16 of the best restaurants in Nottingham — as chosen by top chefs in the city
Fine dining, comforting eats, small plates, and more...
Want to go out and dine in Nottingham? There are so many brilliant restaurants to choose from. I’ve asked five of the city’s top chefs and restaurant owners for their recommendations on the best places to go to.
Alex Bond from Alchemilla and Mollis, Ritchie Stainsby from No. Twelve, Dan Lindsay from the Iberico and Taquero restaurants, Ryon Ishfaq from Slice ‘n’ Brew and Nichola Thompson from Table 47 have all shared their top picks with The Notts Edit. I’ve also added a few other award-winning and critically acclaimed suggestions.
Whether you’re after comfort food like decadent burgers and hearty ramen or sophisticated small plates and fine dining, there really is something for everyone.
Going out to eat has to be one of the best things to do in Nottingham — and we’re absolutely spoiled when it comes to variety and quality here.
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16 of the best restaurants in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Restaurant Sat Bains
Where: Lenton Lane, NG7 2SA
How much: ££££
Serving creative, modern gastronomy that’s focused on the seasons, Restaurant Sat Bains has been elevating the local food scene for over 20 years. Dan Lindsay, co-owner of Bar Iberico, Iberico World Tapas, and Taquero, says, “This is my go-to for a special occasion. At the forefront of intricate fine dining with two Michelin Stars, it’s been the jewel in the crown of the Nottingham culinary scene for over two decades.”
Dan continues, “The attention to detail in all areas is unrivalled.” Choose from either the tasting menu with seven, 10, or 15 courses or the dinner menu with just three courses. You can even stay over for a real luxurious treat, in a double, superior, or suite, all with breakfast the next day.
Do if: You want to try the finest dining experience in Nottingham.
2. Kushi-ya
Where: Low Pavement, NG1 7DL
How much: ££
Most of the chefs I spoke to recommended the Japanese small plate restaurant Kushi-ya. Alex Bond, owner of Alchemilla and Mollis, says, “What’s not to love about this absolute Nottingham favourite? It has amazing flavours, fantastic prices, an interesting menu — and don’t even get me started on that tiramiso.”
Ryon Ishfaq, owner of Slice ‘n’ Brew, adds, “The skewer slingers are masters of their craft and every dish is executed perfectly every time! The pork shoulder is a serious contender for the best dish in the city — sublime.” Food critic Jay Rayner adored the latter so much that he wrote about it in his book Nights Out at Home.
Do if: You like to be surprised and amazed when you eat — just be sure to book well in advance, as it’s hard to get in!
3. Alchemilla
Where: Derby Road, NG7 1NF
How much: ££££
The stylish Michelin-star restaurant is known for its imaginative, unique dishes that have influence from around the world with British grounding. Scallops with fermented white asparagus, BBQ leek with smoked yolk, and mushroom with caramelised ham cream, are just a few examples of dishes you can expect. Ritchie Stainsby, chef patron at No. Twelve, says, “It’s certainly a treat but well worth the money if you have it. Alex and his team are magic in the kitchen and have been a big inspiration for me throughout my career.”
For a more casual bite, the fried chicken restaurant Mollis (also run by Alex) is next door and is absolutely amazing. Adam Richman tried the Nashville hot oil chicken on his show Adam Richman Eats Football and couldn’t get enough of it.
Do if: You’d like to go to a show-stopping restaurant that’s right in the heart of Nottingham.
4. Raymond’s
Where: Stoney Street, NG1 1LP
How much: ££
Created by renowned Nottingham chef Marcus Lewsley, Raymond’s specialises in relaxed small plates that deliver big flavour. The menu rotates seasonally, but think dishes such as salt-baked celeriac with toasted butter, fried chicken with buffalo sauce, and Yorkshire rhubarb with whipped cream cheese. The restaurant also features in the Michelin Guide.
It has an extensive wine list, which you can get by the glass (with Raymond’s engraved on it), a carafe, or by the bottle. If wine isn’t your thing, it has also partnered with Cottonmouth to bring drinks like sour cherry negronis and penicillins.
Do if: You’re looking for a relaxed spot that still feels sophisticated and special.
5. Table 47
Where: Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GN
How much: ££££
Nottingham-born chef Nichola Thompson trained in the restaurants of Gordon Ramsay and Gary Rhodes, and has now set up her own unique restaurant that offers an exclusive private dining experience. You’ll be able to discuss your menu and any special requests after booking — and then after that Nichola will prepare fresh, delicious meals from canapés to desserts.
You can either dine in at the elegant restaurant or even have the chef come to you, should you prefer. For those who’d like to try the Table 47 experience without booking a huge meal, sometimes there are seasonal bundles, such as dine-at-home deals or gift bags with drinks and flowers.
Do if: You seriously want to win over a date or group of mates with a personalised menu just for you.
6. Bar Iberico
Where: Carlton Street, NG1 1NL
How much: ££
Whenever anyone asks me for restaurant recommendations, Bar Iberico is usually one of the first places I name. It’s located right in the middle of Hockley and has so many crowd-pleasing dishes that you can’t go wrong with.
Its Spanish-inspired menu is filled with a range of different wood-fired flatbreads, tapas plates, and charcuterie boards. My favourite dishes have to be the crispy chicken and/or cauliflower, the Catalan tomato bread, and the cinnamon sugar topped custard tart.
Do if: You’re with friends or family and want dishes everyone will enjoy.
7. Taquero
Where: Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AA
How much: ££
Bar Iberico’s sizzling sister restaurant Taquero is just around the corner from it, and specialises in — you guessed it — tacos. “I’ve always been a fan of anything Dan Lindsay puts his name to, and Taquero is no exception to that,” Alex Bond says.
He continues, “It’s beautifully researched, has a stunning setting with great vibe, plus fantastic food and killer spicy margs.” I recommend starting with the totopos (fried tortilla chips), before moving onto your mains. If you’re dining between 11.30am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, you can grab these and two dishes for £15.
Do if: You’d like holiday vibes without having to fly.
8. BOHNS Best Burgers
Where: Broad Street, NG1 3AL
How much: ££
Why would you go to a fast food restaurant for a burger when one of the best joints in the UK is located right here in Nottingham? It has won The Food Awards’ best burger restaurant award numerous times, and with its burgers made from locally sourced organic beef and seasoned with homemade rubs and spices, its clear quality is the key to its success.
It has a big (but not too big!) menu filled with classic, speciality, veggie, and vegan burgers. There are also sliders for those dining out with little ones. You can also add on chicken wings and fries both seasoned and loaded on the side. Watch out for the specials board on the day, as this is often filled with exciting creations.
Do if: Nothing else but a greasy bite of goodness will do.
9. No. Twelve
Where: Eldon Chambers, NG1 2NS
How much: £££ / ££££
Ritchie Stainsby and his wife Lauren run this fully plant-based restaurant that’s all about casual fine dining. It has scooped up numerous accolades at The Good Food Awards and The Food Awards, as well as being named one of the best plant-based restaurants in the UK by The Telegraph. The a la carte menu has a mixture of seasonal dishes that are meant to share, such as baked camembert, loaded flatbreads, and parmentier potatoes.
For those who want to lean more towards the fine dining side, the tasting menu is a real showcase of Ritchie’s craftsmanship. Sometimes there are seasonal ones — for example, I tried the MasterChef: The Professionals menu, inspired by his time on the show.
Do if: You’d like to try foods unlike anything you’ve tried before — whether you’re looking for vegan restaurants in Notts or not.
10. Slice ‘n’ Brew
Where: King's Walk, NG1 2AE
How much: ££
Pizza isn’t hard to find in Nottingham — but there aren’t any pizzerias in the area quite like this one. “I absolutely love good pizza, and what Ryon has done with pizza is next level,” says Alex Bond. “It’s quite honestly the best pizza I have ever had, hands down. If you have never been, you need to sort your life out.”
It's built around New York pizza traditions but brings its own spin to pizzas like the pizza Americana, the pizza alla norma, and the Detroit slice. You could either have a pie to yourself or even split one with friends and add on some sides. Pair these up with handpicked wines and craft beers from local and national makers, and you’re in for a good time.
Do if: You want to try the authentic American pizza experience.
11. Kayal
Where: Broad Street
How much: ££
This Hockley restaurant has a huge range of South Indian dishes, from sharing curries to big mains you can keep to yourself. “It’s incredible Indian food at its finest, with a relaxed atmosphere and an authentic and interesting menu,” says Ritchie Stainsby. “It’s my favourite place for some spice and a couple of beers.”
You can either head inside and enjoy the eclectic interior or dine outside when it’s warmer and soak in the Broad Street atmosphere. It has also been popular with celebrities in the past, with the Hairy Bikers, David Bradley, Ainsley Harriott, and Chris Kamara among those who have paid it a visit.
Do if: You’d like a no-nonsense yet utterly delicious curry.
12. Everyday People
Where: Byard Lane, NG1 2GJ
How much: ££
Another restaurant run by a former Masterchef contestant, Pete Hewitt’s Everyday People has huge, hearty bowls of ramen and spicy smalls. My favourite dish has to be the radish cake, as it's majorly crispy, creamy and cheesy. Ramen bowls start from around £15, but there is a lunch deal where you can get a bowl and a snack for £16.
Food critics Jay Rayner and Tim Hayward both have visited in the past and praised its curated menu, meticulous attention to detail, and thoughtful side plates. Adam Richman also visited while filming his football food TV show, where he learned how to make that rich, deep, comforting broth.
Do if: You’re looking for cosy food that will leave you feeling nourished.
13. Sosu Japanese
Where: Carlton Road, NG3 2FX
How much: £
Tucked away at the top of Carlton Road, this restaurant is unassuming on the outside. But if you head inside, you’ll find a comfortable 8-seater restaurant with the kitchen right at the front. I went and fell in love with the huge bowls of ramen, filled with broth, noodles, and gyozas. The windows even steamed up from the heat, which was an extra atmospheric touch.
Dan Lindsay is also a big fan of Sosu Japanese. “I have never visited a restaurant more than this place — in fact, I go once a week,” he says. “It serves the best ramen with handmade noodles at incredibly reasonable prices. Don’t be put off by the location!”
Do if: You’ve already been to Everyday People or want to try a hidden gem.
14. Piccalilli
Where: Cannon Court, NG1 6JE
How much: ££
Owner Dan Coles previously worked at The Nelson in Burton Joyce and Iberico World Tapas, and has brought British food and small plates together into his own vision. “This restaurant took over the old Kushi-ya space and serves up some delicious small plates in a warm and cosy environment,” Nichola Thompson, owner of Table 47 says. “It has beautiful food and beautiful people.”
Piccalilli brings plenty of twists to classic dishes. I highly recommend starting with the house soda bread with Marmite butter and finishing with the parsnip cake with butterscotch. In between, you can choose from meat, vegetable, and fish dishes. It’s worth keeping an eye on its Instagram, as it often posts lunch specials and deals on there.
Do if: Stylish comfort food sounds right up your street.
15. Bombay Delicatessen
Where: Carrington Street, NG1 7FF, Radford Road, NG7 5DU, Gordon Road, NG2 5LN
How much: £
I’ve been singing Bombay Deli’s praises since I lived in Hyson Green and used to pair up my Asda shop with one of its incredible samosas. Nichola Thompson also says that she’s obsessed with these. Now it also has locations by the station and in West Bridgford, making it a breeze to pick up a spicy treat.
You can choose from either Bombay snacks and Mumbai street food (ideal if you’re hot-tailing it for a train) or sit in and indulge in curries and grilled dishes. There’s even bottomless brunch or Bombay High Chai, which is its own take on afternoon tea. I also highly recommend the samosa chaat, the bread pakora, and the onion bhaji which holds two Great Taste stars.
Do if: You want to level up your lunch game.
16. Mesa
Where: Goose Gate, NG1 1FF
How much: £££
With large and small fusion plates on the menu and a rustic yet industrial interior, Mesa is an inviting spot for casual dining. Ryon Ishfaq explains, “I love the food at this place — it always packs a punch, with big umami led flavours from the wood fire. It never fails to impress.”
Expect bold dishes such as pan fried cod with wasabi and pickled pear, Jerusalem artichoke with tofu and enoki, and treacle cured salmon. The 10oz dry aged picanha steak and its 16oz Packington pork chop are also very popular. It’s located right at the end of Hockley which has plenty of great cocktail bars like 31K and Pogo, so you can always easily grab a drink before or after your meal.
Do if: You’re looking for a romantic restaurant for a date night in Nottingham.
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