First on the list is an iconic establishment known as Glasgow’s oldest culinary sanctuary – The Buttery –  established in 1870. Lovingly rebranded in 2007 as Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery, this place is perfect for those looking for a lovely dinner.

Stepping into the restaurant, we were enveloped by its oak, mahogany, tartan carpeting, and stained-glass aesthetic, which we thought had a very old-world charm.

We were told that they have a cosy events space downstairs called The Belles. This would be ideal for special events like dream weddings and wine tastings.

Upon checking out their  menu, we’re happy to report that they cater to various dietary preferences with their delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

We first chose their fillet of Scottish beef with roast garlic clapshot, wild mushrooms, and madeira sauce – it’s pure art on a plate, and it’s delicious to boot. We also found their whole grilled sole to be quite succulent, leaving you longing for more.

For those wanting to savour the experience at home, they have a takeaway option for pre-order only. It’s a four-course affair of culinary delight that’ll save you the trouble of cooking at home.

However, their washrooms pose a challenge with small steps leading to it and small cubicles inside that might deter wheelchair users. 

Also, a timely reservation is strongly advised – their popularity speaks volumes, and tables fill up quicker than you’d imagine.

A minor setback is also their Monday closure.

We also popped in Ox and Finch, a cosy, rustic hideaway, complete with stone walls, leather booths, and wooden floors. Open until midnight, it’s perfect for those who prefer to have dinner late at night or those who get off work later than other people.

They also have gift cards so you can share this delicious dining experience with others. This is a perfect gift for the foodies in your life.

Vegetarians and vegans have a variety of options from their menu. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any gluten-free options.

We tried their poached hake with squid, chickpeas, celery, and the green olive aïoli. It was a very refined dish that we really enjoyed.

But the crowd favourite was their slow-cooked lamb shoulder, a dish that’s so unbelievably tender it practically melted in our mouths. It came with polenta, salsa rossa, and herb salad, which balanced its richness.

Sadly, the first dish took around 40 minutes to arrive. We hope they’ll be able to improve their wait times the next time we go here.

And while their plating is exquisite, the portion sizes might leave you playing a game of ‘Where’s the Rest?’

For those who love eating outdoors, do note that their al fresco dining is only available from March to September. What’s more is that if you’re seated outside and it rains, they might not be able to accommodate you inside. 

A mere five-minute walk from Kelvinhall subway station is Number 16 Restaurant, a rustic yet homey place with white exposed brick, wooden furnishings, and red walls. 

Established in 1999, Number 16 was crowned best local restaurant in Scotland by The Good Food Guide, and also boasts the coveted 2022 AA Rosette Award. 

Plus, they were nominated twice at the Food Awards Scotland 2023, making this a bonafide foodie dinner destination.

Their ever-changing menu ensures that they highlight the best seasonal ingredients, to consistently put forward deliciously fresh dishes.

Speaking of dishes, we had their slow-cooked Ramsay’s of Carluke pork belly. Paired with delicate rice cake, vibrant pak choi, and peanut sauce, it was very flavourful and memorable.

We also tried their roasted chicken breast. The chicken was perfectly cooked – tender and succulent–  while the lemon thyme butter and crispy chicken skin elevated the dish to something we can eat at least twice a month!

Sadly, you might find the space a bit snug. This place would not be ideal for very large groups or for those with wheelchairs since it would be hard to navigate in.

And the staff, well, they sometimes seem like they’re in a “who can be ruder” contest with their lacklustre deliveries and unsmiling faces. We’ve definitely had better service in other restaurants.

The biggest downer is the reports we heard about confirmed online reservations. They were turned away at the door, stating that their reservations were not recorded in their system.

Tucked away in Glasgow’s Finnieston neighbourhood is The Gannet, a modern Scottish culinary haven. Their ever-changing multi-course menu sings the praises of small artisan producers, foragers, and farmers.

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, The Gannet takes you on a journey through Scottish pastures and fields. From St Brides Poultry and Peelham Farm to Ardunan Farm, they’ve curated a solid, locally-sourced pantry.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by the iconic seafaring gannet bird of the Outer Hebrides. It captures the essence of hearty appetites and the pursuit of remarkable tastes.

Speaking of hearty appetites, we had their Border’s lamb, and it was perfect. Paired with brioche, aubergine, and a kick of green harissa, it’s a great dish which shows off the vibrant and fresh local produce.

We also had their Gigha oyster dressed with Vietnamese dressing. We believe this Asian take on the fresh oyster is a must try.

Based on what we sampled so far, it’s no surprise that they’ve earned numerous awards. From a Michelin Bib Gourmand to a well-earned spot in the Michelin Plate and a Scottish Restaurant of the Year title, it’s clear that this place is top-notch.

One drawback is that our main course is served around 50 minutes after the starter. 

Also, dining here can be a bit of a splurge.

For vegans, it’s also worth noting that options may be limited as they cannot cater for a fully vegan diet.

We were excited to try Cail Bruich since they’re known for their impressive Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes. They even have a coveted spot in the Top 50 Restaurant in the Good Food Guide 2020.

Their menus celebrate the seasons and the treasures of local produce. They partner with butchers, fishmongers, farmers, and foragers to ensure that every plate is a tribute to the best that British and Scottish produce can offer.

Speaking of tribute, we just love their Kirkwood Farm Shh’annu lamb, which came with graffiti aubergine, bagna càuda, and salsa verde. We think it’s a masterpiece that marries tradition with innovation.

We also loved their delightful West Coast Scottish shellfish. It’s a fresh and flavourful dish composed of langoustine, mussel, brown crab, and King’s Oscietra caviar, showcasing the ocean’s bounty.

Their wine team was also on hand to elevate our experience. They gave us expertly crafted wine pairings that harmonised so well with the menu.

A unique collaboration with Cail Bruich and The Macallan offers an after-dinner drinks trolley for guests. We were able to savour world-class teas from Jing Tea alongside select whiskies from The Macallan.

Do note that the restaurant closes its doors on Mondays and Sundays, which could affect your dining plans. 

Furthermore, their maximum table capacity is five guests, and multiple table bookings aren’t accepted.

For those with dietary restrictions, planning ahead is essential. The nature of their offering prevents on-the-day accommodations for dietary needs. 

Lastly, be warned that full menu prepayment per person is required.