The Glasgow 100
by David Phillips
Below are David's Top 5 restaurants in Glasgow, with reviews of a couple of his favourites.
WEST END
STRAVAIGIN 2
8 Ruthven Lane 0141 334 7165
The menu is truly extraordinary, spanning continents. If
Louisiana crab cakes or mussels with coriander don’t appeal,
what about free range duck egg on chapati? [Read
the full review]
NO. 16
16 Byres Road 0141 339 2544
You sense that everyone concerned is striving for excellence
and it shows. No. 16 edges ever closer to the number one slot
in the West End.
CITY CENTRE
THE BUTTERY
652 Argyle Street 0141 221 8188
This much loved Glasgow institution traces its pedigree back to
1869 and is well worth its numerous awards ever since. Very
special, very enjoyable and very expensive (except for the set
lunch).
MINSKYS
Hilton Hotel, 1 William St 0141 204 5555
A mock New York style deli, the terrific self-service buffet is
actually about as British as you can get. If you have room, the
desserts are outstanding. [Read the full review]
MERCHANT CITY
SMITHS
109 Candleriggs 0141 552 6539
Long overdue recognition for this Parisian style brasserie is
arriving at last – perseverance pays! You too may wait a while,
but relax, when the food arrives it’s worth it.
David also lists his favourite restaurants in the South Side of Glasgow.
STRAVAIGIN
28 Gibson Street 0141 334 2665
This award winning restaurant looks rather nondescript
from the outside and not much better within. The ground
floor café bar has the advantage of light and air while the
(smoke free) basement is where you’ll encounter those
intent on making more of an occasion
of their visit. Colin Clydesdale
and his team have adopted an
adventurous philosophy of giving
fresh local produce an international
(mainly oriental) treatment and the
results vary from noble failures to spectacular triumphs. If
you’ve ever wondered what squid salad with capers and
smoked paprika tastes like, here’s your chance. They do a
lovely Thai green curry with steamed rice, and the lemon
and thyme roast mushrooms may convert you to vegetarianism.
If all this is too exotic, the fish and chips are
renowned, as are the haggis (including a veggie version)
and game dishes. Don’t neglect the impossibly alluring
desserts – Belgian chocolate and walnut brownies or ginger
beer ice cream, for example. Staff mostly cope well
but you may need to be patient at peak times.
Food style: Scottish | Licensed: Yes
| Non-smoking tables: Yes |
Wheelchair access: No
Open Tue–Thur 5-11pm;
Fri–Sun noon-2.30pm, 5-11pm;
closed Mon
Price ££(£)
MINSKYS
Hilton Hotel, 1 William St 0141 204 5555
The main restaurant in the Hilton is Cameron’s, an impressively
formal Scottish-French affair that has won plaudits
over the years. But the real treasure is the more relaxed
Minskys, a mock New York style deli that you access via
the back of the lobby. A masterpiece
of deception, you will hardly believe
it only opened a few years ago. The
old sepia photographs of the Minsky
family (are they real?) on the walls,
combined with the shiny wooden
table-tops, enhance the pseudo-historic ethos of the
place. Despite its American connections, the food is
actually about as British as you can get. The self-service
buffet is exceptional and great value. Go easy on the
starters or you’ll deprive yourself of the joys of the
carvery, where succulent slabs of roast beef compete for
your attention with fish, poultry and masses of fresh
vegetables and salads. If you have room, the desserts are
outstanding. Finish with coffee and mints.
Highly recommended
Food style: British/Scottish |
Licensed: Yes |
Non-smoking tables: Yes |
Wheelchair access: Yes
Open Mon–Fri 6.30am-11pm;
Sat–Sun 7am-11pm
Price: ££(£)