Glasgow

Amaryllis

Modern French Cordon Ramsay in Glasgow
Devonshire Gardens G12 OUX

PLACE: Cordon Ramsay's Scottish venture is probably acknowledged as being Glasgow 's finest restaurant. The salubrious location (in a terrace of fine Georgian townhouses), the spacing of the tables (acres of room), the luxurious, dramatically-proportioned dining room and the starchy service all signal its serious intent, although moves are afoot to introduce a more relaxed approach.

FOOD: It's difficult to fault the food, from a small cup of frothy onion soup with grated truffle & mushroom, a pressed mosiicd foie gras & confit duck with tiny pickled girolles, and a sparklingly fresh line caught fillet of halibut with braised cos lettuce, broad beans, peas & horseradish veloute, to the terrific desserts. This is a slick, precise, typical Gordon Ramsay operation. Diq here can be quite theatrical (lots of dishes assembled at the table) and a seven-course tasting menu is perfect for a grand occasion.

The Buttery

Modem Scottish AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland
Argyle St G3 8UF

 PLACE: Originally a wine merchant's premises and pub, there's been a hostelry here since 1854. Today the oak-panelled walls, high ornate ceiling, marble-topped bar and stained glass windows evoke a soothing sense of history and presence, while the atmosphere is admirably relaxed.

FOOD: Willie Dean's culinary expertise is forcefully evident in the honest, vibrant modern Scottish fare. The focus is firmly on flavour and seasonality and it's hard to find a weakness amongst offerings such as the plump roasted quail starter, confit shank of Perthshire lamb or the terrific warm marbled chocolate and sour cream tart with candied kumquat ice cream.

Gamba

Seafood A haven for lovers of seafood
225a West George St G2 2 ND

place: Like the menu, the interior decor of this bar/restaurant has a Mediterranean feel.

FOOD: Menus specialising in fish and seafood offer plenty of variety, including some far Eastern influences, and brilliant flavours from simply cooked produce. Credible meat and vegetarian alternatives are available, plus a wine list promising plenty of distractions. Gamba fish soup, stem ginger & prawn dumplings • Seared scallops, lemongrass & Parmesan shavings • Warm lemon & poppyseed cake

Shish Mahal

Indian Lively Pakistani restaurant
60-68 Park Rd G4 9JF

PLACE: Fast and friendly Pakistani restaurant staffed with smart black-clad waiters.

FOOD: Enjoy classic lamb favourites Kashmiri, Rogan Josh and Bhuna, baltis in cast iron bowls, and delicious Tarka Daal, plus light, flurry naans. Marvellously overwhelming portions

Saint Judes

Modern British Modern classics in futuristic surroundings
190 Bath St G2 4HG

PLACE: Fusion jazz coupled with dusty rhythm and blues punctuate the studied coolness of this slick, minimalist restaurant. Banquette seating, surreal lighting and stylish customers complete the picture.

FOOD: Not surprisingly, the menu is ambitious, modern and style conscious.