Glasgow's restaurant scene never stands still. Every month brings new openings, exciting pop-ups, and fresh concepts from talented chefs who choose this city as their home. Whether you're a devoted foodie or simply looking for somewhere new to try this weekend, here's our roundup of the most exciting new restaurants in Glasgow right now.
Kōji — Japanese Izakaya, Finnieston
Tucked away on Argyle Street, Kōji brings authentic izakaya dining to Glasgow's West End. The concept is simple: small plates designed for sharing, premium sake, and Japanese whisky in an intimate, lantern-lit setting. Head chef Yuki Tanaka previously worked at Nobu London before falling in love with Glasgow during a visit to family friends.
The menu changes weekly, but standout dishes include the miso-glazed aubergine, crispy chicken karaage with yuzu mayo, and the most delicate gyoza you'll find outside of Tokyo. The omakase tasting menu at £45 per person is exceptional value for the quality on offer. Booking is essential — they only seat 28 covers.
Address: 142 Argyle Street, Finnieston, G3 8TD
Price range: £25-50 per person
Book: Via their website or by phone
Hearth & Grain — Wood-Fired Everything, Dennistoun
Dennistoun's food scene continues to grow with the arrival of Hearth & Grain, a restaurant built entirely around their custom-built wood-fired oven imported from Naples. Everything on the menu touches the flames — from the sourdough pizzas to the whole roasted cauliflower, the wood-grilled octopus, and even their signature burnt honey ice cream.
The space itself is a converted Victorian warehouse with exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work the flames. It's the kind of place that feels special without being pretentious — exactly the energy Dennistoun does best.
Address: 78 Duke Street, Dennistoun, G31 1DL
Price range: £20-35 per person
Madre — Modern Mexican, Merchant City
Glasgow has been crying out for proper Mexican food, and Madre delivers. Forget the Tex-Mex chains — this is modern Mexican cuisine using Scottish ingredients. The corn tortillas are made fresh every hour from nixtamalised Scottish-grown corn. The birria tacos use slow-cooked Highland beef. The mole negro takes three days to prepare.
Owner Maria Gonzalez grew up in Oaxaca and trained in Mexico City before moving to Glasgow. Her mission is to show Glaswegians what real Mexican food tastes like, and she's succeeding spectacularly. The mezcal list alone is worth the visit — over 40 expressions, many unavailable anywhere else in Scotland.
Address: 55 Virginia Street, Merchant City, G1 1TX
Price range: £20-40 per person
The Bothy — Modern Scottish, Shawlands
Shawlands has quietly become one of Glasgow's best dining destinations, and The Bothy is the latest addition. Chef Callum MacLeod's menu is a love letter to Scottish produce — Loch Fyne oysters, Borders lamb, Perthshire venison, and foraged herbs from the Campsie Fells.
The restaurant occupies a beautiful corner site on Pollokshaws Road, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a small courtyard garden for summer dining. The Sunday lunch menu is already generating serious buzz — three courses for £28 with a complimentary glass of Scottish sparkling wine.
Address: 112 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, G41 2HG
Price range: £30-55 per person
What's Coming Next
The Glasgow restaurant pipeline shows no signs of slowing down. Confirmed openings in the coming months include a Vietnamese street food spot on Great Western Road, a natural wine bar in Partick, and a highly anticipated seafood restaurant from a Masterchef finalist on the banks of the Clyde.
Glasgow's food scene is thriving because the city offers something rare: affordable rents compared to London and Edinburgh, a population that genuinely loves eating out, and a creative culture that encourages risk-taking. Long may it continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new restaurants in Glasgow right now?
The most exciting new openings include Kōji (Japanese izakaya in Finnieston), Hearth & Grain (wood-fired dining in Dennistoun), Madre (modern Mexican in Merchant City), and The Bothy (modern Scottish in Shawlands). Each brings something genuinely new to Glasgow's dining scene.
Where should I eat in Finnieston?
Finnieston remains Glasgow's top dining destination. New additions like Kōji join established favourites including Crabshakk, The Gannet, and Ox and Finch. The strip along Argyle Street between Kelvingrove and the SECC has the highest concentration of quality restaurants in Scotland.
Is Glasgow good for food?
Glasgow has one of the best food scenes in the UK outside London. The city consistently produces innovative restaurants, has a strong independent food culture, and offers exceptional value compared to Edinburgh and other major UK cities. Glasgow was named one of the top food cities in Europe by Condé Nast Traveller.
How do I book restaurants in Glasgow?
Most Glasgow restaurants accept bookings through their websites, via platforms like OpenTable or Resy, or by phone. For popular new openings, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
A passionate Glaswegian who loves exploring the city's food, culture, and nightlife. Writing honest, practical guides to help you discover the best of Glasgow.