Glasgow’s award-winning food scene caters for those on a budget too. Whether you’re looking for a cheap bite on the go, or a bargain 3-course meal, here’s how you can eat in the city for less.
Food on the go
Kimchi Cult!
Located in the west end, Kimchi Cult! serves a mix of Western and Korean dishes and is raved about by locals. Expect to see bibimbap rice bowls, Korean fried chicken, pizza slices, plus vegan and vegetarian options. Check out the menu at kimchicult.com.
Falafel To Go
The Falafel To Go stand is known by locals for making some of the tastiest falafel wraps in the city. And at only £4.50 it’s hard to disagree. If you’re going at lunchtime, you might spot the queue first.
Shawarma King
Awarded Best Kebab House in Scotland in 2023 Shawarma King can be found under the bridge on King Street. Open 7 days a week, they whip up Middle Eastern treats like falafel, shawarma and kebab. Visit Shawarma King’s website to find out more.
Pakistani Street Food
Winner of the 2022 Scottish Takeaway Awards, Pakistani Street Food can also be found in the southside. Offering authentic street food snacks and dessert, locals love their chaats, paratha wraps, samosas and fresh juices on the go. Follow their Instagram for more information.
MacTassos
MacTassos is located on Kelvin Way, between Kelvingrove Park and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The friendly team specialise in authentic Greek gyros that are juicy and flavourful. It's no wonder it's a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Visit mactassos.co.uk for more.
Street Tempura
Street Tempura claim to make some of the best tempura in Glasgow, and the reviews seem to agree. Whether you build your own rice or noodle tempura dishes, or choose a bowl of ramen, everything is made fresh to order. Pre-order at streettempuraglasgow.com.
Piece
For a proper sandwich, drop into 1 of several branches of Piece in the city. Expect a mix of classics like New York Deli and Banh Mi or specialities like Dirty Fat Boy and Nottolenghi. Ingredients are always high quality and fillings are never skimped on. Visit Piece's website to learn more.
Restaurants with no booking required
Sugo Pasta
Sugo Pasta in the city centre specialises in fresh pasta, handmade every day in their kitchen. While prices start from £7.95, there’s been no compromise on quality with dishes served as authentically as they would be in Italy. Find out more at sugopasta.co.uk.
Paesano Pizza
Sister restaurant to Sugo, Paesano has been a popular staple of Glasgow’s pizza scene since 2015. Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza, they keep it simple by offering only 10 variations on their menu. Enjoy Paesano’s tasty pizzas in the city centre and the west end. View the menu at paesanopizza.co.uk.
Dumpling Monkey
If you hadn’t already guessed, dumplings are the speciality at Dumpling Monkey. Also on offer are potstickers, noodles, wonton soups and bubble tea. Find these authentic dishes inspired by northern Chinese cuisine in Glasgow's west end. Visit dumplingmonkey.com for more information.
Yiamas Greek Taverna
Find the neon blue storefront on Bath Street in the city centre and you’re in the right place. Yiamas is a family-run restaurant serving up gyro sandwiches, kebabs and other traditional Greek dishes that won’t break the bank. While you're there, head upstairs and try out their bar Yianni's. Find out more at yiamas-greek-taverna.co.uk.
Soul Food Sisters
Soul Food Sisters is a café run by a group of migrant women in the east end. Together they’re creating a vibrant collective based around their shared passion, food! Dishes served vary and are inspired by the women, learnt from all over the world. Visit soulfoodsisters.org to find out more.
Ranjit's Kitchen
Situated in the southside, Ranjit’s Kitchen is a favourite amongst locals. Fully vegetarian, this family-run Panjabi food deli serves authentic food just as you would enjoy in every Panjabi household. Make sure you try their famous samosas. View the menu at ranjitskitchen.com.
Dine with a deal
Seven 21
Seven 21 is a collaboration between Hinba Coffee Roasters and the west end’s Eighty Eight restaurant. Expect coffee by day and tasting menus by night. You can enjoy a 5-course tasting menu for £35. Check out their delicious dishes on offer by visiting Seven 21’s website.
Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy some of Scotland’s best produce at Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar in Cowcaddens. Their market menu offers you a chance to taste the likes of mackerel pate, Cullen skink and wild venison stew for less. View a sample menu at ardnamurchan.biz.
Kelp
A short walk from Ardnamurchan is Kelp, a sustainable Scottish seafood restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Their market menu consists of smoked trout, confit chicken and coley. Prices start from £21.95 for 2 dishes and a side. Visit Kelp's website to book.
Glaschu
Glaschu serves up modern Scottish fine dining in the heart of the city centre. Their market menu features dishes such as charcoal grilled venison, sharing beef wellington and wild mushroom risotto. Find out more at glaschurestaurant.co.uk.
Halloumi
Greek-Cypriot restaurant Halloumi in the city centre offers small plates with big flavours. Dishes include gyros, chicken souvlaki and of course, halloumi. Try their express lunch menu on weekdays. Visit halloumiglasgow.co.uk to learn more.
BLOC+
Located in the city centre, BLOC+ is an independent basement bar and venue offering unusual pub grub. Their daily food deals start from £4 and include pasta, burgers and hotdogs, not to mention their bargain pizzas. Vegan and veggie options are also available most days. View the menus at bloc.ru.
Food markets
Dockyard Social
Open from Friday until Sunday, Dockyard Social is a street food market with a focus on community. Taste everything from pan-Asian fried chicken to sourdough pizzas to jackfruit tacos. DJs and live bands provide the tunes and kids and dogs are welcome. Visit dockyardsocial.com to find out more.
Farmers Markets
There are many food markets across the city selling seasonal vegetables, fruit, quality meat and fresh street food including Partick Farmers Market and Shawlands Farmers Market. Visit citypropertymarkets.co.uk for dates and the latest news.
Article last updated: April 2024
