Sure, Scotland might not be blessed with the warmest of climates, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying a bit of alfresco eating all year round. Whether you're on the hunt for an outdoor brunch, some rooftop nibbles or just have a hankering for hearty pub grub in a sprawling beer garden, here are the best places for outdoor dining in Glasgow.
From three for £13 tapas plates to stone-baked pizzas and towering crispy chicken or plant-based burgers, Auctioneers has a lot to offer in the good grub department. And for those of you who like to take your dining outdoors, just head to the garden where the sunshine awaits, perfect for enjoying a strawberry daquiri or pina coladas.
For a spot of grub outside, look no further than Sloans and its fairy-lit beer garden located on Argyle Street. it's home to some buzzing nights out in the city and is one of the oldest boozers in the area, having been established in 1797. Its food menu features 'wee bites' like haggis, neeps and tatties pakora, macaroni stuck and southern fried chicken strips, as well as a black pudding scotch egg that can be washed down with a great pint of beer.
A top choice if you're wondering where to eat outside in Glasgow's Southside, The Granary boasts streetside tables that not only catch the sun, but also offer a prime viewing spot for people-watching. And if your stomach starts to rumble, there's a load of classic like steak and Guinness pie, mac'n'cheese or stone-baked pizzas on offer.
Decked out with verdant astroturf, cute picnic benches and a pergola for those who prefer the shade, O'Neill's Grand Central's beer garden is well worth a visit. Nab a spot to chomp on things like paninis, salads, burgers and pizzas while you breathe in the fresh air. And for some bargain bites, these guys even offer two mains for £10 all day Monday to Friday.
Craving a holiday in the sun but not so keen on the airfare? Simply hop over to Cubatas instead, the Spanish-inspired West End spot serving the city's finest tapas - acknowledged by the likes of Ron Mackenna, Glasgow Food Geek and the Sunday Times. Feast on giant dishes of paella, patatas bravas and creamy aioli on the secluded, fairy light-strewn terrace.
A traditional boozer if we ever saw one, The Horseshoe Bar on Drury Street is a popular hangout for classic grub, from sourdough pizzas to gourmet burgers, or even three for £13 tapas plates like calamari strips and pulled beef tacos. And when the sun decides to show its face? Head out to the outdoor patio to top up your tan while you munch.
For cheap outdoor dining in Glasgow, The Lauder's is a fantastic shout. Make your way over to this hip-happening hangout's sunny beer garden to indulge in gourmet burgers for under £12, or three for £13 small plates like sweet potato falafels, barbecue pork bao buns and beer-battered mushrooms with a sour cream dip.
When it comes to eating outside in Glasgow city centre, Shilling Brewing Co. is a great shout. Snap up one of its streetside tables to chomp on perfectly prepared pizzas topped in chorizo, haggis, balsamic onions and more (with regular deals on throughout the week), washed down with over 30 different own-brewed beers. And if you swing by on the weekend? Expect live DJs 'til late as well.
Chaophraya boasts a laid-back terrace for your alfresco dining in Glasgow. The impressive venue is ideal for outdoor date nights or catch-ups with mates, as it serves a lip-smacking range of authentic Thai dishes and creative cocktails in a stunning setting. Think massaman curry, spicy prawn soup and crispy tamarind seabass, all while soaking up the sun.
Fancy chomping on confit duck leg, halloumi burgers or a flavoursome sirloin steak? Then get on down to Alea Glasgow Casino's waterfront terrace, which showcases snazzy river views and outdoor dining in Glasgow's Southside. It offers a stunning space for relaxed lunches and intimate dinners, with £10.50 cocktails and an extensive selection of wine to wash it all down.
Whatever the weather, Moskito Cocktail Bar & Restaurant's pretty terrace is not to be missed, with sun-soaked tables and heaters for when it's cold. It's perfect for chowing down on banging brunches and East Asian-inspired dishes, including roasted squash, miso-glazed salmon and yellow chicken curry, washed down with creative cocktails like their signature Madame Butterfly with Grey Goose and citrus blends.
Glasgow outdoor restaurants rarely come as fabulous as Browns Brasserie & Bar. Situated in Merchant City, this European-inspired eatery offers pretty streetside tables overlooking George Square, not to mention plates like fresh lobster, roasted butternut squash and slow-cooked pulled lamb shoulder. Even better? You can also nab afternoon tea here for £23 per person.
WEST On The Green is one of the best restaurants with outdoor seating in Glasgow, modelled on Doge's Palace in Venice. Get stuck into delicious German bites, including sizzling schnitzel, wicked wurst and brilliant burgers, washed down with freshly brewed pints of Bavarian beer from the venue's sprawling garden or pretty terrace.
While you may know All Bar One for its fantastic cocktails and party atmosphere come the weekend, it's also a decent spot for outdoor drinks and dining. Slap on that SPF, grab yourself a seat out front, and dive into a range of banging bites, from nourish bowls with squash and falafel to towering beef brisket burgers and boozy brunches complete with glasses of fizz.
The Ark is a cheap and cheerful spot offering some of the best outdoor dining in Glasgow city centre, whether you're in the mood for chipotle loaded fries, stone-baked pizzas or gourmet burgers. Featuring a scrumptious all-day menu of elevated pub classics, as well as epic happy hour deals and Sky Sports on its screens, it's the ultimate open-air hangout.
If you're on the hunt for the best restaurants in Glasgow city centre with outdoor seating, then this one should be at the top of your list. Boasting a dazzling rooftop terrace with birdseye views, Windows Restaurant provides a gorgeous backdrop for afternoon teas, breakfasts and upmarket eats - think Thai green curry, Scottish smoked salmon or classic beef burgers.
This Sauchiehall Street gem not only boasts a relaxed streetside dining area, but it also holds several awards to its name - these guys have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide 10 years in a row, have been given a Bib Gourmand and named by the Traveller's Choice Awards for 2023. Secure a spot at their sunny tables to chow down on whipped feta, poached sea trout or pan-fried pork belly.
A canalside bar with oodles of personality, Inn Deep in the West End is a hot-to-trot plot for your outdoor eating. Mosey on over to its covered seating for stunning views, as well as tacos, goats cheese or chicken pizzas, Angus burgers and more, plus a fantastic selection of craft brews from all over the UK and beyond.
Transforming a derelict 60s box factory into a wonderland of all things craft beer, Drygate is one of Glasgow's most unique spots. Head to this industrial-style drinking den to learn all about the brewing process while tucking into a menu of gourmet beef or chicken burgers, Thai red curry, fish 'n' chips and moreish puddings like baked cookie dough - all of which can be enjoyed alfresco-style on their laidback patio area.
Wondering where to eat outside in Glasgow's West End? A fuss-free boozer with top quality grub, The Old Schoolhouse is a crowd-pleasing watering hole with covered outdoor seating. With a huge terrace to the front of the venue, decorated with twinkling lights, picnic benches and screens showing all the big sports events, it's a fantastic find for sunset sips and dishes like chicken tacos, halloumi fries or lasagne.
Found in the West End, The Loveable Rogue is a charming pub with a menu of comfort food - think Sunday dinners, fish pies, roasted cauliflower gnocchi and much more. Their street-side tables are ideal for people-watching, as you sip from a selection of craft ales and tuck into a tasty feast.
Looking for outdoor restaurants in Glasgow? Specialising in sustainably sourced seafood, The Finnieston is a must-visit spot. Devour freshly caught fish like Shetland cod, beer-battered haddock or herb-crusted lemon sole, followed by gin cocktails in the beautiful surroundings of the foliage-adorned terrace.
Specialising in all things American, Van Winkle is heaven on earth for anyone with a hankering for buttermilk chicken burgers, chilli cheese dogs or pulled pork sandwiches. The ultimate meat lover's spot, this place is also home to a snug beer garden decked out with plants and fairy lights, where you can sip on draught beer or Bourbon.
On the hunt for beer gardens in Glasgow city centre? Styled on traditional Bavarian beer halls, Republic Bier Halle is a wonderland of ale, pizza and live music. As it's the perfect bar for a drawn-out drinking session, its streetside terrace is a popular plot for outdoor dining whatever the weather, whether you're munching on cheesy slices or branching out to nachos, hotdogs and salads.
