
11 minute read
Dining
Chris Martinolli runs Glasgow’s oldest family owned restaurant, La Lanterna on Hope Street. Established over 40 years ago, winner of numerous awards and considered one of Glasgow’s finest Italian restaurants, there is no better person to guide you as Chris reflects on his home city of Glasgow.
What really makes Glasgow different from anywhere else in Scotland is the cosmopolitan make up of the city, and because of this there are a whole host of different food types to try when dining. Whether its Indian, Chinese, French, Japanese, traditional British or indeed our own Italian specialities, there is a variety in Glasgow that is just not found in other cities.
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Over the last few years this diversity has grown, putting Glasgow on a par with London in terms of the rich dining experiences the city has to offer
Glasgow city centre itself is a great place to go for sophisticated shopping during the day but even more special for evening dining experiences with restaurants and bars mostly staying open until quite late which allows you plenty of time to enjoy the city..
Our own restaurant, La Lanterna on Hope Street is just across from Central Station, meaning that we frequently welcome visitors to the city, popping in to enjoy our traditional Italian cuisine after a busy day of sightseeing, shopping or following a hectic day at a conference. Because Glasgow is also host to so many fabulous concerts, shows and exhibitions, every hospitality business in the city must showcase what the city has to offer and deliver it to you with the style, quality and service that you would expect from a world leading city destination.
Having been established for forty years, we are the oldest family-run restaurant in Glasgow and we hope to continue to serve visitors to our magnificent city for many more years to come. Discover Glasgow Restaurants Glasgow Dining

Glasgow’s food and drink scene is thriving. The number of bars and restaurants serving great quality food in Glasgow from all around the world has mushroomed over recent years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Enjoying a well-earned international reputatio as a cosmopolitan city with a multitude of options for eating out, Glasgow’s ever-evolving hospitality sector means that there is never any shortage of choice for visitors seeking somewhere to eat and drink in the city.
As well as traditional Scottish fare, Glasgow’s bar and restaurant scene reflects the various ethnic influences at play within the city; from its renowned range of Indian restaurants (Glasgow has won the Curry Capital of Britain more times than any other city) to established Italian bars and

restaurants as well as Chinese, French, Spanish, Greek and, most recently, Eastern European outlets.
We have some great bars and restaurants in Glasgow that are willing to go the extra mile and are experimenting with new cuisines. The fact there is just so much on offer for visitors to pick and choose their favourites means that the city deserves every accolade it receives. So whether you’re looking for a curry karaoke or an intimate fine dining experience, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in Glasgow.
24 of the best restaurants
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WINDOWS West George Street. G2 1DH 0141 353 6373 www.carltonhotels.co.uk Enjoy a table with a view from Glasgow’s only rooftop restaurant overlooking George Square and West George Street. Open for lunch,afternoon tea, pre-theatre or dinner.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE BAVARIA BRAUHAUS 30 Bothwell Street. G2 6NU. 0141 457 7100 www.bavarianbrauhaus.com A unique and authentic German Bierhalle right in the centre of Glasgow. Live entertainment with a German Oompah band on Saturdays and dj every Friday & Saturday.
ST ENCOCH 8T. CENTRAL STATION RED LEAF AT ALEA CASINO Springfield Quay. G5 8NP 0141 530 2846 www.glasgow.aleacasinos.com Red Leaf offers midweek and weekend dining deals in a spectacular setting where floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views across the Clyde to famous city landmarks. THE RAVEN 81-85 Renfield St. G2 1LP 0141 332 6151 www.theravenglasgow.com The Raven is a vibrant gastropub serving slow smoked food prepared and smoked on the premises. There is a wide menu choice with prices to suit all budgets and a fantastic selection of craft beers.
BUCHANAN ST 7 ST. VINCENT PLACE LA LANTERNA 35 Hope Street G2 6AE 0141 221 9160 www.lalanterna-glasgow.co.uk For over 40 years La Lanterna has been delighting customers old and new with its rich authentic Italian cuisine. Glasgow’s oldest family run Italian restaurant.
ST. ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU HOTEL
LYCHEE ORIENTAL 59 Mitchell Street. G1 3LN 0141 248 2240 www.lycheeoriental.co.uk Award winning oriental restaurant serving classic and modern Asian dishes in a stylish and relaxed modern atmosphere. Great cocktails served too!
ST. ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU HOTEL HARD ROCK CAFÉ
179 Buchanan Street. G1 2JZ 0141 353 8790 www.hardrock.com
From the moment you step inside Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow in the restored, Athenaeum Theatre you're in the presence of greatness. There are legends on the walls, in the speakers, behind the bar and at the grill.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE
AMORE 30 Ingram Street. G1 1EZ 0141 553 0810 www.amoreglasgow.co.uk A fantastic, authentic Italian pizzeria & restaurant serving the finest fresh produce and beautifully prepared wood oven pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes. BUCHANAN ST 3 MERC HANT CITY
MUSSEL INN 157 Hope Street. G2 2UQ 0141 572 1405 www.mussel-inn.com Mouth watering seafood, simple cooked using fresh produce from their own sources in a the relaxed and casual atmosphere of this award winning restaurant.
BUCHANAN ST 9 ST VINCENT PLACE
CHAOPHRAYA Nelson Mandela Place. G1 2LL 0141 332 0041 www.chaophraya.co.uk A stunning Thai restaurant offering a fantastic variety of dining options and styles. Unique private dining is also available in sumptuous surroundings right in the city centre.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE


BROWN’S BAR & BRASSERIE George Square G2 1DY 0141 221 7828 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk An all day brasserie with a menu to suit every occasion from breakfast, business lunch, shopping breather or dinner with friends. Located right in the centre of the city, Browns is an easy choice within a short walk of all the key city attractions.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE BARO LO GRILL Mitchell Street G1 3NQ 0141 221 0971 www.barologrill.co.uk Serving top quality Scottish steaks, meats and seafood, cooked to perfection, and served with a contemporary touch. An extensive wine list which features, of course, a fine selection of Barolo wines.
ST. ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU HOTEL SAPPORO Ingram Street G1 1HA 0141 290 0973 www.sapporo.co.uk An exciting dining Japanese experience with food expertly prepared by entertaining Teppanyaki chefs who will dazzle you with their tricks while delivering mouth watering food to your plate.
BUCHANAN ST 3 MERC HANT CITY THE SPIRITUALIST 61 Elmbank Street. G2 4PQ 0141 332 3565 www.theteatro.co.uk Contemporary cuisine, beautifully made at an affordable price and Scotland’s greatest bar gantry offering you an unrivalled selection of spirits, liqueurs, cocktails, wines and craft beers. BUCHANAN ST 21 GEORGE SQ WAXY O’CONNORS 44 West George Street. G2 1DH 0141 354 5154 www.waxyoconnors.co.uk Centrally located, with 3 floors, 6 bars and 9 different areas, Waxy’s is Glasgow’s most unique bar. Waxy’s is also home to live sport shown on big screens and with a fabulous food menu served all day a trip to Waxy’s is a something not to be missed.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE
RED ONION West Campbell Street. G2 4TT 0141 221 6000 www.red-onion.co.uk Award winning Red Onion is a contemporary casual dining experience with a menu that offers something for everyone and features dishes that people know and love. Chef/Patron John Quiqley will delight with dishes prepared with fresh seasonal Scottish ingredients. BUCHANAN ST 22 GLASGOW SC HOOL OF ART MASALA TWIST TIKKA TAPAS BAR Hope Street. G2 3PS 0141 332 6002 www.masalatwistscotland.co.uk Authentic Indian cuisine with a Scottish twist. The chefs deliver classic Indian style dishes using the finest local ingredients. For a twist you can also enjoy rabbit or venison curry as well as pheasant tikka along with all the other well know selections. BUCHANAN ST 23 THEATRES ROMA Bath Street. G2 1HG 0141 332 9641 www.romagalsgow.co.uk Roma Mediterranean restaurant offers a blend of Mediterranean, European and traditional dishes for lunch, pre-theatre and dinner. Located within an easy walk of many hotels and theatres, Roma has a casual, relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind with good food and wine. BUCHANAN ST 23 THEATRES ALLA TURCA 192 Pitt Street G2 4DY 0141 332 5300 www.allaturca.co.uk Award winning authentic Turkish grill & mezze bar with background live music. Enjoy a wide variety of freshly prepared mezze and traditional Turkish dishes in a warm, welcoming and cosy atmosphere. BUCHANAN ST 22 GLASGOW SC HOOL OF ART
WAGAMAMA West George Street. G2 1PB 0141 229 1468 www.wagamama.com Delicious noodles, rice dishes, salads and freshly squeezed juices all brought together in a vibrant busy restaurant makes Wagamama a great family destination.
BUCHANAN ST 9 ST VINCENT PLACE
CAFÉ ANDELUZ St. Vincent Place. G1 2DW 0141 222 2255 www.cafeandeluz.com Authentic Spanish tapas, paellas and a huge range of Spanish wines and cocktails in a relaxed and bustling atmosphere. Centrally located and a great family destination.
BUCHANAN ST 9 ST VINCENT PLACE LA BONNE AUBERGE 161 West Nile Street G1 2RL 0141 352 8310. www.labonneauberge.co.uk Is at the heart of Glasgow’s Theatreland. The city’s original Mediterranean Brasserie continues to thrive and innovate. Using only the freshest ingredients, the menus offer excellent value with tantalising cuisine inspired by France and the Mediterranean.
BUCHANAN ST 21 ROYAL C/ HALL

TGI FRIDAYS Buchanan Street. G1 3HF 0844 692 0249 www.tgifridays.co.uk World famous dining featuring sizzling steaks, fabulous burgers and the famous cocktail list! It’s hard to imagine a major city without one and Glasgow is no exception.
BUCHANAN ST 9 ST VINCENT PLACE ICHIBAN 50 Queen Street. G1 3DS 0141 204 4200 www.ichban.co.uk Glasgow’s original noodle restaurant and still serving great Japanese dishes freshly prepared in the open kitchen. Extensive menu includesbrice, noodle and soup based dishes as well as sushi and bento boxes.
BUCHANAN ST 9 ST VINCENT PLACE
RESTAURANT & BAR Daily Dinner Specials, seasonal Set
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Glasgow Dining Glasgow’s ever changing culinary landscape ... BELLA ITALIA 96 Hope Street. G2 6PH 0141 221 5321 www.bellaitalia.co.uk Drop by for a warm welcome and delicious, homely Italian food. We’re brilliantly located on Hope Street – just down the road from Glasgow Central Station.
ST. ENOCH 1 GEORGE SQUARE BOMBAY BLUES 41 Hope Street. G2 6AE. 0141 221 0817 www.bombaybluesglasgow.co.uk Finest Indian cuisine, stylish surroundings together with welcoming staff make Bombay Blues the perfect lunch or dinner destination. Next to Artto Hotel.
ST. ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU HOTEL ICHIBAN 50 Queen Street. G1 3DS 0141 204 4200 www.ichban.co.uk Glasgow’s original noodle restaurant and still serving an extensive menu of great Japanese dishes freshly prepared in the open kitchen.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE AMARONE 2 Nelson Mandela Place. G2 1BT 0141 333 1122 www.amoronerestaurant.co.uk Eating is a serious matter in Italy so Amarone have created menus to reflect the very best of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine made with ingredients sourced from specialist Italian suppliers and locally.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE DiMAGGIO’S 21 Royal Exchange Square. G1 3AJ 0141 248 2111 www.dimaggios.co.uk Dining at DiMaggios is a relaxed affair with no set rules other than enjoying the home cooked recipes, family atmosphere and friendly staff.
BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQUARE SHILLING BREWING Co. 92 West George St. G2 1PJ 0141 331 4111 www.shillingbrewing.co.uk Shilling Brewing Co. brews its own craft beer on site as well as showcasing other Scottish and UK craft beers. With freshly prepared gourmet artisan pizzas fast cooked in a clay oven..
ST ENOCH 1 GEORGE SQUARE


With so many great attractions all within a short distance of each other it’s easy to get a real flavour of Glasgow even if you only have one day in the city. Here are some ideas about what not to miss ...
You’ve only got one day?

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS TOUR
The best way to pack in all the main attractions. Easy access and hop-on, hop-off all day long. THE RIVERSIDE MUSEUM 15 Stunning award winning transport museum. GLASGOW CATHEDRAL 2 Historic wonder including St.Mungo Museum nearby.
GALLERY OF MODERN ART 1 Great exhibitions and a nice place to stop for coffee!
THE TALL SHIP 15 Superb example of Glasgow’s maritime past in full tall ship glory.
THE PEOPLE’S PALACE 5 All about Glasgow in one place!
GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE 12 Must visit even if you don’t have the family with you! KELVINGROVE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 19 Glasgow’s most visited attraction and easy to see why.
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 16 Home of the Hunterian Museum
BOTANIC GARDENS 17 Somewhere tranquil to walk and enjoy the amazing displays.
Use this guide to plan a FUTURE visit only SCOTTISH FOOTBALL MUSEUM 15 Everything about Scottish football past & present including Hall of Fame. GLASGOW SC HOOL OF ART 22 Part of the architectural history of the city