If there’s one thing to be said for the people of Glasgow, it’s surely that we know good food.
With arguably one of the most fresh and exciting culinary scenes in the whole of Europe it’s no surprise that we’ve welcomed some amazing new restaurants and cafes in 2021.
Whether you fancy a bit of fine dining or an Asian twist on a fried chicken sandwich, you’ll find it all in our collection of some of the best new openings from the past year.
Celentano’s
28-32 Cathedral Square
Before we even get to the food, there’s a lot to be said for this restaurant’s stunning location.
Situated in Cathedral House Hotel a mere stone’s throw from the Gothic Glasgow Necropolis, a trip to Celentano’s makes for the perfect day out.
Italian-inspired small plates and natural wine are served in a relaxed and welcoming environment with staff who know their menu inside out.
Try the Layered Potatoes cooked in beef dripping or Lasagne Fritti if you’re feeling indulgent.
READ MORE: We learn what's next for one of Mount Florida's most exciting food spots
Silk Road Deli
34 Minard Road
More of a café than a restaurant, Silk Road Deli in Shawlands has earned a place on our list thanks to their wonderfully diverse and flavour packed menu.
Bringing a touch of spice to Minard road, star of the BBC's Million Pound Menu, Tanya Golhil, and her partner, Ross Lunniss opened the deli in June this year.
Since then, they’ve become a welcome addition to the neighbourhood serving up treats like Bombay Spiced Eggs and Harissa-infused Hash Tattie rolls.
GaGa
566 Dumbarton Road
A dream collaboration between chef Julie Lin of Julie’s Kopitiam, Marc Ferrier, Ken and Fraser Hamilton from the Thornwood bar saw the opening of GaGa in Partick.
Finding their home in the former Six North craft ale bar, this super team specialise in bespoke cocktails and a South East Asian influenced menu.
Taiwanese Fried Chicken with Kewpie mayo is a must.
Beat 6
10 Whitehill Street
The latest venture from the team behind Six by Nico, Beat 6 opened in Dennistoun this year November.
Following the same six-course set up as their sister restaurants, an extra element of fun at Beat 6 comes from the rapidly changing menu which sees members of the public vote to resurrect their favourite dishes from previous Six By Nico themes.
Not only this, but all proceeds from the restaurant go towards the wonderful Beatson Charity so you know that you’ll be doing good by eating good.
Unalome by Graeme Cheevers
36 Kelvingrove Street
It’s been quite the opening year for this West End restaurant which has both been awarded three AA Rosette and been included in a list of Glasgow's must-try restaurants by National Geographic since opening in June.
Two-time Michelin star chef Graeme Cheevers is behind this fine dining menu which is designed to showcase the best of Scottish produce with a modern twist.
A surefire hit with seafood fans.
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La Pastina Deli
180 Byres Road
An Aladdin’s cave of authentic Italian produce on Byres Road overseen by professional chef John Traynor.
Although there’s only a small seating area outside the deli, we count this as one of our most exciting openings of the year thanks to its outstanding selection of fresh pasta varieties made from scratch each day.
After all, can you really argue with a mix and match pasta deli counter?
Hooligan Wine & Bar
1 Lynedoch Street
A sister restaurant to a Glasgow favourite, the 88, Hooligan opened its doors this September.
Again, proving that the city has a big appetite for small plates, you’ll find dishes like Tiger prawn, Monkfish cheek with Goan fish sauce or Duck breast, Jerusalem Artichoke and Red Cabbage Puree at this Lynedoch street restaurant.
On top of all that, enjoying their extensive wine list is the perfect way to pass the time while you take your pick.
The Duke’s Umbrella
363 Argyle Street
Quickly entering the running as a contender for the best Sunday roast in Glasgow this year was West End gastropub the Duke’s Umbrella.
Head chef John Molloy puts his own inventive twist on hearty pub grub classics like Sausage and Mash or Haggis Neeps and Tatties.
Pair this with a couple of Dukes Umbrella signature cocktails and you have the perfect place to whittle away and lazy weekend afternoon.
Sylvan
20 Woodlands Road
A veggie and vegan friendly paradise to be found near the city centre.
If you're looking for a plant-based meal that could convert any carnivore then this restaurant would be our first recommendation.
Relying on seasonal produce rather than 'fake meats', the talented chefs at Sylvan have curated a menu full of delights like Blistered Padron Peppers, Mushroom Rice Pudding or Deep Fried Celeriac Schnitzel with Walnut Pesto.
The restaurant itself is laid back and full of natural light from huge windows looking out onto Woodlands Road for some top-notch people watching.
It's all very zen.
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