Take me to the West End!
Trendy, charming and full to the brim with gastronomic institutions serving up top-notch cuisine, the buzzing West End of Glasgow is not to be missed for those looking to immerse themselves in a culinary expedition. Home to an incalculable amount of world class food and eateries serving up everything from traditional Scottish cuisine to authentic, robust dishes from around the globe, narrowing these eateries down to a top five hit list was not an easy task. So, if you fancy taking a trip to the West End and trying out some of the flavoursome cuisine for yourself, why not take some inspiration from Panoptics’ must visit West End eateries’ hit list.
Cail Bruich
Boasting the title of Glasgow’s only Michelin Starred Restaurant and the first institution to be awarded a Michelin star in the area in 18 years, Cail Bruich champions the finest seasonal British produce and offers up a delectable menu which changes in harmony with the Scottish seasons. Located next to Oran Mor on Great Western Road, this stylish institution is one of the very best gastronomic experiences the West End has to offer.
The teal leather seating, exposed brick walls and the warm glow created from brass light fittings establish an intimate and stylish atmosphere within this eatery. Complimented by bespoke, handcrafted wooden furniture, the decor tells the story of their ethos and commitment to Scottish landscape.
From the west coast crab with green tomato, cail bruich garden herbs and elderflower, to the sladesdown farm duck with beetroot, honey, potato and spiced sauce – their tasting menus are inventive, moreish and ultimately, delicious – dictated by ingredients that are sustainable, local and delicious. They even have their very own in-house kitchen garden!
Cail Bruich creates unique, memorable and stylish dining experiences for its guests. It is no surprise that this West End favourite has a glowing entry in the prestigious Michelin Star guide, which reads, “Cail Bruich means ‘to eat well’ and this smart restaurant run by two brothers certainly lives up to its name.”
La Lanterna West End
After over 50 years of success in the city centre, La Lanterna branched out to the esteemed West End of Glasgow, opening it’s second restaurant in 2017. Serving up flavoursome and authentic Italian classics alongside traditional dishes with a modern twist, La Lanterna strives to bring Italian neighbourhood dining to each and every plate – and it’s safe to say they have mastered just that.
From fresh ravioli filled with roasted pepper and goats cheese in a sun-dried tomato, basil cream, to the grilled sea bass fillets grilled with cherry tomatoes and lemon on lyonnaise potatoes, choosing just one dish from their menu is a task within itself.
The bright, sleek decor paired with the intimate, elegant atmosphere of the stunning venue only add to La Lanterna’s charm. Winner of Best Restaurant Over 50 Seats at the 2019 Scottish Italian Awards and Bookatable’s Best Scottish Restaurant 2017, this is one not to be missed for those looking to be served some Italian flair when out and about in Glasgow’s West End.
Hanoi Bike Shop
Named one of the “15 coolest places to eat around the world” in 2019 by Wanderlust magazine, the Hanoi Bike Shop in Glasgow’s West End, just off Byres Road, is another gem hiding amongst the cobbled mews of Ruthven Lane that’s not to be missed. With an outdoor balcony for those looking to dine al fresco and a cosy and colourful Vietnamese interior – this eatery is a hit amongst locals and tourists alike and is known for its creative and vibrant dishes packed with flavour.
From okara cakes filled with chilli, syboes, crispy shallots and tamarin in a ginger dressing, to the shaking venison wok-tossed in an oyster and blackpepper sauce, the dishes served up by the Hanoi Bike Shop are so moreish and flavoursome that it brings back foodies time and time again. You can even build your own pho – the noodle and broth dish packed full of flavour that fuels Vietnam. Choose from fragrant chicken and lemongrass, classic beef, or tofu and mushroom and spice it up exactly to your taste.
For those looking to discover the spirit of Vietnam and immerse themselves in vibrant, robust and authentic Vietnamese street food, pay a visit to the Hanoi Bike Shop– which so happened to be the city’s very first Vietnamese restaurant!
Ubiquitous Chip
The Ubiquitous Chip, located on the charming cobbles of the ever so popular Ashton Lane, is a Glasgow icon. Using only the finest Scottish produce and treating every ingredient in their signature honest, wholesome and imaginative way, the Ubiquitous Chip celebrates Scotland and serves their dishes up with warm Glasgwegian charm. Established in 1971, this renowned institution has had just over 50 years of success bringing Scotland’s endangered cuisine out of the home and into the restaurant. So, it comes as little surprise that the Ubiquitous Chip is the winner of two AA Rosettes and Good Food Guide, Rating 5 since 1971.
It’s evergreen surroundings complete with a coy carp filled pond paired with its contemporary take on Scottish fine dining offers food lovers a unique gastronomic experience and a true taste of Scotland. After all, they have been devotedly making their own haggis for over 50 years!
Plating up unique and imaginative dishes like the Gigha halibut with streaky bacon, clam chowder and lovage; or the Argyll venison with coffee, merguez, roast aubergine and fermented grains – the Ubiquitous Chip is innovative, seasonal and culturally authentic. If it’s simply too hard to choose from the a la carte menu, why not treat yourself to their 8-course tasting menu (£65pp), which features plates like their Tweed Valley Lamb Loin with Courgette and Anchovy, and their Borders Beef Shortrib, with Black Garlic, Fermented Kohlrabi and Oyster Leaf.
If you’re looking to experience world-class, authentic Scottish cuisine with seasonality and provenance at its core, look no further than the Ubiquitous Chip.
Number 16
Known as a much loved neighbourhood favourite, Number 16 on the metropolitan Byres Road is a well-established, friendly and relaxed restaurant which brings fresh and vibrant ideas to modern Scottish cooking. Serving up authentic Scottish dishes with an international twist, complimented by balanced flavours and a commitment to seasonal and local ingredients, this popular eatery located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End offers diners a casual dining experience that doesn’t skimp on the quality or flavour.
Dishing up inventive, flavoursome plates like the sesame and ginger tartare of bavette steak with soy cured yolk and pickled mushrooms; and the slow cooked pork belly with malted pig cheek, hispi cabbage and heritage carrots; and the monkfish satay with bok choi, crispy enoki mushrooms, and yozu kosho – Number 19’s menu boasts charming, well-balanced and moreish dishes that bring back loyal diners time and time again.
With its close attention to detail, cosy neighbourhood feel and creative culinary flair, Number 16’s highly reputable reputation is well deserved. That’s why we believe it should most definitely have a spot on your West End hit list.
Need more recommendations for Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Check out our Glasgow city centre eatery blog, plus our Edinburgh edition.
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At Panoptic Events, we deliver world-class experiences cross-sector that amaze and inspire. Simply tell us your story, and we will create your legacy. If you would like to find out more about our services, please get in touch at molly@panopticevents.com.
