A city steeped in history with its impressive cathedral, Gloucester is also somewhat of a foodie underdog to its neighbouring town of Cheltenham. With various cultural influences in the city, come to Gloucester prepared to find a variety of top restaurants. Whether you prefer a taste of the exotic or traditional British classic dishes, there’s a great range of restaurants to choose from. Head to the iconic Gloucester Docks for new, up and coming restaurants, or into the city for some much loved favourites. Without further ado, here’s my guide to the best restaurants in Gloucester.
Looking for food in nearby Cheltenham? Check out my guide to the best restaurants in Cheltenham.
Queens Head, Tewkesbury Road
On the outskirts of Gloucester in the pretty village of Longford, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Gloucester – the Queens Head. Well worth the journey out of the city centre, the Queens Head is a classic British gastropub serving up some delicious dishes. Check out their incredible classics, like their famous Longford lamb, served with champ mash, veg, and rich mint gravy. Other favourites include slow cooked belly pork in West Country cider, and stuffed chicken breast with cream cheese, spring onion, and chives, wrapped in bacon. Don’t miss their incredible Sunday roasts too – you’ll see why once you’ve ordered it. Wash it all down with a wonderful range of real ales, both locally produced and beyond.


Greek on the Docks, Merchants Quay
A contemporary Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, Greek on the Docks has a prime waterside spot at the historic Gloucester Docks. One of the best restaurants in Gloucester, you’ll find authentic Greek food here with an emphasis on using local ingredients to make great dishes. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Gloucester Docks while perusing the menu. You’ll find delicious Greek classics, from their moussaka with layers of aubergine and beef mince, to a delicious souvlaki grilled on a skewer and served with fries, tzatziki, and pitta bread. There’s also a great choice of mixed grills. Try the traditional, with pork skewer, burger, lamb chop, Greek sausage, and chicken fillet, with a tasty range of sides. It’s a little taste of the Med from the comfort of your waterside seat in Gloucester.


Bangkok Canteen, Westgate Street
With a menu that prides itself on being 100% gluten free, it’s hard to keep away from the delicious Thai dishes at Bangkok Canteen. A family run Thai restaurant in the heart of Gloucester, Bangkok Canteen aims to create authentic Thai food using local produce. You’ll see how the two are blended together in speciality dishes including Old Spot Panang. It’s a creamy yet spicy curry with Gloucester Old Spot pork and crackling. Other favourite dishes include street food style Bangkok sirloin steak, served with grilled vegetables and salad, with a chill sauce. Don’t miss the jumbo Tom Yum too – fresh prawns in a creamy Tom Yum sauce that’s to die for. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best restaurants in Gloucester.


Settebello, Merchant Quay
With a delicious menu based on the cuisine of southern Italy, at Settebello you can expect great quality cooking with fresh ingredients. One of the best restaurants in Gloucester, Settebello places an emphasis on family style dining, and the main staples of the menu are pizza and pasta. It’s in a lovely location at Gloucester Docks, so you can enjoy some picturesque waterfront dining. Pizza lovers will enjoy the metre long pizzas for sharing. You can choose from delicious toppings like grilled courgette and prawns, fior de latte and San Marzano tomatoes, and artichoke and mushrooms. Other delicious main courses to choose from include paccheri con slow braised ox cheek ragu, and an excellent spaghetti carbonara. Whatever you choose, you won’t regret it!


Sebz, Northgate Street
When it comes to tapas and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, there’s nowhere else when it comes to the best restaurants in Gloucester. Sebz serves up the incredible tastes of the Med right in the heart of Gloucester city centre. With a relaxed and friendly ambience, you can get stuck in to the delicious tapas on offer, made with fresh ingredients. Specialising in fresh fish and grilled meats, feast on tasty favourites like Paella Valenciana, calamari with garlic mayo, and salt cod fish cakes with sweet chilli sauce. What’s more, for just over twenty pounds per person, you can eat as many tapas as you like! There’s also an a la carte menu should you fancy something a little heartier. Dishes include Portuguese skewers, piri piri chicken, and sea bass fillet with dauphinoise. You’ll have a great meal.


Nepalese Chef, London Road
For some of the most delicious Indian and Nepalese food in Gloucestershire, head to London Road’s Nepalese Chef. Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Gloucestershire, their friendly staff will welcome you in to for excellent food. Nepalese Chef’s experienced team of chefs have experience in working in many of Nepal and India’s well regarded restaurants, and it certainly shows. Their knowledgeable team will help you choose a meal that you’ll love, based on ingredients, aromas, and spiciness. For lovers of spice, try their speciality Garlic Chilli Tawa, made with garlic, ginger, green chilli, and fresh spices. You’ll also find the classic dishes like tikka masala, korma, and dhansak. Whatever you pick, you won’t leave hungry!


Shanghai, Bristol Road
One of the best restaurants in Gloucester, Shanghai also dishes up some of the best Chinese cuisine you’ll find in the county. Operating an order-as-much-as-you-like policy all week, you can choose from some delicious plates of Oriental food. Order your own or share with the table. Don’t miss the classics like aromatic crispy duck, fried crispy chilli beef, and shredded chicken in garlic sauce. The Kung Po chilli chicken is to die for! Whatever you order will be delicious, and you’ll leave full so be sure to arrive hungry. Shanghai also operates a takeaway service if you prefer, but part of the fun is ordering and sharing.


Topoly’s, Southgate Street
Another Italian favourite in Gloucester is traditional Topoly’s on Southgate Street in the city centre. A family owned Italian restaurant, Topoly’s has been serving authentic Italian food for over twenty years. One of the best restaurants in Gloucester, all its delicious Italian dishes are made using fresh ingredients. There’s a tasty range of pastas on offer. Try the tagliatelle salmone e broccoletti, or the incredible spaghetti puccini, made with chicken, mushrooms, cream, and white wine. The pizzas are equally as delicious – prosciutto and funghi, and the pollo con pepperoni are strong recommendations. As with any good Italian restaurant, there’s a great wine list sourced from all regions of Italy to complement each and every dish.


Dough from Dough Pizza, Westgate Street
With a strong rugby theme thanks to its name and cherry and white colours, Dough from Dough is a true nod to Gloucester Rugby. But what better combo for after a rugby match than beer and pizza? As an independent pizza place, it’s also one of the best restaurants in Gloucester. With pizzas that range for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free options, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in delicious toppings, including the classic Cherry and White (fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella). Top recommendations include the Meat One with ham, pepperoni, chorizo, smoked bacon, and Old Spot Sausage. You can’t really go wrong. Just don’t forget to try some of the Tubby fries – spicy fries with Tubby Tom’s delicious ‘Tubby Dust’.


That’s my guide to the best restaurants in Gloucester. Do you have a favourite restaurant? Are there any others you’d recommend?