The Citizen Glasgow is a restaurant situated in a historic red sandstone building at 24 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2EU, United Kingdom. The building was formerly the headquarters of the Evening Citizen newspaper, and the restaurant pays homage to this heritage with newspaper-lined walls and original prints and articles from the Evening Citizen. The menu features Scottish cuisine with a modern twist, including dishes like steak pie, sausage rolls, and Atlantic hake. The bar offers Tennent's Lager served straight from the tank, ensuring a fresh pint. The Macallan Editor's Suite provides a private space for events, accommodating up to 50 guests for private dining or 70 for drinks receptions. The Mezzanine offers semi-private dining for up to 50 guests. The Citizen Glasgow is part of the Di Maggio's Restaurant Group, which also owns The Anchor Line, Atlantic Bar & Brasserie, and Café Andaluz.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.5 2,223
- Tripadvisor 4.5 948
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
- Beautiful Atmosphere and Decor Housed in a historic building, the restaurant boasts stunning interiors with a warm and inviting ambiance. The decor, featuring newspaper themes, adds a unique and classy touch that enhances the dining experience.
- Convenient Central Location Situated near Queen Street Station and George Square, the restaurant is easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists. This central location enhances its appeal as a dining destination.
- Delicious Scottish Cuisine The Citizen excels in preparing Scottish dishes, particularly the haggis bon bons and steak pie, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Many reviewers raved about the authentic flavors and well-executed classics.
- Excellent Service The staff is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience. Guests often feel valued and well-cared for, enhancing their overall enjoyment.
- Great Cocktail Selection The Citizen offers a wide range of well-made cocktails, with attentive bar staff willing to accommodate specific requests. The quality and variety of drinks contribute to the overall appeal of the venue.
Criticised
- Can Be Noisy The lively atmosphere can sometimes translate to a loud environment, particularly after 9pm, which may hinder conversation. Some reviewers have noted that the music volume can be disruptive.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have reported dishes that were either too salty, bland, or not up to par. This inconsistency can lead to a disappointing experience for some diners.
- Portion Sizes Some reviewers have expressed disappointment with the portion sizes relative to the price, finding them too small for the cost. This can leave diners feeling unsatisfied and that they are not getting value for their money.
- Pricey The Citizen is considered a bit expensive, especially considering some of the portion sizes and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. This may deter budget-conscious diners.
- Slow Service During busy periods, the service can be slow, leading to delays in receiving food and drinks. This can be frustrating for guests looking for a quick and efficient dining experience.
The longer read
The Citizen Glasgow is a popular restaurant and bar known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful decor, and friendly service. Housed in a historic building, formerly the Citizen newspaper offices, its interior design is a major draw, with many reviewers praising the ambiance, decor, and overall vibe. The restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Glasgow, near Queen Street Station and George Square making it easily accessible. Many reviewers highlight the attentive and welcoming service, with staff described as friendly, efficient, and happy to assist with menu choices and create a special experience. Some reviewers specifically mention staff members by name, praising their exceptional service.
The food receives generally positive feedback, particularly the Scottish dishes. The steak pie is frequently recommended and the seafood, especially the mussels (served in a flavorful broth) and fish and chips, are praised for their quality and taste. The haggis bon bons are a popular starter, offering a traditional Scottish flavor in an accessible format. The menu caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. While most reviewers find the food delicious, some note that certain dishes can be inconsistent or overly spicy. A few reviewers felt that some dishes were too salty, or that the taste was average but the food looked nice. Portion sizes received mixed feedback, with some considering them generous and others finding them small for the price. The drink selection is another strong point, with a wide variety of cocktails, wines, and beers available. The bar staff are skilled at making cocktails, and the drinks are well-made and enjoyable. The restaurant can be busy and noisy, especially in the bar area. While some find the lively atmosphere appealing, others may prefer a quieter dining experience. The restaurant is divided into sections, offering a calmer atmosphere in the dining area, although some reviewers found the music volume too high for easy conversation. Booking is recommended, especially for larger groups or peak times. While some reviewers felt the prices were a bit high, most consider the overall experience to be good value for the quality of food, service, and atmosphere.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 222 2909
- Website
- thecitizenglasgow.co.uk
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:00 |
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 or recommended dishes at The Citizen Glasgow?
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- Does The Citizen Glasgow have any unique history or story behind its location or theme?
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.