Cheltenham’s vibrant international restaurant scene offers the chance to eat your way around the world without leaving town.
Promising to transport tastebuds across the Middle East, India, Asia, South America and back into continental Europe, SoGlos has rounded up 14 international restaurants to feast at in Cheltenham. And they’re all independent…
Sri Lankan food at The Coconut Tree
SGGLA Restaurant of the Year 2022, The Coconut Tree offers a vibrant setting, fun service and plenty of ‘cocotails’ in Cheltenham’s St Paul’s area. The Sri Lankan street food menu spans the likes of coconut sambal, kotthu and traditional egg hoppers. And there’s plenty for veggies and vegans to choose from too – the cheesy columbo is a must try.
Mexican food at Cantina Del Barrio
Bath Road's new 'neighbourhood canteen', Cantina Del Barrio, serves up a colourful menu of Mexican dishes and cocktails. Expect salt-rimmed margaritas and zesty palomas to drink, while tucking into South American staples like carne asada, chicken tinga or baja cod tacos; crab and avocado tostadas; pulled jackfruit quesadillas; beef birria burritos; pulled chicken enchiladas; and even Mexican fried ice cream. Diners can get Mexican-inspired brunch dishes like huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos and black bean quesadillas, too.
Filipino food at Pyesta
With its name meaning 'feast', Pyesta is Gloucestershire's first Filipino restaurant, promising a feast of new flavours to try - from sizzling plates of charcoal grilled chicken with lime, lemongrass and coconut or whole squid stuffed with ginger, garlic, onion and tomato; steaming bowls of sour tamarind broth with pork, prawns or vegetables; crispy Filipino spring rolls served with sweet chilli sauce; to Adobo, the national dish of The Phillipines.
Korean food at Nagomi
Promising diners a fusion of Japanese and Korean food, the newly opened Nagomi has a unique menu with a focus on Japanese grilling and Korean barbecue techniques. Korean food fans will love getting a taste of its signature dish, yakiniku, with meat, fish and vegetables cooked over a smokeless grill at your table; as well as banchan sharing plates of authentic Korean dishes like Seoul fried chicken, kimchi gyoza and pajeon Korean spring onion pancakes; bimbimbap topped with veggies and a fried egg; neng-myun cold noodles; and kimchi fried rice.
Japanese food at KIBOU
As well as its utterly stylish décor, Japanese restaurant KIBOU on Cheltenham’s Regent Street will impress with its delicious menu too – offering freshly-rolled sushi; gyoza dumplings; hearty ramen bowls; Japanese fried chicken; and possibly the best katsu curry in town. The Japanese whisky selection is impressive too.
Chinese food at 288 Bar and Wok
Inspired by Hong Kong’s noodle bars, 288 Bar and Wok serves up Chinese cuisine in a relaxed setting. Highlights include crispy aromatic duck and pancakes, spicy Singapore fried noodles or a build your own big plate option – with a choice of meat, prawns or tofu; noodles or rice; and everything from sweet and sour to Chinese curry sauce.
Thai food at The Vine
Not what you’d expect from a traditional looking Victorian pub on Cheltenham’s upper High Street, The Vine’s chefs cook up top quality Thai food, including starters like fiery tom yum soup, with mains including duck red curry, pad Thai and chilli and basil stir fry. The sweetcorn fritters are a must.
Indian food at Bombay and Co
From Mumbai to Cheltenham, family run Bombay and Co. cooks up the kind of Indian street food the owners remember from childhood in their lower High Street restaurant. From grilled Bombay masala sandwich and dosa, to railway goat curry and butter chicken, the menu offers an authentic dining experience with spices imported straight from Mumbai.
Spanish food at Bar Padrón
Be transported to balmy Spain at Bar Padrón on Cheltenham’s Regent Street with delicious tapas dishes like patatas bravas; croquetas de jamon; gambas pil pil and crispy pork ribs that are almost too good to share. Accompany with a jug of sangria – salud!
Turkish food at Istanbul Kitchen
Offering Turkish specialities like Anatolian lamb shank and Ottoman-inspired Imam Bayildi, made with whole stuffed aubergine, alongside familiar favourites like falafel and shish kebabs, head to Istanbul Kitchen on Cheltenham’s Winchcombe Street for a popular taste of Turkey.
French food at Petit Coco Bistro
With relaxed French farmhouse vibes in the heart of Cheltenham and a good reputation with locals, diners at cosy Petit Coco Bistro’s basement restaurant can expect to enjoy typically French dishes like baked camembert; poisson du jour; magret de canard; coq au vin and – the always irresistible – crème brûlée.
Italian food at Nasprias
Situated in Cheltenham’s Fairview area, Sardinian pizza restaurant Nasprías uses ingredients imported from Italy alongside locally sourced produce for its tasty pizza, available by the slice. Gaining cult-like status amongst Cheltenham’s pizza aficionados, the fresh dough is made daily, with a menu including classic margherita, vegan options and weekly specials like salame Milano and rocket.
Mediterranean food at Daphne Restaurant
Family-run Daphne in Cheltenham’s town centre cooks up a wide range of Mediterranean dishes from Turkish treats like dolma; borek and kofta, to seafood risotto; shakshuka; and Mediterranean salad. It also hosts Turkish themed nights with belly dancing.
Middle Eastern food at Vegetus
With a Middle Eastern-inspired menu, vegan and vegetarian restaurant Vegetus on Winchcombe Street dishes up plant-based goodness like kebabs; seitan gyros; shawarma; Greek salad with vegan feta; baba ganoush; and even vegan baklava. It offers a mean vegan cooked breakfast, too.
