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 Jasmine Lee Kennedy
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.
Spread over multiple floors with various rooms and courtyards, Arta is one of Merchant City's top restaurants. The extensive tapas menu includes all the classics as well as a few innovative surprises. Complete with its own Romeo and Juliet balcony, this place is a winner for date night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serving up Pan-Asian cuisine, Bar Soba takes pride of place in its Merchant City location. The restaurant's light and airy ground floor is perfect for family gatherings and working lunches, while upstairs you'll find a more intimate atmosphere along with an extensive cocktail list.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
