Cheap eats in the city
Food on the go
Kimchi Cult!
Located in the west end, Kimchi Cult! serves a mix of Western and Korean dishes and is raved about by locals. Expect to see bibimbap rice bowls, Korean fried chicken, pizza slices, plus vegan and vegetarian options. Check out the menu at Kimchi Cult!.
Falafel To Go
The Falafel To Go stand is known by locals for making some of the tastiest falafel wraps in the city. And at only £5, it’s hard to disagree. Find them just off 116 Sauchiehall St, on Hope Street. If you’re going at lunchtime, you might spot the queue first. Find out opening times on Falafel to Go.
Piece
For a proper sandwich, drop into 1 of several branches of Piece in the city. Expect a mix of classics like New York Deli and Banh Mi or specialties like Dirty Fat Boy and Nottolenghi. Ingredients are always high quality, and fillings are never skimped on. Learn more at Piece.
Shawarma King
Awarded Best Kebab House in Scotland in 2025, Shawarma King can be found under the bridge on King Street. Open 7 days a week, they whip up Middle Eastern treats like falafel, shawarma, and kebab. Find out more on Shawarma King’s Facebook.
Pakistani Street Food
Winner of the 2022 Scottish Takeaway Awards, Pakistani Street Food can also be found in the southside. Offering authentic street food snacks and dessert, locals love their chaats, paratha wraps, samosas, and fresh juices on the go. More information on Pakistani Street Food’s Instagram.
MacTassos
MacTassos is located on Kelvin Way, between Kelvingrove Park and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The friendly team specialise in authentic Greek gyros that are juicy and flavourful. It's no wonder it's a popular spot for both tourists and locals. More at MacTassos.
Watsons Bakery
Owned and managed by the McBean family for over 50 years, Watsons Bakery are renowned in Govan for their scotch pies and affordable cakes and pastries. All of their products are baked fresh daily. More info at Watsons.
Sear's Pizza
Looking for a cheap lunch in the West End? It's hard to beat Sear's Pizza who offer individual slices for £2-4 or an 18 inch pie for £16-22. You can also opt their one or two slice combos which come with a drink. More info at Sear's Pizza.
Joanna Goodbite
Just a few minutes from George Square, Joanna Goodbite is a great option in the City Centre for breakfast, brunch and lunch. They offer a wide range of sandwiches, rolls and typical Scottish traybakes - as well as jacket potatoes and coffees. More info at Joanna Goodbite.
Restaurants with no booking required
Sugo Pasta
Sugo Pasta in the city centre specialises in fresh pasta, handmade every day in their kitchen. While prices start from £8.50, there has been no compromise on quality, with dishes served as authentically as they would be in Italy. Find out more at Sugo Pasta.
Paesano Pizza
Sister restaurant to Sugo, Paesano has been a popular staple of Glasgow’s pizza scene since 2015. Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza, they keep it simple by offering only 10 variations on their menu. Enjoy Paesano’s tasty pizzas in the city centre, west end and southside. View the menu at Paesano Pizza.
The Pot Still
In one of the most iconic whisky bars in Glasgow, find a food menu with most of the items under a fiver. Think traditional warm pies with fillings such as steak and vegan haggis, neeps and tatties, alongside soup and toasties too. For more information, visit The Pot Still.
Dumpling Monkey
If you hadn’t already guessed, dumplings are the specialty at Dumpling Monkey. Also on offer are potstickers, noodles, wonton soups, and bubble tea. Find these authentic dishes, inspired by northern Chinese cuisine, in Glasgow's west end. Find out more by visiting Dumpling Monkey's Facebook.
Soul Food Sisters
Soul Food Sisters is a café run by a group of migrant women in the east end. Together, they’re creating a vibrant collective based around their shared passion for food. Dishes vary, are inspired by the women, and learned from all over the world. Found out more at Soul Food Sisters.
Ranjit's Kitchen
Situated in the southside, Ranjit’s Kitchen is a favourite among locals. Fully vegetarian, this family-run Panjabi food deli serves authentic food just as you would enjoy in every Panjabi household. Make sure you try their famous samosas. View the menu at Ranjit's Kitchen.
Dine with a deal
Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy some of Scotland’s best produce at Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar in Cowcaddens. Their market menu offers you a chance to taste the likes of mackerel pate, Cullen Skink, and wild venison stew for less. View a sample menu at Ardnamurchan.
Kelp
A short walk from Ardnamurchan is Kelp, a sustainable Scottish seafood restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Their market menu consists of smoked trout, confit chicken and coley. Prices start from £24.95 for 2 dishes and a side. You can book at Kelp.
Glaschu
Glaschu serves up modern Scottish fine dining in the heart of the city centre. Their market menu features dishes such as charcoal grilled venison, sharing beef wellington and wild mushroom risotto. Find out more at Glaschu.
Halloumi
Greek-Cypriot restaurant Halloumi, in the city centre, offers small plates with big flavours. Dishes include gyros, chicken souvlaki and of course, halloumi. Try their express lunch menu on weekdays. Learn more at Halloumi.
The Loveable Rogue
Proving there is nothing wrong with a cheap date, The Loveable Rogue offers either steak or moules frites for £12 every Tuesday as part of their date night menu. They also have great deals on their small plates menu from Wednesday to Friday. Choose from their restaurants in the west end, east end and southside. Find out more information at The Loveable Rogue.
111 by Modou
Located in Glasgow’s west end, 111 by Modou offers some of the best tasting menus in the city. Choose between the Critic’s Choice menu, featuring 5 courses at £25 every Sunday, or 10 by Modou on a Thursday, which is 10 courses for £30. Both menus are a surprise which adds to the experience. Book a table at 111 by Modou.
Butchershop Bar and Grill
Dine at Butchershop Bar and Grill on a Tuesday and enjoy their popular Burger vs Steak offer. This deal lets two diners choose between a perfectly grilled steak or a gourmet burger served with fries, plus a bottle of wine for £50. To book a table, visit Butchershop Bar and Grill.
Maison by Glaschu
Based in the stylish Princes Square shopping centre, French restaurant Maison by Glaschu offers a prix fixe menu from 12–6pm every day. Choose from 1 course with a cocktail for £20, or 2 courses for £25. Find out more by heading to Maison by Glaschu.
Food markets
Dockyard Social
Open from Friday until Sunday, Dockyard Social is a street food market with a focus on community. Taste everything from pan-Asian fried chicken to sourdough pizzas to jackfruit tacos. DJs and live bands provide the tunes, and kids and dogs are welcome. Find out more at Dockyard Social.
Farmers Markets
There are many food markets across the city selling seasonal vegetables, fruit, quality meat and fresh street food. Why not try Partick Farmers Market or Shawlands Farmers Market? Find upcoming dates and the latest news at City Property Markets.
Barras Market
Head to the east end and visit the iconic Barras Market. There you'll be able to explore a world of flavours and enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury food without breaking the bank. Check out the Barras Market Instagram.
Article last updated: April 2025
