The Unbiased Unorthodox Roasters Guide To The Best Five Cafes in Glasgow
- Feb 23, 2025
- 5 min read
We love coffee, especially good coffee. We often find ourselves going out and searching for new places to visit, drinks to try, and coffees to discover. So we thought we would come together and introduce you to some of our favourites in each city, starting with Glasgow.
We got the entire Unorthodox Roasters team involved in this one. We compiled an unbiased list of the favourites, then paid every single one a visit again (and got incredibly overcaffeinated) before making any claims. If coffee did not run through our veins before, it sure did now. So, hold on to your wee latte cups as we bring you the unbiased Unorthodox Roasters guide to the best five cafes in Glasgow (in no particular order)!
#1: Papercup
Location: 603 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HX
Papercup is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe (just like us!) nestled in Glasgow's West End—a true hidden gem in plain sight. Its dark, edgy yet minimalist exterior draws you in, and the interior certainly lives up to expectations. Serving their signature Ritual Espresso – Brazil Natural on espresso, Papercup demonstrates both expertise and passion served in every cup. The coffee is smooth, rich, nutty, and has a satisfying kick that leaves a lasting impression. The pastries are delightful, and the extensive food menu offers something for everyone.
Focused on simplicity, Papercup delivers exceptional coffee and food. They know what they are doing and they do it well. And the usual line of people waiting outside the cafe is a testament to this statement. But this isn't their only location in Glasgow, Papercup has another cafe in Motherwell and a roastery/cafe too! This one in the West End is simply our favourite!
#2: Ottoman Coffeehouse
Location: 73 Berkeley St., Glasgow G3 7DX
An absolute hidden gem of a cafe in the depths of Glasgow, the Ottoman Coffeehouse and its menu will pleasantly catch you by surprise. Its name, inspired by the Ottoman Empire (also known as the Turkish Empire), sets the tone. Stepping inside, you'll instantly feel transported to the historic coffeehouses of Istanbul. This is more than just a cafe; it's an experience that will leave you craving for more.
The menu is a true standout, featuring authentic Turkish coffee, Japanese iced pour-overs, Kyoto drip, ibrik, red velvet lattes, incredible chai, and a strong selection of classic and experimental drinks. One of the highlights is their Siphon drip brew, which is a must-try. The cafe also offers a delicious array of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and desserts, including but not limited to baklava and Turkish delights.
With comfortable seating and friendly staff, it’s easy to lose track of time while savoring everything the Ottoman Coffeehouse has to offer. And the interior? Absolutely stunning. Our verdict is clear: you simply have to experience the Ottoman Coffeehouse.
#3: GodShot Studio
Location: 1143 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3YH
This one is a recent discovery that has completely captivated us. GodShot Studio is a curated concept store and cafe located in Shawlands. GodShot Studio offers specialty coffee, matcha, and exquisite Japanese and French patisserie crafted in-house, all within an inspiring space filled with carefully curated items. The menu changes seasonally and they have a rotating selection of coffees sourced from some of Europe’s best roasteries.
But it’s not just about the coffee here. GodShot Studio also offers a luxurious array of drinks like the Genmai latte, strawberry genmai, peach matcha, and strawberry matcha, hojicha—each crafted to deliver a unique burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And the macarons? Simply unforgettable.
From the moment you step inside, this cafe will capture your heart, leaving you creatively inspired and deliciously satisfied long after your visit. GodShot Studio is a true reflection of its creators' passions, and it shows in every detail.
#4: Perch & Rest Coffee
Location: 39 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8JJ
Perch & Rest Coffee is a charming specialty coffee shop run by a husband-and-wife team, tucked away in Glasgow's West End. This multi-roaster cafe brings the best of European coffee right to Scotland.
The bright, clean white and wooden interior creates a perfect backdrop for the cafe's pastel-colored cups and equipment to shine. Cozy and inviting, the space encourages you to settle in, offering peaceful nooks where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Their menu is packed with classic coffee options, along with seasonal specialties to keep things fresh. The extensive selection of food and treats ensures there’s something for everyone. With a strong focus on quality and accessibility, Perch & Rest offers a wide variety of coffee and carefully curated equipment for brewing at home—almost like decorative pieces, each item adding to the cafe's unique charm.
#5: Laboratorio Espresso
Location: 93 W Nile St, Glasgow G1 2SH
Reminiscent of an Italian espresso bar just a short 5 minute walk away from the Glasgow Queen Street station, Laboratorio Espresso is gorgeous wee place full of character.
The eye-catching glass-fronted exterior draws you in from a distance, and for good reason—the coffee is simply delicious perfectly complementing the hipster, minimalist ambiance that greets you as soon as you walk in (we especially loved the bike high up on the wall, very unorthodox style). With strong bodies, balanced flavours, the coffee never disappoints. They also offer quick and light bites and sweet treats, our favourite was the Laboratorio Espresso special. Although seating inside is limited, it’s a great spot for grabbing a cheeky takeaway while on the go.
#bonus: Willow Grove Coffee
Location: 531 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ Glasgow
Willow Grove Coffee is tucked away on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, but its vibrant blue exterior is impossible to miss. The cafe is bursting with character, inspired by the owner Adele’s travels, and has a unique charm that immediately catches your eye. With tables adorned in stickers and walls covered in posters, the cafe’s signature blue is woven into every detail, inviting your eyes to explore every corner. From the moment you step inside, the warm smiles of the staff make you feel right at home.
A proud multi-roaster coffee shop, Willow Grove is always on the lookout for top-quality specialty roasters. They offer a selection of beans at any given time; on our last visit, we tried the Missing Bean Colombian Washed, and to make our impressions short and sweet – we loved it! The cafe also serves an impressive range of homemade cakes, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options to choose from.
While it might seem like we're biased, with Unorthodox Roasters retail beans featured on their shelves, Willow Grove doesn’t need our praise to prove the quality of their coffee—their genuine commitment to excellent coffee speaks for itself.
Thank you for reading! Let us know if there are any more hidden gems in the ruins of Glasgow. Maybe your favourite spot did not make it onto our list and we need to expand it? Let us know! We love discovering new amazing places and hearing your thoughts on the best coffee in Scotland!
Team Unorthodox :)
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I love discovering hidden coffee spots in Glasgow, and this guide really highlights some unique cafés with amazing atmospheres. Exploring local coffee culture makes me think about the small details that elevate experiences, from the roasting process to how beans are stored and handled. Ensuring quality in every step often relies on the right materials and solutions, which is why I always keep an eye on reliable chemical products that help maintain freshness and consistency in roasting equipment. Combining great cafés with proper care behind the scenes is one of the reasons coffee culture in Glasgow feels so vibrant and authentic.
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