Cheltenham has rather impressively become a bit of a foodie hub in recent years. Various restaurants and gastropubs have been popping up all over the Gloucestershire town, making it pretty difficult to choose where to go for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty English food, something a little more exotic, or more of a health-conscious, vegan meal, Cheltenham has it all. If you’re heading to Cheltenham Races, this list may be particularly helpful, but be sure to book ahead. Read on for my take on the best restaurants in Cheltenham.
The Coconut Tree, St. Paul’s Road
The Coconut Tree brings the delicious flavours of exotic Sri Lanka to Cheltenham. With an enviable menu, there’s a choice of aromatic and flavourful meat and fish, as well as tons of tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can pick between tapas style dishes to try a little bit of everything, or larger plates. The cocktails are equally as delicious. Even acclaimed food critic, Jay Rayner, gave The Coconut Tree his seal of approval – it’s for sure one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham.
Looking for somewhere to grab a drink before your meal? Here’s my guide to the best bars in Cheltenham.
Lumiere, Clarence Parade
The finest of dining experiences in the Gloucestershire town, Lumiere boasts 3AA Rosettes, and for good reason. The restaurant serves top quality British food that’s delicious and pops with flavour. You can expect incredible presentation and a team that is knowledgable about every single ingredient. On your visit, try a six or nine course tasting menu so that you can try various dishes crafted by chef Jon Howe. It’s undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham.
Purslane, Rodney Road
A popular independent restaurant in the heart of Cheltenham, Purslane is famous for its incredible seafood dishes. The restaurant sources sustainably fished seafood from Britain, and combines it with local Cotswold ingredients to make delicious dishes. From traditional salt baking to barbecuing, you’ll make a menu choice you won’t regret. The friendly team will help you to find wine pairings that complement each flavour.
L’Artisan, Clarence Street
One of the best restaurants in Cheltenham offers an elegant European flair. L’Artisan serves up some of the most delicious French cuisine in the town, with authentic recipes from our pals across the Channel. Feast on fresh fish or fillet steak with bread, all paired with some incredible red wine. All dishes are presented beautifully and there’s a warm ambience that really puts dining at L’Artisan on the next level.
The Mayflower Restaurant, Clarence Street
A firm favourite on the town’s foodie scene for nearly forty years, The Mayflower is one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham. The family run restaurant has maintained its reputation for excellent Chinese cuisine and rightly stood the test of time. With classics to new dishes to try, don’t miss the incredible crispy aromatic duck with pancakes, and the amazing spare ribs. Everything is dished up with a smile at this fantastic restaurant.
The Daffodil, Suffolk Parade
Situated within a beautiful Art Deco building that was once a traditional cinema, there’s no better setting for The Daffodil. One of the best restaurants in Cheltenham, the glamorous restaurant serves delicious European fare. Begin your meal with cocktails from the bar that overlooks the restaurant, before sampling their famous double baked cheese souffle. You certainly won’t regret it.
East India Cafe, Promenade
With an ethos that celebrates the idea of bringing home cooking into the restaurant, East India Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham. The kitchen brings to life dishes from the British Raj era in Colonial India, bringing a twist on Indian classics. The restaurant has since gone on to win countless awards with its careful blend of ingredients. After a delicious tasting menu, you can hop next door to their Memsahib Gin and Tea Bar.
The Ox, Cambray Place
A real carnivore’s paradise, The Ox dishes up unparalleled steaks in Cheltenham. Visit feeling hungry – you can pick from tapas style dishes to charcuterie boards, and incredible steaks. Meat lovers will thoroughly enjoy the tasty fillet steaks which are cooked to perfection. There’s a hip cocktail bar to kick off your experience. Don’t miss the triple cooked chips and incredible béarnaise sauce to match.
The Curry Corner, Fairview Road
Another family run restaurant, The Curry Corner is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham. Having recently celebrated over forty years establishment in the town, the Indian restaurant has been in long service for good reason. Local produced is used in each and every single dish. Sample delights like Gloucestershire bred Longhorn beef curry and Cotswold lamb shank masala. The restaurant has won various awards over the years and fed guests like Gordon Ramsay and Richard Branson.
There’s my pick of the best restaurants in Cheltenham. Are there any great restaurants I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments below.
not too shabby at all!