9 places to brunch in Glasgow
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As a fiercely loyal Glaswegian, it’s only fair that I share the wonderful restaurants and cafes of my hometown. I’m biased, sure, but we know how to eat well and source the best, ethical ingredients we can find (and the Glasgow coffee scene rivals the likes of London and Berlin, for sure.)
Selecting nine brunch spots isn’t an easy feat but here’s my go-to places for a good bit of grub on a Saturday morning. From small independents in the west to classics in the centre, you can’t go wrong with the following:
A beautifully curated spot in the West End, Delizique has been championing cooked breakfasts throughout the years and will always have a soft spot in my heart. Giant potato scones* are on the menu – no, that’s not a hash brown – and will always appeal to the hungry Glaswegian. The decor is magnificent, with vintage bits and pieces getting a new, and rather strange, function. Chandeliers are now cake stands, lights are held up by garden rakes and there’s even a tree in the centre of the cafe.
*”Tattie scones” if you want to speak the lingo.
Trans Europe Cafe, Parnie Street
Probably one of the most established breakfast spots in Glasgow, Trans Europe Café has always been ahead of the trends with its all-day cooked breakfast menu. It’s a cool and enjoyable place to be – a relaxed atmosphere and just around the corner from the renowned Transmission Gallery.
Papercup Coffee, Great Western Road
An independent coffee shop serving perfect flat whites, with a smile. If you can grab a seat (it’s pretty damn popular) you’re in for a real treat. If it’s past brunch time, I’ve tried their peanut butter chocolate cookies and I’m still thinking about them now. There’s now two Papercup locations in the centre too.
Wilson Street Pantry, Wilson Street
A current favourite of mine, Wilson Street Pantry has a range of snacks, cakes and lunches to keep you going. If you have a thing for tiles, the combination of their monochrome tiles and inky blue tables is exactly what your Instagram feed needs.
Roots and Fruits, Great Western Road
Saturdays don’t come better than getting lost in the world of Roots and Fruits! Well ahead of the trend toward sustainable eating, Roots has been making and selling the best of organic foods for a long time. It’s easy to slip into a dream while perusing the shelves – brimming with delicious chutneys, vegan alternatives and locally sourced grains.
There are three shops on Great Western Road (and one on Argyle Street too), split into a veg shop, flower shop and the cafe/deli. All are exciting in their own way and ideal for a day of mindful strolling.
Enjoy a Charlie Mills coffee with a plate of roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and poached eggs on sourdough.
Full of the finest of Scottish cuisine, Cafe Gandolfi has quickly become a must-visit restaurant for brunch. If you can’t quite get up in time for brunch, check out Gandolfi Fish instead.
Apparently a recent pitstop of Calvin Harris‘, Stravaigin is another thoughtful restaurant making waves in the Glasgow brunch scene. With a motto of ‘Think Global. Eat Local’ you can guess that its produce features the best of Scottish makers and growers. Brunch includes everything from a classic Scottish fry-up to ‘wee steamed buns’ with Thai fillings.
The bosses of bread making, Kember and Jones is an exquisite cafe, bakery, book and cookware shop on Glasgow’s Byres Road.
A little tip: grab a seat at the outdoor table with blankets. It’s nice to watch the shoppers and fellow brunch-lovers drift by. And remember to take home one of the pointed baguettes for your Sunday brunch at home!
As a fiercely loyal Glaswegian, it’s only fair that I share the wonderful restaurants and cafes of my hometown. I’m biased, sure, but we know how to eat well and source the best, ethical ingredients we can find (and the Glasgow coffee scene rivals the likes of London and Berlin, for sure.)
Selecting nine brunch spots isn’t an easy feat but here’s my go-to places for a good bit of grub on a Saturday morning. From small independents in the west to classics in the centre, you can’t go wrong with the following:
A beautifully curated spot in the West End, Delizique has been championing cooked breakfasts throughout the years and will always have a soft spot in my heart. Giant potato scones* are on the menu – no, that’s not a hash brown – and will always appeal to the hungry Glaswegian. The decor is magnificent, with vintage bits and pieces getting a new, and rather strange, function. Chandeliers are now cake stands, lights are held up by garden rakes and there’s even a tree in the centre of the cafe.
*”Tattie scones” if you want to speak the lingo.
Trans Europe Cafe, Parnie Street
Probably one of the most established breakfast spots in Glasgow, Trans Europe Café has always been ahead of the trends with its all-day cooked breakfast menu. It’s a cool and enjoyable place to be – a relaxed atmosphere and just around the corner from the renowned Transmission Gallery.
Papercup Coffee, Great Western Road
An independent coffee shop serving perfect flat whites, with a smile. If you can grab a seat (it’s pretty damn popular) you’re in for a real treat. If it’s past brunch time, I’ve tried their peanut butter chocolate cookies and I’m still thinking about them now. There’s now two Papercup locations in the centre too.
Wilson Street Pantry, Wilson Street
A current favourite of mine, Wilson Street Pantry has a range of snacks, cakes and lunches to keep you going. If you have a thing for tiles, the combination of their monochrome tiles and inky blue tables is exactly what your Instagram feed needs.
Roots and Fruits, Great Western Road
Saturdays don’t come better than getting lost in the world of Roots and Fruits! Well ahead of the trend toward sustainable eating, Roots has been making and selling the best of organic foods for a long time. It’s easy to slip into a dream while perusing the shelves – brimming with delicious chutneys, vegan alternatives and locally sourced grains.
There are three shops on Great Western Road (and one on Argyle Street too), split into a veg shop, flower shop and the cafe/deli. All are exciting in their own way and ideal for a day of mindful strolling.
Enjoy a Charlie Mills coffee with a plate of roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and poached eggs on sourdough.
Full of the finest of Scottish cuisine, Cafe Gandolfi has quickly become a must-visit restaurant for brunch. If you can’t quite get up in time for brunch, check out Gandolfi Fish instead.
Apparently a recent pitstop of Calvin Harris‘, Stravaigin is another thoughtful restaurant making waves in the Glasgow brunch scene. With a motto of ‘Think Global. Eat Local’ you can guess that its produce features the best of Scottish makers and growers. Brunch includes everything from a classic Scottish fry-up to ‘wee steamed buns’ with Thai fillings.
The bosses of bread making, Kember and Jones is an exquisite cafe, bakery, book and cookware shop on Glasgow’s Byres Road.
A little tip: grab a seat at the outdoor table with blankets. It’s nice to watch the shoppers and fellow brunch-lovers drift by. And remember to take home one of the pointed baguettes for your Sunday brunch at home!
Absolutely spot on!! The only place missing is North Star on Queen Margaret Drive 😀
How is this list missing Bakery 47 on Victoria Road? Comfortably the best brunch and fresh bread in Glasgow!