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Top 10 Restaurants in Paisley You’ll Wish You Found Sooner
Colour me white because I was hungry and pale, and colour my friends red because they were hungry and mad—mad from the endless frustration of not being able to decide where to eat.
Meanwhile, I was withering away like a sick Victorian child desperately in need of modern medicine for a very curable condition (aka starvation). Then came silence…followed by collective sighs of relief as they finally picked a place—war over, friendship survived.
To save you from the same indecisive meltdown, my team and I did some digging (in) to handpick the best restaurants in Paisley. Read on to find something for every craving and every budget.
Jam Jar Paisley
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Address: 16 Shuttle St
Contact details: +44 141 848 0898
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: ££
Jam Jar Paisley is a nice spot in the town centre; it has this warm, modern-pub/restaurant vibe, which is especially high when you dine out on their patio. They have a broad menu of comfort food like pizzas, pasta, burgers, Scottish classics, and bar-style food.
And yes, they have a bar where you can get a decent lineup of cocktails, wines, beers, and more, making it a good place to hang out with friends. The place can get lively, in other words, noisy, so if you want to avoid the loud crowd, it’s best to go for lunch or an afternoon chill.
Their staff are also friendly and attentive—they’re known to help diners with menu questions. That said, their menu items also have or can be substituted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
| Pro tip: If you’re into trying Scottish flavour, order something like the haggis and black pudding stack. Also, try to arrive early or book for the evening, especially on weekends, since prime times fill up fast and waiting can take a while. |
Pendulum Bar & Grill
Address: 11 Gauze St
Contact details: +44 141 889 5459
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: £££
You can find Pendulum Bar & Grill directly opposite Paisley Abbey and the Town Hall. The restaurant is housed in a refurbished historic building with a stylish interior, and you get large windows and views of the historic Abbey, which adds a charming backdrop.
The major selling point? They emphasise using local Scottish ingredients for their dishes. They serve up items like Aberdeen Angus beef, Stornoway black pudding, and Arbroath smoked haddock. And the generous portions make their price tags a bit more justified.
Another thoughtful touch is that they have a separate gluten-free menu (vegan items are marked, too), and staff are on it when you ask them about allergens. Beyond their food items, you can also unwind and pair your meal with cocktails, artisan beers, local gins and whisky.
| Pro tip: It’s best to book ahead, and consider asking for a table by the window to get a view of Paisley Abbey. For a quieter experience, visit during off-peak (lunch hours, midweek), since it’s more likely to be relaxed and have quicker service. |
Cardosi’s
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Address: 4 Storie St
Contact details: +44 141 889 5720
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: ££
Before anything else, Cardosi’s is run by Stefano and Riccardo Cardosi, descendants of Carlo and Maria Cardosi, who originally moved to Scotland in the 1920s. Their roots trace back to Barga, Italy, which is why the focus of their offerings and the richness of their flavours.
Expect a broad Italian menu, such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, seafood, grills, and specials of the day. With the quality of their dishes, many diners shared how they’re worth every penny, particularly the lunch menu: hearty portions and good two-course deals.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that they welcome large parties for birthdays, retirements, or any other special events. For groups of 10 or more, you’ll need to shell out £5 per person as a deposit within one week of making the reservation to secure your spot.
| Pro tip: If you’re working with a budget, then going for the lunch deal (two courses) gives excellent quality without breaking the bank. Also, ask the staff for the “specials of the day,” the items often showcase more seasonal and creative dishes. |
The Keg
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Address: 15B Gilmour St
Contact details: +44 141 237 8484
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: ££
If you’re after something vibrant, laid-back, and has a touch of rock energy, then The Keg is a solid choice, even locals love it here—a telltale sign that you’re in the right place. Well, it’s not so much of a surprise since they have friendly and attentive staff, making the experience better.
You won’t get bored with their menu either since it’s pretty diverse, with stuff like burgers, chicken wings, wraps, and more. But you might need to ask about their allergens or dietary options; while they do have some vegetarian items on their menu, there’s not much detail.
Not to mention, they have an impressive drink selection, like cocktails, beers and spirits, with their Venom cocktail bucket as the fan favourite. The alcohol goes well with the regular events they host, like live music, open mic nights, and even weekly quizzes.
| Pro tip: If you or your companion has any dietary restrictions or food allergies, then don’t hesitate to let the staff know and ask for options or alternatives you can go for. Some ask about swapping burger buns for lettuce wraps. |
Multan Tandoori
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Address: Multan Tandoori, 5 George St
Contact details: +44 141 889 4426
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 3 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: ££
Since 1988, Multan Tandoori has grown to be a Paisley staple that offers a rich blend of authentic Indian and North Indian cuisine. Their name comes from the fact that their food is prepared in a traditional clay oven (Tandoor), to make dishes like mixed grill and chicken shaslik.
And they’ve got quite the selection of Indian food, from Lamb Rogan Josh to a dish cooked in a rich red wine and ginger sauce. They also cater to those with dietary preferences with a dedicated vegan menu, with dishes like Vegetable Samosas and Dal Soup.
Their servings don’t fall short. Many diners leave the restaurant either satisfied or carrying a takeaway bag since the portion sizes are big. And the best part is that you won’t have to spend too much for a satisfying meal.
| Pro tip: If you’re up for it, the Bhindi Ghost is a unique twist on traditional curry, offering a delightful combination of tender lamb and okra, giving you texture and flavour. For more variety, order the set menu since it includes starters, mains, and sides. |
Upper Eastside Paisley
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Address: 73 Glasgow Rd
Contact details: +44 141 611 0551
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Pricing: ££
Upper Eastside Paisley is for all the breakfast lovers out there (and lunch, too!). The menu is heavily inspired by American classics with a twist, offering items such as beef smash burgers, buttermilk chicken with honey mustard slaw, and loaded fries.
In true American fashion, since “Karens” can nag a business for not being inclusive, they also serve a gluten-free menu with options like bagels, French toast, and sandwiches. But they still offer a touch of home with their Sunday roast, featuring a selection of meats and traditional sides.
Speaking of meals, they also offer meal deals wherein diners can enjoy a variety of dishes at a fixed price. And believe it or not, it’s actually become a place where locals go for a casual meal with friends or family.
| Pro tip: The trick to beating the crowd just a tiny bit is by getting there 15 to 20 minutes before the rush, making it easier to find parking nearby, and getting dibs on the table you want. |
Zambretto Italian
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Address: 42-46 Old Sneddon St
Contact details: +44 141 889 2727
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Zambretto Italian has a contemporary but comfy design; clean and stylish interiors with cosy booth seats and a bar that ties it all together. If you want something a bit more high-energy, go on weekend nights since there’s usually live music or entertainment.
As you could probably tell by the name, they have lots of classic Italian dishes. Think stone-baked pizza, risottos, and pasta. Their starters are also nice, including bruschetta and garlic-lish breads.
On that note, missing out on good food would be a bummer, so it’s good that they have vegan and gluten-free options.
| Pro tip: If you happen to visit between Sunday and Thursday, or earlier in the day, check their value meals or lunch menu. These often offer two-course or pizza/pasta combos with good savings. |
Who’s Cafe?
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Address: 33 Moss St
Contact details: +44 7761 309016
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: ££
The first question you’ll probably ask about Who’s Cafe? is “Where?” because it’s a place where you can get East Asian-fusion dishes, combining Korean, Thai, and Japanese influences.
You can expect items like Korean fried chicken toasties, Thai minced pork wraps, and Korean BBQ fried rice. On top of that, they also have options to offer if you want something vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.
It’s a nice little spot, so it’s more famous as a takeaway spot. Plus, it’s quick to serve for both takeaway and dine-in orders.
| Pro tip: If you’re with others, ordering a couple of small plates or snack platters can make for a budget-friendly meal—it’s more diverse, too. |
Trattoria Genova
Address: 4 Glasgow Rd
Contact details: +44 141 849 1500
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 9:45 PM
Pricing: ££
Once you open the menu at Trattoria Genova, you’ll be greeted with Italian dishes and classics. You’ll see lists of pizzas, seafood, starters like calamari, and desserts like tiramisu.
Thankfully, many people can enjoy their offerings since they also offer gluten-free pasta and even gluten-free garlic bread. Their vegan and vegetarian options don’t fall behind either.
It’s set in a pretty small place, but it can easily accommodate larger parties like a group of 15, without a hitch.
| Pro tip: For those who want to save a bit, go midday; the fixed-price or lunch menu deals offer great value and let you sample more without paying full evening prices. |
The Ugly Duck
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Address: 38 High St
Contact details: +44 141 370 5889
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
Pricing: ££
Don’t expect intimate dining here at The Ugly Duck. It’s a lively bar-restaurant hybrid, with a relaxed, sociable vibe. Things also turn up on Friday and Saturday nights since there are usually karaoke and events.
As for the food, something that’ll fuel your body to dance: they have burgers, loaded fries, chicken tenders, and more. But if you do just want to enjoy the food, then going for lunch is a good bet, especially if they open their garden patio.
| Pro tip: If you want to have fun, then check their socials to see when the next event is going to be held. And look out for special deals and themed nights where you can score drinks, food deals, tapas, cocktail packages, and festive menu items. |
