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Glasgow › Merchant City › Opium
OpiumA-Worth Trying
191 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2UL
· Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant, Chinese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (710 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Refined Asian fusion and dim sum with strong vegan/gluten-free range; quality is high but portions run modest and pricing is premium.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Opium delivers exceptional food quality anchored by hand-wrapped dim sum and refined Asian fusion cooking, supported by attentive service that keeps pace even during busy service. However, occasional consistency dips, modest portions relative to premium pricing, and tight seating when full prevent grade A territory—this is a strong neighborhood destination rather than a regional standout.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off the bustle of Hope Street, Opium feels warm and cosy rather than flashy. Staff are often praised as friendly and attentive, keeping water topped up and plates cleared even on busy weekends. One diner summed it up: "service was amazing considering how busy it was." However, a few nights can run loud when full. The cooking leans refined Asian fusion, marrying Sichuan spark, Malay satay, and claypot comfort with hand-wrapped dim sum. Dishes like sticky plum ribs, monkfish claypot, and aubergine tofu hot pot draw raves, while portions skew modest and pricing sits at a premium; pick carefully and you will eat very well. Families do fine here thanks to familiar kid-friendly options like teriyaki chicken, fried rice, ribs, and prawn crackers. There is genuine breadth for vegetarians and vegans, and a separate gluten-free menu exists, though those with strict coeliac needs should speak clearly with the team given one reported misstep.
At a Glance
- Hand-wrapped dim sum and refined fusion flavors stand out
- Strong vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free range
- Portions are modest relative to price
- Busy nights can be noisy
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- hand_wrapped_dim_sum
- broad_gluten_free_menu
- refined_asian_fusion
What People Love
- Flavor-packed dim sum made with care
- Claypot mains with comforting depth
- Attentive, friendly service even when busy
- Central location that is easy to reach
- Fusion desserts with a playful touch
Points of Concern
- Pricing is premium for Glasgow Chinese; some diners feel value depends on dish choice
- Noise rises on packed weekends; quieter at weekday lunch
- One coeliac report suggests verifying gluten-free items carefully
- Creative/fusion approach means limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£40-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair 2-3 dim sum with one claypot and shared rice for balance
- Vegetarians: Mapo Tofu (£15.80) and Aubergine & Tofu Claypot (£14.30) make a satisfying combo
Perfect For
- Dim sum date night
- Pre-theatre dinner in the city centre
- Small-plates sharing with friends
- Vegetarian or gluten-free diners seeking variety
Location Insights
Area: Central Glasgow artery near theatres and offices; mixed crowd of shoppers, workers, and pre-theatre diners.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked city centre streets; typical urban safety with good lighting and footfall.
Nearby: Near Buchanan Street retail, theatres, bars, and city hotels; strong evening and weekend activity.
Merchant CityMerchant City is a trendy and upscale neighborhood known for its stylish bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. The dining scene is diverse, featuring a mix of contemporary and traditional cuisines, often catering to a cosmopolitan crowd seeking quality and innovation in food and drink.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday
Thursday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Friday12:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday13:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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