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Glasgow Live
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Sophie Buchan

Glasgow's top five cafes that are a 'must-visit' according to TripAdvisor

Glasgow is a beautiful city - and no we're not just saying because we may be slightly biased.

And whilst it's nice to stroll around the city or go out for a meal, it's also refreshing to visit areas such as the west end or the south side to visit local eateries for a relaxing coffee and fine piece.

When it comes to choosing a place to eat it's far from easy because our food scene is improving month after month.

In total there are 430 spots to choose from alone on TripAdvisor - so we think it's a safe bet to say that our city is not short of a place or two to eat.

Here are the top five cafes to visit in Glasgow when you're out and about...

1. Scran











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First up on the must-visit list is well-known to many locals - Scran.

The very fitting name has gained a full five star rating out of almost 250 reviews and in addition to being crowned the cafe top spot, they are also ranked eight out of 1,695 restaurants in Glasgow.

Their menu features plenty of options whether you're vegan, a veggie or staying away from gluten.

One review reads: "Honestly so obsessed with this place - only been three times and every dish I’ve had so far has been sublime. The burger fries are spot on and the coffee is also class (and I’m fussy with coffee lol) . Staff are super friendly and chill and there’s just such a relaxed atmosphere about the place, already anticipating my next visit."

594 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 3BS Scotland

2. Soup's On and the Cake Lady

In second place we have this lovely coffee stop which is also ranked number 22 out of 1,695 restaurants in Glasgow.

They thankfully cater to many dietary restrictions and are listed as being vegetarian and vegan friendly as well as having gluten options.

The family-owned business, who opened up in 2015 are said to specialise in "all things home made" from soups to cakes and even sandwich fillings.

One review reads: "In my home we *always* have soup on. On the hob, on the menu, or just on my t-shirt. Oh yeah and one does enjoy a scone. So when I stumbled on this wee place in Cathcart by accident, the name caught my curiosity and we dropped in for a quick bite.

"Where do I start? The owners' welcome was warm, the soup was hot and delicious (I'd have noticed otherwise!), and the choice of cakes and scones was astonishing for a small family-run eatery. We enjoyed the soup and daily special so much that we booked to come back with family the following weekend, and the owners even went out of their way to put on a veggie special that day, which was superb. I don't know how we've missed this until now but we'll certainly be back often. Bravo!"

115 Clarkston Road, Glasgow G44 3BL Scotland

3. E-Street Cafe

This cafe is vegan, veggie and gluten-free friendly and gets a five out of five star review thanks to 148 members who left a review.

As well as being ranked third in the list, they also come sixth place in the must visit Glasgow restaurants out of almost two thousand.

One recent review reads: "Excellent little cafe. The food was incredible. Fantastic attention to detail with the menu. You will not be disappointed. They squeezed us in at the last minute and I am pleased we discovered this little gem and risked the drive from the city centre for the valentine brunch special.

"Only draw back is that it is that I don't live close enough to return every weekend! Even got a goodie bag of sweet treats and the most outstanding tattie scones!"

421 Clarkston Road, Glasgow G44 3LL Scotland

4. Cafe Strange Brew

Cafe Strange Brew has great portion sizes. (Sophie Buchan/Glasgow Live.)

Another popular is a cafe - sometimes just called Strange Brew - which ranks in fourth place.

It also comes in at number 19 in the restaurant category and Strange Brew also gained 'Travellers Choice 2021'.

They too cater for vegans, veggies and gluten-free folk - and there are plenty of options to choose from.

This cafe is always busy and it's not hard to see why once you go.

One review reads: "All of the staff, from greeting, all through service and upon leaving, were extremely polite, hard working and friendly. The approach to covid is the perfect balance of welcoming and looking after people. We’re quite glad it was spaced out especially as we had our baby in pram with us.

"The food was absolutely tremendous. With pancakes, baked eggs, toast and avo and chorizo hash, Everyone got exactly what they were looking for and just about managed clean plates. Teas and coffee were that good that they were ordered twice - with an epic empire biscuit to match.

"Then considering it was £50 for all of it was tremendous value. It’s clear to see why they are queued out the for most days. Thank u for such a lovely birthday breakfast - we’ll defo be back!"

1082 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 3XA Scotland

5. The Wild Olive Tree

Ranking 34 in the Glasgow restaurant category and also gaining a five star review out of 225 reviews, this place is another must-visit.

People rave a lot about their soups, cakes and coffee - so if it's a rainy day in Glasgow, why not relax and grab some warm food.

One review reads: "This little cafe, which is set in a church building (and used as a church on Sundays and once every Wednesday) is just beautiful, and feels like a home away from home to me.

"Everything about the cafe is peaceful and like a sanctuary. The staff - some of which are volunteers - are very welcoming and polite. The food is utterly delicious, and very reasonably priced.

"Best of all, the cafe is not for profit and donates any profit it makes to local charities. I couldn’t recommend it more!"

163 Buchanan Street St Georges Tron, Church of Scotland, Glasgow G1 2JX Scotland

Have you visited these cafes? Which is your favourite?

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