The UK is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Globally famous chefs like Gordan Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Delia Smith, among many others, have opened some of the most successful restaurants in the UK. However, there is a world of lesser-known culinary hotspots throughout the UK that are creative, experimental and modern. The vast array of cuisines from all over the world feature in many of the UK’s best (and lesser known) restaurants and eateries. We’re going to take a deep dive into the best places that you won’t be likely to see in other food guides!
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, London.
What better way to start your gasto-journey in the UK than with a coffee? Aside from this place having a great name, this little café offers some of the best coffee in London. Their flagship café in Carnaby has been recognised is iconic and offers a delicious selection of pastries and sandwiches. They have won multiple Allegra Awards for their high quality coffee that they source ethically from a range of countries including Rwanda, Guatemala and Ethiopia.
Shack Fuyu, Soho, London.
If you are looking for top-notch Japanese cuisine in London, look no further than this pop-up turned permanent Japanese eatery in cosmopolitan Soho. With large plates typically priced around £20, this fun, lively eatery plays classic rock as you unwind with a few sakes (Japanese alcoholic fermented rice drink). This community-driven enterprise prides themselves on their homemade ramen and broth, and their rabbit katsu curry is not one to be missed!
Zindiya Streatery & Bar, Birmingham.
It’s not just London that is nailing the UK food scene. This Indian eatery is the epitome of affordable and delicious Indian cuisine. You can choose from their wide selection of authentic Indian street food, from Pani Puri to Sweet Potato Chaat. This is a hit with people who don’t eat meat, but meat eaters will love it as well.
The Mussel & Steak Bar, Edinburgh
Scotland is quickly growing as one of the most impressive cities for a gastro experience. With a full range of casual to fine-dining options, The Mussel & Steak Bar will not disappoint. Serving fresh seafood and locally sourced steaks, this is a pub-restaurant hybrid that offers food to soothe the soul. This restaurant changes their menu every month in accordance with the availability of local produce, so you are guaranteed to have a great culinary experience here.
The French at the Midland Hotel, Manchester
This upscale, boutique restaurant is guaranteed to be a classy and unforgettable dining experience. Set in the stunning backdrop of this Grade II listed, recently refurbished dining room, the head chef has received numerous culinary accolades. Head chef Adam Reid creates modern British cuisine with global inspirations. The 6 course and 9 course tasting menus offer flexibility and a decadence that makes this place a real treat.
Paternoster Farm, Pembrokeshire
This farm in Pembrokeshire produces some of the best food in Wales from the grounds of an old cow shed. Run by a former divorce lawyer, Michelle Evans, Paternoster Farm is only reachable by car. It’s the very definition of off the beaten track, and offers a true “farm to fork” experience. The unique setting is as memorable as the food the restaurant produces. The old, original cow sheds have been kept and remodelled into private dining tables while the old milking parlour pipes complete the decor as lighting arrangements.
Kimchi Cult, Glasgow
This casual yet snazzy began as a food stall in London, before moving to Scotland and settling there permanently as a bricks and mortar restaurant in 2015. Kimchi features heavily throughout the menu (hence the name!) and is a specific recipe based on a regional recipe from Jeonju. This type of cuisine can be made well at home, so it could be a real treat to do some cooking classes to try and replicate the taste of Kimchi Cult in your own kitchen. This special eatery is an ode to the best of Korean cuisine, and its simplicity shines through. They have an extensive range of vegan options as well as meat options, so every type of culinary preferences can be catered to. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser is their spicy pork bibimbap, topped off with their famous kimchi.
The Black Swan, Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a really traditional-style English pub, look no further than the Black Swan. This quintessentially English establishment has a perfect mix of pub grub and classic British dishes. Their locally sourced fish in their Fish ‘n’ Chips is the perfect accompaniment to a couple of their delicious local craft ales. Offering a more casual lunch menu or the fine-dining evening menu, there are a plethora of options here to suit any vibe you are looking for.
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