The best restaurants in Nottingham

Boasting a legion of fans, this two Michelin-star restaurant serves experimental dishes in a collection of converted barns. Headed up by legendary chef Sat Bains, the restaurant is at the forefront of British fine dining, boasting its own urban kitchen garden and al fresco courtyard. Post-dinner, you can stay over in one of eight bedrooms and enjoy a cooked breakfast the next morning.

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. Here, you'll also find a range of delicacies available for purchase, including French wines and cheese.

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. You'll also find plenty of cold buffet options, including homemade sandwiches and fresh sides like rice salad and caramelised onion quiche.

When you find yourself craving meat, you can always rely on Marco Pierre White’s steakhouse chain to be well stocked with British beef, whether you fancy a fillet steak or a Porterhouse T-bone. On the menu, you'll also find tempting sides, such as triple-cooked chips and crispy onion rings, as well as a proper Sunday roast. 

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, spanning pan-fried duck breast, chicken liver parfait and, of course, an indulgent bouef bourguignon. There’s an extensive French wine list too.

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. Dishes span roast rump of lamb, fresh seafood, and interesting veggie plates, as well as a classic afternoon tea offering too.

Michelin-starred Alchemilla has made a name for itself by turning out truly innovative dishes based around modern ideas. Choose from two tasting menus and allow the team to take you on a gastronomic journey, where vegetables are given just as much limelight as meat and fish. The majority of the food is made in-house, from the bread to the pickles.

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, tandoori supreme chicken, lamb rogan josh and butter chicken makhni.

Spread across three floors, this fun speakeasy bar boasts a vintage look and a run of innovative cocktails. Each floor has a different theme, from a Scandi pub to an electric garden. On the second floor, you'll find the Blue Rooms where there's full table service, and the food is worth your time, thanks to thoughtfully chosen charcuterie and bottomless afternoon tea. 

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, with the watering hole getting particularly busy on match days.

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, with all of the food here bought in daily using local suppliers. 

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. For a great cup of coffee, a mean charcuterie board, or a delicious little sweet treat, this is one of the loveliest places in Nottingham for a bite to eat. 

Independent cocktail bar, Pogo, is one of the coolest watering holes in Nottingham. Instantly recognisable from its bright green exterior, the bar makes distinctive house cocktails, from zingy Margaritas to summery spritzes. Whether it's a friend's birthday, a date night, or a spontaneous night out, we'd suggest heading straight to Pogo for a tipple.

Raymond's is undoubtedly one of the coolest food spots in Nottingham, offering modern European small plates, an extensive wine list, and seriously good cocktails. Kick off with a couple of snacks, like Maldon rock oysters or fish crackling, before diving into grilled leeks with brown butter, and scallop crudo with blood orange. 

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. Expect all manner of Japanese small plates, snacks and skewers.

Set over two floors, family-run restaurant, 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, lamb tikka boti, and prawn manchurian. The restaurant spans two floors, making it ideal for big group celebrations and private dining too.