Cheap places to eat in Glasgow
Going out for food is one of life's greatest pleasures. But, it can often cost a pretty penny. So, with that in mind, here are some mouthwatering cheap places to eat in Glasgow.
Last updated: 23rd Sep 2022
Originally published: 20th Sep 2022
There are few better pleasures to indulge in than a good meal out. Whether it's for a celebration, a good time with the pals, or you just can't be arsed cooking; going out for a scran is always the answer. But, whilst we all love eating out, it's getting more and more expensive to do so with how things are at the minute. So, with that in mind, we want to let you in on all the cheap places to eat in Glasgow, so you can still enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.
We've got jam-packed lunch bowls, some of the craziest pizzas you've ever seen, Mexican delights, and even a pub that serves up a three-course meal for just three quid! Whatever your price point is, you will find some top scran from in and around Glasgow on this list, so get scrolling and try not to salivate all over your keyboard while doing so.
Kimchi Cult
Image: Kimchi Cult on Facebook
Where: 14 Chancellor St, Glasgow G11 5RQ
Korean food has really taken the UK by storm over the past few years, and it's easy to see why. Packed with umami and spicy flavours unique to the cuisine, with dishes that are loaded with veg and protein, Korean food is good for you whilst never sacrificing flavour. So, if all this is causing your stomach to make some choice noises, then Kimchi Cult is the place to go when looking for cheap places to eat in Glasgow. Whether you're after Korean fried chicken, Bibimbap (we cannot recommend this enough, just look at that pic above), or maybe you've got a craving for the Kimchi, this spot has you covered, and you won't break the bank whilst doing so. Pretty much everything costs under a tenner and will leave you with unsatiable cravings. Be warned, once you go once it'll be hard to stay away.
BOWL
Image: BOWL on Facebook
Where: 23 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 5AH
If you're in Glasgow and looking for a place to get a healthy and tasty lunch, then look no further than BOWL. Ran by an award-winning head chef who packs the bowls with fresh fruit and vegetables picked from the market every morning from produce which is in season and passes quality checks, their salad bowls are packed with nutrients and tasty veg and are available at a steal, ranging from £4.50 for a small bowl to £6 for a larger bowl. Seriously good value for the quality of food. You can choose from some of their signature bowls, like the Morrocan or chilli chicken bowls, or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also build your own. It's one of our go-to spots when in the city for some lunch-time scran, and we're sure it will soon be yours too.
Dumpling Monkey
Image: Dumpling Monkey on Facebook
Where: 121 Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow G11 6PR
Who doesn't love dumplings? Well whoever says no to that question, we cannot be friends. The signature Asian dish is always packed full of flavour and comes in a variety of options, steamed pork buns, fried shrimp gyoza, and crispy veg rolls, all matched with a delicious range of dipping sauces. Okay, now we're hungry too, thanks a lot... Well, the best place to satisfy these cravings in Glasgow, just has to be Dumpling Monkey. They have an excellent array of all the aforementioned dumplings, as well as a whole host of Chinese main courses and sides to choose from, with the vast majority of mains coming in under a tenner, and dumplings at around the £5 mark. An ideal place to please the tastebuds.
Mezcal
Image: Mezcal on Facebook
Where: 104 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6PH
Taking its name from Mexico’s smokey staple spirit, Mezcal brings to Glasgow all the flavours of Mexico, all at an affordable price. Tacos, tequila, quesadillas, and a whole range of other Mexican street food line the tables of this spot, and it's flooded in neon lights galore! the vibes are on point, as is the scran, and when a place you can get food for under £10, is voted the best restaurant of its kind in the city, you just know your mouths about to be treated to something special. We have to recommend their Birria tacos, as whilst the dish has become a bit of a TikTok sensation, the hype is deserved. Do we need to say more? Get yourselves ready for a fiesta and head down to Mezcal.
Nonna Said...
Image: Nonna Said on Facebook
Where: 26 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1LD
Fusion food can make for some of the more interesting meals out, with combos that really shouldn't work, but do oh so well. So, if you're after this bit of originality and creativity when looking for cheap places to eat in Glasgow, then you just have to sample some of the pizzas at Nonna said. Jamaican jerk chicken pizza? Philly Cheesesteak pizza? Sat and pepper chicken pizza (just look at that above)? or maybe you want to stay traditional and go for the haggis and potato smiley faces pizza (yes you read that right)? There are so many whacky pies on offer here, and it's more than worth a visit, if not to just try something a bit different. Plus, they all pair excellently with a beer, and a full pizza only costs around £10, take that dominoes.
The Pot Still
Image:The Pot Still on Facebook
Where: 154 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2TH
What's more British than a pie and chips with a pint? The combo has become synonymous with our pubs and footy games, and if you're in Glasgow, then we think the only place you should be going is The Pot Still. The pub is steeped in history, with alcohol-fuelled businesses operating out of the building since the late 1800s, and the surroundings instantly transport you back to those times. but, whilst it is delightfully vintage, the pies are the real show-stopper. The fantastic selection of pastry-wrapped pleasures all cost less than a fiver and are the perfect accompaniment to a few pints and a natter with your pals. Plus, if your tastebuds are inclined towards the stronger spirits, then the bar specialises in its whiskey, with well over a hundred different bottles and experts behind the bar. A proper pub with proper British scran.
Ranjit's Kitchen
Image: Ranjit's Kitchen on Facebook
Where: 607 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2QG
With an ethos of serving traditional Panjabi food to the residents of Glasgow, Ranjit's kitchen is, at its heart, a family kitchen offering up homemade meals precisely the way it is eaten in every Panjabi household across the world. The scran they serve is authentic and has not been westernised or watered down to suit a British restaurant crowd, and it is all the better for it. This also means that the menu changes with the seasons and with what's available in local markets. A family-run business with Ranjit’s children helping to turn their mother's lifelong dream into a reality, it's truly homely food that will transport you to the streets of the Panjab, all for an incredibly affordable price.
Paesanos Pizza
Image: Paesanos on Facebook
Where: 94 Miller St, Glasgow G1 1DT
We've spoken about some other pizzas in the city, but if you're after a more traditional spot when looking for cheap places to eat in Glasgow, then Paesanos is THE place to be. The first restaurant to bring traditional Neopolitan-style pizza to the streets of Glasgow, it's clear to see that they are experienced and passionate, and that comes out in abundance in the food. They also source everything from Italy; from the ingredients to the wood-fired pizza ovens (designed and built in Naples) to the Pizzaioli in their kitchens that make the pizza. So instead of booking that flight to Italy, just come here instead. What's the difference? The weather? Come on we're in Scotland, when has that ever stopped anyone?
Cafe Sono
Image: Cafe Sono on Facebook
Where: 245 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
This little cafe tucked away under the railway arches of Glasgow central station is designed in such an aesthetically pleasing manner that we're surprised they haven't captured the Instagram crowd yet. Its vintage decor and maximalist approach to design mean the site could easily be mistaken for a flea market, but this only adds to the charm of the place. However, where it really shines is its food. Affordable to the nth degree, the scran on offer here ranges from hearty breakfasts to their tongue-tingling kebabs pictured above. A cosy little establishment that won't break the bank and supply you with a great spot to show your friends. Seriously underrated and deserves all the attention it can get. Plus, the staff are wonderful. What more do you want?
Star Bar
Image: The Star Bar on Facebook
Where: 537-539 Eglinton St, Glasgow G5 9RN
We thought we'd finish off with the best value email we've ever come across. Now, you may think this is an exaggeration but just wait a second. The Star Bar is an establishment of the ages of the city. Usually frequented by the older crowd, but becoming more and more popular due to the three-course meal that only sets you back £3. Yep, that isn't a typo, just three quid for three courses. Not even Maccies is that cheap. For that price, you get a soup starter, a selection of fish and chips, pie or macaroni cheese amongst other options, and then jelly and ice cream for dessert. It's exactly like Grandma makes it and we wouldn't have it any other way. It's a really good meal too, as many may think the price reflects the quality. but it's comforting, homely, and best had on a cold night with a pint. It's the best place for a meal out if the budget is particularly tight, and it couldn't be a more welcoming place, we cant recommend it enough.
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