Hanami
1185 Argyle Street
From a wagyu sando to foie gras and truffle donburi, Hanami loves a bit of decadence, while still maintaining its neighbourhoody student popularity. Donburi (rice bowls) and meats and veg cooked on the open flame (kushiyaki/yakitori), all charred and glistening, are what does it.

Ichiban
50 Queen Street
Just off Argyle Street and up the stairs and you’re at the place where Glasgow’s introduction to long, bench-style seating and hip Japanese stylings came more than half a century ago. Their chicken ramen is still a comforting joy, and for yakisoba (noodles), chahan (fried rice) and katsu curries, they won’t let you down.

Maki & Ramen
21 Bath Street
They’re often queuing out the door of the original Glasgow branch. Noodles are handmade, stocks are glistening and punchy and the chashu pork belly is slow cooked with serious knowhow. Sushi and chicken karaage are also popular. A second, bigger unit just up the road is less quaint but with less wait time too.

Nippon Kitchen
91 West George Street
Equally adept at shoppers’ lunch or date night, Nippon’s all-round appeal means reliable sushi, ultra-crisp tempura as well as teppan grilled dishes, elegant ramen and a backdrop that’s just classy enough. Great sake range also.

Ramen Dayo
31 Ashton Lane
Top-tier ramen in a funky spot looking out onto Ashton Lane. Numerous exciting options include delicate and fragrant ‘New Wave Tokyo Style’ chicken broth, ‘Sansho Pepper’ spiked with Sichuan oil, or the umami and black garlic onslaught of ‘Shiitake x Porcini’. Stylish and tasty in equal measure.

Umami
523 Sauchiehall Street
A restaurant menu with a café demeanour just beyond Charing Cross. The kushiyaki (skewered and grilled) is of note: there’s mushroom, there’s short rib, there’s glistening shreds of lamb with controlled fattiness. But all the heavy hitters are here (noodles, rice, ramen) and everything tastes clean, fresh and crisp.

Also try... Nuku Nuku’s chilled café atmosphere makes it a popular lunchtime and early-evening spot for solo ramen; likewise, Okome in Shawlands. Yakitori Shack is a fun place to line the stomach before a gig or a night out in Finnieston.

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365 Glasgow, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Glasgow.