Hitting the headlines this morning was news that a Glasgow neighbourhood had been selected as one of the ‘coolest’ in the world by global travel guide, Time Out.

While Strathbungo in the city’s Southside may be small, it's no wonder this year’s judges were impressed streets packed full of award-winning bars, restaurants and coffee spots.

If you’ve yet to enjoy the pleasure of a day spent exploring the area, here are just 10 of the food and drink spots which have helped it to earn its new title.

 

La Gelatessa

38 Nithsdale Road

Is there any better way to whittle away an Autumn afternoon in Glasgow’s Southside than stopping by La Gelatessa for a generous tub of homemade gelato before heading for a few laps around Queen’s Park?

Not really, no.

Brave the queues and you’ll be rewarded with an ever-changing menu of flavours ‘made with amore’ such as mascarpone with Amarena cherry, milk chocolate and honeycomb or cinnamon brown butter.

Lobo

758 Pollokshaws Road

A relaxed restaurant space offering seasonal small plates and an intriguing wine list.

It’s wise to book in advance to secure your table, making sure you don’t miss out on the likes of smoked tomatoes with ajo blanco, pan-fired hake with jamon butter and a side of thick house focaccia for tearing, sharing and dipping.

Bossa

69 Nithsdale Road

One of the latest additions to Strathbungo is Bossa which takes over a unit formerly home to Zinfandel.

Having opened just last month, the team are settling in nicely while slinging a menu of crispy-based, artisan pizzas, craft beers and cocktails.

There’s regular live music too, if you’re looking for a bit of entertainment as the evenings draw in.

Sunny Acre

745 Pollokshaws Road

Anyone who caught the Scotland-focused episode of foodie Netflix series, Somebody Feed Phil, will remember this as the spot where presenter Phil Rosenthal met with actress Kelly Macdonald to gorge on an impressive selection of pastries.

Alongside some top-notch coffee, the bustling café also specialises in a menu of light, savoury bites like cheddar, onion and potato pie or pepper fennel and cheddar frittata which work perfectly as picnic fare.

Lunar

72 Nithsdale Road

There are few bartending teams in Glasgow, let alone the Southside, who can shake up a cocktail like the crew at Lunar.

Listed as one of the UK’s 50 Best Cocktail bars for the past two years running, the menu here features complex creations like the ‘Nice Umeshu’ with Leith Table Whisky, earl grey, umeshu, sake and fermented plum or a sparkling ‘Pastel’ with jasmine gin, Campari and fermented nectarine.

If nothing tickles your fancy from their seasonal specials, don’t be afraid to ask for a classic cocktail, made exactly how you like it.

Burnfield Bakery

717 Pollokshaws Road

The wise folks at Burnfield Bakery display their range of jumbo croissants, cakes and savoury pastries in the window of their shop, making it incredibly difficult to resist temptation when walking past.

The bakery is run by the same folk behind Short Long Black on nearby Victoria Road which means you’re guaranteed a great cup of coffee too, should you choose to indulge.

The Allison Arms

720 Pollokshaws Road

A firm favourite of many a Southsider is this no-nonsense boozer located in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Pollokshaws Road.

Often hailed as one of the city’s last remaining ‘old-man pubs’, it’s a fantastic place to whittle away an evening while catching up with friends over a few pints.

It’s also dog-friendly for anyone looking for a pit stop with their four-legged friends.

Wee Beer Shop

623 Pollokshaws Road

A treasure trove of discovery for any craft beer fan, the Wee Beer Shop is home to all manner of interesting bottles and cans sourced from independent breweries across Scotland and beyond.

Owner Niall Kennedy said: “I wanted to become both a destination for serious beer fans and also a local shop servicing the community when they wanted a tasty beer.

“I’m proud that we have managed to achieve both those aims and one of the best things about the shop is the ability to have a blether with like-minded people.”

Little Hoi An

26 Allison Street

Just on the border of where Strathbungo meets Govanhill sits Vietnamese street food restaurant, Little Hoi An.

It’s little by name and by nature with a limited number of seats, but goes big on flavour with a menu that ranges from caramelised pork belly with jasmine rice to coconut curry with your choice of prawn, chicken, beef or tofu and veg.

Boca

The Cooperage, 674 Pollokshaws Road

Hidden down a lane which connects to the main thoroughfare of Pollokshaws Road, the Cooperage is a sustainable retail and creative hub which hosts regular markets and record fairs to shine a spotlight on the city’s many independent producers.

Recently opened within the courtyard space is Boca, a sandwich shop from the same team behind Lobo which has quickly become known for its supersized filled focaccias and Cadiz rolls.

They’re open from 12pm until sell out, so move fast if you’re eager to dig into fillings like mortadella with whipped basil ricotta, roast ham with smoked cheese, chorizo and honey or potato and caramelised onion tortilla with jalapeño aioli and cheddar.