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The best restaurants in Nottingham

Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest may be well known because of its connections to the legend of Robin Hood, but we think it’s safe to say that there’s more to this city than tales of a man who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Not least the thriving scene of Nottingham restaurants, which covers everything from modern operations to more traditional affairs. There’s plenty of representation of the global pantry too, with Nottingham home to a number of curry houses and Thai restaurants in particular. If you’ve made it your mission to visit all of the best restaurants in Nottingham, our guide to the city is the only round-up you need to consult.

Updated on 07 February 2023

Found in the midlands, Nottingham is one of the UK’s most famous cities. While the tourist board might capitalise on the area’s connections to the legend of Robin Hood, we think that Nottingham’s dynamic restaurant scene is more than enough reason to pay this city a visit.

Sure, there are plenty of other reasons to stop by though, aside from what you can find on your plate. Not only is Nottingham home to a prestigious university, it is also steeped in history, stretching back hundreds of years. Culture vultures can pay a visit to the hilltop Nottingham Castle, which has been around since the medieval era, while the Elizabethan mansion Wollaton Hall boasts a deer park and manicured gardens which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

All of that exploring will undoubtedly leave you hungry though, so it’s a good job that Nottingham is blessed with a number of fantastic dining options. Ranging from Michelin-starred haunts to casual stopovers, Nottingham’s food scene is as exciting as it is diverse. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants Nottingham has to offer, peruse our selection of Nottingham restaurants below and see which one (or two, or three) takes your fancy.

Bestwood Lodge

Bestwood Lodge

Bestwood Lodge Drive, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 8NE

Set in 700 acres of parkland and with a dining room that features high ceilings and a crystal chandelier, The Parkland Restaurant at Bestwood Lodge is special occasion dining done right. Great wine list too.
British
World Service

World Service

Castle Gate , Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6AF

The setting of 17th Century Newdigate House should be enough to tempt you to World Service, but the food certainly seals the deal. Expect daily-changing menus of seasonally led dishes and a great value prix-fixe.
£30 - £49
French
Kayal

Kayal

8 Broad Street, Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3AL

A sibling to Leicester’s highly-prized Halli, this curry house with a twist champions south Indian seafood, although vegetarians can eat well here too. The express lunch thalis, starting from just £7, are a steal.
Under £30
Indian
Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

Lenton Lane, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2SA

Boasting a legion of fans, this two Michelin-star restaurant serves experimental dishes in a collection of converted barns. Post-dinner, you can stay over in one of eight bedrooms and enjoy a cooked breakfast the next morning.
Over £80
Modern European
British
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Delilah

Delilah

15 Middle Pavement, Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 7DX

Delilah is a mezzanine café where the dishes are made from products which you can buy in the deli below. It’s open all day, but we’d say weekend brunch is the best time to visit.
Under £30
International
Le Bistrot Pierre Nottingham

Le Bistrot Pierre Nottingham

13-17 Milton Street, Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3EN

French menus can sometimes get a bad rep for being overcomplicated and overpriced, but Le Bistrot Pierre is the antithesis of this, serving delicious and fuss-free Gallic classics. There’s an extensive French wine list too.
£30 - £49
Afternoon tea
French
Kushi-ya

Kushi-ya

1A Cannon Court, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6JE

Located in the heart of Nottingham, but hidden to the untrained eye, is this Japanese grill serving a selection of small plates in a laid-back setting. Wooden beams frame the room, with a splash of colour from the blue tiling on the bar, and a view into the kitchen through the back.

£30 - £49
Japanese
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Carrington Restaurant

The Carrington Restaurant

The Carrington Restaurant 312 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 2EF

Part of the Nottingham Westminster Hotel, The Carrington is best known for its classic Sunday roast. Come here with the family for roast beef served alongside Yorkshire pudding, seasonal veg and lashings of thick gravy.
£30 - £49
British
Alchemilla Nottingham

Alchemilla Nottingham

192 Derby Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 1NF

Michelin-starred Alchemilla has made a name for itself for turning out truly innovative dishes based around modern ideas. Choose from five, seven or 10-course tasting menus and allow the team to take you on a gastronomic journey. 

Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Hockley Arts Club

The Hockley Arts Club

20a Carlton Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1NN

Spread across three floors, this fun speakeasy bar boasts a vintage look and a run of innovative cocktails. The food is worth your time too though, thanks to thoughtfully chosen charcuterie and bottomless afternoon tea.
£30 - £49
Bars
International
Hart

Hart's Restaurant

Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6GN

From the team behind the magnificent Hambleton Hall in Rutland, it’s no surprise that Hart’s is a formidable restaurant. Expect contemporary British fare in a smart dining room punctuated by cosy booths and soft lighting.
£30 - £49
Steak
British
Afternoon tea
MemSaab

MemSaab

12-14 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6HS

Nottingham isn’t short of Indian restaurants, but MemSaab is rightfully among the most popular. The menu ranges from Brit curry house staples (samosas, onion bhajis) to more authentic fare such as spicy goan fish curry.
Under £30
International
Indian
The Cumin Restaurant

The Cumin Restaurant

62 - 64 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6BJ

Set over two floors, The Cumin has been impressing Nottingham’s curry connoisseurs since 2007. North Indian and Punjabi cuisine is the name of the game, which translates to dishes such as old Delhi butter chicken.
Indian
Perkins Restaurant & Bar

Perkins Restaurant & Bar

Station House,Plumtree, Nottingham Station Rd, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG12 5NA

This family-run operation resides in a former Victorian railway station in the heart of the countryside. It’s worth the trek to savour the likes of Cornish monkfish with triple-cooked chips or apple and cinnamon tart.
£30 - £49
Modern European
Cockliffe House

Cockliffe House

Burnt Stump Country Park, Burnt Stump Hill, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 8PQ

Classic afternoon tea and Sunday roasts tell you that Cockliffe House is a bastion of tradition. This is also true of its menu, served in a dining room boasting views of the property’s extensive gardens.
£30 - £49
Modern European
Larwood & Voce

Larwood & Voce

Fox Road, Trent Bridge, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, NG2 6AJ

This family-friendly gastropub is best known for its epic Sunday roasts, which include the likes of pork belly with apple sauce or beef with trimmings. The location behind Trent Bridge cricket ground is handy too.
£30 - £49
Gastropub
Playhouse Bar & Kitchen Nottingham

Playhouse Bar & Kitchen Nottingham

Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 5AF

Finding a good pre-theatre option can be a struggle, so where better to go than the theatre itself? Dinner might include prawn cocktail dusted with smoked paprika, while there’s a well thought-out children’s menu too.
Under £30
International
French Living

French Living

27 King St, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 2AY

A classic French bistro which has been thrilling Nottingham’s foodie folk since 1994, French Living is the place to visit for well assured Gallic dishes – escargots, steak frites and fairly-priced French wines come as standard.
Under £30
French

In the mood for brunch? Don't miss our list of Nottingham's best bottomless brunches.

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