Updated on 18 July 2023
The best restaurants in the Cotswolds are nestled in amongst the signature sandstone buildings of the area where dinky streams and stone bridges create a quaint backdrop. Some of these stunning places to eat come complete with breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside, while others are cosy dining rooms tucked away in historic pubs with open fireplaces to warm yourself by after long rural walks. Needless to say, there are a plethora of restaurants in the Cotswolds area waiting to be enjoyed.
It’s no wonder that the beautiful Cotswolds are popular with tourists, but head away from the well-trod tourist trail between Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon and it’s not hard to find an unspoilt gem – after all, the largest designated Area of Outstanding Beauty in England and Wales covers five counties.
But while The Cotswolds might be one of the most desirable places to live in England, this is still very much farming country - many prestigious British ingredients are produced within its bounds, from Gloucester Old Spot pigs to Evesham asparagus and Double Gloucester cheese. Although the pub (usually gastro) remains the centre of village life, there’s fine dining to be had too, from contemporary brasseries and boutique hotel dining rooms to Michelin starred luxurious establishments, and entries in SquareMeal's Top 100 UK Restaurants. Read on to find the best restaurants in The Cotswolds and see what appeals to you.
Southrop, Lechlade, Oxfordshire, GL7 3NU
Ingredients at this 17th-century inn come from the Southrop Manor Estate's farm fresh every day and are put to clever use in cooking which often has an Italian accent. Contemporary furnishings contrast with open fires and wooden beams.
West End, Northleach, Burford, Oxfordshire, GL54 3EZ
The Wheatsheaf is everything you could hope for from a Cotswold country pub: wisteria-clad walls outside, open fires inside, seasonal cooking that is more gastro than pub, sugary puds and a roast on Sundays.
Church Street, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YA
Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB
There's more to the Cotswolds than honey-stoned country pubs – there are honey-stoned country-house hotels too, although only one with a Michelin star. Experimental cooking is showcased on an adventurous 12-course tasting menu.
Sheep Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 3RR
The Bull is under the direction of the same team that looks after The Pelican in Notting Hill (another brilliant gastropub) so it’s no surprise that this lovely old boozer looks set to become one of the very best restaurants in the area. There’s an emphasis on cooking much of the menu over open fire, whether it be quick, intense charring or hung high over the fire for low and slow cooking.
Hammock Road, Eckington, Worcestershire, WR10 3BJ
Eckington Manor has become one of the most respected food destinations in the Cotswolds, with food that is rooted in sourcing the best local ingredients from the rolling fields around the country-house hotel. Head chef Dan Neal-Hewitt turns out modern European plates that taste as good as they look.
The Green, Chipping Norton , Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD
Under new ownership since 2019, this famous gastropub, housed in a 17th-century inn, combines reasonably priced pub classics with splashier special-occasion cooking. It’s the same on the drinks front: local ales or well-chosen wines.
Bourton Road, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2RB
The Double Red Duke’s full-throttle British gastropub grub and comfort food has made it a smash hit in a relatively short time, scooping all sorts of awards. Serving food all throughout the day (and with rooms for overnight stays too) this magnificent spot really has something to suit everyone.
The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DT
As much of a local for Broadway's residents as it is a destination for the tourists who flood the village's impossibly pretty streets, Russell's serves classic European dishes (crab cocktail, clafoutis) in interconnected dining rooms.
The Green, Bledlintgon, Oxfordshire, OX7 6XQ
This old cider house now trades as one of the many excellent gastropubs around Chipping Norton, overlooking the lovely Bledington village green. The restaurant does justice to comforting classics, and you can eat on the sunny terrace or in the cosy dining room, complete with antique pine furniture.
Nether Westcote, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX7 6SD
The Feathered Nest is as comfortable as its name, with cask ales to sup on leather sofas by the fire in the bar, hearty, seasonal cooking in the dining room, and views of the Evenlode valley from the terrace.
Thyme, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NX
Named after the 19th-century former oxen house in which it is housed, this vast space makes the most of the farmland attached to luxury estate Thyme. The seasonal ingredients are put to good use in inventive modern European cooking.
Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5EF
Considered pub classics are the heart and soul of this well-regarded gastropub near Cirencester, which champions local suppliers and growers. Every inch of the place has an old-world charm, right down to the local beers which are served in pewter tankards.
Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YJ
Near the antiques paradise of Tetbury, swish spa hotel Calcot Manor conceals a swish modern restaurant, complete with open kitchen and cocktail bar. The cooking is comforting rather than creative but always executed with care.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
This is as grand a dining room as you'd expect to find in a Palladian mansion that looks straight out of Jane Austen. Chef Hywel Jones lives up to the setting with intricately crafted dishes and ornate flourishes.
7 Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AQ
Stow-on-the-Wold is the quintessential Cotswold market town but this informal restaurant looks rather more modern than its surroundings, though the European-style brasserie cooking is as classic as it comes: rib-eye steak or calf’s liver.
High Street Broadway, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU
The very charming Lygon Arms has welcomed a new chef to the restaurant - none other than James Martin, who brings his classic, seasonal British cooking to the stunning Grill Restaurant, with its high arched ceilings and chandeliers. The more relaxed Tavern is great for quick bites and a drink with friends, and The Lygon Arms does afternoon tea as well.
Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JD
Young chef Charles Smith is the talent behind this intimate dining room within one of the Cotswolds’ most famous hotels. Dinner-only tasting menus reflect the influences of Smith’s training with some of the world’s most famous chefs.
5 North Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LH
Chef-proprietor Gus Ashenford and his front-of-house wife Kate ensure a warm welcome at their cosy dining room. Fixed-price menus (including one for vegetarians) deliver premium ingredients and rich flavours.
Willersey Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LF
Oak panelling, flagged floors and roaring fires all look the cute Cotswold part at this 17th-century farmhouse, but all eyes are on the beautiful view through the full-length windows (open in summer) of the immaculately tended garden.
24-26 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2AQ
This modern European fine diner is a local institution. Having opened in 1987 with David and Helen Everitt-Matthias at the helm, the service here is uber friendly while the food is always seasonal and indulgent.
If you'll be staying near the Cotswolds and are looking for some more cosmopolitan destinations for a dinner out, check out our list of the best restaurants in Oxford and the best restaurants in Bristol, for some excellent dining options.
Researching where best to go for a weekend away where you'll have plenty of choice for lunch and dinner? There are plenty of picturesque destinations in the UK that can offer both outdoor activities to keep you occupied and also are home to outstanding restaurants. For example, take a look at our rundown of the best restaurants in Ilkley or the best places to eat in Rye.
Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.
Already a member? Sign in