What a year 2014 was for Glasgow and Edinburgh’s restaurant scene. There seemed to be more and more restaurant openings, each one pushing the standards higher for innovative food in stylish surroundings. It’s no surprise our 5pm team are chomping at the bit to try them out in 2015, as well as a few favourites they haven’t got round to yet. Here’s our restaurant wish list for this year.
1. Hutchesons – Stephen McNamee, Business Development Manager
“In 2015 I am hoping to dine in Hutchesons. The Butchershop Bar and Grill is one of my favourite restaurants in Glasgow and as Hutchesons is owned by the same people I’m sure the standard of food, service and atmosphere will be just as high.
£15.95 for 2 courses on set lunch/pre theatre menu at Hutchesons, Glasgow.
2. Blonde – Merle Brown, Beauty Blogger
“I am determined to try Blonde this year. I have been meaning to since I came back to Edinburgh in 2009, so a visit it long overdue! It’s the type of restaurant I love, small intimate and relaxed. The menu looks great, with some quirky dishes on there, and the 5pm reviews are great. So many of my friends tell me it is a lovely little place, so I do really need to try it!”
£9.95 for 2 courses on the lunch menu at Blonde, Edinburgh.
3. Tapas – Jonathan Trew, Food Blogger
“January can be a testing month, especially if the weather is Baltic. I’m going to dispel any winter chills with visits to a couple of sunny tapas restaurants: Tapa in Leith and Cafe Andaluz on George Street. I’ve also got my eye on Divino Enoteca and Credo. The first is a cosy, basement Italian which has been picking up awards. The second is a newish, innovative-looking bistro in Leith.”
20% tapas discount at Tapa, £14.95 for 3 tapas + dessert at Cafe Andaluz, £20 for 3 courses on Simply Divino menu, Divino Enoteca, £19.50 for 3 courses on set menu at Credo, all Edinburgh.
4. Alston Bar & Beef – Ruth Broers, Marketing Manager
“This year I am really hoping to visit Alston Bar & Beef. The marble decor and the location under the crypt of Glasgow’s Central Station really appeals to me and I have heard excellent reviews of their steak.”
£13 for 2 courses on set menu at Alston Bar & Beef, Glasgow.
5. Gandolfi Fish – Nikki Andrew, Business Development Manager
“The restaurant I want to visit this year is Gandolfi Fish. I am a big fan of seafood and the menu looks superb. Friends and family have also given rave reviews.”
£15.95 for 2 courses on pre-theatre menu at Gandolfi Fish, Glasgow.