Best Breakfasts in Glasgow: Top 10 Spots in 2024
Forget what you think about Scottish cuisine in the city; breakfast Glasgow-style is not just battered chocolate bars and a fondness for fried food. From a full Scottish breakfast (we dare you to call it anything else) to a warming bowl of Scottish oats, a breakfast in Glasgow can cater to many tastes.
With Glasgow being the creative hub of Scotland, it is no surprise that this artistic flair for innovation has inspired the food scene in the city. What Glasgow does so well is the blending together of modern Scottish cooking with the city’s international influences. The city’s restaurateurs have made the most out of Scotland’s seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced produce to create some mouthwatering menus for breakfast in Glasgow.
Whether you are exploring the city as a tourist or you fancy trying some new places to go out for breakfast in your hometown, Glasgow has lots to offer. Dietary restrictions won’t get in the way as Glasgow is one of the U.K.'s most vegan-friendly cities, with many eateries offering appetising alternatives. Vegan haggis, anyone? Or perhaps dairy-free Scottish shortbread with your morning cup of tea? Whatever your preferences, if you are on the lookout for the city’s best breakfast, Glasgow will leave you spoiled for choice with its countless cafés and restaurants.
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Best Breakfast in Glasgow
1. Scran
Scottish slang for food, Scran does what it says on the tin. Scran showcases the best produce Scotland has to offer.
The Vibe
Located close to Glasgow’s Barras Market, Scran offers up calming coffee house vibes in its small but inviting interiors.
What to Order
To sample Scotland’s finest produce, go for French toast brioche topped with the nation’s famous west coast hot smoked salmon.
Scran | 239 London Road, Glasgow G40 1PE | £
2. Down to Earth
The flexitarians’ favourite, Down to Earth is primarily a meat-free establishment specialising in vegetarian and vegan fare, although they do offer a few meat-based dishes.
The Vibe
If you like to brunch on Buddha bowls full of locally sourced produce, then this is the ideal place for breakfast in Glasgow.
What to Order
For brunch or breakfast, Glasgow eatery Down to Earth serves a tantalising range of breakfast muffins with an assortment of tasty fillings. Alternatively, egg fans might want to opt for the poached egg Buddha bowl with two poached Corrie Mains eggs.
Down to Earth | 351 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6AL | ££
3. Café Strange Brew
Situated in Glasgow’s southside, Café Strange Brew draws quite a crowd with people queuing on the street for their marvellous munchies.
The Vibe
This café has somewhat of a cult following for their craft coffee, brunch and breakfast in Glasgow. With clean minimalist interiors yet warm and inviting at the same time, it's the ideal place for whiling away rainy days in the city.
What to Order
Sample those famous Scottish oats with a bowl of home-made cinnamon spiced granola and berry compôte sprinkled with Belgian chocolate flakes and finished with a generous dollop of yoghurt.
Café Strange Brew | 1082 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 3YG | £
4. Off the Rails
It's not hard to see how Off the Rails' deli-style set-up has been inspired by Katz’s Deli in New York. They’ve even created a sandwich in homage to the famous deli.
The Vibe
From the warm, orange glow of its shopfront to the cappuccino brown and teal interior colour-scheme, this café is the perfect pit-stop for commuters en route to Queen Street Station.
What to Order
If you're looking for the best bagel for breakfast, Glasgow’s Off the Rails has got you covered. Go for the “Tribute to Katz’s Deli” on a bagel filled with pastrami, cheddar cheese, rocket, pickled onion and smothered in hollandaise.
Off the Rails | 1a Dundas St., Glasgow G1 2AH | £
5. The Hyndland Café
A favourite among locals, The Hyndland Café is a family-owned establishment serving up comfort food classics for breakfast in Glasgow.
The Vibe
Among a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, the owners will make you feel right at home as they tend to your every need. Choose from cosy booths or outside seating and enjoy a home-style breakfast in Glasgow.
What to Order
No matter what time you pop in, the all-day breakfast is a great option for early-risers and snoozers alike. In typical Scottish-style the dish comes complete with a traditional square sausage and a potato scone.
The Hyndland Café | 96 Clarence Drive, Glasgow G12 9RN | £
6. The University Café
For a value-for-money breakfast, Glasgow-style, head to The University Café. The Café has been serving up comforting British cuisine for over 100 years.
The Vibe
Attracting the likes of Rick Stein and the late Anthony Bourdain, there’s something nostalgic about this Glaswegian institution. The time-travelling art deco exterior against the Edwardian interiors leaves you in a limbo, stuck in an indeterminate past. An escape from modern life.
What to Order
Everyone raves about their “chippy tea”, however, for breakfast we suggest the all-day breakfast with all the trimmings, including black pudding.
The University Café | 87 Byres Road Hillhead, Glasgow G11 5HN | £
7. Kember & Jones
For bookworms, Kember & Jones bookshop and café is a must-visit for breakfast in Glasgow. Pore over a new book whilst enjoying house-roasted coffee and a pastry.
The Vibe
Calming creams and neutral tones swathe this classic-style café and deli, leaving you to get lost in a good book.
What to Order
Showcasing Scottish oats, Kember & Jones offer up muesli and granola bars on their breakfast menu. However, we recommend their granola, which has been sweetened by apple juice, honey and glittering little specks of dried cranberries.
Kember & Jones | 134 Byres Road West End, Glasgow G12 8TD | ££
8. Café Gandolfi
Café Gandolfi is well-known throughout the city for bringing top-quality Scottish staples to the breakfast table at affordable prices.
The Vibe
Famous for its interiors, this Glaswegian institution has incorporated the artistic touches of Glasgow school of Arts alumni, from the wooden furniture designed by Tim Stead to the stained glass window crafted by John Clarke.
What to Order
For breakfast, Café Gandolfi’s eggs Hebridian dish is Scottish food at its best, with its Stornoway black pudding, poached eggs, hollandaise and a muffin.
Café Gandolfi | 64 Albion St., Glasgow G1 1NY | ££
9. Café Wander
Hidden away below street level just off Nelson Mandela Place, you’ll find Café Wander if you look close enough.
The Vibe
A Scottish gem where you’ll find true Glasgow diners, Café Wander is wee but mighty in terms of its friendly ambience and quality customer service.
What to Order
Go for a typical carbohydrate-heavy breakfast in Glasgow. The hefty lorne sausage, or square sausage as it's otherwise known, and potato scone in a bread roll will keep you full for hours on end.
Café Wander | 110 W. George St., Glasgow G2 1QJ | £
10. Singl-end
Bakehouse and café, Singl-end has two locations in Glasgow, a branch at Garnethill and one in Merchant City.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming to all, including four-legged friends. Singl-end specialises in creating good homemade, honest food and is one of the top places for brunch and breakfast in Glasgow.
What to Order
Why not try haggis for breakfast and opt for “Rabbie’s eggs”. Choose between vegetarian or the original meaty haggis alongside poached eggs, spinach and an assortment of spicy sauces on sourdough bread.
Singl-end | 265 Renfrew St., Glasgow G3 6TT | ££
Try Cooking Like a Scot
While going out to eat in the best cafés and restaurants for breakfast in Glasgow is a delicious way to treat yourself, sometimes cooking at home just can’t be beaten. Breakfast in bed or whilst you are still in your pyjamas is desperately needed after a jam-packed week. However, this doesn’t mean you have to forego breakfast, Glasgow-style, in favour of something uninspiring. Cooking classes in Glasgow can bridge that gap and bring breakfast in Glasgow to you. Expert chefs will teach you how to make the most out of Scotland’s finest fresh produce and cook up traditional dishes. Prepare top-quality kippers and Arbroath smokies or fry up a Lorne sausage with your Scottish breakfast.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether you're a newcomer to the city or prefer dining in the evening, finding the best breakfast spots in Glasgow can be tricky. Luckily, this list of the top ten spots has you covered, allowing you to savour the authentic delights experienced by early morning diners. From traditional dishes to fusion cuisine, Glasgow-style breakfast has something for everyone. So, switch up your mornings and try breakfast, Glasgow-style. For more ways to explore Glasgow and beyond, check out additional experiences on Cozymeal.
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