GLASGOW’S 100 Best Restaurants book, published this week, brings together all the culinary highlights that define the local hospitality scene.
It’s an assembly of food places imbued with elements of Glasgow's distinctive personality; Clyde-built by people who are dedicated to making our neighbourhoods more interesting.
The top ten restaurants in the city were decided by votes from Glasgowist.com readers.
We introduce the first part of the countdown today with more local food inspiration to follow in weeks to come.
For the full story, buy the book at heraldscotland.com/100Best
10
ROGANO
11 Exchange Pl, G1 3AN
0141 248 4055
roganoglasgow.com
EXPERIENCE the time-capsule effect of escaping the busy streets around Buchanan Street, to be enveloped by the Art Deco style that was set when Rogano opened in 1935. Back then, the Cunard liner Queen Mary was being built on the Clyde, and that became the defining design influence. The restaurant retains an element of stardust from a bygone era. Rogano it’s very much alive however, with Martin Conner is the Head Chef making magic in the kitchen.
Best dish: Half lobster Thermidor (£27)
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9
JULIE’S KOPITIAM
1109 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 3YG
0141 237 9560
fb.com/julieskopitiam
FROM Masterchef contestant to street food pioneer to established Pollokshaws Road favourite. Julie Lin MacLeod’s star is very much in the ascendancy.
Rarely a month goes by without an approving nod for her Shawlands Kopitiam from visiting food critics.
One of the busiest food places in a particularly competitive part of the Glasgow culinary map.
Much of the appeal comes from colourful, simple dishes that get straight to the point.
Often consisting of just four or five carefully selected ingredients, they crackle and pop with flavour as chilli flakes and crispy onions are sprinkled on top of sambals, soys and rich curry sauces.
Readers say: “cool place with stunning food”, “staff are really friendly, good value for money”, “a fun experience”.
Best Dish: Mamak Fried Chicken (£7)
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8
The Butchershop Bar and Grill
1055 Sauchiehall St, G3 7UD
0141 339 2999
butchershopglasgow.com
SERVE the best steak and let people have fun. That was the short mission statement when James and Louise Rusk decided to open a neighbourhood restaurant in 2010. Exposed brick walls, cosy round leather booths. Regulars tell us they are interested in one thing. Grass-fed Scotch beef, hung on the bone and dry-aged for up to 45 days.
They come from far and wide, congregating for fillets, sirloins, rib eyes, tomahawks and all the rest of the prime cuts. Enjoy with hand-cut chips, bearnaise sauce and top with garlic prawns for the full experience.
Onion rings and creamed spinach on the side. Outstanding local produce, prepared with skill and precision, enjoyed with a sense of occasion in a relaxed setting.
Best Dish: Côte de Boeuf (£38)
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7
TWO FAT LADIES AT THE BUTTERY
652 Argyle St
0141 221 8188
twofatladiesrestaurant.com
THE talented Ryan James first started off his career on Dumbarton Road and then took over The Buttery thirteen years ago. He also has a city centre restaurant on Blythswood Street.
The Buttery itself dates from 1870 – but it took a patient refurbishment and some culinary flair for it to retake its place among the best restaurants in the city. This is the type of place that is difficult to create, it has to evolve over time. A traditional dining room without being stuffy.
The charming staff glide between tables and put guests at ease. There’s a buzz of easy conversation. Tourists who visit The Buttery like what they find.
Tip: Always order the scallops starter.
Best Dish: Grilled Whole Lemon Sole Meuniere (£23)
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6
UBIQUITOUS CHIP
12 Ashton Ln, G2 2ND
0141 334 5007
ubiquitouschip.co.uk
UBIQUITOUS Chip has become a byword for Glasgow cooking, in more ways than one.
The venue’s success is due to the efforts of the talented staff combined with the genial atmosphere generated by its faithful cadre of bohemian customers who come here to tell stories and eat stovies.
A business crowd rubs shoulders with the arty set upstairs on the twinkling mezzanine level or in the restaurant.
Students are brought here by parents to mark progress in their studies with red wine and a selection of dishes involving seasonal Scottish produce.
Ubiquitous Chip is a dining destination with a strong sense of place and a big personality.
Go to their Wee Whisky Bar after dinner.
Best Dish: Loin of Lamb, Ratatouille, Sherry jus (£28.95)
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Savour each page of the new food guide
GLASGOW’S 100 Best Restaurants is an exciting new book introducing the city’s top food places.
The Herald is partnering with the Glasgowist website to introduce the new book ahead of Christmas as a celebration of food and drink stories across Scotland’s largest city.
The book is based on four years of constant research by Glasgowist’s editor Paul Trainer, combined with public votes, plus opinions from food writers and figures in the local hospitality industry.
Paul Trainer
The book has you covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner and chips on the way home.
Order today and you will be introduced to the top restaurants in Glasgow right now, the best dishes to order around the city, alongside leading cafes, bistros, craft beer pubs and cocktail bars.
It’s your own personal restaurant tick-list for 2020.
Order your copy online now at heraldscotland.com/100best and have it delivered to your door.
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