Opium
Asian Fusion, 191 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2UL
£70 for 2 starters, 2 mains, 2 non-alcoholic drinks
On a recent evening out, we found ourselves at Opium, an Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of Glasgow, just a short walk from Glasgow Central on Hope Street. Initially, there was some hesitation—perhaps due to its name, which amusingly reminded us of a certain nightclub in Edinburgh—but we put that aside and decided to give it a fair go.
Atmosphere & Service
The restaurant had an intimate and cosy ambiance, with dim lighting that created a relaxed, slightly upscale feel. We were seated by a window, which felt private and comfortable, although the noise from neighbouring tables was a bit overwhelming for one of us.
Service was attentive initially, with staff promptly filling our water glasses and taking our order efficiently. However, there were a few minor frustrations—when we asked for cutlery, there was quite a wait, and when we requested the bill, it also took a little longer than we would have liked, slightly disrupting the flow of an otherwise pleasant evening.
The Food
We were starving, so we wasted no time in ordering.
Starters
• Steamed Dumplings – A mix of chicken, celery, mushroom, and prawn, these were light, delicate, and flavoured. We could have easily eaten a bucketful.
• Spring Rolls – These were small but generously filled with meat, which was a nice surprise. Their portion size sparked a light-hearted debate—were they too big, too small, or just right? Regardless, they were delicious.
Mains
• Chicken Satay with Jasmine Rice – The peanut sauce was rich and well-balanced, but the chicken was slightly overcooked, making it a little tough to eat. The jasmine rice, however, was perfectly cooked and served in traditional bamboo canisters, which added a lovely touch.
• Chicken Teriyaki – It was not quite what we expected, but a pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual small chunks of chicken in a thick sauce, this was a beautifully cooked chicken breast, sliced and lightly drizzled with teriyaki sauce and vegetables. It felt lighter and more refined, staying true to the fusion concept.
Drinks
One of us had a Coke, the other a Jasmine Tea—both simple but enjoyable accompaniments to the meal.
Value for Money
The meal cost £70 for two people, which we felt was a bit pricey for what we received. While the food was good, it didn’t quite justify the cost, especially considering the minor service issues.
Final Verdict
Would we return? Yes, but not in a hurry. The food was solid, the atmosphere was inviting, and the service, while mostly good, could have been improved. Opium is a decent choice for a night out if you’re looking for Asian fusion cuisine in Glasgow, but it’s not quite in the top tier of our favourite restaurants.
Three Things to Know About Opium (Glasgow):
- Atmosphere is warm and intimate – A stylish, dimly lit space with a slightly upscale feel. Comfortable seating, though it can get a bit noisy.
- Food is well-executed with a refined twist – Dumplings and spring rolls were standouts; mains like chicken satay and teriyaki were solid, though the chicken was slightly overcooked.
- Service had highs and lows – Friendly and attentive at first, but slower on follow-up requests. Overall good, but a few small issues took the shine off.