No area highlights Glasgow's wide and varying culinary offerings better than Merchant City. From melt in the mouth meat to signature Scottish haggis and fresh oysters, this small pocket boasts eateries that are well-loved by Glaswegians and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or the perfect birthday location, check out our pick of the best restaurants in Merchant City.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 1st April 2025
Taking Bookings
This vibrant Merchant City venue offers the perfect combination of delicious Mexican bites, refreshing cocktails, and an energetic ambience that can't be beaten. With its colourful, lively vibe, Poko Loko is the place for friends, couples, and solo adventurers alike to gather and enjoy everything from tacos and tequila to dancing to live DJ sets.
Taking Bookings
These guys may be better known for their craft beer expertise, but it turns out they're pretty good at food too. With a menu of smoked meat, chicken wings and brisket beef burgers, carnivores are sorted while vegans have an equally-impressive range of plant-based goodies too.
Taking Bookings
If you're looking for a place to eat on West George Street, Windows Restaurant should be on your radar. Found in Carlton George Hotel, this swish space boasts classy interiors and sky-high views, not to mention a lip-smacking menu of modern Scottish fare.
Taking Bookings
Situated in Merchant City's George Square, this elegant eatery is the perfect place for celebratory dinners, date nights and splashing out. The menu features a plethora of à la carte classics, alongside affordable afternoon teas, and handcrafted cocktail to wash it all down with.
Taking Bookings
Waxy O'Connor's may be known as Glasgow's ultimate Irish pub, but it also serves a hearty menu of Scottish and Irish favourites (to be washed down with a glass of whiskey, of course). Set over three floors, this Merchant City pub will see you through from dinner till dawn.
Pronounced 'var-santah' meaning 'merchant' in Gaelic, Mharsanta offers a truly authentic Scottish dining experience from Merchant City. The menu focuses on the freshest local produce; from traditional haggis to hand-dived scallops with an equally impressive cocktail menu.
A sister site to the West Regent Street staple, Buck's Bar is a cult classic for live chicken, irresistible cocktail creations and live music. If you're in the mood to feast on cluckin' good dishes in a cool rock 'n' roll setting, this Merchant City restaurant is the place for you.
Head on over to Gaucho on West Nile Street for a seriously stylish dining destination that's sure to blow your socks off. On the menu? All kinds of juicy steaks, from ribeye and fillet to Chateaubriand, not to mention swordfish and pasta plates.
Glaschu is a swanky fine dining restaurant in Merchant City, putting a unique twist on traditional Scottish. Serving elevated dishes such as whelks and cockles, grilled beef and pineapple carpaccio from local producers, it evokes memories of home cooking in a stylish, modern setting.
226 Gallowgate, which neighbours the iconic Barrowland Ballroom, is a historic pub which has had many reincarnations over the years but is now a cosy and creative hub, serving up a selection of hearty classics. Pop in to this Merchant City gem for a light lunch or some pre-gig sustenance.
NY American Grill is serving up a slice of the States in Merchant City. Unsurprisingly, this place has a pretty comprehensive burger and rib selection, alongside meatball marinara, NY tacos and creamy mac'n'cheese, you'll be pledging your allegiance before desserts have even been served.
