9 places to eat and drink around Glasgow University
From student-friendly Indian street food and hand-pulled noodles to late-night brunch and Thai favourites
Bantawala By Masala Twist
192–194 Byres Road
Masala Twist’s take on imaginative Indian dining has seen them spread from their original bases in Glasgow to satellite towns. Their enjoyable Bantawala operation has extensive north and south Indian options with a focus on street-style dishes, tapping into the student population with great lunch deals and discounts.
The Left Bank
33–35 Gibson Street
After years excelling as a brunchy café, new owners took over in 2026 in time to celebrate its 20th birthday. They’ve spruced up the big bright space, adding a vinyl listening bar, transforming it into a late-night hangout. Brunch is worthy, plus well-prepped bar faves are served until the wee hours.
Noodles & Dumplings
23 Gibson Street
This Chinese diner close to the university is the spot for slurping up bowls of super-fresh noodles. The extensive menu featuring noodle dishes, hot pots, stir-fries and dim sum uses dough that’s made in-house, hand-pulled and cooked to order. There are authentic touches for the adventurous, such as pork entrails and tripe.
Pulp
31 Gibson Street
Pulp does bright and breezy all-day brunch, from imaginative sourdough toast toppings and various eggs to filled breakfast rolls, croque madame, French toast, smoothies and more. It’s nicely positioned close to Kelvingrove Park for a pre or post-feed stroll. Sister shop Focaccia, around the corner on Bank Street, is also worth a look.
Sprigg
278 Byres Road
Sprigg’s fourth venue since beginnings in 2018 is their first outside the city centre, brightening up a West End corner. It’s mainly takeaway, with a few window stools, and gets busy with folk seeking out their tasty soups, customisable and set salad bowls, and baked spuds. Their environmental credentials extend to a reusable bowl scheme.
Ting Thai
94 Byres Road
It’s hard to get any closer to the academic action than Ting Thai’s attractive corner location at the end of University Place. The popular Thai specialists began in Edinburgh before setting up a Glasgow branch dishing out enticing soups, noodles, curries and more from a well-drilled kitchen.
Also try... Kimchi Cult just off Byres Road for casual Korean fried chicken and bibimbap, Sugo Pasta down cobbled Cresswell Lane for Italian comfort food or, for bowls of Japanese goodness, head to Ramen Dayo on pretty Ashton Lane.
This TipList is taken from the 2026 edition of 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.