Dua Lipa's Favourite Glasgow Restaurant Gloriosa Offers Unbeatable Lunch Deal
Dua Lipa appears to lead an enviably perfect life. As a multi-talented singer, educated bookworm, and style icon frequently seen enjoying sunshine and exquisite cuisine in tropical locales, she sets a high standard. While I may not possess her collection of disco-pop hits or Grammy awards, I can certainly follow in her culinary footsteps by visiting her preferred dining spots.
Discovering Gloriosa in Glasgow's Finnieston
During her Glasgow performance on the Future Nostalgia tour in 2022, the thirty-year-old singer visited a West End restaurant with her sister. She expressed being a big fan on social media, prompting my curiosity to explore what generated such excitement. That establishment is Gloriosa, situated at 1321 Argyle Street in Finnieston, Glasgow.
This restaurant and bar has been operating since 2019, serving vibrant Mediterranean-inspired cuisine alongside wines from small independent European producers. The airy and spacious venue has maintained consistent popularity, yet I had never visited until recently, despite my appreciation for small plates dining.
Experiencing the Weekday Lunch Bargain
On a Thursday afternoon, I decided to investigate the buzz firsthand, accompanied by a friend. The interior features a spacious, naturally lit environment with simplistic design that blends modern aesthetics with welcoming warmth. A sweeping curved bar with high stools complements the larger dining area.
Even during a midweek lunch service, the restaurant maintained a pleasant atmosphere. We were promptly seated by a window, provided menus, and given time to consider our selections. Gloriosa operates on a small plates concept with a rotating seasonal menu that adapts based on fresh ingredient availability.
Current offerings include dishes like taramasalata with chickpea fritter, bluefin tuna crudo, and grilled sardines with marinated pepper and oregano. While small plates typically range between fifteen and twenty pounds, making them less budget-friendly, weekday lunchtimes present a remarkable value proposition.
The lunch deal provides a pasta dish paired with a green salad for just twelve pounds. Typically, three rotating pasta options are available: one meat-based, one seafood, and one vegetarian selection.
Exceptional Culinary Quality and Flavours
I selected the artichoke rigatoni while my companion chose the mussels pasta. Upon arrival, the dishes immediately impressed with their fresh, vibrant appearance and generous sprinkling of fluffy parmesan. The flavours proved extraordinary, with the artichoke pasta delivering surprising depth enhanced by citrus notes that provided a summery zing.
High-quality olive oil was evident in every bite, while the accompanying salad leaves were perfectly seasoned with a tart, vinegary contrast. Portion sizes were more than sufficient for lunch, making it challenging to find comparable quality food elsewhere at this price point.
Although the pasta deal alone provides substantial satisfaction, we couldn't resist supplementing our order with olives and focaccia. The bread deserves special mention for its pillowy-soft texture and irresistible quality, perfect for mopping up remaining sauce after the pasta was consumed.
Why Dua Lipa Became a Regular Patron
It becomes clear why Dua Lipa developed affection for this establishment. Beyond the exceptional food, the staff demonstrate remarkable hospitality, and the restaurant environment offers a delightful space for relaxation. I've been enthusiastically recommending this lunch offer to everyone since my visit.
Gloriosa initially introduced this deal in October last year before temporarily discontinuing it, then reintroducing the offer last month. Given its potential limited availability, I strongly suggest visiting sooner rather than later to experience this culinary value firsthand.
