5 MUST VISITS Iconic Glasgow Institutions 2024 | Local Restaurants & Pubs you cannot miss!
Glasgow's food scene is currently bursting with incredible offerings ranging from cuisines influenced from around the world, but did you know that the city also has family-owned restaurants dating back decades, with loyal customers from every generation visiting and enjoying classic food and drinks by local people?
Well if you're visiting Glasgow or you're simply a local who somehow hasn't visited any of these iconic institutions, then bookmark this blog post and get ready chow down on some incredible scran! Take note, here are 4 Glasgow Institutions you must visit in the city:
Newlands Cafe, Newlands, Southside Glasgow
Celebrating 50 years of being purveyors of traditional handmade ice cream and Scottish Italian sweet treats, Joe and family has been making and serving fresh vanilla ice cream with traditional recipes originating from their family in Italy since the 1900s.
Newlands Cafe has been a neighbourhood favourite for decades and continues to offer the most nostalgic and best-selling local favourites desserts like Ice Cream Sandwich with nougat-filled wafers and Ice Cream Oysters coated in chocolate and coconuts flakes!
Coia's Cafe, Dennistoun, Glasgow East End
Located on Duke Street in Dennistoun is one of Glasgow most favourite Italian restaurants, delicatessens and ice cream parlour, Coia's Cafe.
This family-owned business has been up and running for almost a century now and is definitely a crowd favourite. When asking for recommendations, Coia's is one that's highly recommended amongst locals, followed by a story or two of how families would visit on weekends for reunions and gatherings.
A popular destination, no matter what the day of the week is, this restaurant is known for their take on Scottish Italian cuisine, which boasts big portions and wholesome flavours. Don't forget to get their ice cream sundaes and stop by their deli to pack a treat to take home.
University Cafe, Byres Road, Glasgow West End
You might be familiar with The University Cafe if you're a fan of the late Anthony Bourdain (that's how I discovered it many years ago while studying in Glasgow) through his food and travel show called Parts Unknown.
Opened for 100 years now, The University Cafe is an icon of the Glasgow west end by locals but also particularly with students studying in the University of Glasgow just around the corner. Seen as a staple during a hot sunny summers day, you must stop by to get an traditional 99 cone!
If you're up for a proper meal though, you can take influence from Anthony Bourdain and order a deep fried haggis alongside cheese and curry sauce. If that isn't to your liking, then a fish supper will surely satisfy you as well.
The Buttery, Argyle Street, Glasgow City Centre
The Buttery, a Scottish fine dining restaurant has been opened since 1870. This Glasgow Institution would be the perfect restaurant to visit if you're keen on trying traditional Scottish cuisine within an atmosphere that exudes Scottish luxury, hospitality and ambience.
Showcasing what Scotland has to offer, the menu at The Buttery includes ingredients that are often a reflection of the countries history, local ingredients and diverse produce, including traditional dishes like haggis and black pudding, and game meat like duck and lamb.
A location ready to impress any of your guests, this hidden gem in Argyle Street is known to many as quintessentially Scottish, filled with oak and mahogany furniture, stained glass windows and tartan patterns, creating an intimate setting of familiarity and ease.
The Pot Still, Hope Street, Glasgow City Centre
Officially renamed in 1981 but with a colourful history since 1867, The Pot Still remains as one of Glasgow's favourite local whisky pubs offering over 800 whiskies that visitors and enthusiasts can try.
The pub itself has a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, with novice and experts alike trying drams of different whiskies from the thousands of distilleries located all over Scotland.
They often host whisky tastings too, allowing you to learn more about identifying key flavour notes and also the process of creating and ageing whisky.
These are my recommendations for Glasgow Institutions that you should visit! I hope you enjoy them while you're exploring the city.
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X, Sarah
