Tasty food at good prices in Glasgow
Tasty food at good prices in Glasgow
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 up punk riffs on Korean classics, and is raved about by locals. Choose from bibimbap rice bowls, fried chicken or burgers to sit in their cosy space or to takeaway. Check out the menu at kimchicult.com.
BAKED pizza al taglio
Based on Duke Street in the east end, BAKED Pizza Al Taglio specialises in authentic Roman-style pizza and street food. Using only the best ingredients, the menu varies depending on what’s in season. There’s a small seating area or enjoy it on the go. Follow Pizza Al Taglio’s Instagram for more info.
Falafel To Go
It may not look like much from the outside, but the Falafel To Go stand is known by locals for making some of the tastiest falafel wraps in the city. And at only £4 it’s hard to disagree! Find it at 104 Hope Street, if you’re going at lunchtime you might spot the queue first.
Shawarma King
Awarded Best Kebab House in Scotland in 2022, 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. Follow Shawarma King on Instagram for more information.
Sacred Tum Tacos
Sacred Tum Tacos in the southside are a must-visit if you love Mexican food. Their freshly made corn tortillas are packed with delicious fillings like chicken tinga, pinto bean and chorizo rojo. And don’t leave without a side of their mouth-watering corn. Enjoy in Queen's Park, only a minute's walk away. Find the menu at sacredtumtacos.com.
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 to find out more.
MacTassos
MacTassos is located on Kelvin Way, between Kelvingrove Park and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, in the west end. 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 in to 1 of 3 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 Instagram to find out 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 £6, 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 new 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
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. Available every day (12noon – 6pm), 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 mussels, coley and a daily terrine, and starts from £15 for 2 courses. Visit Kelp's website to book.
Glaschu
Glaschu serves up modern Scottish fine-dining in the heart of the city centre. Their market menu is available weekdays until 6pm, allowing you to experience dishes such as Scotch rump steak, smoked salmon and wild mushroom risotto without the high price tag. Find out more at glaschurestaurant.co.uk.
October Cafe Bar
You’ll find October Cafe Bar in the penthouse of the stunning Princes Square shopping centre. It’s the perfect stylish pit stop while shopping, with classic lunch dishes starting at £8 and their 3-course set menus starting at £22. Visit octoberglasgow.co.uk to book.
Halloumi
Greek-Cypriot restaurant Halloumi in the city centre offers small plates with big flavours. Dishes include classic dolmades, chicken souvlaki and of course, halloumi. Try their express lunch menu on weekdays or their market menu from Sunday to Wednesday. Visit halloumiglasgow.co.uk to find out more.
63rd and 1st
New kid on the block 63rd and 1st offer their New York inspired grazing menu for just £15 every weekday from midday to 6pm. Enjoy loaded fries, pretzels, cauliflower buffalo ‘wings and their jammy chicken lollipops in a Manhattan-inspired atmosphere. Visit 63rdand1st.co.uk for 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 £3 and include pasta, burgers and hotdogs, not to mention their bargain weekend pizzas. Vegan and veggie options are also available most days. View the menus at bloc.ru.
Food markets
Platform
Platform has transformed the space formerly known as The Arches, Glasgow's legendary nightclub. The vibrant venue now offers a huge indoor street food restaurant and microbrewery, open on Fridays and Saturdays. With something for everyone, it's ideal for groups and families. Find out more at platformgla.co.uk.
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.
Article last updated: September 2022
