Dining on a tight budget? Never fear, our city is awash with enticing eateries dishing out bargain bites that don't compromise on style or substance. Next time you're craving a fried chicken fix, tall order of tacos, classic pub lunch or boozy brunch, check out our guide to the best affordable restaurants in Glasgow and leave your money worries at the door.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 21st December 2023
Looking for the best cheap restaurants in Glasgow city centre? Not only does Window's Restaurant have a stunning terrace at its Carlton George Hotel perch, but the menu of British classics is also pocket-friendly, with three courses for £26. Topping it off is their stunning afternoon tea.
Auctioneers has gained a reputation for slinging out some of the best cheap eats in Glasgow. What's on the menu? All kinds of droolworthy delights, including tapas plates, juicy steaks and British pub classics done just right, as well as £1.50 drinks when you buy a burger or a pizza.
Halloumi Central is a family-run Greek and Cypriot restaurant in the city centre, with a Southside sister venue. Their menu is packed full of delicious dishes like grilled octopus with smoked paprika, mini gyros, vegetable moussaka and, of course, plenty of everyone's favourite cheese.
For wallet-friendly bites? Venture to Mowgli in the heart of the city centre. Enter this gorgeous venue set across two floors, where you'll be met with vine-entwined trees, rustic rope features and fairy lights. And when you've sat down, enjoy delicious Indian street food like gunpowder chicken or paneer curries.
From Merchant City to the riverbank, Grosvenor Casino's venues are making sure you have plenty of options for affordable dining. Nab a burger and a drink for £8.50, alongside grill dishes, pizzas and more, before moving onto the cards and other games.
Missoula is a trendy restaurant and bar in the city centre, boasting a range of tasty small plates for £5 to £8, alongside juicy meat or plant-based burgers, wraps, and other pub classics for less than £15 per meal. What's more, they make a cracking cocktail here too.
On the hunt for city centre cheap restaurants? The Lauder's slings out affordable grub that's sure to satiate any cravings. Whether you fancy three tapas plates for £13, towering burgers or sourdough pizzas for around a tenner, it's got what you need.
If you're after casual restaurants in Glasgow city centre, head on over to Walkabout. A triple burger with chips will only set you back £8.50, plus everything else on the menu is as equally well-priced as it is delicious - think small plates, breakfast dishes and pub classics.
Head over to Shilling Brewing Co. for a load of purse-friendly slices. All of its freshly prepared pizzas are £9 and under, with toppings including 'nduja, pepperoni and even haggis. There are also plenty of vegan options that looks equally as enticing, whether that's plant-based mozzarella with balsamic onion or jalapenos.
If you're looking for affordable places to eat in Glasgow city centre, YO! knows how it's done. Get on down to the restaurant to fill your boots with scrumptious Japanese eats, from sushi and ramen to curries, at prices that won't break the bank.
BrewDog is a pretty strong option when it comes to affordable restaurants in Merchant City. The menu of uplifting treats includes spicy wings, salad bowls and messy burgers that are sure to please, especially when paired with one of the delish craft beers available.
Thaikhun in the heart of Glasgow's Silverburn Shopping Centre is a vibrant Asian eatery serving up tasty dishes at an affordable price. The Pinto sharing feast is only £18.50 per person and allows you to pick one stir-fry, curry, noodle and fried rice dish each.
Bar Soba offers cheap eats from its Merchant City and Mitchell Lane outposts. All of their pan-Asian street food dishes are pretty darn affordable as is, but if that wasn't enough? They boast £7 lunch deals and those of you at uni get up to 40% off, making it one of the best student discount restaurants in Glasgow.
Waxy O'Connor's isn't just a charming Irish boozer, it's also home to an ample menu of cheap eats. Most dishes are priced under £10, so you can munch on hearty haggis spring rolls, Irish seafood chowder and sourdough cheese toasties without a care.
Get on down to O'Neill's Grand Central or Merchant Square for a load of lip-smacking bites that won't cost you a pretty penny. As some of the most affordable restaurants in Glasgow city centre, these buzzing boozers whip up burgers, steaks and tapas plates.
If you're looking for a cheap lunch in Glasgow city centre, Maki & Ramen has got what you need. Settle in front of the beautiful cherry blossom and neon signs to devour sushi, noodle soup, yakisoba, curry and delish cocktails that won't set you back a bomb.
Venture over to Granary in Southside for a pub with food that's known for its epic deals. Whether you fancy a nutrient-packed salad, lip-smacking steak and Guinness pie or a katsu chicken burger, it's sure to fill you up and then some.
Bloc+ pride themselves on offering something a little different, with an extensive range of burgers, hot dogs and more that'll make your mouth water and your wallet happy. Keep an eye out for the daily deals, which includes the likes of £4 pasta, £6 steaks and £5 dogs.
Chow down on succulent steaks for a decent price at Finsbay Flatiron, where you can find some of the best cheap eats in Glasgow's West End. If you're looking for a cool place to take a date or you want to treat yourself a little, this is a top choice.
Hanoi Bike Shop is a chilled-out Vietnamese restaurant in the West End of Glasgow, with quirky interiors featuring colourful lanterns and bicycles hanging from the ceiling. The street-food inspired menu includes build-your-own-pho, as well as curries, stir-fries and salads.
Kickstart your day with affordable breakfast bites at The Hall, from jackfruit-topped crumpets through to chicken and bacon waffles. Or if you join them later? Get ready for wraps, burgers and hearty pub classics, alongside a load of flavourful wings.
Cosmo is perfect for a cheap buffet in Glasgow, boasting over 150 different dishes from all over the world. Whether you fancy Mongolian stir-fried lamb, sweet and sour chicken, carvery favourites or Italian-style pizza, they've got you covered with all-you-can-eat for £21.99 per person.
Located in the heart of Glasgow's Woodlands, El Perro Negro is an award-winning choice for brunch, cocktails and street food-inspired eats. Think fried chicken and waffles, burgers stacked to the absolute max and seriously good fries, topped with black truffle mayo or blue cheese sauce.
226 Gallowgate is one of the best places for a cheap lunch in Glasgow's Merchant City. Feast on a menu of classic pub grub, including mouthwatering haggis bon bons, freshly prepared pies and chilli con carne, with colourful art-lined walls surrounding you.
Kimchi Cult is a great little spot for Korean food in the West End. Though primarily a takeaway restaurant, there is an intimate space inside for up to 10 people to eat. As for the menu, expect pulled pork or tofu bao buns, loaded rice bowls and spicy fries.
Specialising in authentic sourdough slices, Rockvilla Pizza is one of the best cheap places to eat in Glasgow city centre. Not only is the dough hand-stretched and 48-hour proved, but the 'za comes covered with locally sourced toppings and mouthwatering fior di latte mozzarella.
