Foodies are exceptionally well catered for when dining out in Gloucestershire, from traditional British fine dining to exotic international cuisine, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Providing delicious temptation, SoGlos has rounded up 14 places you will want to add to your foodie bucket list.
1. Toni’s Kitchen in Stroud
Dine on fresh, authentic and excellent quality Italian cuisine in the heart of Stroud at Toni’s Kitchen. From the team behind Fat Toni’s Pizzeria and combining Italian roots with French refinement, diners can expect a polished menu that changes with the seasons.
Toni’s Kitchen features a courtyard garden, perfect for dining alfresco, and is open on Wednesday to Sunday. Guests can enjoy lunch and evening menus, with a whole separate menu offering especially for vegans. Be sure to visit on a Sunday too, for the chance to experience Sunday Lunch, Toni’s style!
2. Prithvi in Cheltenham
It’s no surprise that getting a table at Prithvi in Cheltenham can be difficult; adopting a refined approach to Indian dining, guests can look forward to delectable dishes served within a stylish setting.
The restaurant’s à la carte menu features meals that are in one sense simple and in another, sublime. Expect dishes such as fillet of beet with potato onion pakora and spinach; tandoor beetroot; and stonebass with tandoor cauliflower and clementine jus.
3. The Barn at Severn & Wye Smokery near Gloucester
Situated at the award-winning Severn & Wye Smokery near Gloucester, The Barn is home to a predominantly fish-based café and restaurant, creating delicious dishes from its own cured and smoked products, as well as the freshest fish from local markets.
Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the enticing menus offer something to tempt even the most discerning diners; featuring top quality ingredients, there’s everything from traditional fish and chips to sandwiches, as well as delicacies such as oysters.
4. The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold
A former butcher’s shop turned into a popular Cotswold restaurant, The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold offers casual dining with a warm atmosphere. The eatery creates dishes with a nose-to-tail ethos, meaning the menu features gourmet meals while taking care to minimise waste.
The Old Butcher’s menu changes daily, and despite specialising in seafood it promises to cater to all tastes, with sample dishes including tempura oysters; grilled lobster with garlic butter; rump steak burger with gruyère, bacon and hand-cut chips; and a traditional Sunday roast.
5. Wild Garlic in Nailsworth
A characterful restaurant in Nailsworth, Wild Garlic isn’t just a favourite with locals, but has been given the thumbs up by food critic Jay Rayner, who in his review in The Guardian said: ‘Restaurants were invented to make the world a slightly better place for the time you’re in there. That’s exactly what Wild Garlic in Nailsworth did.’
Diners can look forward to seasonal, local produce at the bistro-style restaurant. Expect delights such as artisan pasta; chargrilled sirloin and chips; and overnight roasted lamb shoulder.
6. Purslane in Cheltenham
Purslane in Cheltenham has a strong focus on seafood, with a menu combining fresh fare from the British waters as well as great local Cotswolds produce.
Purslane’s label as a ‘fish restaurant’ shouldn’t deter people making a reservation though, with tempting choices for carnivores and vegetarians too, as well as the incredible-sounding fish options.
7. The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold
A refurbished 17th-century coaching inn in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is known for combining chic scandi décor with Cotswold charm – as well as its delicious British cuisine.
In addition to its popular boutique hotel rooms, the venue is a favourite for its restaurant, which offers a ‘fresh take on Great British Grub’. Championing locally-sourced ingredients, diners can expect lovingly prepared dishes across breakfast and dinner, while The Little Stocks Coffee Shop is perfect for a sweet treat.
8. Petit Coco Bistro in Cheltenham
A classic French bistro in the centre of Cheltenham, Petit Coco Bistro is a charming restaurant with rustic features and a lovely, intimate atmosphere. With a small menu boasting big flavours, diners are in for a treat.
Expect traditional entrées such as Soufflé, Crêpe aux Champignons, and Baked Camembert; mains include Coq au Vin; and desserts encompass the deliciously indulgent Crème Brûlée, and a rich Chocolate Fondant.
9. The Horse Box at Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham
The Horse Box at Ellenborough Park welcomes guests for a relaxed dining experience with delicious food and a unique setting which pays homage to Cheltenham’s racing heritage.
The striking equestrian dining area creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the comforting menu is certain to tempt the taste buds of Gloucestershire’s foodie crowd. Enjoy meals with classic British influences such as fish and chips, steak and chips, and braised beef. Meanwhile, a decadent dessert of apple crumble provides some sweet temptation.
10. Greek on the Docks in Gloucester
Overlooking Gloucester Docks with alfresco seating, Greek on the Docks offers an authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of the city, serving exceptional dishes within a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The traditional menu boasts the best of Greek food, with highlights including Tzatziki with pitta bread; Dolmadakia stuffed vine leaves; baked feta cheese from Epirus; rich Moussaka; a hearty Stifado beef stew; and a classic Greek salad.
11. The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham
The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham has quickly become a favourite on the foodie scene, thanks to its laidback atmosphere, vibrant and hip setting, and delicious street food. The venue provides diners with a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the heart of Cheltenham.
Whether you’re a meat eater, veggie or vegan, there’s all sorts of tasty dishes to try, encompassing everything from dhal, curry and rotti, to Sri Lankan favourites, such as the flavourful Kotthu and Hoppers.
12. The Boathouse in Tewkesbury
For glorious riverside dining, The Boathouse in Tewkesbury is sure to suffice, boasting unparalleled views and a spacious alfresco terrace for warmer days. Located in the heart of the market town, this welcoming pub is the ideal spot for drinking and dining.
Promising quality food, the popular pub works closely with local butchers and producers. The enticing menu is brimming with British favourites such as homemade burgers, ribeye steak, pan-fried hake, and homemade Scotch eggs.
13. Circus Sauce at Giffords Circus
Thought to be the UK’s only travelling restaurant, Giffords Circus’ Circus Sauce promises a dining experience like no other; the unique 60-seat restaurant welcomes diners to enjoy an incredible three-course meal, dining on communal oak tables adorned with candles and stunning Emma Bridgewater crockery.
Creating hearty, nostalgic classics from local and seasonal ingredients, Circus Sauce’s chefs create meals with produce from the surrounding area. Guests can expect everything from lamb hotpot and fish pie, to treacle pudding and Eton mess.
14. KIBOU Cheltenham
Sushi fans will no doubt have tried the delectable Japanese dishes at Cheltenham’s ever-popular restaurant, KIBOU. Located in the centre of town, the award-winning eatery serves fresh handmade sushi, with an impressive menu offering plenty of choice.
Boasting much more than just sushi, there’s something for everyone. Menu highlights include katsu curry; yaki soba noodles, softshell crab tempura, salt and sansho garlic squid, and gyoza alongside the tempting sushi options.
