Food & Drink

With a delectable selection of restaurants for every taste and budget, enjoy a delicious exploration of Nottinghamshire’s restaurants, cafes and bars. From fine dining at the two-Michelin-starred Sat Bains, to relaxed wholesome pub food at the likes of the Lincolnshire Poacher we have plenty to suit your appetite.

Image: The Reindeer at Hoveringham

1. Fine Dining

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms firmly marks Nottinghamshire on the gastronomic map for fine dining, having been voted as the UK's best restaurant in the Sunday Times (2015). They also boast two-Michelin stars. Located just a few miles from the city centre, this Victorian farm conversion has received international acclaim for its innovative and modern approach to cuisine.

Out and about in Sherwood Forest? Call at Launay’s, which prides itself on serving seasonal dishes made using local ingredients. Other favourites around the county include Woodborough Hall Restaurant situated in the picturesque Nottinghamshire village of Woodborough. 

Nestled in Caythorpe, Nottinghamshire, The Old Vol is a stylish village gastropub blending rustic charm with modern flair. With 2 AA Rosettes, it offers exceptional seasonal dining, from classic British favourites to globally inspired dishes. Beyond food, it hosts lively events—from Ibiza-style parties to tribute nights—making it a top destination for both food lovers and experience seekers.

Click here for more fine dining in Nottinghamshire.

2.Cafes & Tea Rooms

European style cafes with tables that spill out onto the streets at the first glimpse of sun and a traditional English afternoon tea are never far away in Nottinghamshire, and it goes without saying that wherever there's a frothy cappuccino, there'll always be a fine selection of cakes too.

Josephine’s Tea Room and Café is a one of the most in-demand tea rooms in Nottingham. Their classic vintage tea room located directly opposite the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. With stunning décor mixing elegance with a touch of flamboyance, Josephine’s is perfectly placed for pre-theatre, cinema or concert and a favourite destination tea room for locals, visitors and tourists.

Set on the River Trent in Gunthorpe, Tom Browns Brasserie is an award-winning restaurant and bar with 2 AA Rosettes, offering bold flavours, premium ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences. Known for its fresh seafood, prime steaks, and signature cocktails, it pairs exceptional food with riverside views and vibrant live entertainment—from comedy nights to cabaret. With stylish private dining spaces and a lively events calendar, Tom Browns is a top destination for celebrations, date nights, and standout evenings in Nottinghamshire.

Click here for more cafes and tea rooms.

3. Local Produce

Here in Nottinghamshire, we are brimming with pride at the range of food and drink produced locally across the county. With an outstanding array of produce ranging from the Bramley Apple to ice-cream, we have some excellent places to find local delicacies. Many of our fantastic boutique cafes, sumptuous restaurants, farm shops and diverse markets support local producers and use fresh ingredients on a daily basis to create mouth-watering dishes.

4. Pubs & Breweries

Due to our unique cave system, which was historically used to store ale, Nottinghamshire was once famed throughout the land for its ale and beer. Today, with award-winning breweries like Blue Monkey, Castle Rock and Lincoln Green maintaining these high standards, Nottinghamshire continues to be an ideal destination for any beer connoisseur.

Nottinghamshire is also renowned for its brilliant pubs, with historic watering holes such as Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and The Bell Inn offering unique surroundings to enjoy a drink within.

Set beside the River Trent in Gunthorpe, The Anchor is a must visit pub offering hearty food with a modern twist, all served with a warm countryside welcome. More than just a pub, it’s a lively community hub with cosy interiors, a courtyard fire pit, and fun family features—like its own 18-seater model train, The Anchor Express, running hourly through the grounds.

Located in the picturesque village of Hoveringham, The Reindeer is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gastropub, recognised for its outstanding British cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. As Nottinghamshire’s first pub to receive a Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Reindeer offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that blends rustic charm with contemporary flair. It's the best of both worlds and one of Nottinghamshire's finest establishments.

5. Bars

Nottinghamshire is home to an abundance of unique, buzzing bars. From hip hang-outs in Hockley such as The Hockley Arts Club, to the more traditonal ale havens across the county like The Station Hotel in Hucknall, we promise there will be a bar serving the perfect drink for you.

6. Reataurants

There's no shortage of restaurants here in Nottingham! Whether you're looking for fine dining or a great value family meal, you'll find something for every taste. Having enjoyed a boom in foodie culture over the past five years, the city itself boasts over 300 cafes, bars and restaurants serving up delicious meals in a huge variety of venues. 

7. Vegetarian

More and more of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s top restaurants are offering a brilliant range of meatless dishes perfect for vegetarians to indulge in. With authentic, traditional meals made completely meat-free you won’t be missing out in Nottingham, just look out for the V symbol.

8. Vegan

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have some of the best vegan restaurants which offer delicious plant-based dishes whether you’re looking for an evening meal out, an early brunch or late afternoon lunch. You won’t feel limited on what you can eat in Nottingham, just look out for the VE symbol.

9. Sunday Lunch

We all know that a delicious Sunday Roast is the moment everyone looks forward to at the end of a long hard week. Luckily, Nottinghamshire has pubs and restaurants left right and centre with plenty of Sunday Lunch options to satisfy your heart’s desire.

10. Accessible Dining

Nottinghamshire has a wealth of amazing places to eat and drink, and those with access needs should not have to miss out. Many of these places to eat and drink have worked to ensure that their building and facilities are accessible for all, with some also providing specialised events such as relaxed sessions.

11. Pet Friendly Dining

On the lookout for the best places in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to eat and drink, where both you and your pooch will be able to catch your breath and refuel? Many of our local pubs and cafes will gladly welcome you and your loyal companion to make sure you won’t be going anywhere on an empty stomach!

12. Delivery & Takeout

Are you looking for a taste of Notts, with the convenience of ordering in? Look no further than our list of the top takeaways in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire! Our round-up includes local favourites, local legends and even high end food delivery options.

Local Favouties

If you're looking for dinner and a show, look no further than Peggy's Skylight Bar and Kitchen, Nottingham's premier jazz club. A meal at Peggy's is open to all ticket holders and accompanies a fabulous night of entertainment, serving a middle eastern inspired menu. Their menu will take you on a culinary adventure with stops at Lebanon, North Africa and Cyprus, following in the footsteps of the Jazz Ambassadors and replicating some of the dishes they might have encountered on their travels. 

International Food

International cuisine finds itself at home in Nottinghamshire, and our ‘curry quarter’ includes tantalizing restaurants like MemSaab and the Calcutta Club. There are plenty of places to enjoy tapas with friends, including Bar Iberico, Revolucion de Cuba, or you can try rustic French dining at Bistrot Pierre.

Foodie Events

There are also plenty of food and drink festivals taking place throughout the year, including the legendary Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, the Festival of Food & Drink and others at Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Hall.