's exactly what Salt & Vinegar does best. The beloved fish and chip shop in Glasgow is renowned for serving up some of the city's best takeaway fare and stands out for its commitment to quality, serving freshly prepared, hearty portions of traditional British fish and chips with a modern touch.

Dine among nautical decor and you'll find haddock and other seasonal catches on the menu, all fried to golden perfection. Accompanying these are delicious sides like mushy peas, curry sauce, and gravy. And for those looking for something other than the classics? Think battered sausages, haggis, and fishcakes, as well as lighter bites and salads.

Stailinn Scottish Kitchen

Stailinn Scottish Kitchen is a cosy, contemporary restaurant that celebrates Scotland's rich culinary heritage. You'll find it tucked away in the middle of Silverburn shopping centre with cool interiors, leather chairs and silver accents.

Here, you can dine on traditional Scottish dishes, from butterflied chicken breast and haggis to sweet potato, asparagus and tomato risotto, followed by caramelised banana and white chocolate crepes, all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.