As our wee country is surrounded by the some of the most fruitful waters in the world, we are very fortunate to be spoiled by some truly exceptional seafood restaurants in Glasgow.
Here’s our pick of Glasgow’s Best Seafood Restaurants:
Gamba – 225A West George Street
Delighting seafood lovers for almost two decades, multi-award winning Glasgow institution Gamba has been at the forefront of the city’s dining scene since 1998. Boasting two AA Rosettes, stylish surroundings and an enviable city centre location; Gamba provides an elegant escape from the urban bustle.
What’s more, chef-patron Derek Marshall is fully committed to sustainability, so a meal at Gamba is the perfect spot to drop anchor and enjoy the fruits of the sea completely guilt-free.
Using only the freshest, sustainable fish and seafood, chef Derek combines classic techniques with a modern twist to create picture-perfect plates with inspired flavour combinations – delivering the honest, consistent and memorable dishes synonymous with Gamba.
If you haven’t been, then put it right at the top of your list of must visit Glasgow restaurants.
A’Challtainn – 54 Calton Entry
(pronounced A Cawl Tain, Gaelic for Calton, meaning “the hazel wood”)
A relative newcomer on the block… and not the block one might expect an expertly crafted seafood restaurant to pop up. A’Challtainn have found their home in Glasgow’s famous Barras Market – namely in the rather inspiring BAaD Centre.
Dining on the mezzanine overlooking the courtyard is all part of the experience at A’Challtainn. You never know what creative hustle and bustle will be going on in the BAad Centre, but you can rest assured that you’ll be in for a real treat when sampling the wonderfully fresh seafood on offer in this fabulously unique venue.
Hutchesons City Grill – 158 Ingram Street
They don’t do things by halves at Hutchesons, whether it’s Eggs Royal for breakfast, pan seared king scallops for lunch or if you’re very lucky, you may even catch their Fruits de Mer special when it’s available.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that ticks all of the boxes and one that is sure to impress your guests, then Hutchesons will take some beating. One of only a handful of Glasgow restaurants that would hold its own in any city in the world.
Order the whole Shetland monkfish tail, roasted on the bone and served with a simple lemon caper butter to sample one of Scotland’s true foodie delicacies. Best enjoyed under the grill’s stunning double height ceiling – more than a meal, dining at Hutchesons is an experience, and one you won’t soon forget.
Crabshakk – 1114 Argyle Street
Long before Finnieston became Glasgow’s hipster hotspot – Crabshakk set up shop and had people from all over the city venturing to this once ignored stretch of Argyll Street. Now in the heart of the strip, Crabshakk is a much loved and permanent feature in the ever-evolving Finnieston landscape.
Expect classic seafood dishes done very, very well. Between the cracking of crab claws, to shovelling of crushed ice for their awe-inspiring Fruits de Mer – you’re just as likely to hear this little gem of a restaurant before you see it. When you do find it, you won’t want to leave.
Rogano – 11 Exchange Place
1935, the year Swing music had people Lindy Hoppin’, the first canned beer was sold in the USA, Persia was renamed Iran, a chap named Elvis Aron Presley was born and a certain restaurant in Glasgow took their first delivery of fresh fish – The Rogano had arrived.
There’s not much that can be said about the Rogano that hasn’t already been scribbled in ink a hundred times before foodies started tapping away on their keyboards. What we will say though, is that to do something successfully for 80 years, in one of the hardest industries to survive in is quite an incredible feat. While many modern restaurants have come and gone, the Rogano has stood the test of time and is now regarded as a true Glasgow landmark.
Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery – 652 Argyle St
Two Fats have four venues in Glasgow but The Buttery just happens to be our personal favourite. A unique, quirky and relaxed dining experience – it’s the sort of place you want to spend an evening when it’s biting outside. Their cosy and welcoming dining area offers a traditional Scottish ambiance with a touch of luxury; quite in keeping with the beautiful seafood dishes that come out of the kitchen.
But don’t go too wild gorging on fresh seafood, as you might want to save some room for their legendary Grand Dessert! After such indulgence, those of you with a sweet tooth may need the aid of a dessert trolley to help roll you out of the door.
Merchant Chippie – 155 High Street
Probably not what you were expecting to round off a list of Glasgow’s top seafood spots but the Merchant Chippie is a fish & chip shop with with a difference. As well as all of the traditional favourites they also offer and array of seafood and shellfish including king scallops and calamari for a supper with a little twist on your usual chip shop fare.
Crisp, fresh and void of that dreaded greasy batter that is the scourge of many a lesser chippie – the Merchant Chippie is worth the stroll along Ingram Street if you’re in town and looking for something quick, filling and seriously tasty.
