Sometimes you have to venture off of the beaten path to find the best food and drink spots in Glasgow.
From Mexcian street food, to classy wine bars, quality steakhouses, authentic Italian eateries, and coffeehouses inspired by the Ottoman Empire… Glasgow has it all!
Here are five of our favourite hidden gems for you to try out and don’t forget to add them to your hit list on the I Love Glasgow app.
Ottoman Coffeehouse – 73 Berkeley Street
The Ottoman Coffeehouse is a laid-back alternative to the tidal wave of brash city centre coffee chains. Offering a lot more than speciality coffee, it’s a café, a restaurant, and a space to unwind all in one.
This diverse and vibrant local community hub is the perfect location for morning coffee, afternoon tea, reading the papers, playing backgammon, or simply to relax and catch your breath.
Hooligan – 1 Lynedoch Street
Tucked away in a tenement flat above The Drake in Park Circus – complete with ornate original features – Hooligan comprises of an intimate wine bar and main restaurant.
Hooligan’s quirky location makes you feel like you’ve discovered somewhere a little bit special and the warm service, sophisticated small plates, and carefully curated natural wine list only serve to cement that feeling.
Tiffney’s Steakhouse – 61 Otago Street
Tiffney’s Steakhouse is nestled in amongst traditional West End tenement buildings on Otago Street. The quaint location gives the restaurant an intimate atmosphere and is just far enough off the beaten track to make it one of Glasgow’s true hidden gems.
An intimate, adult-only restaurant, Tiffney’s serves up some of the best dry-aged beef in Scotland, which is matured for a minimum of 70 days on the bone!
Caprese Don Costanzo – 13 Woodside Crescent
It’s a true family affair at Caprese Don Costanzo with the whole clan rolling up their sleeves and helping to run the restaurant over the years.
That homely vibe is what stands out the second you enter this welcoming Italian eatery.
For years, Caprese Don Costanzo quietly generated buzz through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Now, it’s one of Glasgow’s most talked-about restaurants with local influencers such as Jamie Genevieve, Glasgow Food Geek, and Just Jess Food raving about this much-loved hidden gem to their army of followers.
Rafa’s Diner – Unit 3 Hidden Lane
Serving up Arizona-style Mexican cuisine, based on the iconic fast food establishments of the American Southwest.
Rafa’s has built up somewhat of a cult following since opening in the Hidden Lane in 2020 and after one visit you’ll understand why!
We’re talking slow-cooked birria tacos with a beef consommé dip on the side; homemade tortilla chips loaded with the most mouthwatering Mexican flavours; and life-changing burritos, such as the Arizona, which is stuffed with carne asada, French fries, crema, cheese, salsa verde, and a fried egg!
