Best Restaurants in East Midlands
Hungry in East Midlands? Explore top-rated restaurants with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.
The best restaurants in East Midlands
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
30 restaurants
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Thai4.5★3,490 reviews
Zaap Thai Street Food
Zaap Thai Street Food in Nottingham offers a vibrant, bustling dining experience that transports you to the lively streets of Bangkok. With over 80 authentic Thai street food dishes, from spicy Tom Yum soups to rich Massaman curries, this restaurant blends traditional flavors with quirky, engaging decor including seating in a converted tuk tuk. Known for generous portions and friendly service, Zaap provides an immersive taste of Thailand’s street food culture in the heart of the UK.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Tapas4.7★2,137 reviews
Yamas Meze & Tapas
Yamas Meze & Tapas, located in Nottingham city centre, offers a vibrant dining experience inspired by Greek, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisines. Known for its warm, family-run atmosphere and extensive menu featuring gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, Yamas invites guests to share a variety of freshly prepared meze and tapas dishes. With generous portions, a lively ambiance, and a popular midday lunch deal, it’s a beloved spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Wed–Sat 12:00–21:00 · Sun 13:00–20:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Italian4.6★2,075 reviews
Ciao Bella
Ciao Bella in Mansfield offers a lively Italian dining experience with a diverse menu ranging from authentic Italian dishes to casual lounge fare. Located in the historic Cattle Market House on Nottingham Road, it combines a welcoming atmosphere with modern decor, making it a favorite for locals and visitors seeking quality food and friendly service in a relaxed setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Tapas4.5★1,311 reviews
baresca
Baresca is a lively tapas bar located in Nottingham’s city centre, offering an authentic taste of Spain with a focus on Catalan-inspired small plates. Known for its open kitchen, rustic yet fresh décor, and a vibrant atmosphere, it serves a variety of tapas, flatbreads, and cocktails in a welcoming setting. The restaurant is popular for its Menu del Dia, featuring well-crafted dishes at moderate prices, making it a top choice for tapas lovers in Nottingham.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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French4.7★868 reviews
French Living
French Living is a charming French restaurant located at 27 King Street, Nottingham. Renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu featuring classic French dishes with modern touches, it offers a delightful dining experience. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, it is praised for its delicious food, attentive service, and reasonable prices, making it a favored spot for lovers of French cuisine in the city.
Tue–Sat 12:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Restaurant4.4★963 reviews
Tom Browns - Nottingham
Tom Browns Brasserie in Gunthorpe, Nottingham, offers an elegant riverside dining experience with a focus on British gastropub cuisine. Set beside the River Trent, this stylish restaurant combines a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and attentive service. Its refined yet relaxed environment makes it a popular choice for special occasions, casual lunches, and weekend treats, with standout dishes like roast beef and lamb.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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French4.7★832 reviews
Le Mistral Sherwood - French Restaurant
Le Mistral Sherwood is a warmly inviting French restaurant located on Mansfield Road in Nottingham’s Sherwood district. Known for its authentic French cuisine, intimate atmosphere, and attentive service, it offers classic dishes with modern twists and a well-curated wine list. This moderately priced bistro is a local favorite for relaxed dining, featuring generous portions and a cozy, rustic ambiance reminiscent of a Parisian eatery.
Mon–Sat 12:00–23:00 · Sun 12:00–22:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Vegan4.8★718 reviews
No.Twelve
No.Twelve is a cozy, highly acclaimed vegan restaurant located in Eldon Chambers on Wheeler Gate, Nottingham. Known for its inventive plant-based menu crafted by a former Jamie’s Italian chef, it offers a warm atmosphere with exceptional food and attentive service. Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings, it’s a must-visit for vegans and vegetarians seeking creative, flavorful dining in Nottingham’s city center.
Wed 17:00–22:00 · Thu–Sat 12:00–22:00Price level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Inn4.8★615 reviews
The Royal Oak
Nestled in the picturesque village of Long Whatton near Loughborough, The Royal Oak is a celebrated gastropub offering quality modern British cuisine, a wide selection of drinks, and stylish 4-star gold bedrooms. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent service, it also features a versatile function room ideal for celebrations and business events. Close to East Midlands Airport and local attractions, it blends traditional pub charm with contemporary comforts.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Restaurant4.7★611 reviews
The Windmill Inn
The Windmill Inn in Brascote, Leicester, is a warmly welcoming 19th-century pub and restaurant known for its hearty English cuisine, real ales, and inviting atmosphere. With exposed wooden beams and a cozy interior, it offers generous portions of classic dishes including acclaimed Sunday roasts and homemade pies. The inn combines rustic charm with attentive service, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed dining experience in the Leicestershire countryside.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms
Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms is a distinguished two Michelin-starred dining destination in Nottingham, known for its innovative modern European cuisine and immersive tasting menus. Set in a converted stable with elegant rooms, it offers a unique blend of culinary artistry, attentive service, and a tranquil atmosphere. The restaurant features a kitchen bench experience, a garden supplying fresh produce, and expertly paired wines, making it a must-visit for food connoisseurs seeking a refined and memorable gastronomic journey.
Price level $$$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
The Old Vol
The Old Vol, located in Caythorpe near Nottingham, is a celebrated gastropub offering award-winning food in a relaxed countryside setting. Known for its locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and an extensive menu including plant-based options, it combines a warm, vibrant atmosphere with attentive service. The venue features indoor and outdoor seating, including cozy pods, making it ideal for special occasions or casual dining experiences.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
John's House
John's House is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located on Stonehurst Farm in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. Set within a rustic 16th-century farmhouse, it offers refined, seasonal tasting menus inspired by local, farm-fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding 400-acre estate. The intimate, homely atmosphere combines exposed brick and wooden beams with attentive, informal service, making it a celebrated destination for exceptional British cuisine with a farm-to-plate ethos.
Wed–Sat 12:00–13:30, 18:00–19:30Price level $$$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Hambleton Hall
A quintessentially English country house hotel set on a peninsula jutting into Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall combines Victorian elegance with contemporary comfort. This intimate 17-bedroom retreat has held a Michelin star since 1982—the longest continuously held in the UK—and offers exceptional fine dining under head chef Aaron Patterson, alongside immaculate grounds, traditional country pursuits, and personalised service that treats guests as house visitors rather than paying customers.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Darleys Restaurant & Terrace
Darleys Restaurant & Terrace is a stylish contemporary British dining venue set in the historic Darley Abbey Mill by the River Derwent in Derby. Known for its seasonal menus, tasting options, and scenic waterfront views, it combines fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes focusing on local produce, alongside an extensive wine list and cocktails, making it a notable culinary destination in Derbyshire.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Alchemilla
Alchemilla is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located in the atmospheric red-brick cellar of a Victorian coach house on Derby Road, Nottingham. Led by chef Alex Bond, it offers a creative tasting menu that masterfully blends British and European influences with East Asian flavors, emphasizing sustainably sourced ingredients. The setting’s rustic vaulted arches contrast with modern design touches, creating a unique dining experience that balances tradition and innovation.
Wed–Fri 17:00–19:30 · Sat 12:00–13:30, 18:00–20:00Time to spend 1.5–3.5 hrs
Fourwards Restaurant
Fourwards Restaurant is a family-run dining venue in Earl Shilton, Leicester, known for its exceptional British cuisine that blends classic flavors with modern creativity. Set in a welcoming atmosphere on High Street, it offers a diverse menu featuring award-winning dishes made from quality ingredients. With attentive service and a cozy ambiance, Fourwards caters to families and food lovers seeking a refined yet approachable dining experience.
Thu–Sat 12:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00 · Sun 12:00–18:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
La Rock Restaurant
La Rock Restaurant in Sandiacre, Nottingham, offers an exquisite modern European dining experience with refined British and French influences. Known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and creative, understated dishes, La Rock is a destination for food lovers seeking sophisticated flavors in a stylish setting. The restaurant features a carefully curated wine list and seasonal menus that highlight local ingredients.
Thu–Sat 12:00–21:00 · Sun 12:00–16:00Price level $$$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Hammer & Pincers
Hammer & Pincers is a celebrated modern British restaurant located in the village of Wymeswold near Loughborough. Housed in a former village forge, it blends historic charm with a stylish interior to offer a creative, seasonal menu praised for its refined flavors and artistic presentation. The restaurant features tasting and grazing menus with expertly paired wines, alongside boutique guest rooms, making it a destination for memorable culinary experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Black Iron
Black Iron is a contemporary steakhouse and bar located within the elegant Winstanley House in Leicester. Celebrated for its quality British produce and expertly grilled meats, it offers a refined dining experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Open daily from early morning until late, Black Iron combines traditional culinary techniques with a modern setting, making it a standout destination for meat lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Lighthouse Restaurant
Nestled in the tranquil village of Boylestone near Ashbourne, The Lighthouse Restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience showcasing ambitious seasonal British cuisine. Known for its tasting and midweek grazing menus, it combines locally sourced ingredients with creative flair, highlighted by dishes like Thai-inspired coconut and chilli broth and a standout beef fillet. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a celebrated destination for food lovers seeking refined flavors in a peaceful rural setting.
Wed–Sat 18:00–24:00Price level $$$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
The Bridge & Bayleaf
Nestled in Gunthorpe, Nottingham, The Bridge & Bayleaf offers an exquisite Indian dining experience with a focus on authentic flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Known for its fine dining approach to South Asian cuisine, this restaurant combines traditional recipes with modern presentation, serving halal dishes in a relaxed yet elegant setting. Open from early evening until late, it is a favored spot for those seeking quality Indian food with attentive service.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The White Swan
The White Swan in Shawell is a distinguished restaurant and bar offering modern British cuisine with fine dining flair. Housed in a charming historic building on Main Street, it features a bright, airy interior with a notable skylight and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Known for its balanced, thoughtfully prepared dishes and excellent service, it blends traditional country pub charm with contemporary elegance, making it a favored destination for quality dining near Lutterworth.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Dovecote Restaurant
The Dovecote Restaurant, nestled within the Morley Hayes Golf Club near Ilkeston, Derbyshire, offers a refined dining experience celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced menus. Known for its elegant atmosphere and attentive service, it serves indulgent Champagne Breakfasts, elegant Afternoon Teas, refined dinners, and traditional Sunday lunches, all set against tranquil countryside views.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Dom restaurant and bar
Dom Restaurant and Bar in Thurlaston, Leicester, is a highly acclaimed small plates eatery known for its expertly crafted dishes and warm atmosphere. Located at 22 Church Street, it offers a refined dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients and attentive service. The restaurant operates mainly on weekends and select weekdays, providing a cozy spot for food lovers seeking a memorable meal in a village setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Corinthian Restaurant
Nestled in the historic Belgrave Rooms on Goldsmith Street, Corinthian Restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience with expertly crafted Modern British cuisine. Known for its elegant décor, attentive service, and excellent value, this venue combines a sophisticated atmosphere with generous portions and a varied menu. Open Wednesday to Saturday, it is a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions in Nottingham’s city center.
Wed–Sat 12:00–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Taylor's Fine Dining
Taylor's Fine Dining is a celebrated French fine dining restaurant located at 25 Castle Gate in Newark-on-Trent. Renowned for its exceptional tasting menus, expertly paired wines, and attentive service, it offers a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its culinary creativity, beautiful presentation, and a memorable gastronomic experience that highlights local ingredients and French techniques.
Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Refined
Refined is a celebrated fine dining restaurant located on Derby Road in Mansfield, housed within Vision West Nottinghamshire College. Known for its exceptional culinary training program, it offers a unique blend of gourmet cuisine prepared by talented trainees under expert supervision. The restaurant features seasonal menus, themed dining nights, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a top dining choice in Mansfield with a moderate price range.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Restaurant Jericho
Nestled on Orchard Farm in Plungar, Nottinghamshire, Restaurant Jericho offers an exceptional farm-to-table fine dining experience. Known for its innovative tasting menus cooked over wood, this intimate venue blends rustic charm with sophisticated culinary artistry. Guests enjoy a warm, relaxed atmosphere with locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the Vale of Belvoir’s rich agricultural heritage.
Wed–Sat 19:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3.5 hrs
Craig Riley @ Donington Manor Hotel
Craig Riley at Donington Manor Hotel offers an exceptional fine dining experience in Castle Donington, Derbyshire. Renowned for modern British cuisine, the restaurant combines exquisite presentation, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere within a historic manor setting. Guests enjoy creatively crafted dishes and attentive service, making it a standout destination for special occasions and culinary enthusiasts.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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