Top places in Glasgow for a taste of spring

It’s fitting that an eatery so close to Kelvingrove Park, one of the places in the city where the blossoming and blooming of this time of year, should switch up its dishes for spring. Look out for ingredients like purple sprouting broccoli grilled with lemon, wild garlic, courgette ribbons and broad beans popping up on the menu. And with pavement seating outside, it’s a great spot to catch those first (slightly) warmer rays of sunshine. Eusebi may be a neighbourhood spot, but it’s proven a hit with celebrities including Nigella Lawson and Denise Van Outen, and local icons such as Billy Connolly, Paolo Nutini and Janey Godley.

As the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, a little jaunt beyond the city centre becomes increasingly appealing, especially if you fancy a boat trip or some watersports. Venture to the periphery of greater Glasgow and the go-to day trip destination, Loch Lomond. Offering unparalleled views of this famous stretch of water, Duck Bay is a little hidden paradise, away from the tourist-packed shores shopping area. Duck Bay Marina Hotel’s restaurant has enormous floor to ceiling windows and its expansive terrace backs right onto the Loch’s edge. Serving breakfast through to dinner, you can rock up throughout the day and enjoy everything from seafood grills to sarnies.

Come to this gastropub for some comfort food. Chef Joe Lazzerini (previously of Brian Maule @ Le Chardon D’or and Number One restaurant in Edinburgh) and partner Amalia Colaluca are at the helm. Together they curate a range of local, in-season ingredients to craft menus of hearty grub and weekly Sunday Rogue Roasts with lots of spring veggies in the mix. Occupying some of the trendiest parts of the city, The Loveable Rogue has taken up residence both in its original Great Western Road location and in up-and-coming Dennistoun. The restaurants provide an intimate vibe, although that means it’s a good idea to book ahead, due to limited space.

When you want to escape the concrete jungle, retreat to the gorgeous green space of the Number 10 Hotel, where you can surround yourself with spring blooms. Its beer garden is large and leafy, and as the property is a wedding venue (and as this is the start of wedding season), you may well spot some nuptials taking place under the pergola at the other end of the grounds. But the Victorian features of this building make it just as lovely a place to dine when the spring showers make al fresco eating non-viable. Tuck into Scottish beef, fruit and vegetables from Elliot’s, and fish from Bernard Corrigan in the hotel’s bar and restaurant. Food is served Sunday to Saturday from 12pm until 10pm and, as the hotel is right beside Queens Park, you can enjoy a stroll and feed the ducks after your meal.

After many months of hot soups and stews, it’s high time we reunited with some fresh salads — specifically fruity ones. Pop into this cafe for a healthy brunch and feast on a bowl of seasonal fruits. Or pair your berries with something a little naughtier. 18 Candleriggs Cafe is dog and child-friendly with lots of vegan choices, so ideal if you’re meeting friends with your little entourage in tow. The cafe has popped up at the front of the address’ large event space (formerly known as Wild Cabaret), that’s found through the back, separated by a huge velvet curtain. 18 Candleriggs Cafe dishes up high-quality morning and daytime meals from its Merchant City base.

Another Kelvinside establishment, this one gives patrons direct views of the river. It has a great range of craft beers from around the world on tap and in bottles (six in-house taps, three guest kegs and three guest casks). The food menus incorporate seasonal variations, as well as pizzas, wings, tacos and burgers — the venue has its own wing eating challenge if you’re game (and very, very hungry). Inn Deep is massively dog-friendly and hosts regular events, including spoken word nights and music gigs.

Inspired by the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Willow Tea Rooms at 97 Buchanan Street is the place to go when out and about in the city centre. The Tea Rooms are modelled on Kate Cranston’s Ingram Street Tea Rooms from the early 1900s, recreating the fabulous interiors from the White Dining Room and the Chinese (Blue) Room. For a touch of elegance and sophistication this spring, this is the place for you.

If you’re thinking of booking somewhere in Glasgow with the kids in tow, then go for Luciano’s. This is a contemporary 50-cover restaurant offering authentic flavours of Italy with a modern twist, delivered in a stylish and sophisticated setting. All the dishes are freshly prepared using the highest quality sourced produce, served alongside a specially crafted drinks and wine menu (great for parents). The restaurant is open seven days a week with lunch and dinner offerings. Al fresco dining’s also available in the enclosed terrace area. The kid’s menu features the likes of Spaghetti Bolognese, Penne Napoli, Penne Carbonara, a Margarita pizza and more!

Saffron By Paradise is a contemporary, family-owned Persian restaurant serving small plates of authentic Iranian cooking. Sharing food around a sofreh (a cloth table which food is served on) is a central part of Iranian cuisine, seldom seen in Persian restaurants. With this is mind, Saffron By Paradise brings you a fresh menu of small dishes with big flavours. Traditional dishes get totally reinvented in a rustic style using the finest Scottish produce. Think spices, salads, dips, fresh nan bread and of course, not to forget, the famous charcoal grilled kebabs. If you’re in charge of booking a table for family, friends or your colleagues, then we couldn’t recommend this place highly enough.

Bavaria Brauhaus is a Bavarian themed restaurant and bier house offering an authentic German experience in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. The contemporary Bavarian Bier Hall interior and warm friendly staff create a uniquely convivial atmosphere. There’s an amazing selection of German Biere, with the extensive offering including 24 biere on tap and over 40 bottled biere! You’ll get to have the option of enjoying these ice cold bieres served in huge stein glasses by a dedicated team of staff. For a birthday or a fun day out with pals, this one’s for you.