A Local’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Glasgow’s West End
- mgfheaney
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Why We Love the West End (and Why You Will Too)
After a tour with Gallus Pedals, your legs might be tired—but your tastebuds are just getting started. Glasgow’s West End is one of the UK’s most underrated food neighbourhoods, where you’ll find Portuguese custard tarts, Scottish venison, Southeast Asian small plates, and some of the best pizza and doughnuts in the country. We're sharing our list of places that we love going to time and time again! Hungry? Good.
1. Locale – Wine, Sharing Plates & Laid-Back Vibes
241 North St, G3 7DL |£8–£28| The Locale
This is one of the closest pubs to where we finish our tours however think of it more like a gastro pub as it serves good quality food and caters to those with food allergies very well.
Just 10 minutes from Gallus HQ.
2. Park District – A Lunch Favourite Among Locals
116 Park Rd, G4 9HB |£6–£16| Order Online | Park District cafe
A chilled out café serving dishes that punch well above their weight. Check their instagram for their dish of the day or check out their range of healthy sandwiches, wraps and soups. Can also be a nice spot before taking a walk through the upper part of Kelvingrove Park. Not usually open on weekends.
12 minutes from where most tours wrap up.

3. Ottoman Coffee House – Turkish Hospitality in Glasgow
73 Berkeley St, G3 7DX |£3–£12| ottomancoffeehouse.co.uk
A chilled out café with comfy sofas which is worth the walk just to see inside serving Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes dishes that punch well above their weight, brilliant coffee and some really decadent desserts and hot drinks that really are more like a dessert too. We love the salep - a cinnamon, milky based drink.
15 minutes max from our finishing point.
4. Tantrum Doughnuts – Small Batch, Big Flavour
27 Old Dumbarton Rd, G3 8RD |£2.50–£4.50| tantrumdoughnuts.com
Cream-filled, custard-glazed, bacon-topped bliss. No one does doughnuts like Tantrum. A post-tour reward if ever there was one. We won't judge you if you have several as your main course but definitely worthwhile checking out.
7 or 8 minutes from Kelvingrove Museum.

5. Sano Pizza – Proper Neapolitan Pizza at Proper Prices
1146 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TE |£5–£12| https://www.sano.pizza/
This place serves up great authentic Neapolitan pizza at a price point that is hard to beat. Quick, casual and a massive crowd-pleaser.
6. Dumpling Monkey – West End’s Cult Favourite
119-121 Dumbarton Rd, G11 6PR |£4–£15| (@dumpling_monkey)
Amazing dumplings and plenty of other inexpensive, authentic Cantonese food. We can't stop buying the salt and chilli chicken wings any time we go or order online. It's an inexpensive, authentic place so don;t expect 5 star service and probably not suited to big groups...just turn up and see if they can squeeze you in.
7. Pasteis Lisboa – Portuguese Pastry Paradise
280 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8AW |£2–£5| pasteislisboa.co.uk
Lots of people travel to try out this place, famed for serving high quality pastéis de nata - some say best enjoyed warm and with a strong espresso.
8. Eusebi’s – Pasta, Passion & Pure Joy
152 Park Rd, G4 9HB |£10–£30| Home - Eusebi Deli
This is a real favourite for handmade pasta, elegant antipasti, and a wine list you’ll want to explore slowly. You definitely should book ahead or be prepared to wait a while and look out for the odd celebrity when you're in.
9. Zique’s – Glasgow’s Hidden Fine-Dining Gem
66 Hyndland St, G11 5PT |£12–£35| HOME Zique's
Love this place - definitely one of the best places for brunch but also does lunch and dinner very well too. It's tucked away a little bit from some of the main drags however it's great quality and worth the effort. If you want to guarantee your prime time weekend brunch spot then best to call ahead.
10. Ka Pao – A Flavour Party in a Converted Garage
26 Vinicombe St, G12 8BE |£20–£40| Ka Pao | Restaurants
This is the sister restaurant of Ox & Finch. We think this is the best pan asian food, with the odd Scottish twist of course, that we've ever had. Can be used for a special occasion but also has quite a relaxed atmosphere too. For dinner at weekends it's best to book as far in advance as you can.
11. Hanoi Bike Shop – Pho and Bánh Mì Heaven
8 Ruthven Ln, G12 9BG |£9–£20| hanoibikeshop.co.uk
This is a great option for tasty Vietnamese dishes whether that be lunch or dinner. Down a little lane just off Byres Rd, opposite Hillhead subway,
12. The Bothy – Traditional Scottish Comfort
11 Ruthven Ln, G12 9BG |£15–£40| thebothyglasgow.co.uk
Tartan, whisky, roaring food. One of the best spots for newcomers craving a real Scottish meal. Nice location and lots of space inside so can accommodate larger groups.
13. No. 16 – Refined Scottish Dining
16 Byres Rd, G11 5JY |£25–£50| No.16
Tiny, elegant, and seriously impressive. It really is as tiny as it is tasty! It's the size of a small living room but they make the most of their space. Given the space constraints you should definitely book ahead if this is something that you fancy trying.
14. Mother India’s Café – Iconic Indian Small Plates
1355 Argyle St, G3 8AD |£7–£16| motherindia.co.uk
Legendary Indian tapas near Kelvingrove. Great for sharing and absolutely packed with flavour. It's the little sister of the bigger Mother India however we prefer this one with smaller plates and is an obvious choice for a pre or post visit to Kelvingrove Museum.
FAQs – Best Places to Eat in Glasgow’s West End
Which restaurants are closest to where Gallus Pedals tours finish?
Locale, Park District and Ottoman Coffee House, are all within a 10–15 minute walk from our tour endpoint near Kelvingrove Park.
What’s the best place for traditional Scottish food in the West End?
The Bothy offers cosy classics like haggis, venison, and sticky toffee pudding. For refined Scottish dining, No. 16 is exceptional. There's also the Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane however we haven't been there in a while.
What’s the best pizza nearby?
Sano Pizza does authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with top ingredients and affordable prices.
What’s best for something sweet post-tour?
Tantrum Doughnuts and Pasteis Lisboa are both top-tier for indulgent treats. Ottoman Coffee house also has really decadent dessert drinks.
Best for families or kids?
Sano Pizza, Tantrum Doughnuts, Pasteis Lisboa, and Dumpling Monkey are casual, quick, and kid-friendly.
Good vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! Try Ka Pao, Zique’s, Mother India’s Café,, Hanoi Bike Shop or Locale.
Should I book ahead?
For dinner yes however for lunch it's worthwhile calling ahead for Ka Pao, Eusebi’s, Zique’s, No. 16, and Mother India’s Café.
Can you customise tours to include food stops?
Absolutely! Let us know what food you love, and we’ll tailor your Private Walking Tour or Private Bike Tour accordingly.
Are gluten-free or allergy-friendly places available?
Yes. Almost all of the above options cater to dietary needs very well, this is something that while has mostly gone unnoticed, Glasgow does very well.
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