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5 Best French Restaurants in Glasgow

5 Best French Restaurants in Glasgow

How We Picked

Menu

We rated the quality and selection of French dishes available in each French restaurant so that diners would know what to look forward to.

Restaurant Staff

Each customer deserves a wonderful dining experience. So, we also checked out the responsiveness and demeanour of their staff.

Prices

We also looked at the prices in each French restaurant to let you know which ones fit your budget.

Ambiance

Lastly, we scoped out the ambiance of each French spot to help you decide which atmosphere you’re in the mood for.

1. Wee Paree

Wee Paree's Homepage

French Dishes: Queen Scallops, Baked Camembert, Boulettes de Boeuf, Seared Sea Bass, Beef Bourguignon, Steak Au Poivre, Grilled Goat’s Cheese, Corn Fritters, Roast Butternut Squash, Wild Mushroom and Bechamel Crepe, Goat Cheese Tartine

Website: https://www.weeparee.co.uk/

Contact Details:  +44 141 334 6171

Address: 240 Crow Rd, Glasgow G11 7PZ, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Thurs: 10 AM–10 PM
  • Fri-Sat: 10 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
Google reviews score4.6/5
Facebook reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Menu4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Selection5/5
Restaurant Staff5/5
→Responsiveness5/5
→Demeanour5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)3/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Posh decor
  • Accepts walk-ins and dogs
  • Has vegetarian options and sharing plates
  • Friendly and attentive staff
  • Delicious queen scallops with black pudding cream
  • Yummy beef bourguignon

Cons

  • Some food issues
  • A bit pricey
  • Holds credit card details until the time of booking

We popped into Wee Paree, and it was a proper delight. This French-inspired joint in Glasgow served up treats that made us feel like we’d stumbled upon a little slice of Paris.

The posh decor is quite stunning to boot, with black and white chequered floors and a black bar with gold trimmings. The vibes are spot on for a romantic evening or a get-together with mates.

It accepts walk-ins, and it’s even dog-friendly, so you can bring your loyal companion along for the ride. 

Unlike other places, they have vegetarian options available. They’re also known for their sharing plates, which are perfect for groups. 

The staff at Wee Paree were simply delightful. They were chatty in a good way, and they were always on hand to answer any questions about the menu.

Speaking of the menu, the queen scallops dish with black pudding cream and bacon crumb was an absolutely corker! The scallops were complemented perfectly by the rich, savoury taste of the black pudding cream.

The beef bourguignon was also succulent, served with buttery mash which soaked up all its delicious juices. It was hearty and comforting – just what you need on a chilly evening.

However, the seared sea bass was a tad too salty for our taste. 

Additionally, the prices are quite steep, with the steak au poivre costing £14.9. It’s definitely not the cheapest option in town.

One thing that did concern us was that it holds credit card details until the time of booking. While we understood why, it still made us a bit uneasy. 

2. Côte

Côte's Homepage

French Dishes: Calamari, Hachis Parmentier, Steak Frites, Chocolate Merveilleux, Coq Au Vin, Grilled Sea Bass, Mushrooms on Toast, Red Pepper and Tomato Risotto, Chocolate Mousse, Caramelised Tarte Au Citron, Haricot Blanc Soup, Pork Rillettes

Website: https://www.cote.co.uk/

Contact Details:  +44 141 248 1022

Address: 41-43 W Nile St, City, Glasgow G1 2PT, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Sat: 9 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM–9:30 PM
Google reviews score4.5/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.66/5
Menu4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Selection5/5
Restaurant Staff4.5/5
→Responsiveness4/5
→Demeanour5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance3/5

Pros

  • Spacious
  • Has a prix fixe menu for lunch
  • Offers gift vouchers
  • Committed to ethical and sustainable practices
  • Has its very own butchery
  • Delicious hachis parmentier
  • Scrumptious steak frites

Cons

  • Some food issues
  • Does not accept cash
  • Not wheelchair accessible

We also dropped by Côte in Glasgow for a spot of modern French dining, and it was a rather decent experience, all things considered. 

First, their decor isn’t anything to write home about. It’s spacious, but we thought it lacked a bit of personality.

On the other hand, we thought their prix fixe menu for lunch is a steal –  two courses for £14.95 or three courses for £18.95. They offer gift vouchers as well, which is perfect if you have any French food lovers in your life.

They’re also committed to ethical and sustainable practices. In fact, they’ve adopted the Better Chicken Commitment pledge and are also working with suppliers to improve fish sustainability. 

Côte also boasts its very own butchery, sourcing meat from responsible farmers in Britain, Ireland, and South America. It expertly cuts, trims, and prepares every piece in-house – a truly impressive feat!

As for the nosh, the hachis parmentier was absolutely fab. The braised beef mince was cooked to perfection in a flavourful tomato sauce that’s rich and savoury.

The steak frites was also a standout dish. The steak was so scrumptious and satisfying, and it paired well with the crispy fries.

Unfortunately, the beef tartare wasn’t up to scratch and was a bit bland. We would’ve preferred a bit more seasoning to make it more flavoursome.

In addition, when we tried to pay in cash, we were told that they don’t accept cash payments. This was a bit of a bummer. 

It’s also worth noting that the restaurant is not wheelchair accessible. 

3.  Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or

Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or's Homepage

French Dishes: Artichoke Salad with White Truffle Dressing, Pan Fried Scallops, Fillet of Scotch Lamb, Roast Duck Fillet, French and Scottish Cheeses, Vanilla Creme Brulee, Medallion of Scotch Beef, Roast Cod, Grilled Sea Bream, Tart Tatin

Website: https://www.brianmaule.com/

Contact Details:  +44 141 248 3801

Address: 176 W Regent St, Glasgow G2 4RL, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

  • Wed-Fri: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–9 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–9:30 PM
Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Menu5/5
→Quality5/5
→Selection5/5
Restaurant Staff3.5/5
→Responsiveness4/5
→Demeanour3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • French dining experience with a Scottish twist
  • 20 years of experience
  • Elegant decor
  • Offers a private dining event space with tailored booking service
  • Holds one tasting event per month
  • Yummy Scotch beef and roast duck
  • Decadent cheese board with French and Scottish cheese

Cons

  • Staff was a bit rude and standoffish
  • Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays

If you want a great French dining experience with a Scottish twist, then you could try Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or. With 20 years of experience in the industry, we think they’re still on the top of their game.

Upon our arrival, we were immediately taken in by their smashing decor. It’s a well-lit space, with wood floors, white walls, and gorgeous pops of lavender and purple. 

Their elegant private dining event space is also particularly impressive. If you book an event, Brian’s tailored booking service will stick to your budget and event requirements.

We also found out that each month, they host at least one tasting event. With a range of dishes to sample, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite. 

Speaking of flavours, their medallion of Scotch beef with wild mushroom persillade was an absolute taste sensation! The succulent, tender beef paired perfectly with the earthy, woodsy notes of the wild mushrooms.

The roast duck fillet with celery and red wine shallot confit was equally yummy. The juiciness of the duck fillet went so well with the savoury, caramelised red wine shallot confit. 

Lastly, the cheese board featuring French and Scottish cheeses was scrumptious. From the creamy and tangy French brie to the sharp and nutty Scottish cheddar, there was something for every cheese lover on this board!

However, we must note that the staff was a bit rude and standoffish, which was disappointing. 

Also, it was a shame that this place is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, as these are prime dining days for many. 

4. Atlantic Bar & Brasserie

Atlantic Bar & Brasserie's Homepage

French Dishes: La Spécialité De La Maison, Daube De Boeuf Bourguignon, Limande Sole Entière, Bouillabaisse De Marseille, Cassoulet Aux Haricots Blancs, Steak Et Frites, Camembert Fondue De Normandie, Poitrine De Porc, Rôtisserie

Website: https://www.atlanticbrasserie.co.uk/

Contact Details:  +44 141 221 0220

Address: 12-16 St Vincent Pl, Glasgow G1 2EU, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM–10 PM

Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Menu4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Selection5/5
Restaurant Staff4.5/5
→Responsiveness4/5
→Demeanour5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)3/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Spacious bistro with a proper old-school charm
  • Open 7 days a week
  • Has a FODMAP menu
  • Available for group bookings and events
  • Scrumptious demi poulet
  • Top notch escargots de bourgogne

Cons

  • Dishes arrived cold
  • Pricier

Being fans of good bistro fare, we were eager to give Atlantic Bar & Brasserie a try. We were chuffed to see that it was spacious and had a proper old-school charm – with an outdoor seating area that exudes sophistication.

This joint is also open from Mondays to Sundays. We think it’s the perfect antidote to those midweek blues.

It was also the first restaurant in the UK to create a Low Fermentable Oligosaccharides (FODMAP) menu. For those who suffer from IBS, or require a gluten and dairy-free diet, this is an absolute godsend. 

They’re also available for group bookings. If you’re feeling fancy and looking to throw a proper shindig, they have two raised mezzanine areas that can host up to 20 or 40 of your nearest and dearest.

As for their food, we had their scrumptious demi poulet (chicken rotisserie). The meat was succulent, packed with smoked paprika and thyme flavour, and expertly roasted on the spit.

We were a bit hesitant to try their escargots de bourgogne since we’ve never had snails before. However, it was a brilliant first go – they were absolutely delightful, smothered in garlic, parsley, and almond butter.

It would’ve been perfect, however, our meals arrived cold, and we had to ask the waiter to give them a blast in the oven. It didn’t exactly ruin our whole evening, but it certainly put a bit of a spanner in the works.

Another thing to keep in mind – their prices were a bit on the steep side. We’re all for a bit of posh nosh every now and then, but £21.95 for boeuf bourguignon was a bit too rich for our blood.

5. La Bonne Auberge

La Bonne Auberge's Homepage

French Dishes: Roast Lamb, Roast Chicken, C Eggs Florentine, Scottish Beef Burger Or Chargrilled Chicken Breast, Gratin De Ratatouille, Salmon A La Plancha, Steak Haché, Scampi A La Provencale, Coq Au Vin, Lemon And Thyme Chicken Breast

Website: https://www.labonneauberge.co.uk/

Contact Details:  +44 141 352 8310

Address: 161 W Nile St, Glasgow G1 2RL, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 6:30 AM–10 PM

Google reviews score4.1/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.36/5
Menu4/5
→Quality3/5
→Selection5/5
Restaurant Staff3.5/5
→Responsiveness4/5
→Demeanour3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Has been around for over forty years
  • Gorgeous decor
  • Members of the Scottish Beef Club and Rotary International
  • Offers private dining in their Montmartre Suite
  • Has Sunday Roast specials
  • Delicious filet de boeuf and pudding au caramel

Cons

  • Overcooked chicken
  • Rude staff

La Bonne Auberge has been around for over forty years, and according to the grapevine, their cuisine is French-Mediterranean inspired. So, naturally, we had to check it out.

To start off, we were absolutely smitten with their gorgeous decor. Red velvet chairs, blue and red booths, and dark wood tables make for a real cosy vibe. 

Also, we learned that they’re members of the Scottish Beef Club and Rotary International. This means they prioritise using high-quality Scottish beef and are involved in community service .

For those who prefer a more intimate dining experience, they offer private dining in their Montmartre Suite. 

In addition, if you’re in for a Sunday Roast, they’ve got you covered. They have a 2-course meal priced at £24 and a 3-course meal priced at £29.

But, let’s get to the star of the show – the food. 

First, the filet de boeuf was an absolute delight. The strips of tender beef fillet went swimmingly with the paprika, dijon mustard, and brandy – definitely worth the price tag!

Also, we thought their pudding au caramel was quite a treat. It had a subtle sweetness that was addicting but not overpowering.

However, we did have a minor issue with the lemon and thyme chicken breast being overcooked. It was a real shame, as the dish had all the makings of a classic, but the dryness of the chicken really put a damper on things.

But, what was more concerning was the staff’s initial neglect, making us feel ignored and unwelcome. It’s disappointing to see such behaviour in what is otherwise a delightful establishment.

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