23 best places for a dinner date in Gloucestershire

Looking for somewhere to wine and dine your better half or want to drop the hint to someone special? SoGlos shares the best places for a Gloucestershire dinner date.

By Kaleigh Pritchard  |  Published
Swoon over SoGlos's handpicked selection of Gloucestershire restaurants, ideal for a romantic dinner date.

From five-star foodie destinations to cool and casual places to tuck into some tasty food, SoGlos rounds up 23 of the tastiest places for a dinner date in Gloucestershire.

The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham

An entire bevy of top eateries await at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, with many venues offering up special offers and menus for Valentine's Day 2024.

From Asian sharing small plates at Mowgli to experimental cocktails at The Alchemist, there's a restaurant to suit every taste and vibe — plus, take advantage of a unique offer available at The Botanist in celebration of the new First Dates restaurant being at the franchise's branch in Bath, featuring a three-course meal alongside glasses of Prosecco.

Brasserie Blanc in Cheltenham

Ooh la la! For a date embellished with elegance, book a table at Brasserie Blanc in Cheltenham, with a menu approved by its celebrity chef patron Raymond Blanc.

With a list of a la carte dishes that change seasonally, delight over candlelit delicacies with a distinctive French twist — why not bring the romance of Paris, the city of love, to your Gloucestershire date night?

Calcot Manor in Tetbury

Choose from two stylish restaurants at Calcot Manor in the heart of the Cotswolds and enjoy delicious dishes presented in fabulous fashion by some of the most talented chefs in the county.

Book a table in The Hive for a more casual dining experience with all day grazing available from 12pm until 5pm and a cocktail bar to sample from 12pm until closing. Or opt for the chic Brasserie overlooking the grounds of the manor house, with its dinner menu served until 8.45pm featuring lobster thermidor and steak chateaubriand.

Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham

If you’re looking to really impress your other half, a meal at Gloucestershire's only five star hotel, Ellenborough Park, will do the trick! 

Whether you dine casually from the a la carte or go gourmet with the tasting menu, your taste buds are in for a treat. Pick a table in its laid-back brasserie bar and restaurant, its classic dining room or its seasonal alfresco dining area for a luxurious date night that will definitely earn you some brownie points — its Romantic Retreat offer includes dinner, too.

The Woolpack in Stroud

For something cosy and casual, yet still romantic, grab a table at The Woolpack in Slad, Stroud — a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Its sample menu changes monthly, but often features wholesome favourites such as pork chops with potatoes and a beef cheek and ale pie. Its cheerful team are sure to give you and your loved one an evening to remember with a warm welcome on the side.

The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham

Laid-back, cool and undeniably tasty, The Coconut Tree serves up fuss-free Sri Lankan street food, perfect for enjoying alongside one of its many quirky, island-inspired Cocotails — or Mocotails for those going alcohol-free.

Reminisce over a plate of its devilled chicken wings, hot butter calamari or pineapple curry and take in the good vibes for a charming and vibrant date night.

The Lounge in the Forest of Dean

Operating as a cafe — The Art of Coffee — in the day, then turning into a stylish restaurant and piano lounge, The Lounge in Coleford is a great spot for an intimate evening over candlelight and backed with live music from a local pianist.

Sharing platters packed full of savoury goodies can make for a tactile dining experience paired with a bottle of red or white from its extensive wine list, or one of its bespoke cocktails.

Teatro in Cirencester

If piano really gets you in the mood, a date night at Téatro in Cirencester this Valentine's Day 2024 is sure to be atmospheric and ambient.

With a whole host of live music booked every Friday and Saturday from 9pm, Téatro has established itself as a hot spot for dinner and a show evenings — with all dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

The King's Arms at Prestbury

For those continuing their love affair with the Great British pub, they don't come more traditional than The King's Arms in Prestbury on the edge of Cheltenham.

Raymond Blanc's 20th establishment in his catalogue of UK eateries, the 300-year-old inn's exposed wooden beams and open fireplaces are sure to heat up your Valentine's Day — grab a private nook for cuddling up purposes, naturally.

Sam's Montpellier in Cheltenham

Celebrating the land, sea and earth, the menu at Sam's Montpellier in Cheltenham will delight and inspire taste buds the world over — and its cocktail list is not to be missed.

A range of small plates allow couples to sample multiple flavours and tastes, from beef fillet carpaccio with rocket pesto and pickled carrots; to Shetland mussels with nduja white wine sauce; to smoked cashew croquettes and Wye Valley asparagus.

The Sheep on Sheep Street in Stow-on-the-Wold

Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Sheep on Sheep Street combines Cotswold charm with feast-worthy food, which is a great date night option for something more relaxed.

Get cosy in the gorgeous restaurant or go alfresco and dine on the garden terrace — complete with a feature fireplace, so there's no excuse not to cosy up! Menu highlights including its smoky sourdough wood-fired pizzas and king prawn paella.

The Nook on Five in Cheltenham

Cheltenham's first rooftop restaurant, The Nook on Five, is the perfect setting for taking your dining experience to new heights.

Its menu features dishes such as cured chalk stream trout with pickled grapes and crème fraiche; pork tenderloin with carrot puree and bone marrow caramel; and soy, chilli and garlic tofu with a kimchi fritter and spring onions. All topped off with a cocktail overlooking Imperial Gardens and the observation wheel when it returns this February 2024.

The Farmers Boy Inn in the Forest of Dean

The Farmer's Boy Inn at Longhope is known for its infamous Big Ugly Burger Challenge — and while this man-versus-food challenge is not pretty, the charming Forest of Dean pub does have a romantic side!

Enjoy some downtime with your partner over a pint and sample The Farmer's Boy's popular pie menu, with fillings including tender steak and stout; rich mixed game with cranberry and red wine; and both veggie and vegan options. Make sure to check out the chef's specials chalk board for unique additions, too.

KIBOU in Cheltenham

With its stunning décor and funky wall art transporting diners to a Japanese blossom forest, KIBOU on Cheltenham’s Regent Street is a dreamy destination for a stylish date night.

Cosy up with a bowl of soul-warming ramen or get into the spirit of sharing by ordering a platter of delicious hand-rolled sushi — with plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, as well as traditional raw fish options. Its cocktail menu is very impressive, too!

The Beckford Inn near Tewkesbury

With a whole host of elevated pub classics on the menu, an evening spent at The Beckford Inn offers quality time over flavoursome food.

Promising dishes that are prepared using the freshest ingredients possible from local suppliers and its own kitchen garden, its Valentine's Day menu includes highlights such as Castlemead Farm chicken saltimbocca with garlic-buttered polenta; Butcombe Gold beer-battered cod with thick-cut chips and minted peas; and Cornbury Estate venison bourguignon with smoked celeriac mash — as well as two cocktails for £15. 

Holee Cow in Cheltenham

Keep it uber-casual but super tasty with an epic burger from Holee Cow in Cheltenham, for a date that isn’t too serious.

Based just off of the High Street and unashamedly hipster, Holee Cow serves up fries loaded with pulled pork, jalapeños and spring onions; buffalo wings or crispy jackfruit wings for veggies; and of course, some food coma-inducing burgers. For a chilled date night at home, it also offers a takeaway menu with delivery available in and around Cheltenham.

MBB Brasserie in Cirencester

Cupid's arrow is sure to strike during a dinner date at Cirencester's MBB Brasserie, where diners can sit back, relax and watch their food go from preparation to plate in the open plan kitchen.

Expect stylish dishes full of flavour, with a variety of stunning small plates to pick from — as well as a special focus on celebrating local superstar farmers, with a quinoa, vegetables and chickpea burger; a venison burger with crispy bacon and mushroom ketchup; and a caramelised lamb shoulder with creamy mashed potatoes and a bois boudran sauce.

Petit Coco in Cheltenham

Get intimate at the gorgeous Petit Coco, a traditional French bistro just a short stroll from Cheltenham’s Cambray Place.

Enjoy an indulgent menu by romantic candlelight, with dishes including chilli, garlic and parsley prawns; coq au vin; lamb shank; and desserts like crème brûlée, apple tarte tatin and cherry frangipane to truly make your heart flutter.

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham

Celebrate in luxurious style and treat your loved one to a special dinner date at The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham — it's guaranteed to impress.

Its Valentine's Day set menu promises an unforgettable dining experience, with an array of sharing dishes available to sample alongside a glass of Della Vite Prosecco per person, priced at £75 per person.

Forest Hills Golf Club in the Forest of Dean

Tee up an unforgettable evening of romance at Forest Hills Golf Club in the picturesque scenery of the Forest of Dean. The clubhouse underwent an extensive refurbishment after it was taken over new management and now regularly holds themed evenings, bringing in speciality chefs from across the county — having hosted everything from fish and chip nights to Thai-inspired menus, as well as a visit from the famous Beefy Boys van!

Ideal for a more casual outing, the bar menu also features wholesome homemade favourites to tuck into with a loved one.

Sef Steakhouse in Cheltenham

The ultimate foodie destination for meat lovers, Şef Steakhouse in Cheltenham has a moody and seductive dining room that makes an alluring setting for date night.

Showcasing a menu of exceptional food, created using local and seasonal produce, diners can expect melt-in-the-mouth meat, sublime cuts of steak and an ever-evolving wine list to tantalise their taste buds — watch the flames fly as it's all chargrilled from its open kitchen.

The Speech House in the Forest of Dean

After a bracing walk through the Forest of Dean, The Speech House Hotel is sure to sweep your date off their feet, delivering fine dining experiences surrounded by beautiful woodland.

Take a seat in the historic beamed Verderer's Court restaurant for a curated menu that's refreshed seasonally and always shaped by seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Malmaison in Cheltenham

An idyllic retreat for couples across Gloucestershire, the restaurant at the decadent and vibrant Malmaison hotel in Cheltenham is a great destination that's sure to give you heart eyes this February!

Take advantage of its happy hour taking place Monday to Friday each week from 3pm until 7pm, featuring pornstar and espresso martinis; prosecco and bottles of Heineken.

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