University Cafe

Had to try this place because I am a huge Bourdain fan, and I loved it. I was a little sad they were out of fish, but I really enjoyed the shrimp. The haggis was the star, though, and I was shocked by how much I loved it.

Popped in here just as it opened today (Sunday) and had a fantastic full Scottish breakfast. Great value and very tasty

Heard about this place, had fish&chips was bad oily even the chips was bad!! Took ice cream with fudge cake, ice cream is good but the fudge cake wasn’t fresh .. sorry won’t go there again!

Saw that one TikTok video, and I thought it would be worth the hype. I guess not. The fish and chips absolutely oily and terrible. The dessert was okay. Some people love it, while others don’t.

The legend! A Glasgow institution. Great food and fantastic service. Can't fault it. The decor is unchanged and reminds us how much things have changed in how we eat and interact.

Visited with my husband after our local friend highly recommended this place to us. Tried the English breakfast and ice cream, both delicious and the internal deco is traditional. Would return for the food for sure.

This is all about the ice cream, my boyfriend is obsessed with it. I buy him the vanilla with raspberry sauce. He says it's the best ice cream in the West End.

The best Ice Cream of Glasgow is available here. 🍦is my personal favourite with raspberry sauce on it. Brilliant service and friendly staff as well. Manual preparation of the ice cream cone is the best part, what a perfection!!! Food is also decent enough here. I tried burgers and 🍟, it was good.

Lovely little traditional chipper very cozy and full of history only things that I would have changed is the vinegar they offer isn't malt also chips not the best the fish however was amazing

2.80 plus 1.60 for a single roll and a cup of tea = 4.40.....not 5.95. Bacon roll was great, but being overcharged by more than 33%.....appalling.

Don't waste your time. We took a $16£ taxi to get there. Had been on our bucket list since seeing Anthony Bourdain eat there. Soggy fish and chips, worst food on our 15 day tour thru Scotland. Walk up a few blocks to Old Salty's, their fish and chips is fried well, far from soggy, better value for the money, made right before your eyes.

The Uni Cafe is a Glasgow institution that's been serving the West end for nearly a hundred years. Aye, I know, you've heard that before in other reviews. But it is, so there you go, blah, blah, blah. I've been coming here since as far back as I can remember. I used to get left outside in my pram with an ice cream stuck in my hand, before we knew there was 70's television ice cream stealing paedos kicking about. The inside hasn't really changed in the 30+ years I've been coming here, they had a small renovation about 15 years ago when they changed the seats, the old ones used to lean forward and you felt like you were about to lock lips with the person sitting across from you, but apart from that; nothing has changed. It's old and untouched, and you could imagine you're in Glasgow 40/50 years ago. All over the walls they have pictures of the cafe from days gone by, and certificates stretching back to the fifties (could be further) for their ice cream. They serve comfort food and pretty basic grub, pies, chips, peas, beans, pizzas, pastas, soup and some off-menu items like pork chops and boiled tatties. Now, as I said I've been coming here for a long time and only tried a few things on the menu, my staple used to be pie, peas and chips; then I became vegetarian about 15 years ago and swapped out the pie for fried egg. And the reason I continue to get this dish is because they have some of the best chips in Glasgow and their peas are also immense. To be transparent, some of their menu is mince, figuratively and literally (cause they sell mince) what I mean is some of it is god awful. The macaroni tastes like it's from a packet and I recently tried the minestrone soup and it was rank rotten. However, this takes nothing away from the five stars I'm giving it. The Uni cafe is a great place for people watching, the clientèle is diverse, from old yins coming in for their mince and tatties, youngsters from the local Uni, families, to West End Wendys wondering where the foraged mushrooms and confit of albatross is on the menu. I come here about twice a month, once with the girlfriend, who has been coming here for about ten years, she never knew about it before (because she's a foreigner from Clydebank) she discovered it when she started working at the Uni. And once with my Mum, and order the same things we always have and catch-up and reminisce about people we've lost along the way that used to come here with us. The Uni cafe is a real family affair, the guy that runs the place used to run around when I was a wee boy, now he's in charge. And that's great, where else can you say that about. Starting to bore myself here, but I've got to mention their ice cream, it's superb. Scottish/Italian ice cream at its finest. They only used to do vanilla and a choice of receptacle, cone, sponge, nougat etc. Now they do all different flavours, waffle cones and lots of different toppings, like nuts, hundreds and thousands, pistachio and all that new age baloney. But try the vanilla in a sponge, you can't go wrong. I really hope the Uni cafe never changes, and I don't think it ever will. I can't wait to bring my own kids in here one day. Here's to another hundred years!

Amazing! Once you find a parking spot in a busy city you will definitely enjoy their ice cream. Everything is homemade and extremely tasty. Definitely appreciate them when you look around and notice all of the awards one throughout the years. We were traveling through on the way to Edinburgh and made a detour to check them out and I am glad we did. One of my favorite little ice cream places anywhere!!!

I've been here many times before with various friends, but this time, I not only introduced my boyfriend to University Cafe, but I also introduced three of my friends who were looking for some decent cheap eats. We had just been out to the farmers market and to the Huntarian when we decided that we wanted something cheap to eat. After giving it a think, I recommended University Cafe. Having been the only one who has eaten here, everyone was in, so we went. University cafe has been around for ages and their seating gives you an insight as to how long it's been around. Luckily there was a full table available, otherwise, it is customary just to sit whenever there is an open seat, even if with someone you might not know. We looked over the menu and each of us ordered something different. I ordered the half pizza, which to my surprise was a lot better than I ever thought it would be. Loaded with garlic, it had a great taste to it, and it was cheap to boot. My boyfriend went for the pie, chips and beans. He ate it faster than I'd ever seen him eat it, and he said it was ok. My friends each ordered the ham and cheese toastie, half a pizza and the mac and cheese. They all agreed that for the prices, the dishes were ok. I've said it before and I'll say it again- I'm not really sure what the fascination about this place is that keeps people coming back. I will say that they do have the best ice cream in town (although really expensive) but the food is ok at best and easily replicated at home for much less.

A bit of art deco class combined with no thrills greasy spoon fare, you can bet your last chip the University Cafe will outlive us all. Unquestionably a Byres Road institution, the Italian/Scots family-owned cafe may be among the last of a dying breed of such establishments, but remains ever popular with all ages. Students love the cheap hangover obliterating meals, while OAPs have been coming here since the days of Billy Connolly living around the corner. Prices remain reasonable and even if greasy spoon is not your bag, at least pop in to try their legendary homemade ice cream. Spectacular.

The University Cafe is another one of the places in Glasgow which holds many fond memories for me. My grampa used to take me here for lunch after going to the Grosvenor cinema. I always used to get a fish supper and some ice cream (I was a wee pie-face!) The staff are friendly and cope well with the busy turnover of customers; there are constantly people coming in to sit in, people ordering to-go, people wanting ice-cream etc. And it is easy to see why it is so popular, everyone loves a good-old greasy spoon after all! The food is standard cafe/chippy fare; fry-ups, rolls, chippy teas, toasties and some old faves like macaroni and steak pie. I had my favourite fish and chips and I left feeling extremely full after two huge pieces of nice cod and proper chippy chips! Yum yum :) If you're in the west end and you want a cheap, cheerful and delicious lunch/dinner and a walk down memory lane, you know where to go!! (Here obviously...)

I am most definitley a fan of the University Cafe. A greasy king amongst greasy spoons, it is! From the decor outside - an amazing shiny multi coloured foil-plastic drape in the window display with some boxes of chocolates (retro boxes of Cadbury's Milk Tray have obviously been left here since the 90's, which the dust proves) and plastic flowers highlight the fact that this place is best left untouched. The decor inside is retro beyond belief - 60's style it is, strip lighting and all. Ahh, I love it! There is no hangover they cannot cure - one of their infamous fry ups and some irn bru will sort you right out if you're feeling a bit peaky. Just watch for those sticky patches on the floor. Sometimes it's best not to know what they are.

Great great place, for apprx 25 yrs this cafe had gave me the very best banter,food and ice cream possible in the west end, firstly ice cream MMmm loads of flavours all home made by the big guy gino the godfather of the cafe,, then theres the middleage twins in the cafe and next door in the fish n chip shop very confusing ,, the waitresses are fast and these guys will make anything you want from fish n chips to fresh ovan pizza,s or everytype of pastas ,, italian owned italin ran ,, that good to eat in even all the taxi guys eat here at night, Big dinners for any type of diet, classic unchanged decor spotless but the type of cafe thats a real cafe, big sit in booths for spreading out with the family or mates.. love this place always have always will. ..well worth me still coming from the south side almost 7 miles to go there, watch the parking can be tricky during the day..

I've been a customer of the University Cafe for a long time now (18+ years) and the sweet thing is the main core of staff/proprietors haven't changed since then! I still recognise the guy who makes the pizzas in the take away side and the lady who serves me ice creams in the cafe side. That makes me smile. I love this place. I know people say trite stuff like 'It's a Glasgow tradition!' but it really IS. Also the reason this place is still around, and also pretty much untouched in the way it looks, speaks volumes. They offer something to the folk of Glasgow's West End that is (sadly) becoming rarer & rarer ~ the good old fashioned Italian ice-cream and chippy cafe. Coming from England I wasn't au fait with the concept but I soon saw it as the Scottish version of the much loved (and also mocked) English 'greasy spoon' cafe. You cannae beat a good greasy spoon! Back in my younger days I swore these kinda places had magical, healing powers ~ 'Egg, chips & beans and a mug of tea please...now, HANGOVER; BE GONE! *PING!* I'm cured!' It was a modern day miracle (of sorts). The Uni Cafe, like any good story, has 2 sides; The Take Away/Chippy side serving the usual chip shop fare plus also the aforementioned (yummy) pizzas and then there's next door, the Cafe and also Ice Cream bar. I haven't sat in here for a while but it still looks the same ~ long wooden benches which means when busy (weekends) you may have to share your table with some other (most probably also hungover) folk. It's waitress service & it always used to be service with a snarl. In a weird way I kinda liked that; it took me back to those cafes in London where your (chipped) mug of tea was pretty much thrown at you. The menu is a mixture of the next door chippy stuff, Italian and pure, traditional comfort food. The ice cream served here is excellent, some of the best in the West (End) I say. If you're a fan of straight up, traditional vanilla ice cream then this is the place to head. A 99 with raspberry is a MUST for when it is even remotely sunny (or in my case, any day of the week with a Y in it. NOM!) The raspberry sauce is MEGA! They also sell wee & big tubs of ice cream too for taking home (or eating on the way home until you feel ill ~ again; me). There's also a range of old fashioned & newer sweeties for sale behind the counter. A step in here really is like stepping back in time or visiting a wee seaside cafe. A word about the toilet. I have never actually been BUT I know there's a BIG key on a hook and it's apparently situated in the close next door...sounds fun and like a wee(-wee) adventure (ho ho!). I know they also used to be dog friendly so I am hoping they still are. Prices are pretty decent, especially for the amount of grub you get. Quality has always been good; no complaints from me. The University Cafe ~ long may you reign and continue to stay unchanged because they don't make 'em like you anymore. Now, who's for an ice cream?...

I rocked into University Cafe for some ice cream today. The cafe is particularly lovely on a hot day since it offers good old fashioned 99 cones, but it is equally appealing when you're stopping by for a bacon roll in the bleak midwinter. The University Cafe has seen many seasons come and go. I wish I knew how old it actually was, but I'm pretty sure it must've been here since the 40s. Old chocolate boxes are usually displayed in the windows and I adore the sequinned back drop! Its old deco Italian restaurant look has remained untarnished through the years, and although the burgandy leather seats are a bit battered, that makes them all the more charming. The Cafe serves up good old fashioned chippy chips, fry ups and penny mix up sweets. They are all reasonably priced enough, although 99 cones aren't actually 99 pence anymore. When did that happen? I must be getting old. The Cafe is an old lady that carries herself with grace throughout the years. As Gavin said, she has survived the troubles of our times, and I for one hope she receives her birthday card from the Queen when she turns 100. A living tribute to the old ice cream culture of 50s Glasgow, the Uni Cafe is a much beloved institution that can be enjoyed by all generations.

I've never actually eaten in the Cafe part, but I confess that the young chap that works in the adjacent chippie knows my order by heart. It's proper Glaswegian comfort food. Deep fried stodge, perfect for a winter evening, or sunny, hungover afternoon. My usual is a half pizza supper, coated in brown sauce and vinegar. Though for Saturday's Dr Who extravaganza I delved out of my comfort zone, and in to the most wonderful fish supper. Two slices of white fish, coated in crunchy batter, and sided by golden chips, and my usual condiments. They also do a mean king rib and black pudding. If, however, you fancy carbs that aren't deep fried an oven pizza won't set you back much more than a fiver.

The first stop shop on a hungover morning is the University Cafe. Situated near the bottom of Byres Road, the Uni cafe is a fairly classic cafe, serving all the standard breakfast and lunch items. I've only ever been here for breakfast, but for that alone it's worth the visit alone. Very good quality breakfast on offer, similar to a classic fry up at home with none of the effort. The quality is fairly standard but it's usually all you need in a breakfast. Coffee is also tasty, if a bit weak. Prices are very reasonable too. Though I've never tried it, I've heard the ice cream is amazing too!

So lots of people will say that the University Cafe has no place in the modern West End. Those people need their heads checked. Some others will say that the cafe is "quaint" or that the staff are "welcoming". These people are misleading you. Here's your headline folks, "University Cafe is cheap, excellent, no-frills breakfasts". Tough, tasty buns. Fresh potato scones. Runny eggs. It's Scottish, it's tasty, and if you go in for a Saturday morning nibble you'll be absolutely delighted. Brunchers need not apply.

I have to do it. I have to eat fried things. I have to have the deep fried haggis here along with my fish and chips. Why? Because yes, coming from the south of the USA, I understand you can deep fry a pizza or a Mars bar...but taking haggis and frying it into some kinda incredible offal falafel log is just a next level power-up maneuver.

By some way the best greasy spoon in the area, University Cafe also draws them in with it's 1940s style decor which has been left deliberately untouched for decades. A visit here is a bit of an experience in itself, and as you'd expect for a place that survived both the blitz and Margaret Thatcher, the fry ups, toasties and ice cream all hit the spot.

Popped in here for ice-cream one night with hubby. Really nice service - I was offered a taste of the ice-cream as I couldn't decide which flavour I wanted. I tried the gingerbread which was very nice but I didn't fancy the crumbly texture so opted for vanilla. We both got the chocolate chips which are absolutely lovely. I actually thought the ice-cream was a bit on the sweet side for me but I still enjoyed it.

A proper old Glasgow cafe, if a bit grubby. I don't know when the last time this place was decorated but when you go through the door you'll feel as though you've stepped into a shabby-chic sixties dream. I would recommend going for a breakfast, but only if your arteries are in great condition and don't expect a latte and a selection of fresh breads, this is a place for full Scottish breakfasts to be consumed, washed down by coffee or tea by the (chipped) mug, while sharing your bench seat with someone you don't know. A Glasgow institution, worth a visit, especially if you're a student.

Great traditional cafe selling tasty caf food like pie, beans and chips, mince and potatoes, lasagne, breakfast rolls and fantastic fish and chips - FANTASTIC chips! Also good variety of ice cream choice like double or single nougats, marshmallow ice, oyster or snowball. Excellent prices and great place to see all types of people. And be prepared to share a table- that's part of the experience.

I actually almost walked on by the University Cafe. Looking in the dusty window, I noticed a mish mash of mini statues and chocolates and sweets, and thought it was just an old corner shop. We went in however, and realised that it was actually a really kitsch 1940's style Scots-Italian cafe, selling the sort of stuff you get from Ice cream vans and a range of good old chippy style meals. We settled down in one of the booths (complete with pull down bench seat) and had a look at the tatty old laminated menu and I opted for the classic fish and chips with bread and butter- bliss. The waitress actually went next door to the adjoining chippy for it, and brought it in on a plate with a plastic bag over the top of it! It was lovely though, as was my boyfriends sausage, egg and chips grease fest, which he wolfed down before I had cut into the batter on my haddock. Typical man. It came to a measly £7 or £8, and we left stuffed and satisfied. I really shouldn't like the University Cafe, but I do. You can imagine folk in the 40's and 50's socialising in here with an ice-cream float, just like we do over a pint in the pub. Magical. Don't ask to go to the bathroom though. I was told to go 'up the close' next door where there was a latrine. I opted to just burst till I got on the train.

I love that this cafe in Glasgow's West End has such a homely feel to it! The staff are so friendly, you always feel like your stepping back in time when you walk in the door! I love the Art Deco! The food is true "Chippy Food" at it's very best!... It's class! I have been visiting for years and I will never stop love visiting this cafe when I need a Chippy food fix! :)) PS. I love how the toilet is up a close! So old fashion!

A genuine cafe with home cooked food. The chicken noodle soup is perfect, takes me back to my childhood. A place to go if you really want food that's not been over thought or over contrived! Amazing!

I have been here many times and i tried too many stuff that they have in their menu because is cheap. The fish and chips are okay , The cake with ice cream is just fantastic ! , highly recommended and the service to customers is very good. However , the burgers are not exactly the best , the lasagna has so much sauce and the quality of the pasta shape is not good , i also tried a salad a long time ago , it doesn't have so much tuna and the quantity is not the best if it is compared with the price, my worst experience was with the Pizza , probably the second worst pizza in Glasgow and one of the worst pizzas i tried in my life , the pizza base was burnt and crispy and the cheese quality was very poor. In conclusion , this place in general is not the best , but i always go back for a good pice of cake with ice cream , probably one of my favorites cakes in Glasgow.

Love this wee place if I'm looking for something quick to eat or ice cream on a hot day

A little bit tired decor wise but probably one of the last authentic scottish 'caffs' with a great art deco formica theme. Nothing posh here you can get an alright coffee and a plate of chips and beans for next to nothing.

Walking down byres rd,sweating buckets,the sun was beating down,needed a shower,who saves the day again the University Cafe! I get my 99 cone with the rasp sauce,mmmmmmmmmmmmmm,slurp,mmmmmmmmmm!Just delicious

I hope the owners never change this great place. Been coming here for about 40 years, enjoy a meal here as much as any restaurant in Europe , it may be different but the grub on offer is typical Glagow Italian .Too many good things too mention , try hot peas and vinegar or macaroni and chips . Staff and family are so friendly .

The best Ice Cream in Scotland? Love the decor, hasnt changed in decades, family run, I love everything about this place

good value, great staff, bit tired inside.