Dating as a student can be difficult – whether it’s swiping through the endless smiling pictures on dating apps, having an unrequited crush on someone you see every day in class, or simply trying to find someone that wants more than a long-term long-distance low-commitment casual girlfriend. What can be even more difficult is knowing where to take someone once you’ve bagged the first date that won’t leave you cringing when you get the bill. This guide will take you through some of the best places in Glasgow’s West End to take your date, whether it’s your first time meeting, you’ve been going out for a while, or it’s not a date at all and you just want an excuse to go out with a friend.
First up is Civerinos, a new and authentic NYC-style pizza place in Finnieston. Serving pizza by the slice, this is possibly the best place if you’re looking for a budget-friendly sit-in option, but without the formality. The atmosphere is laid-back and the skateboard-inspired décor is very trendy, making it a good spot for a lunch date followed by a walk in Kelvingrove Park, or maybe an evening bite to eat and then drinks at a nearby pub. The pizza itself is very good – big slices and not too tomatoey – and there is a nice variety of toppings to choose from, including a vegan slice with aubergine, and a spicy vegetarian one with a white base. The sides are also unique and worth a try, including fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls and a giant mozzarella stick for sharing. I would recommend the parmesan and truffle fries – but perhaps they are too big for just two people. My only criticism is that the drinks here – both alcoholic and soft – are very expensive, so I’d recommend tap water and then going elsewhere for a pint afterwards.
My next recommendation is one that many students may associate with a night out rather than a date: Nice N Sleazy. I recently went here on a double date and got food from The Big Taquero, and while this isn’t the most budget-friendly option on this list, the food was amazing. We got cauliflower tacos and watermelon tostadas, as well as a side of charred corn strips, and everything was really delicious. The location on Sauchiehall Street also means that there are plenty of place to go afterwards – including the incredibly cheap option of drinks at Hengler’s Circus Spoons.
If going out for a meal isn’t your idea of a perfect first date, a great spot to get a coffee and chat to someone is Papercup on Great Western Road. The interior is cosy and may feel cramped, depending on how busy it is, but I love the vibes of this place and they also have outside seating, which is really nice when you have a hot drink and can watch the world go by. I’m yet to try the food, but it all looked delicious when I saw it coming out of the kitchen.
Maybe you’re in a relationship and don’t want to (or can’t afford to) go out for a meal but want to cook to impress. In this case, I can recommend one of my favourite recipes, incorporating two things most students have around – pasta, and vodka. Start by chopping a generous number of cherry tomatoes and frying them for a minute or so in olive oil before salting them and adding a similarly generous amount of minced garlic. At the same time, get your pasta on – my favourite for this dish is penne, but whatever you have in the cupboard will work. Cook the tomatoes until they are releasing their juices and can be smushed down, then add a tablespoon of tomato paste and a double shot of vodka (I’ve tried multiple types of vodka for this, and unfortunately, using Lidl’s own vodka does actually make a bit of a difference to the dish). Cook off the alcohol before adding a splash of milk and seasonings – dried or fresh basil, more salt and black pepper, thyme, a sprinkle of rosemary and some chilli flakes if you fancy. Add a ladleful of the pasta water before adding your cooked pasta and tear in some mozzarella so it goes stringy and melty just before serving. I like this recipe because it’s so customisable – you can also add proteins (Quorn pieces work well) and easily veganise it. Your date should appreciate that you cooked a homemade meal, and this seems like it takes a lot more time and effort than what it actually does.
Hopefully these ideas have made suggesting a place to that person you’ve been talking to on Hinge seem less daunting, or have given you the inspiration to take your partner out to try somewhere new. But remember, no matter how cool the place you take your date is, it’s no substitute for a personality and, more importantly, a good outfit. Relax, have fun, and eat well.
Evie McCabe
(Vegetarian Eats as a UofG Student is a monthly column by Evie McCabe, exclusive to qmunicatemagazine.co.uk. Stay tuned for more instalments!)
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