The Codfather of Glasgow seafood: Gamba’s legacy

A spotlight on Glasgow's Gamba

Glasgow is packed with fantastic places to eat, but when it comes to seafood, Gamba is in a league of its own. Tucked away on West George Street, this charming spot has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in the city for more than two decades. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Gamba leaves an impression long after your last bite.

Gamba first opened its doors back in 1998, thanks to the vision of chef-owner Derek Marshall, who was inspired by his time working across Europe and the Mediterranean. His love for seafood is clear in every dish, and over the years, Gamba has become a real institution in Glasgow’s food scene. But despite its reputation, it’s the kind of place that feels welcoming and unpretentious – somewhere you can feel just as comfortable enjoying a casual lunch as you would celebrating a special occasion.

The restaurant itself is understated and elegant without being overly fancy. Down a short flight of stairs, the space has a cosy, intimate feel. Soft lighting, nautical accents, and calming blues create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that suits the seafood theme perfectly. Whether you’re out for a romantic dinner or catching up with friends over a great meal, Gamba nails that balance between upscale dining and a laid-back vibe.

The staff are always friendly and attentive, and you can tell they take pride in what they do. They know the menu inside and out, and are happy to chat about where the fish is from, how the dishes are prepared, or suggest the perfect wine pairing – all without making things feel stuffy or overly formal.

When it comes to the food, Gamba keeps things simple and lets the seafood speak for itself. The menu is always changing with the seasons, but you’ll find a mix of signature dishes and fresh, exciting specials depending on what’s available from Scotland’s waters.

For starters, crowd favourites include rock oysters from Lindisfarne, served over crushed ice, natural or with apple & golden balsamic, or the tartare of yellowfin tuna, beautifully paired with goat’s cheese, spring onions, tomato, sesame, and Bramley apple sorbet. Then there’s the Gamba’s most popular dish, their fish soup (which has been on the menu since day one), a staple that’s rich and hearty, loaded with Mediterranean flavours and finished with prawn dumplings.

Gamba’s main dishes really showcase the best of Scottish seafood. Standouts include Scottish lobster with thermidor or garlic butter, and Gamba chip, or the roasted stone bass served with white crabmeat, feta, heritage tomato, watermelon salad, and a smoked caviar dressing. There’s also a tasting menu if you want to go all out and experience a bit of everything Gamba has to offer – plus, the wine pairings are always on point.

For non-seafood lovers, Gamba also offers a few meat and vegetarian options, so no one is left out. But let’s be honest – you’re here for the seafood, and that’s where Gamba really shines.

What makes Gamba a true shining beacon in Glasgow, beyond the amazing food, is their commitment to sustainability. Derek Marshall is passionate about responsible sourcing, and Gamba only works with suppliers who use sustainable fishing practices. This dedication means that the seafood you’re enjoying will still be around for future generations to experience.

On top of that, Gamba supports initiatives like the Marine Conservation Society to help raise awareness about ocean-friendly practices. Their efforts extend to eco-friendly packaging for takeaways and minimising waste in the kitchen, making them a standout in the restaurant industry’s sustainability movement. If you want to know if they really walk the walk, the restaurant received the highest possible rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, so you know they’re the real deal!

Gamba takes seafood seriously – but not too seriously. The atmosphere is warm, the service is spot-on, and the food is a true representation of what Scotland’s great waters have to offer. Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely lunch or looking to impress someone with a memorable meal out, Gamba is the place to go for seafood in Glasgow. With its mix of creativity, simplicity, and sustainability, it’s no wonder Gamba has remained a firm favourite for over 20 years – and will continue to be for many more.

You’ll find them at 225A West George Street, Glasgow G2 2ND. Book your table right here on Dish Cult.