Here is an exciting selection of newbies with a range of sizzling offers.

Nigiri Giffnock

Sushi and sashimi are effortlessly cool at any time of year but they come into their own when the temperature starts to rise. With branches in Giffnock and Kirkintilloch, Nigiri uses both local and imported ingredients to create delicious Japanese-style dishes as pictured above.

Volcano rolls

Whether you fancy sashimi (fish) or sushi (rice, fish and other ingredients), Nigiri has plenty of options from volcano rolls to beautifully sliced tuna. Of course, there are plenty of other choices such as chicken karaage - Japan's answer to KFC, gyoza dumplings, stuffed bao or fluffy, steamed rolls, tempura, salads and hot dishes along the lines of sweet chilli chicken bowls, teriyaki and a variety of ramen.

We like their Japanese tea which includes hoi sin duck and cucumber sandwiches plus sushi and mango moon cakes. And their sushi masterclasses for kids look fun too.

Both restaurants are currently running an offer: £30 per couple for 2 katsu curries and 2 selected cocktails or mocktails.

Saint Judes

Saint Jude is the patron saint of lost causes. Which is sort of ironic since his Bath Street bar and grill namesake, Saint Judes, has long been a much loved and successful veteran of the city centre party circuit. Whether you are looking for an express lunch; a leisurely, romantic, three course dinner for two or a party group booking, Saint Judes will answer your prayers. Of course, there is always the option to extend the evening with a visit to Lola’s nightclub downstairs.

Gooey mac 'n' cheese

At dinner, the kitchen at Saint Judes offers a selection of small plates as well as traditional starters, main courses and desserts. Typical small plates might be the house nachos, mac bites or Buffalo cauliflower nuggets.

There are burgers and steaks as well as classic options like the chilli bowl, a gooey mac ‘n’ cheese and a selection of salads. Baked NY style cheesecake, butter cup brownie and a sharing rocky road sundae will all provide a sweet finish to your meal.

If you are in the market for a working lunch then the express lunch menu offers a range of brioche buns, bowls and wraps with fillings such as halloumi fries, chargrilled chicken breast and 'fancy fish fingers'.

Saint Judes is on Bath Street in Glasgow city centre. Nearby attractions include the King’s Theatre and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Book in here.

Murphy’s Pakora Bar

Those of us who vaguely remember the 90s will recall the waves created by Murphy's Pakora Bar on Glasgow's Argyle Street. If memory serves, it offered the winning combination of delicious pakoras, great drinks and a late licence. All this way before Finnieston was a thing.

Fast forward some twenty years and the son of the original Murphy's Pakora Bar has opened a fresh incarnation on Argyle Street. And guess what? They still serve lots of beers, wines, gins and cocktails with a licence to 11pm from Tuesday to Thursday and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Indian street food

Of course, the new Murphy's Pakora Bar is still dishing up dozens of different pakora but also offers small plates of Indian street food such as samosa and channa poori plus curries like the ever popular butter chicken, desi lamb and chicken tikka masala.

Just a short distance from Kelvingrove Park, with bus stops nearby, the restaurant is bookable via 5pm Dining.

Chez Mal

Based at the landmark St. Andrew Square - an increasingly popular locale for upmarket dining - Chez Mal Edinburgh City serves French-inspired cuisine within Malmaison hotel. The interior is sumptuous, with banquette seating in deep teal velvet, design-led lighting and hanging greenery.

Despite the voguish vibe, the brasserie setting means that it’s all very relaxed too. This means that you can make a beeline here for a casual meal, special occasion dinner or leisurely Sunday lunch.

Classic cuisine and global dishes

The menus are neatly balanced between classic brasserie dishes and contemporary international choices, with a definite French flourish.

Sample mains include the Thai sticky beef and noodle salad; pan-fried salmon fillet with new potatoes and hollandaise sauce; the Chez Mal Katsu curry plus beef and veggie burgers are also available.

As always, the Chez Mal cream tea is the perfect way to fuel a shopping spree - the St James Quarter is a two minute walk - while the afternoon tea is as innovative as it is indulgent. Especially if you choose the Champagne version.

Close to Waverley and top sightseeing attractions

Chez Mal Edinburgh City is in New Town, a stroll away from Edinburgh Waverley station. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Assembly Rooms and Stand Comedy Club are all very nearby. John Lewis is also close, so you could lunch here after a shopping spree. This where you book.