A Review of One of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s Most Beloved and Renowned Restaurants

Nestled in the heart of Glasgow, The Buttery stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich culinary heritage and commitment to exquisite dining experiences. Established in 1870, the venue is thought to be Glasgow’s oldest restaurant. In recent years, The Buttery joined the Two Fat Ladies group, and has become an iconic destination for Glasgow diners, families, foodies and everyone who celebrates the true taste of Scottish cuisine.

As you step into the establishment, you’re immediately captivated by the warm embrace of its traditional Scottish ambiance. The intimate wood interiors and the traditional tartan décor evoke a sense of timelessness.

They have a fine selection of wines and drinks. We opted for two cocktails, one with whisky, honey and raspberry soda, and a Frangelico espresso martini. They were both beautifully mixed and balanced, and they were the perfect way to start our dining experience.

Starters

We started with a couple of tantalizing starters: Pan Fried Scallops, Sesame & Prawn Toast arrived first, a masterpiece of textures and flavors. The scallops, seared to perfection, showcased the pristine taste of the sea. Accompanied by the crunch of prawn toast and the refreshing zing of pickled vegetables, the dish danced between delicate and bold notes. The Sweet Chilli & Cucumber Salsa added a harmonious balance, elevating the ensemble to a crescendo of taste.

Equally impressive was the Salt Baked Beetroot, Roast Fig, Grilled Courgette & Marinated Feta. A symphony of colours with the earthy sweetness of beetroot and the richness of marinated feta. The roast fig added a touch of indulgence, and the honey dressing draped the dish in a layer of elegance. This starter was light and delightful, and a fine example of a well executed dish that transforms humble ingredients into a delectable experience.

Mains: Scottish Food at its Best

For the main course, we indulged in two dishes that showcased the essence of Scottish cuisine. The Saddle of Wild Highland Venison took center stage, a majestic presentation that paid homage to the rugged landscapes of Scotland. The venison, cooked medium-rare to perfection, was a testament to the chef’s mastery, tender and full of flavor. The sautéed savoy cabbage and black pudding brought depth to the plate, while the gin-flavored raspberry jus was a stroke of genius, infusing the dish with a subtle botanical essence.

The other main we tried was the Pan Fried Fillet of Halibut, Seared Scallop, Warm Samphire, Broad Bean & Courgette Salad. The halibut had a lovely flavour heightened by the presence of a perfectly seared scallop. The warm embrace of samphire, broad beans, and courgette salad brought a burst of freshness to the plate. The crowning glory was the rose harissa hollandaise, a daring fusion of flavors that elevated the dish to new heights.

Not to forget the sides – the triple cooked chips deserve a special mention, as both the flavour and texture of the chips were outstanding!

Desserts: An Indulgent Conclusion

As the evening drew to a close, the desserts arrived like a sweet finale. It wasn’t easy to choice from the mouth-watering selection on the desserts menu, but we settled for the Crème Brûlée, delighted with its perfect caramelized sugar shell, yielding to a velvety custard beneath. This came with a mini raspberry donut which was a lovely touch, adding a playful fruity twist! A sumptuous feast.

Our second choice of dessert was the Dark Chocolate, Maple Syrup & Pecan Tart. The tart was rich, heavy on the pecan but nicely balanced with the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the maple syrup. Paired with ice cream, this dessert was an indulgent journey through flavors and textures.

The Buttery is more than a restaurant; it is a testament to Scotland’s culinary legacy, an establishment that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Its commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and showcasing the bounty of Scotland’s land and sea is evident in every meticulously crafted dish.

This charming institution stands as a bridge between the past and the present, a place where time-honored recipes are transformed into contemporary culinary delights. For anyone seeking an authentic Scottish dining experience that combines history, ambiance, and unparalleled flavor, The Buttery is an absolute must-visit!

Many thanks to the lovely team at The Buttery for having us, their hospitality was second to none!

To learn more about the restaurant or to book a table visit: https://twofatladiesrestaurant.com/buttery

^{This visit was arranged as part of a collaboration with this establishment. Time of visit: August 30th, 2023}