2019 already has some big name openings pencilled in for Glasgow.

Originally scheduled to open in 2018, The Ivy Collection is to open a Glasgow brasserie in the former Nationwide building on Buchanan Street in early 2019.

Offering 'sophisticated and relaxed all day dining', The Ivy Collection outlets are spread through London and England.

The Glasgow branch will be Scotland's second Ivy outlet after The Ivy on the Square (main pic) launched in Edinburgh in 2017.

Signature dishes include The Ivy shepherd's pie, fish and chips plus the steak tartare.

Benihana gets chopping

Also pencilled in for an early 2019 launch is Benihana which is taking shape in the former Carluccio's premises on West Nile Street.

While there are three Benihana branches in London, the West Nile Street outlet will be the first in Scotland and the first, new UK launch for the brand in more than twenty years.

Asian dishes and the brand's trademark theatrical presentation will be on the menu at the 100 cover restaurant.

One of the big attractions will be the nine teppan tables where customers sit around a chef who prepares their food on a hotplate while chopping and juggling the ingredients.

Likely to be hugely popular but perhaps not quite as newsworthy, we understand that Nando's is to open a new Glasgow branch on Waterloo Street. The launch is said to be on the 23rd of January.

Bibimbap goes West

On a more local tip, Bibimbap Korean restaurant has been so successful since opening in February 2018 that they are expanding.

Popular for its Korean fried chicken and the colourful rice bowl dishes which give the restaurant its name, Bibimbap is expanding from West Nile Street and opening in a as yet undisclosed location in the West End.

We'll be back on Monday with all the latest from the food front in Edinburgh.