The Buttery, established in 1870, is one of Glasgow's oldest and most cherished restaurants, offering a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary Scottish cuisine. Located at 652 Argyle Street in the Anderston district, the restaurant features Victorian-era architecture with ornate carvings, stained-glass windows, and rich wood paneling, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The menu showcases Scotland's finest produce, prepared with a modern twist, and includes a variety of dishes that highlight the best of Scottish culinary heritage. The Buttery also offers private dining options in its downstairs area, known as The Belles, accommodating up to 35 guests, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, corporate events, or special celebrations.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,529
- Google Places 4.8 1,913
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
- Attention to Detail From the fresh in-house baked bread to complimentary treats for special occasions, The Buttery pays close attention to the small details. This creates a refined and memorable dining experience for guests.
- Cozy and Elegant Atmosphere The Buttery boasts a unique and inviting ambiance, characterized by its wood-paneled interior, stained glass, and traditional decor. The restaurant provides a warm and comfortable setting suitable for special occasions or a memorable night out.
- Delicious Food The restaurant consistently receives praise for its well-prepared, flavorful dishes, with attention to detail and high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a great variety of options, from seafood to traditional Scottish fare, all cooked to perfection.
- Exceptional Service The Buttery is known for its attentive, friendly, and professional staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Many reviewers noted the staff's ability to strike a balance between professionalism and genuine hospitality.
- Good Value for Quality While not inexpensive, many reviewers find the pricing fair, offering excellent value for the quality of both the food and the service. The Buttery provides a high-end experience without being overly pretentious.
Criticised
- Exterior Appearance Several reviews mention that the exterior of the building is underwhelming and doesn't reflect the quality of the interior. The immediate surroundings may not be the most appealing.
- Inconsistent Food Presentation A few reviewers noted that the presentation of some dishes can be lacking, with food stacked haphazardly and sauces poured freely. While not a widespread issue, it's a potential area for improvement.
- Portion Sizes While the quality is generally praised, some diners have mentioned that the portion sizes can be small relative to the price. Diners with larger appetites may need to order additional sides to feel fully satisfied.
- Potentially Dated Décor Some reviewers feel that the décor, while charming to some, may feel a little dated to others. This may not appeal to those who prefer a more modern or contemporary aesthetic.
- Warm Room Temperature A small number of reviews have mentioned that the restaurant can be quite warm, which may be uncomfortable for some diners. This appears to be a relatively minor and infrequent issue.
The longer read
The Buttery is consistently praised for its exceptional service, delicious food, and unique, cozy atmosphere. Many reviewers describe the interior as a "hidden gem," contrasting with the somewhat bleak exterior. The decor is often characterized as traditional Scottish, featuring dark wood panels, stained glass, and vintage china, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Several reviewers mention it feels like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is often described as both elegant and comfortable, making it suitable for special occasions and celebrations. Numerous reviewers highlight the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, with many specifically mentioning individual staff members by name and praising their professionalism and knowledge. The service is frequently described as "first class," "impeccable," and "exceptional," with staff going above and beyond to accommodate requests and make guests feel welcome. Many reviewers celebrate special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays, and staff go out of their way to add "extra touches".
The food at The Buttery receives high marks across the board. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the ingredients, the skillful preparation, and the delicious flavors. The menu features a variety of Scottish dishes, with seafood and venison being particularly popular choices. Several reviewers specifically recommend the scallops, halibut, monkfish, and venison dishes. The restaurant is also noted for its attention to detail, such as making bread fresh in-house. Portion sizes are generally considered adequate, although a few reviewers found them to be on the smaller side. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options and is accommodating to dietary restrictions, including gluten-free. Many mention the value for the price is high.
While the location may not be the most prominent, many find the overall dining experience to be well worth the visit, making it a highly recommended destination for both locals and tourists looking for a memorable meal in Glasgow. Some reviewers noted minor issues, such as the portion size of certain dishes or the temperature of the restaurant, but these were generally outweighed by the positive aspects of the experience. A few reviewers mentioned that the exterior and surrounding area are not particularly attractive, but this did not detract from their overall enjoyment of the restaurant. A number of reviewers felt The Buttery was worthy of a Michelin Star. The Buttery is highly recommended for special occasions.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 221 8188
- Website
- twofatladiesrestaurant.com/buttery
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 28 places to eat we hold for Anderston, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What types of dishes and specialties can you expect to find on the menu at The Buttery in Glasgow?
- Are there any unique features or memorable dining experiences offered at The Buttery?
- Which dishes or drinks are considered must-tries at The Buttery according to locals or reviewers?
- What is the typical price range for a meal at The Buttery and is it considered good value?
- Is it necessary to book a table in advance at The Buttery, especially during busy times?
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.