From the moment we stepped inside Sylvan, we were embraced by its warm ambiance. Thanks to the wooden floors, tables, and charming brick walls, it exudes a simple, rustic charm.

We couldn’t help but be impressed by their use of naturally fermented wine made from organically-grown grapes. It’s clear that they aim to deliver a holistic experience that tantalises both the taste buds and the environmentally-conscious soul.

Speaking of tantalising, let’s dive into some of the standout dishes. Do note that at Sylvan, the menu changes daily, offering a delightful surprise with each visit.

First off, we were blown away by their smoked tomatoes with yoghurt and chilli butter. The combination of the smoky tomatoes, creamy yoghurt, and a hint of spiciness left us craving for more.

We also thought their padron peppers with salt and chilli were next level. Each bite brought a delightful crunch followed by a burst of heat.

And let’s not forget the buffalo halloumi with salsa verde, a true treat for cheese lovers. The halloumi’s velvety texture paired perfectly with the vibrant salsa verde.

While Sylvan impresses on many fronts, it’s important to note a couple of downsides. 

The restaurant opens late and is closed on Sundays, which might require some planning ahead. 

Additionally, their prices are on the higher side compared to other establishments. But, we thought the flavours and experience at Sylvan make it worth the occasional splurge.

We kicked off our culinary adventure by visiting The Glasvegan, its clever name paying homage to its Glaswegian roots. We’re quite impressed that it’s a finalist in the 2023 Scottish Restaurant Awards.

As we stepped into The Glasvegan, we were greeted by the delightful, quirky artwork of Leah Moodie adorning the walls. 

We started with their black pudding – it had rich, savoury notes and had a delightful contrast of textures. We also loved their haggis’ combination of herbs and spices, lending it a distinct and robust flavour.

Next, we enjoyed their vegan sausages, which were perfectly seasoned. Our favourite would have to be their mac and cheese: its velvety, creamy cheese sauce coated al dente macaroni noodles, creating a blend of cheesy goodness. 

Now, let’s address the elephant (or rather, the burger) in the room. Unfortunately, their burger fell short of our expectations – we found it to be dry and under seasoned.

Unlike other restaurants, The Glasvegan has outdoor seating, allowing diners to savour their meals while basking in the fresh Scottish air. 

For those looking for an intimate gathering, you can even book a private dining adventure.

Although charming overall, the place is a bit tiny, so finding a spot might require a bit of patience. Also, there’s no restroom on the premises, so plan accordingly.

The 13th Note Cafe, a quirky gem in Glasgow’s Merchant City, has been satisfying vegans and vegetarians since 1997. Not only does it rank among Glasgow’s Top 100 vegetarian restaurants, but it also doubles as a vibrant music venue.

As we entered, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere and an unexpected bonus: dogs are welcome in the bar area! They even provide comfy beds, biscuits, water bowls, and warm hugs –sadly, only for dogs. 

Their menu proudly boasts ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients, and boy, did they deliver.

Their Korean burger was packed with a punch of flavours, with the tangy kimchi and spicy gochujang taking centre stage. The rosemary chips that accompanied it were the perfect crispy, herby sidekick.

We also thought their vegan cheesecake was an absolute dream—a smooth and indulgent treat that left us longing for seconds. 

Their falafel burger was a winner, too. The falafel patties were perfectly seasoned and had a satisfying crunch. 

While we thoroughly enjoyed our culinary adventure, we did encounter a minor hiccup. Our waitress seemed to have forgotten her notepad and had to confirm our order multiple times. 

It’s worth mentioning that all gigs at The 13th Note are exclusively for those over 18 years old, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to catch some live music. 

Additionally, be aware that during weekends, group numbers for food may be limited. But don’t let that deter you—this place is still well worth a visit.

Soul Food Kitchen was the next destination of our vegetarian journey. With a vision centred around healthy eating, sustainable sourcing, and compostable packaging, this place is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary movement.

We truly appreciate Soul Food Kitchen’s commitment to sourcing their ingredients from local businesses so that only the freshest produce finds its way onto our plates.

Also, we’re impressed by Soul Food Kitchen’s dedication to using only healthy oils in their dishes, specifically in cold press form. It’s a thoughtful choice that prioritises the nutritional value of their food without compromising on taste.

First, we had their superfood salad bowl, which was an absolute delight. Picture this: red quinoa, falafel, kale, pea shoots, carrots, grilled oyster mushrooms, and creamy avocado – all generously dressed with a tahini and lemon dressing. 

We also enjoyed their Keralan curry. Served with fragrant coconut rice, aubergine pickle, and crispy papadums, these enchanting flavours transported us to Southern India. 

The grand finale was their apple crumble cheesecake. It was a heavenly creation, combining the classic flavours of apple crumble with the creaminess of a cheesecake. 

However, their bang bang satay bowl fell short of our expectations because its tofu was dry and overcooked. Also, it was a bit too salty for our liking. 

It’s worth noting that the portion sizes at Soul Food Kitchen are on the smaller side compared to some other restaurants, which may not satisfy those with larger appetites. 

Additionally, the restaurant is closed from  Mondays to Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

We decided to go to Madras Cafe to try the authentic flavours of South Indian cuisine. 

With a focus on vegan and vegetarian dishes, they’ve captured traditional recipes using wholesome natural ingredients and classical cooking techniques. 

One thing we appreciate about Madras Cafe is their commitment to sourcing locally and avoiding any additives or artificial colorings. No wonder they made it to the shortlist for the prestigious British Curry Awards, also known as the ‘Curry Oscars’!

In terms of their vegetarian fare, their masala dosa was a true star. These aromatic thin, crispy rice and lentil crepes filled with a scrumptious stuffing of boiled potatoes seasoned with curry, mustard, and coriander were simply heavenly.

Another crowd-pleaser was the Punjabi samosa, a true gem from the East. These pastry triangles were generously stuffed with a flavorful mix of potatoes and peas, cooked to perfection in the classic Punjabi style. 

Also, we couldn’t resist their velvety Palak Paneer. This popular Indian dish featured cubes of Indian cottage cheese in a mildly spiced, smooth spinach sauce. 

While most of our experience was fantastic, we did encounter a minor disappointment: the sambar. This lentil-based soup was watery and lacked the robust flavours we expected. 

Additionally, the staff’s demeanour left something to be desired, as they came across as a bit arrogant and snooty.