Best restaurants in Preston

Settled in the heart of Lancashire, Preston is a city that’s filled with history, fun activities, great shopping, and plenty of incredible restaurants. The butter pie is a famous dish in Preston, a Lancastrian delicacy that's made up of onions, potatoes and butter, baked until golden. How decadent does that sound! But, aside from old-school favourites, Preston has plenty of more modern restaurants, along with chains, and many independent eateries. Find them all in our ultimate list.

Updated on 03 July 2024

We’re especially impressed by the number of restaurants that offer the great British favourite of afternoon tea in Preston and can just imagine how delicious a scone and English Breakfast will taste after a busy day in the town centre. Restaurants in Preston also cater to diverse occasions. Whether it's a romantic anniversary, a child-friendly lunch spot, or an impromptu midweek dinner, our roundup of Preston’s best restaurants is sure to provide some inspiration.

Found on the north bank of the River Ribble, Preston’s recorded history dates back as far as the Roman period. The name comes from ‘priest’s turn’ a now forgotten term for farm or estate, indicating that the early settlement here dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period and was ecclesiastical in nature. Since then, this northern city thrived as a hub for textile manufacturing and was later transformed by the cotton industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. If you enjoy soaking up culture, we'd recommend a visit to the Lancashire Infantry Museum or the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum. There’s much to see in the way of parks and gardens too, so if you’re looking to work up an appetite you’ve got plenty of options. Many of the best restaurants in Preston double as bars too, so if you’re looking for evening fun you’ll have all the bases covered.

From affordable Italian joints to contemporary fine dining, discover all the top places to eat in the city.

1842 Restaurant & Bar

Lune Street, Preston, PR1 2NN

Found within the former Corn Exchange, 1842 Restaurant & Bar offers an immersive dining experience complete with internationally influenced dishes, excellent service, and live music. It’s just the ticket for a fun evening out.

£30 - £49

British

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Fino Tapas

Above PLAU, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2EE

Fino Tapas offers more than just a selection of tapas plates. This is a laid-back restaurant where the tenets of Spanish dining shine. Think adventurous sharing plates, authentic Spanish recipes, an informal atmosphere, and friendly service.

£30 - £49

Tapas

Spanish

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Aven

10 Camden Place, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3JL

Small but mighty and perfectly formed, Aven is an intimate modern restaurant paying homage to wild and British ingredients. It's a date-night-worthy tasting menu affair that guarantees an exceptional experience with seasonal produce and unusual foraged ingredients.

Over £80

Vegetarian

British

French

Fish

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The Tickled Trout at Macdonald Hotel

Preston New Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0UJ

Emboldened by innovative flavours and seasonal produce, The Tickled Trout offers a versatile menu of British favourites. Whether it’s a romantic riverside evening dinner, an indulgent afternoon tea, or an alfresco lunch - all occasions are catered for.

£30 - £49

British

Afternoon tea

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Angelo's

31-35 Avenham Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3BN

A Preston favourite since 1980, Angelo’s is a family-run Italian restaurant with glamorous interiors and a penchant for marrying authentic Italian dishes with modern inspiration. Think black pudding bruschetta and traditional pizzas. Buon Apetito!

£30 - £49

Pizza

Italian

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New Continental

South Meadow Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 8JP

New Continental is a pub and restaurant serving British and international favourites with views of the river. Looking for a cheerful spot with satisfying food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere? This is the place.

£30 - £49

British

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Bistrot Pierre Preston

The Church, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2NJ

Occupying a lovingly restored 19th-century church in Preston town centre, Bistrot Pierre showcases the best of French cuisine, Bistrot classics, and seasonal creations. It’s equally suited to a relaxed dinner or a quick shopping-stop lunch.

£30 - £49

Afternoon tea

French

Bistro

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While there’s much to see in Preston, it would be a shame not to visit the coast particularly when it's so close. So, we’ve done the hard part and rounded up all the best Italian restaurants in Blackpool serving hearty pasta dishes and expertly crisped pizzas.

Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for the best of the best, simply take a peek at our ultimate collection of Manchester’s Michelin-star restaurants for an extra hit of luxury. Sometimes though, you just can’t go wrong with a plate of roast beef, Yorkshire puds, and a boatload of gravy, so we’ve covered the best Sunday roasts in Manchester too.