Glasgow isn’t just about tartan, whisky, and the River Clyde. It’s a city where food and drink play a vital role in shaping local culture, making it a fantastic destination for food lovers. Whether you’re keen to explore historic pubs, sample Scottish seafood, or dine at independent restaurants, Glasgow’s diverse culinary scene offers something for all.
One tour we especially like is the Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours, which combines local history with authentic Scottish flavors. It’s a great way to see the city’s vibrant Merchant City area while sampling full plates of food and enjoying local drinks. The tour’s engaging guides and small group format make it both informative and personal—perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into Glasgow’s food and drink scene.
If you want a broader experience that includes pubs, sightseeing, and multiple venues, then the Glasgow: Food and Drink Tour delivers a full afternoon of eating, drinking, and exploring. For those who prefer a focus on independent restaurants and the West End’s lively atmosphere, the Explore The West End Food Tour stands out with its emphasis on supporting local businesses and tasting Scottish seafood, cheese, and gin.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top-rated food tours, helping you decide which one fits your style and schedule best.
1. Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours
At number 1 on our list, the Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours is a standout for its combination of local flavor, history, and personal touch. For just over $136 per person, you’ll spend about three hours discovering Glasgow’s Merchant City and iconic spots like George Square and Glasgow Central Station, all while tasting a variety of Scottish dishes.
What sets this tour apart is the quality and authenticity of the food. You’ll visit four unique venues that serve seasonal taster plates—enough to substitute for a full meal—plus three carefully selected drinks. The guides are praised for their knowledge, engaging stories, and personable style, making it a perfect choice for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The small group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can ask questions or just enjoy the experience.
This tour is ideal if you want a curated, intimate experience that combines food with a little sightseeing and local history. You’ll walk through vibrant areas like the Merchant City, tasting local delicacies and learning about Glasgow’s culinary heritage firsthand.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded, engaging food tour with authentic Scottish flavors, this is one of the best options. Book early—it’s very popular.
2. Glasgow: Food and Drink Tour
Next up is the Glasgow: Food and Drink Tour, which offers a slightly longer, more comprehensive experience lasting about 3.5 hours. For around $125, you’ll explore four different venues, including restaurants and pubs, with plenty of opportunities to taste full meals and locally produced drinks.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of sightseeing, culture, and history. Starting from two flexible locations—either Nelson Mandela Place or Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel—you’ll move through Glasgow’s city center, stopping at four venues, each offering a different taste of Scottish cuisine. The itinerary includes food tastings, whiskey sampling, and a guided walk, making it a perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Glasgow’s culinary scene and its cultural context.
Guests love the relaxed pace and the ability to tailor dietary requirements. The tour’s reviews highlight the quality of the food and the engaging commentary from guides like Louie and Lei. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of food, drinks, and sightseeing, with enough time to chat and soak in the local atmosphere.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of food, drinks, and culture, making it ideal for those wanting a full afternoon of tasting and exploring.
3. Glasgow Food Walking Tour: Explore The West End
At number 3, the Glasgow Food Walking Tour: Explore The West End is a four-hour adventure that dives into one of Glasgow’s most lively neighborhoods. The tour visits six independent restaurants, bars, and shops, giving a broad taste of Scottish seafood, cheese, gin, and whisky.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on supporting local businesses and its emphasis on the West End’s unique character. Starting at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the tour combines art, culture, and cuisine. You’ll visit a local restaurant serving seafood and black pudding, a pub for whisky tastings, and enjoy stories about Glasgow’s history and the neighborhood’s film and TV connections. It’s perfect for travelers who want a deeper cultural context along with their food.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the variety of tastings, which include Scottish specialties and drinks. It’s slightly longer and more expensive at around $158, but the quality and depth of experience justify the price.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to explore Glasgow’s West End and support independent spots while tasting a variety of Scottish foods and drinks, this tour delivers a full afternoon of enjoyment.
4. Glasgow: Walking Food Tour with Drinks
Number 4 on our list is the Glasgow: Walking Food Tour with Drinks. For about $121, this three-hour guided walk takes you through Glasgow’s historic and cultural sights while sampling some of the city’s best dishes. It emphasizes local flavors like Haggis and Cullen Skink, giving you a true taste of Scottish cuisine.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on history and stories behind the dishes. The route includes visits to local bakeries, hidden gems, and a local bar for whiskey tasting. It also takes in Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow, providing a well-rounded cultural experience alongside the food.
Guests appreciate the friendly guide and the variety of tastings, and the fact that it supports local businesses directly. The tour is perfect for those looking for an active, engaging experience that combines food with a bit of sightseeing.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact but flavorful taste of Glasgow, ideal for those wanting to combine food, history, and a walk in one outing.
$121 per person
5. Glasgow: Guided Secret Food Tour
The Glasgow: Guided Secret Food Tour is a slightly mysterious entry—perfect for the adventurous eater. For about three hours, you’ll sample Scottish culinary delights, including some secret dishes, all while uncovering stories behind the food and local culture.
What makes this tour special is that it offers a “secret” element, with tastings and history that aren’t found on typical tours. You’ll likely enjoy a decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding along the way, and the experience is run by a fun, knowledgeable local guide.
Guests note the tour’s engaging nature, with lots of stories and insights about Glasgow’s food scene. It’s a good fit for those who want to combine food with a bit of mystery and discovery.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about Glasgow’s lesser-known culinary secrets and love storytelling, this tour offers a memorable, intimate experience.
6. Glasgow: Merchant City Food Tour
Rounding out our list is the Glasgow: Merchant City Food Tour, which takes about four hours and covers a broad swath of Glasgow’s city center. It’s a detailed culinary journey through independent spots and historic sites.
The tour visits landmarks like Mercat Cross and Candleriggs, sampling food from local bakeries, markets, and restaurants. You’ll also explore Barras Market and enjoy tastings of local produce, beer, and hearty Scottish fare. The guides here are praised for their charisma and knowledge, and the tour supports local businesses, making it both fun and responsible.
Guests say it offers great value for money with a comprehensive itinerary that combines food, history, and culture. It’s ideal for travelers who want a longer, more detailed experience with a variety of tastings, including drinks and food.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to enjoy Glasgow’s city center while sampling a wide range of local foods and hearing fascinating stories.
How to Choose Your Perfect Glasgow Food Tour
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a short, engaging introduction to Glasgow’s flavors, the EatWalk Glasgow Food and Drink Tour offers excellent value. If you want a mix of sightseeing, drinks, and local culture, the Glasgow: Food and Drink Tour is hard to beat. For those who want to explore the West End’s independent scene with a focus on seafood and gin, the Explore The West End Food Tour is a clear choice.
Consider your physical activity level too—most tours involve walking, but durations vary from three to four hours. Book early, especially in peak seasons, as these tours are popular.
Final Thoughts
Glasgow’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering options for every palate. Whether you’re after a short tasting tour, a deep dive into local history and cuisine, or a walk through the West End’s indie spots, there’s a perfect match. The EatWalk Tours and Merchant City Food Tour are especially recommended for their balance of value, variety, and local flavor.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these flavorful experiences. Glasgow’s food tours promise delicious moments and stories worth sharing long after your trip ends.