Best restaurants in Stamford

Known for its many listed buildings, rich heritage and various tourist attractions, Stamford is a picturesque town with selling points aplenty. It’s also a hub for great food - and it’s not all Lincolnshire sausages, haslet, and plum bread. While some of the best restaurants in Stamford do indeed specialise in local cuisine, you’ll also find various restaurants serving global cuisine at pocket friendly prices. Whether you’re a diner of the pub grub variety, or a connoisseur of Michelin-worthy fare and authentic Italian cooking - this list contains the very best of the bunch.

Updated on 04 June 2024

You’ll find that there is great variety when it comes to restaurants in Stamford, each with its own unique character and style. Given the extensive history of the town, plenty of Stamford’s cosier restaurants have made the cut. Many have a traditional feel to them, but that’s not to say there aren’t many options for more luxurious, lively and glamorous restaurants. However, some of Stamford’s best restaurants are surprisingly affordable, and are included on this list for their quality, not their price tag.

Rising through the ranks of history, as a 9th-century Danish settlement under Danelaw, Stamford grew into one of the largest 13th-century towns in England. You’ll find some buildings dating to the latter period still survive, and Stamford Castle is one of them. The town is also known for its abundance of church towers - five of which date from the mediaeval period - and boasts 600 listed buildings. But it doesn’t stop there. Throughout the town, you’ll find fine examples of 17th-century stone buildings, and just a short journey could take you to the Elizabethan period Burghley House. The modern town also has plenty to offer, from museums and markets to independent boutiques and on-trend cocktail bars, it ticks all the boxes.

The William Cecil Hotel

St Martins Stamford, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LJ

Settled within a Georgian William Cecil Hotel, Milly’s is a neighbourhood bistro that ticks all the boxes. It’s an anti-corporate space with a homely but energetic atmosphere and menus dazzling with European dishes, roasts, and bold flavours.

£50 - £79

British

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The Crown - Stamford

All Saints' Place, Lincolnshire, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2AG

A former coaching inn turned hotel and restaurant, The Crown is a charming spot for all occasions. The menu is crowd-pleasing but informed by faultless modern technique, Mediterranean influences, and a commitment to quality local produce.

£30 - £49

British

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The Cosy Club Stamford

The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2RB

Found on Shoe Lane, The Cosy Club is where industrial chic meets old English eccentricity with mismatched seating, steel beams, dark wood panelling. Anticipate menus of fresh modern dishes, sharing plates and comforting classics.

Under £30

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The Slanted Door

43 St Mary's, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DS?

Don’t let the 16th-century building fool you - The Slanted Door is far from antiquated. It’s an achingly on-trend cocktail bar and restaurant offering a contemporary fine dining menu, bar snacks, and a host of never-before-seen cocktails.

£30 - £49

Modern European

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The Olive Branch Country Inn

Main Street, Clipsham, Stamford, Rutland, LE15 7SH

An award-winning hotel and pub in Clipsham, The Olive Branch is a top spot for inventive seasonal dishes that champion local produce with British flair. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions, it’s one of our favourites.

£30 - £49

Modern European

British

Gastropub

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Cloisters Bistro

9 St Mary's Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DE

A stylish family-owned Italian bistro serving a menu of antipasti, crisp hand stretched pizzas, and classic pasta dishes - Cloisters Bistro is a fixture of the Stamford town centre. It’s simple but authentic food, done right.

Under £30

Italian

Bistro

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The Bull & Swan at Burghley

St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LJ

Devoid of pomp and pretence, The Bull & Swan is what a country pub should be: a place for good company, great drinks, and glorious British food. Plus, you can begin your meal with an aperitif in the kitchen garden.

£50 - £79

British

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The Oak Room Restaurant at The George

The George Hotel of Stamford, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LB

Located within The George Hotel, dinner at The Oak Room Restaurant is a grand affair best reserved for significant occasions. Expect a fine dining menu of modern British fare, candlelit tables, and oak-panelled walls.

£50 - £79

British

Afternoon tea

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If you’re planning for a special occasion, you’re likely to find one on this list that fits your requirements. But if by some fluke our choice of the best restaurants in Stamford doesn’t tick your boxes, you have other options - we’ve also rounded up all the private dining rooms in Stamford and included some helpful filters.

In the mood for something more cosmopolitan? The best restaurants in Nottingham serve everything you could wish for, from Punjabi cuisine to French bistro fare. Or, if British cuisine is your go-to, take a peek at our favourite afternoon teas in Nottingham.