You know that friend who appears to be checking in to a different restaurant every night on Facebook? Who, when you’re about to book that hot new dining spot in town, casually lets you know their opinion? (Of course they will have eaten there already). We have loads of deals in Glasgow and Edinburgh restaurants on our 5pm Christmas Gifts page that would make excellent presents for them. From hipster street joints to fine dining establishments, the one thing they have in common is delicious food. Check out a selection below.
Fire in Babylon, Glasgow
Located on Hope Street, Fire in Babylon is a Caribbean street food kitchen in the heart of Glasgow. The owner is a Glaswegian with Trinidadian roots and the food served is gorgeously authentic and made to recipes which have been passed down through generations of friends and family. From jerk chicken that melts off the bone to rich, deeply-flavoured curries, the food at Fire in Babylon is the real thing. One review on their Facebook page says: “I’m sitting here with my wife eating some of the best food that either of us has eaten. The chef is great, home cooking professional style. And everything can be improved whilst listening to Bob Marley. If you don’t eat here you’re missing out!’
£16 for a Caribbean Main Course + Drink for 2 at Fire in Babylon on the 5pm Christmas Gifts Page.
The Honours Malmaison, Glasgow
Developed by Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart, The Honours combines seasonal, Scottish flavours with innovative, brasserie-influenced dishes. The chef’s interpretation of a Parisian brasserie, the restaurant features a chic and sophisticated décor that matches the elegance of the food served. The Honours Chateaubriand is cooked on the kitchen’s charcoal-fuelled Josper oven. The best selling dish on the menu, it is a magnificent 500g piece of the finest Donald Russell grass fed, dry aged steak.
£49 for Chateaubriand Steak + Wine for 2 at The Honours, Glasgow Malmaison on the 5pm Christmas Gifts Page.
Cristal Restaurant Mar Hall, Bishopton
Hosting guests such as Beyonce and Miley Cyrus, the five star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, which is housed in a stunning A List building in acres of woodland just outside Glasgow, is one of the most famous hotels in Scotland. Its elegant Cristal Restaurant with decorative ceilings, twenty foot windows and art by Archie Forrest, serves seasonal modern dishes.
£24 for a 2 Course Dinner for 2 in Cristal Restaurant at 5* Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort on the 5pm Christmas Dining Page.
WEST at Glasgow Green
A stylish German beerhall and brewery in the old Templeton Building on Glasgow Green, WEST menu showcases fresh, natural Scottish ingredients and traditional German cuisine, all prepared by the kitchen’s award-winning chefs. This Christmas gift also includes a guided brewery tour so you can take a peek behind the scenes of the only UK brewery to produce all of its brews in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, the German Purity Law of 1516. There’s also a WEST pint glass to take away.
£15 for a Brewery Tour with Tasting, Pint Glass + 2 Course Meal at WEST at Glasgow Green on the 5pm Christmas Gifts Page.
Cafe Andaluz, Glasgow and Edinburgh
Decked out with stained glass lamps, colourful ceramics and Moorish tiles, the Café Andaluz restaurants on Cresswell Lane and St Vincent Place in Glasgow and George Street in Edinburgh each have a lively, buzzy ambience which would give a Seville fiesta a good run for its money. With just under thirty dishes on the Big Deal menu, there is a huge selection to choose from. Popular dishes include the crisp-fried baby squid served with garlic mayonnaise and lemon, sliced Andalucian black pudding with onion and apple chutney and grilled asparagus served with shaved Manchego cheese.
£20 for 5 Tapas + 2 Desserts to share for 2 at Cafe Andaluz, Glasgow + Edinburgh on the 5pm Christmas gifts page.
For more restaurants gifts in Glasgow and Edinburgh, check out our 5pm Christmas Gifts Page.