The Butterfly and the Pig is a restaurant located in a restored Georgian townhouse in Glasgow's city centre. The establishment comprises a restaurant, public bar, tearoom, nightclub, and private function rooms, each offering a unique experience. The restaurant serves traditional Scottish dishes made from scratch using local ingredients, with signature items like Desperate Dan's Steak Pie and whisky-flamed haggis. The bar area features live entertainment six nights a week, including pub quizzes and jazz sessions. The tearooms offer breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, with a selection of over 40 teas and homemade cakes. The venue also hosts private events and functions, accommodating up to 50 guests.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.5 3,153
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,674
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and Varied Menu The restaurant offers a wide array of dishes, including Scottish cuisine, with large portions and flavorful food. The menu itself is cleverly written and amusing to read, adding to the overall experience.
- Dog-Friendly For travelers with pets, this restaurant is a welcoming option. Being dog-friendly adds to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere that many reviewers appreciate.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Many reviewers highlight the exceptional service, noting the staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and genuine warmth. Servers are often described as going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
- Great for Special Occasions The restaurant is noted as being a great destination for afternoon tea, lunch with friends, or even larger private family functions. The space is versatile and can accommodate different needs, and the staff is willing to customize options.
- Quirky and Cozy Atmosphere The Butterfly and the Pig offers a unique, vintage, and charming ambiance that provides a cozy and welcoming dining experience, unlike typical modern restaurants. It's described as stepping back in time in a good way.
Criticised
- Can Be Difficult to Find The restaurant is located below street level and can be difficult to spot, especially for first-time visitors. It is recommended to use a taxi or detailed directions to ensure you can find it.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have experienced mediocre dishes with flavor issues, such as blandness or excessive seasoning. Some dishes may not live up to expectations compared to other options.
- Menu Doesn't Always Mention All Ingredients Some dishes contain unexpected ingredients such as coconut or chilies that are not listed on the menu, which may be problematic for those with allergies or preferences. Diners should inquire about ingredients before ordering.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can get quite noisy, especially when crowded or during live music sessions, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet dining experience. The noise bleed-through from the bar area can be disruptive.
- Service Can Be Inconsistent While many reviewers rave about the service, some have reported inattentive or unfriendly service. This inconsistency can detract from the overall dining experience.
The longer read
The Butterfly and the Pig in Glasgow is a quirky and cozy restaurant, bar, and tearoom known for its friendly atmosphere, attentive service, and generous portions of hearty, well-prepared food. Many reviewers describe the decor as vintage, shabby-chic, and unique, contributing to a warm and welcoming ambiance. The restaurant is located below street level, creating a hidden gem feel. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience. Multiple reviewers specifically call out staff members by name, praising their exceptional service. The menu is often described as humorous and entertaining, adding to the restaurant's unique charm. A wide range of Scottish and British dishes are offered, with the steak pie, pork belly, and Sunday roast being frequently mentioned as standouts. The food is generally considered to be of high quality and reasonably priced. The portions are large, often described as ample or huge, providing good value. Several reviewers noted the availability of gluten-free options, including fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding, which were well-received. The afternoon tea service is a popular choice, with fresh sandwiches, warm scones, and a variety of homemade cakes and treats. The tea selection is extensive. Dog-friendly, making it a convenient choice for pet owners. There have been some reports of inconsistent food quality. A few reviewers mentioned dishes being under-seasoned, over-seasoned, or not served hot enough. Some had negative experiences regarding the service such as slow service or a condescending attitude from the waitstaff. Some found the restaurant noisy, particularly in the bar area. A few reviewers mentioned that certain dishes didn't match their expectations, particularly regarding the balance of flavors or the description on the menu. Despite some inconsistencies, the restaurant is highly recommended for its overall experience, delicious food, and friendly service.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 221 7711
- Website
- butterflyandpig.squarespace.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular dishes or specialties at The butterfly and the pig in Glasgow?
- What is the general atmosphere like inside The butterfly and the pig, and who typically dines there?
- Does The butterfly and the pig offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menu options?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation to dine at The butterfly and the pig, especially on weekends?
- Does The butterfly and the pig have any historical significance or unique local charm in Glasgow?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.