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The 12 Best Tasting Menus to Try in Glasgow
Tasting menus have become a hot trend, and for good reason. They give a snapshot of a chef’s creativity, and most importantly, provide a remarkable, multifaceted dining experience that’s nearly impossible to forget.
Luckily, Glasgow has a vibrant food scene that’s incredibly diverse, from tantalising Michelin-starred haute cuisine to captivatingly charismatic boho bistros. So read on and explore with us the best-tasting menus to try in Glasgow.
The Gannet
Website: http://www.thegannetgla.com/
Address: 1155 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 204 2081
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
The Gannet has made quite a name for itself among Glasgow’s foodies. With their tasting menus, you can expect anywhere from six to eight courses, depending on the day and season.
Their offerings are varied, with separate tasting menus for vegetarians and those who prefer seafood or meat, so no one misses out on the culinary adventure. And if you’re looking to elevate the dining experience more, you can opt for the wine pairing.
Pro tip: The Gannet tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended. And FYI, they practice a smart-casual dress code.
Shucks Glasgow
Website: http://www.shucksglasgow.com/
Address: 168 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow G12 9HZ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 473 0080
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Shucks Glasgow is a haven for seafood lovers, and the star of the show here is, without a doubt, the seafood-tasting menu. Here, you’ll dive into course after course of the freshest, most succulent seafood you’ve ever tasted.
And for those in your party who might not be seafood enthusiasts, fear not, ’cause they offer an alternative menu, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. And don’t forget to pair your dishes with some fantastic wine offerings from their well-stocked cellar.
Pro tip: They do occasionally run “Supper Clubs” or themed tasting evenings, which are worth attending. Booking these in advance is crucial, as they sell out faster than hotcakes.
Brett
Website: http://barbrett.co.uk/
Address: 321 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G4 9HR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 406 0284
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $
Brett is a secretive spot in the city centre, famed for its intimate setting and personally curated menu by Chef Brett. Every month, a new tasting menu is introduced, each reflecting the seasons and his culinary inspirations.
You’ll find both two and three-course options, and their wine-pairing menu complementing each dish is an absolute pleasure. Their vegetarian choices and seafood offerings are worth checking out, too, if that’s your thing.
Pro tip: Brett’s allure comes with limited seating and an intense local following, making reservations a must.
They occasionally offer workshops and chef’s table events where you can dive deeper into their culinary philosophy; these are golden opportunities for food lovers.
The Ubiquitous Chip
Website: https://www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk/
Address: 12 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 334 5007
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
The Ubiquitous Chip is a Glasgow institution that’s been redefining Scottish cuisine for decades. Their tasting menu offers around seven to nine courses, catered to vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat lovers.
Their vegetarian menu isn’t an afterthought by any means, offering the likes of Highland crowdie and vegetable pearl barley risotto. The wine list features many biodynamic and organic varieties, that are perfectly paired with each dish.
Pro tip: The Ubiquitous Chip is popular not just for its food but also for its ambience, so it’s wise to book well in advance.
They also have a more casual dining area if you’re looking for a less formal experience but still want to enjoy their culinary creations.
Cail Bruich
Website: http://www.cailbruich.co.uk/
Address: 725 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8QX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 334 6265
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 6:30 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 5 PM, 7 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
Cail Bruich’s tasting menu features five to seven courses plus “snacks,” which means you won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure.
Now, it gets even swankier with their “Prestige” menu—a couple of extra dishes bringing even more local luxury to the table, like a wee bit of caviar or a specially-aged piece of beef.
Vegetarians are sorted here, too; they whip up a six-course dedicated menu that changes with what’s growing and glowing each season. Plus, the wine pairings are as carefully crafted as the dishes, rounding off the feast brilliantly.
Pro tip: If you’re driving, there’s usually some street parking to snap up nearby. Smart casual wear will make you fit right in with the foodie crowd here.
111 by Modou
Website: http://111bymodou.co.uk/
Address: 111 Cleveden Rd, Kelvinside, Glasgow G12 0JU, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 334 0111
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 4:30 PM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: $
111 by Modou offers three types of tasting menus (Inspired by Modou, 5-course total trust, and 10 by Modou) and is usually a ten-course affair, with each dish telling a tale from Chef Modou’s culinary journey, including his Senegalese and Glasgow flavours.
You won’t find a set vegetarian menu here, but they’re friendly and happy to adapt to dietary requirements given a heads-up. If you’re in for a full experience, they offer a rather fetching wine pairing to swill alongside the grub.
And if you fancy a wee dram instead, there’s a whisky flight that’s spot-on for a true Scottish salute.
Pro tip: They’ve got a set lunch-tasting menu that’s a bit trimmed down in terms of courses and price—great for a daytime treat. Street parking is your go-to but gets tight, so public transport might save a spot of bother.
Bilson’s Cafe Bistro
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bilsonsdennistoun/
Address: 10 Annfield Pl, Glasgow G31 2XQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 554 6259
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Bilson prides itself on transforming traditional Scottish cuisine into a modern feast. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore, pescatarian, or vegetarian, their five- or seven-course tasting menu will indulge your palate in natural, locally sourced flavours.
Seafood shines brightly on this menu, particularly featuring Scottish fish and even shellfish. What makes these delicately prepared tasting menus even more delightful is the option for paired wines, selected to highlight and complement each course.
Pro tip: Remember to keep an eye on their Instagram for the announcement of their exciting themed nights, which offer unique, one-off menus.
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
Media credit: luckyrujab1
Website: http://glaschurestaurant.co.uk/
Address: 32 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 2214
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar is a culinary gem that embodies Glasgow’s rich heritage. Its seafood-tasting menu revels in the gifts of the local waters, with dishes such as smoked salmon and hand-dived scallops stealing the show.
Alternatively, you can go for the chef’s surprise menu, where you surrender your evening to the chef’s creativity and allow uncertainty to heighten your culinary adventure.
Then select the accompanying wine pairing option or ask for their recommendations.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to elevate the dining experience, request a table by the window for superb views of Royal Exchange Square. They also regularly run early evening promotions, so visiting in the earlier part of the evening might win you a deal.
Bistro du Vin Glasgow
Website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/glasgow/the-restaurant/
Address: 1 Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow G12 0UX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 576 2265
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 2 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 4 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $
Bistro du Vin’s tasting menu is French-inspired, with a strong nod to local Scottish ingredients. It often comprises four tasty courses that rotate based on what’s in season and what the kitchen’s creative minds conjure up.
Another highlight here is their wines, particularly the sommelier’s selections that are not just complementary but exploratory, offering France’s lesser-known vineyards alongside more familiar labels.
Pro tip: For a truly indulgent evening, check their website for special events that combine a tasting menu with wine pairing events, or indulge in their Sunday brunch offering.
Plus, if you’re driving, make use of the complimentary parking to further enhance your experience.
Six By Nico Southside
Website: http://www.sixbynico.co.uk/
Address: 142 Nithsdale Rd, Glasgow G41 5RB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 384 2801
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 4:30 PM to 11:45 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11:45 PM
Cost: $
Six By Nico Southside embraces an intriguing concept. Rather than having a fixed menu, they offer a new six-course theme every six weeks that comes with an expertly paired drink.
The main tasting menu is a bona fide surprise with each new theme; previous ones have ranged from “The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” to “New York, New York.” Additionally, they cater to vegetarians with a separate six-course menu, so no one misses the party.
Pro tip: The West End location means parking can be a bit of a treasure hunt, so allocate some extra time for finding a spot or opt for the nearby public transport options.
The Loveable Rogue
Website: https://www.theloveablerogue.co.uk/
Address: 333 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G4 9HS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 339 3701
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $
The Loveable Rogue is a culinary gem with a focus on redefining traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist. Their tasting menu, offered as a ‘Trust the Chef’ experience, is an exciting plunge into the creative minds behind the kitchen.
Typically comprised of six course, the menu is an evolving showcase of the season’s finest. Interestingly, the menu caters to all, with superb alternatives available for vegetarians and those looking for lighter, seafood-centric dishes.
Pairing options here aren’t restricted to wine; the restaurant offers an array of craft beers, ales, and bespoke cocktails, so don’t forget to check that out.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit to The Loveable Rogue, be sure to don a smart-casual outfit to match their chic dining environment. They also frequently host live music nights, which are worth checking out if you fancy a particularly vibrant atmosphere.
Unalome by Graeme Cheevers
Website: http://www.unalomebygc.com/
Address: 36 Kelvingrove St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7RZ, United Kingdom
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 6 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$-$$$
UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers is a recent addition to Glasgow’s fine dining scene that’s quickly seized hearts. You can choose between a seven- or nine-course menu that showcases Cheevers’ expertise and his team’s dedication.
A seafood and vegetarian version is also available, ensuring that no dietary preference misses the magic of UNALOME. If you’re so inclined, their paired wines curated from all over Europe will refine your culinary journey even further.
Pro tip: Try to arrive a bit earlier than your reservation to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar area. And if you’re interested in learning more about the techniques behind the dishes, keep an eye out for special masterclass events hosted by the chef himself.