City Merchant

City Merchant is my personal favourite among restaurants in Glasgow. It is located in the Merchant City (confusing I know!)part of Glasgow which is centred around Merchants square - so named as was originally built for the Glasgow Fruit Market. Merchant Square is found on Candleriggs, Bell Street and Albion Street with entrances to the square from each street. This is only 5mins walk from George Square.There are numerous bars located in Merchant ...
...Square, you will find the City Merchant restaurant. This restaurant is known as a seafood restaurant, but for the non-fish lovers out there like me, I assure you they have plenty of other dishes! (see below for details and a link to their website for menus)

The exterior of the restaurant is classy and where you may find yourself later in the evening if you smoke due to the smoking ban! Upon entering the restaurant, you're welcomed ... more

City Merchant is my personal favourite among restaurants in Glasgow. It is located in the Merchant City (confusing I know!)part of Glasgow which is centred around Merchants square - so named as was originally built for the Glasgow Fruit Market. Merchant Square is found on Candleriggs, Bell Street and Albion Street with entrances to the square from each street. This is only 5mins walk from George Square.There are numerous bars located in Merchant square which are good for a drink after your meal if you fancy it!

Opposite the candleriggs entrance of Merchant Square, you will find the City Merchant restaurant. This restaurant is known as a seafood restaurant, but for the non-fish lovers out there like me, I assure you they have plenty of other dishes! (see below for details and a link to their website for menus)

The exterior of the restaurant is classy and where you may find yourself later in the evening if you smoke due to the smoking ban! Upon entering the restaurant, you're welcomed with a smile from a member of staff who will show you to your table - feel free to ask for a different one if you wish and it's quiet enough, the staff will move you without any problems if the table is available. The dining tables are of nice sizes and the wood decor comes over as classy without being imposing. The setting is nice for romantic meals! Although it's also good for other occasions, or just a family get-together! The staff always seem to know the perfect amount of time to leave you to choose your meal/drinks and never rush you between courses. I have visited on numerous occasions including my boyfriend's birthday, a general meal with my parents to catch up and we once hired out the small function room upstairs for my brother's graduation lunch. The function room did feel a bit cramped, and there were only 15 of us, I'm unsure if they have another room if you're looking for a bigger function room.

The menu does not overpower you with choices, but there is definitely something for everyone. If you like what you see on the menu, but wish they could make it differently, just ask! My boyfriend is frequently a stickler with the sauces for his steaks and they've always provided him with alternatives. No harm in asking, they're always friendly about it and consult the chef before answering.

(All these menu choices can be found on the a la Carte menu on the website)Everytime I go, I always have the haggis, neeps and tatties to start! It's made perfectly, moist and not overpowered by spice accompanied by the perfect amount of mashed potato and turnip - must haves to go with the haggis! If you're visiting Glasgow and would like to try this traditional dish, I would definitely send you straight to this restaurant! They also do it as a main dish for a reasonable price. If you do order it, always eat a bit of haggis, potato and turnip together to bring out all the flavours - DELICIOUS!! MMM, I'm hungry now!! I have also tried the chicken liver pate from a friends plate and it was also of an excellent standard.

My boyfriend and I are not fish fans, so have not tried any of the seafood dishes of which there are plenty! I have been informed that the seafood platter with scallops, oysters, langoustines, mussels, prawns and crab is outstanding and excellent for sharing! Their fish is local produce and is fresh, quite a few people I know have visited this restaurant on my recommendation and have always raved about the fish dishes.

My boyfriend usually opts for the fillet or T-bone steak with whichever sauce he fancies that week! They are always perfectly made, not once have they been over or undercooked as per his request. I have eaten the duck and the chicken options as well as the steak before, and have loved them all! If I had to choose a favourite - it would be the duck! V little fat on the duck (something I'm always worried when I order duck!!) with what the menu describes as a maramalade sauce. The flavour of the duck and the marmalade sauce together is lovely! A bit tangier than a plum sauce, and delicious.

The plate sizes are all excellent, I'm never sure if I can eat any more but always do go for a dessert as they're too tempting!!! Their selection of cheeses is also good if you tend to prefer the cheeseboard after a meal.

I have never felt rushed during a meal or worried about asking the staff something. The staff are approachable and the ambience of the restaurant is of a relaxed one, so you really can enjoy your meal without any worries. I would recommend that you phone and book ahead though, especially for the weekends as it is a popular restaurant.

I only wish I could afford to go more often! For a three course meal for my boyfriend and I, with a few glasses of wine ;-) the last time came to about £85, so not overly extortionate but not a budget restaurant. I assure you, the food is worth every penny!

http://www.citymerchant.co.uk/ 

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