It’s no surprise to us that Glasgow and Edinburgh have been named among the best food cities in the UK. Some people would say Edinburgh is better, but according to Time Out readers, Edinburgh got an 86% overall food quality score, and Glasgow got 87%.
There’s not much between the two. Both are major cities in Scotland with some incredible places to eat. We will say that Edinburgh might seem more touristy, with more chain restaurants and more high-end options. But in terms of quality, Glasgow managed to clinch it.
And there are many others that could have made the list. Scotland is full of incredible restaurants and culinary experiences, and Scottish motorhomes are the perfect way to get around and experience them all!
Below, we’ll look at the ratings for each city and recommend some of the best places to eat.
Time Out’s 11 Best Cities in the UK for Food
If you think the UK doesn’t know how to do food, you can think again. It’s not all fish and chips and Sunday roasts. Although she talks badly about those who don’t know what they’re talking about. Fish and chips and Sunday roast slander isn’t welcome here.
The Time Out article, ‘The 11 best cities in the UK for food in 2025, according to Time Out‘, explored the UK’s top food cities, whittling them down to 11 of the best. These cities are famous for their gastronomic delights and innovation. The list actually comes from part of a wider study, if you can call it that, that asked thousands of global city-dwellers and travellers what city they thought had the best gastronomy: 11 of them were in the UK. Time Out quizzed the foodies on the following:
- The culinary scene
- Diversity
- Innovation
- Pure tastiness
- Affordability
Glasgow and Edinburgh came 6th and 7th, respectively. If it were up to us, we would have placed them 1st and 2nd.
Top Places in Glasgow to Eat
Glasgow won over Edinburgh, so we’ll start here. These are the top two restaurants we think you should try if you’re staying in or passing through Glasgow. One is pricey; one is more affordable. Take your pick.
Brett
Brett didn’t quite make the Michelin Star list, but it came close. This Michelin-recommended restaurant on Great Western Road, Kelvinbridge, will blow your mind. It’s a modern restaurant serving European food with a classy open kitchen, so you can watch your food being prepared. Colin Anderson wanted a produce-driven approach with an emphasis on zero waste, and that’s exactly what you get. You can expect the highest-quality food and drinks in a relaxed environment.
The price depends on what you order. There’s a three-course à la carte menu for £59 per person, and anything off the set menu is considerably more expensive. Still, it’s absolutely worth it.
Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery
What a name. Don’t blame us if you leave feeling like a fat lady yourself. The timeless charm of a true Glasgow institution is stunning here. Thought to be Glasgow’s oldest culinary establishment, it’s one of the best for serving traditional Scottish food. The bygone-era-style dining is relaxed, old-school, and everything you want it to be.
It’s slightly expensive, but sometimes that’s the price you pay for incredible food. You’ll notice most of the menu serves traditional Scottish dishes. Some of the most highly rated include:
- Highland Venison
- Halibut & Prawns
- Scotch Beef Fillet
- Chicken & Haggis
Head to Argyle Street, Glasgow, and you can’t miss it.
Top Places in Edinburgh to Eat
Mussel Inn
Mussel Inn, a somewhat playful name, is super affordable and absolutely delicious. As the name suggests, it’s famous for its mussels. Fresh from the sea, the flavours they produce are simply divine.
There are all sorts of other seafood on the menu, but we recommend the sustainably produced mussels, considering they’re famous for them. Other options include:
- Chilled Oysters
- Cheesy Lobster
- The Hot Seafood Platter
There used to be a Mussel Inn in Glasgow, but the only one open is now in Edinburgh on Rose Street.
Royal Mile Tavern
In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile Tavern has made traditional pub food good again. It might be a traditional pub, but it’s full of charm and character, and the food always hits the spot. It’s another affordable option, but with comfort food at heart.
As they say themselves, ‘Sometimes, good old-fashioned pub grub is all you want and need.’ And they’re correct. Some of the dishes recommended on the menu include:
- The Big Scot Burger
- Pan-Fried Salmon
- Pie of the Week
We will say that because it’s on the Royal Mile, it can get busy. Always book in advance.
It’s a shame more Scottish cities didn’t make it on the list. Just so you know, Liverpool came top of the UK options, and we’re not sure how that happened (sorry, Liverpool). Scotland is the home of great food, and you’ll experience that for yourself when you visit!