Edinburgh’s restaurateurs may have been working like mad to open up new ventures before the festivals arrive but Glasgow’s restaurateurs have not been asleep at the switch.

5pm Dining has recently welcomed several new venues into the fold. Some are new to us and some have just launched.

Bar Soba

On Albion Street, the paint has only just dried on a new Merchant City branch of Bar Soba. Joining the city’s existing branches on Mitchell Lane and Byres Road, the new venture continues the Bar soba tradition of offering pan-Asian street food and more cocktails than you can shake a swizzle stick at.

The Bowery Bar and Restaurant

A short saunter away, The Bowery Bar and Restaurant is winning fans on Queen Street. Award-winning mixologists and plenty of craft beer prevent visitors from getting too drouthy. As well as a very keenly priced lunch menu, The Bowery’s a la carte ranges from healthy options like the slow roast, peppered beetroot salad to more substantial sirloin, rib-eye and fillet steaks.

Verve Grill

Moving away from the centre of town, the Verve Grill is part of the Village Urban Resort on Pacific Quay. Handily located for shows at the SSE Hydro and the SECC, the restaurant offers casual dining in stylish surroundings. The venue also has a trendy bar for a pre or post-dinner drink.

Pride of place on the menu goes to the steaks, burger and tuna on the grill section. Other choices include mussels and fries, BBQ ribs and chicken Kiev. There are also salads and a range of healthy dishes such as the teriyaki salmon with a warm, black rice salad.

And coming up

Over the next few weeks, look out for launches from the Dandelion Cafe in Newlands Park and Bathtub and Co on Bath Street.