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July 25, 2018

With its balmy evenings and bright nights, summer is the perfect time for catching up with friends (before everyone heads off to hibernate in burrows for winter with nothing but Netflix and acorns for company).

So whether you fancy whisking your bestie out for a gossip session or catching up with that long-lost pal you never see, our Big Summer Dine Out has plenty of restaurant inspiration. Question is, what do you fancy — a seafood feast, trusty Italian or relaxed gastro pub meal? Whichever it is, each of the two-person offers below is perfect for dining out with a friend.

Just remember that our Big Summer Dine Out ends on Sunday 29th July, so start making those weekend plans now...

Seafood with your sidekick If you both fancy some ocean-based fare, then we have three options for you in Glasgow. Starting in the city centre, glam Art Deco dining spot Rogano is offering the chance for two people to try out their the Fish of the Day for £29. Rogano's accolade of being Glasgow's oldest surviving restaurant lends it plenty of atmosphere, so this would be great for special night. Why not start your evening with a swing by relaxing with pre-dinner drinks in their chic bar area?

Over on the foodie end of Argyle Street, seafood haven The Finnieston is offering a fish main course and glass of fizz for two people for £29. With its cosy wooden booths, open fire and urbane cocktails, this is the perfect place for swapping secrets with your best buddy. Also, if the weather is fine then you can make the most of the al fresco seating area.

And let's not forget the Southside. Despite having won the Best Seafood Restaurant title in the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2013, The Fish People Cafe is still relatively under-the-radar. But you and a friend can now sample this hidden gem by trying out three courses each on their Dinearound menu plus a carafe of wine to share, all for £39.

Pasta with your pal Or if you'd prefer tucking into Italian, then head to the relaxed and rustic family-run Bar Italia in Edinburgh's West End. There you can enjoy two courses from the pre-theatre menu plus a bottle of wine to share for £39. It's worth noting that the restaurant's house wines offer a very personal touch, as they are produced in the family’s very own vineyards in the south of Italy. So now you know.

Or if you are a Glasgow-based linguini-lover, then head to Alla Italia in the city centre to dine on two courses from the market menu each plus a bottle of wine to share for £29. This welcoming restaurant even has a cocktail bar with music, meaning that you can linger after your meal for a Bellini or five.

Music bar with your mate Or how about a gastro pub setting for your gossip session? Avant Garde in the Trongate is a lively music bar serving classic and Mediterranean-influenced pub grub. Sample two courses each from the à la carte menu, washed down nicely with a bottle of wine to share for £39. With its good tunes, cool decor and big windows perfect for people watching, this would be a great spot to dine with a pal before hitting the town.

Hopefully by now your mouth is watering and your finger is twitching to text your favourite friend. Just remember that our Big Summer Dine Out ends this Sunday, so make the most of these fabulous deals before they're gone.