Glasgow steakhouse The Butchershop is one of only three Scottish restaurants to make OpenTable’s UK Top 100 for 2026.
Founded by James Rusk, The Butchershop opened in Glasgow’s West End back in April 2010, drawing on his experience working in hospitality in New York, including at Manhattan restaurant Balthazar.
Rusk wanted to bring the atmosphere of a New York steakhouse to Glasgow, with Scotch Beef at the heart of the menu.
Rusk then went on to open The Spanish Butcher on Miller Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City in 2016, drawing on his interest in Spanish food culture and Galician beef to create something different from the Scottish steakhouse concept.
Rusk commented: “It’s a real honour to be recognised among the UK’s top 100 restaurants, particularly as the only Glasgow venue to make the list.
“We opened our doors in 2010 with a clear idea of the kind of restaurant we wanted to bring to Glasgow.
“Having worked in New York, I wanted to bring some of that classic Manhattan steakhouse atmosphere to the city, combining it with the quality of Scottish produce and the warmth of Scottish hospitality.
He continued: “Over the past 16 years, we’ve seen Glasgow’s restaurant scene evolve, with so many brilliant places opening and raising the bar. To be recognised by the people who actually visit and dine with us means a great deal. It’s a credit to our team and the consistency they bring every day.
“We want diners to enjoy themselves, eat great food and leave already thinking about when they’ll come back.”
The other Scottish venues on the OpenTable UK Top 100 annual list, which is compiled using verified diner reviews and booking data, are Edinburgh’s Cafe Calton and The Cottage at Royal Terrace.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for The Cottage at Royal Terrace, which has only just celebrated six months in business.
Tucked away in the greenery of Royal Terrace Gardens, and originally designed by William Playfair in 1836, The Cottage is a few minutes’ walk from the east end of Princes Street and the Edinburgh Playhouse.
The restaurant offers seasonal menus, using the best local ingredients. Guests arrive through a working kitchen garden, passing the herbs and produce that will feature in their meal.
Director Peter Adshead said: “To be named among OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in the UK just six months after opening is an incredible moment for our small team. To be one of only three restaurants in Scotland makes it even more special.
“We set out to create somewhere people could settle in, feel looked after and enjoy wonderful food in a setting that feels a little removed from everyday life. Knowing that this recognition comes from our guests makes it particularly meaningful.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my team who put so much care into every service.”
