Best First Date Ideas In Glasgow

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 5th March 2026

Hot date on the cards and feeling nervous? Fear not. If you're in our city, there are oodles of great places that'll impress the pants off them. With buzzing restaurants that will keep the conversation flowing, cosy pubs for low-key but intimate drinks and fun bars if you're looking for something a little more lively; the choices for a first date in Glasgow are endless. 




Bar 91

Bar91 in Merchant City has been serving up great drinks and great vibes for over 20 years. Situated across from City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket, it's a hub for music lovers, with world music concerts, jazz, blues, and retro tunes setting the perfect mood.

Sip on artisanal beers, indulge in whiskey tastings, or enjoy a gin and food pairing experience - all in a space that fosters connection and relaxation.

La Vita - George Square

Treat your date to an evening of sumptuous Italian dining at La Vita, a welcoming restaurant close to George Square. This charming space offers both indoor and outdoor dining, serving delicious food and drink all day long.

They serve all kinds of authentic dishes, from arrabiata to chicken risotto, as well as some more unique options like Mexican beef pizza. or for something a little romantic, split a pizza and pasta combination between the two of you.

ARTÀ

If you want something a little different to do on a first date, then you're bound to find something good at ARTÀ. They've got cracking comedy nights to break the ice with a bit of laughter, as well as throwback tribute nights and quirky cabaret shows.

Slug and Lettuce Glasgow

Looking for somewhere laid-back for a first date? Slug & Lettuce on West George Street offers a fun and stylish setting where you can enjoy excellent food, top-notch cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you're after a leisurely brunch with your new squeeze, a lively night out, or a post-work drink, this trendy venue has it all.

Indulge in a variety of dishes, from fresh salads to indulgent burgers, all while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails or refreshing pints. It's the perfect blend of casual comfort and contemporary style.

La Vita Spuntini - City Centre

Taking its name from the Italian concept of sharing a number of dishes across the table, La Vita Spuntini is a romantic choice for splitting a meal with your date. You'll find this gorgeous spot on Gordon Street in the city centre, flaunting beautiful pink blossom trees and dark wooden furnishings.

Tuck into sumptuous plates like a classic carbonara, bruschetta with added avocado or a spicy beef pizza, all washed down with one of the many fine wines on offer.

Pizza Pilgrims Glasgow

The Quick Pilgrimage £25 per person and 2 other offers

Whisk your date off to Naples without leaving the city at Pizza Pilgrims. With ingredients shipped over from Italy, you can expect that true pizzeria taste in every bite.

The dough here is dreamy, fermented for 72 hours to create beautiful bases and pillowy crusts. You're sure to fall in love with the toppings too. There's everything from margherita and double pepperoni with spicy honey to an epic 8-cheese and a quirky carbonara.

The Alchemist Glasgow

You can never go wrong with a trip to The Alchemist, a George square location that promises sleek, stylish interiors filled with plush velvet furnishings. They serve all kinds of unique cocktails, from colour-changing concoctions to smoking sips.

If you're looking for an indulgent sharing meal to split with your date, then check out their Sunday Feast. For £20 per person, you can enjoy a scrumptious platter of buttermilk fried chicken, pork belly bites, macaroni cheese and more.

Poko Loko Tequila & Tacos

For those in search of a lively taco haven in Glasgow, look no further than Poko Loko. Nestled in the heart of Merchant City, this Mexican-inspired gem serves up authentic dishes that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico.

Whether you're fueling up during a lunchtime catch-up or unwinding with friends after work, the delicious food and cocktails are sure to impress. As the night kicks in, the DJ-driven energy ramps up, making it the perfect spot for fun-filled evenings. 

La Vita Pizzeria Barrachnie

If you're looking for first date ideas in the East End of Glasgow, then look no further than La Vita Pizzeria Barrachnie. Your date is bound to be impressed by this romantic Italian destination, flaunting gorgeous floral displays, cosy booth seating and sultry low lighting.

They offer an extensive all-day menu, as well as a great selection of wines to go with it. Tuck into everything from Italian sausage risotto to marinated chicken breast penne or juicy pulled pork burgers.

YO! Sushi School - Glasgow Braehead

@ YO! Glasgow Braehead on Tuesday 17th March 2026 and 39 other Tuesdays

The couple that sushis together stays together. At Yo! Sushi School, you'll learn how to prep, pack, roll and slice like a pro.

As you craft four delicious dishes, a resident master will teach you all about the history of this ancient culinary art. Tickets start from just £27.95 and include beer, bubbles and snacking plates.

Stack & Still

A trip to Stack & Still is one of the best first date ideas in Glasgow city centre. It offers almost 12 million different combinations of pancakes on its menu. Whether you're going sweet or savoury, make sure to check out the self-dispense bar area where you can pour your own drinks.

Daddy Marmalades

With mood lighting, stylish seating and plenty of foliage, Daddy Marmalades is a cool and cosy spot for a date night cocktail or two. Its master mixologists are more than happy to craft you a classic, something more inventive or a custom creation all of your own. 

Proudly holding a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, you're in safe hands whatever you order. If you fancy forgoing the candlelit dinner, make a night of it here with pizza and nachos, plus sharers and small plates.