The Belle
617 Great Western Road
You go to The Belle for its magical mix of an atmosphere that’s warm and relaxed, a crowd that’s old fashioned but studenty/arty, a keenly priced malt of the month, plus good Scottish and German beers. No food, but this strip of Great Western Road has plenty of spots nearby to eat.

Cafe Gandolfi
64 Albion Street
The dark-green colour palette, stunning wooden furniture and portraits on the walls give a reassuring permanency to Gandolfi: you can relax here. Dishes these days balance simplicity with details that elevate (kedgeree arancini with curry mayo, Cullen skink with Arbroath smokies’ cream). Casual dining done right.

Redmond’s
304 Duke Street
Dennistoun’s favourite neighbourhood bar does its best work in the winter, with the lights down low and the vinyl nudged up. ‘East-Asian soul food’ is the vibe (pork belly ramen, steamed bao, banh mi) alongside 150 craft beers and a great pint of Guinness.

Stravaigin
28 Gibson Street
Glasgow’s original gastropub has got its mojo back, with their ‘think global, eat local’ mantra rendering comforting plates loaded with flavour, from leek and potato soup with mustard and brown butter, to Sri Lankan chicken thigh curry, or buttery leeks with a furikake crust. Everything lands, mainly very close to the target.

Upstairs At The Chip
12 Ashton Lane
Everyone talks about the courtyard below, but where you’ll find a snug experience is up the stairs in the wood-lined bar and adjoining brasserie. The peat from the fire emanates, and the menu encourages you to have a dram of Old Pulteney with your oysters. Sharing platters of charcuterie, cheese or fish are very popular.

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