New in Food: Julie's Kopitiam, Bodega and more

After the fun of Christmas and the frenzy of our Food and Drink Survey, we round up some of the best new venues to throw open their doors in recent months

Feature by Peter Simpson | 31 Jan 2018

Bananamoon

We love a good bit of intra-section crossover, so the news that the guys behind Optimo have helped bring a bar into the world was music to our ears. Bananamoon in Glasgow's West End is a sleek drinking den designed by Optimo's JG Wilkes, and from the photos it appears to be a pleasing mix of retro style and modern touches. That means a super-shiny corner bar and some tasteful seating, plus some neon light fittings and wild bits of foliage. We are in favour of all of these things. 360 Great Western Rd, Glasgow.

The Black Hoof

Do you like ham? If so, you're in luck, as a walk past the window of The Black Hoof reveals a whole array of jamon just dangling in the window awaiting the slice. The tapas venue specialises in traditional, high-quality Iberian meats as well as imported cheeses and a host of classic tapas dishes. Next time you need to rustle up a cheeseboard, or just fancy a really tasty sandwich, this is the place to go. 171 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh.

Bodega

The second outpost of one of our favourite Mexican restaurants, Bodega make some of Scotland's best tacos. And that's not just our opinion – they were one of the winners in this year's Food and Drink Survey in that very category, so it's your opinion too. Their new Tollcross spot is a charming one-room venue with tacos, cocktails and wonderfully cheery staff; it is also the size of a large living room, so we recommend calling ahead. 36 Leven St, Edinburgh.

Dockyard Social

An unassuming warehouse in Finnieston now houses Glasgow’s first permanent street food marketplace, The Dockyard Social. With ambitious plans to develop a culinary training academy alongside a year-round home for some of the city's best food trucks, the Social could well be the final piece of Glasgow's street food puzzle. They're currently running a series of weekend events as a soft-ish launch for the project, but from the initial reaction it doesn't look like they're going to have any problems getting people on board. 95 Haugh Rd, Glasgow.

Julie's Kopitiam

A permanent home for the authentic Malaysian flavours previously seen popping up all over the place as Julie's Street Kitchen, the Kopitiam is a cosy neighbourhood eatery that's the latest in a long line of foodie developments up and down Pollokshaws Road. Expect flaky roti breads, tasty rice dishes and a whole load of colourful and delicious new things to try. 1109 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow.

KIN

Leave behind the thoughts of Dry January and check out the new bar from two of the finest minds on the capital's cocktail scene. Sam Baxendale and Jody Buchan are familiar faces from their times slinging delicious drinks at the likes of Bramble and The Voyage of Buck, and their first project together hopes to bring a bit of cocktail style to (not-quite) Broughton Street. The bar menu reads like the most outrageous shopping list you've ever written – crème de banana, apple funk or Yuzu-infused sake liqueur anyone? – but trust us, you're in safe hands. 1 Barony St, Edinburgh.

Serenity Now Cafe

A Seinfeld-inspired vegan cafe, you say? The latest addition to Glasgow's excellent range of vegan options, Serenity Now threw its doors open a few months back in a hail of sandwiches, vegan breakfast options and even vegan dog treats for your canine pals. And before you ask, yes, you can order a Big Salad; just don't try and take credit for it when it gets to the table. 380 Great Western Rd, Glasgow.

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