Gloucester’s cheeses have already put it on the culinary map, but there’s more to the southwest England city than its famous fromage. Here foodies will find a community of independent, locally-owned restaurants cooking up everything from authentic Thai and Mediterranean cuisine, to traditional pub food and afternoon tea. Read on for our round up of Gloucester’s top restaurants.
Sebz (93 Northgate Street, Gloucester)
You needn’t hop on a plane to experience the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean with a restaurant like Sebz on your doorstep. Alongside pizzas and plenty of Portuguese main courses like chicken in piri piri sauce and espetada (a traditional Madeiran dish of skewered seasoned with rock salt, garlic and bay leaves), guests will find tonnes of tapas dishes. Highlights are the calamari and salt cod cakes to vegetarian friendly versions like Portuguese polenta with cabbage and figs or patatas bravas. Go for lunch and get three tapas dishes for just £8.95 or opt for Sebz’ all-you-can-eat tapas deal.
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So Thai (Bearlands, Longsmith Street, Gloucester)
So Thai delights local diners with its deliciously authentic Thai cuisine. Alongside familiar fare like classic pad Thai, tom yum soup and green curry, adventurous taste buds will get a kick out of exotic specialty dishes like plaa rad nam ma-kham (pan-fried seabass with tamarind and honey sauce, crispy shallot and roasted dried chilli) or geang hunglay (pork shoulder and belly in curry sauce with ginger and garlic). Authentic eats aren’t the only appeal at So Thai, its location is pretty special too with an atmospheric dining room set in a 300-year-old wine cellar and a modern upstairs bar serving wine, spirits and beer, including a few Thai imports.
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Cafe Rene (31 Southgate Street, Gloucester)
There aren’t many pubs that have an authentic Roman well in the middle of their main bar, but Cafe Rene, located in a medieval era building close to the 15th century Grade I listed St Mary de Crypt Church, has exactly that. Soak up the historic surrounds while browsing Cafe Rene’s varied menu. Choose from traditional pub favorites like homemade steak and ale pie or beer battered cod with chips, peas and tartar sauce or opt for more exotic dishes like Caribbean lamb curry. Don’t leave without trying a few local ales from the likes of Wickwar Brewing and Cinderford’s Freeminer Brewery.
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Aroma (69 Southgate Street, Gloucester)
If you like your food authentic, spicy and brimming with flavour, then look no further than Aroma, one of Gloucester’s best loved Indian restaurants. Lots of classic curry house fare features on the popular restaurant’s menu from starters like chicken tikka and onion bhaji to traditional main curry dishes like chicken korma and lamb vindaloo. But for a real taste of what Aroma’s wide ranging Indian cuisine is all about, opt for a chef recommended dish like kozhi chettinadu (a chicken curry made with a blend of 18 different spices) or the vegan-friendly vankaya bandakai pulusu, a south Indian dish of baby eggplant and okra in a tomato and onion sauce.
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Lily’s (5A College Court, Gloucester)
Nestled next to Gloucester Cathedral and the Beatrix Potter Museum, Lily’s, a tearoom and restaurant named one of the country’s finest tearooms by This England magazine, is an ideal spot for refueling after a day exploring the local sights. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu features dishes like full English breakfasts, sandwiches and homemade quiche. But for an extra special treat try one of Lily’s afternoon teas, which include a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade mini fruit scones and cakes and, of course, a pot of tea.
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Tiger’s Eye (9A Southgate Street, Gloucester)
Pan-Asian cuisine is dished up in historic surrounds at Tiger’s Eye. This unique restaurant is located in a beautiful 17th century building opened by owner Nick Fullbrook who was inspired by travels in the Far East. Head chef Robert Sinyard cooks up creative mains like pan-fried duck breast with wasabi mash and red onion jam and poached salmon with spring greens, salmon and prawn mousse, crispy noodles and a teapot of lemongrass and fish consommé. For a really different meal many guests opt for the restaurant’s black rock grill dishes and have meats like wagyu sirloin, ostrich and kangaroo cooked tableside on volcanic rock.
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TANK (12-14 Llanthony Rd, The Docks)
Beer fans may already know of Gloucester Brewery, the award-winning craft brewery founded by Jared Brown. Thanks to its popularity the company expanded with the opening of TANK, a bar celebrating locally brewed beer and locally sourced eats. Opened on the historic Gloucester Docks, TANK dishes up delicious grub like burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and charcuterie boards with suggested beer pairings and alongside plenty of Gloucester Brewery’s own beers. Its flagship Gloucester Gold and American pale ale Chinook included. Guests can also sample guest beers from fellow craft brewers like Liverpool’s Mad Hatter Brewing Company.
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Grill Shed (Unit B, Merchants Quay, The Docks)
A true Californian Eatery in the heart of Gloucester Docks. Serves a range of locally sourced produce including burgers, steaks and grills inspired by the smokey delightfulness of the best quality smoking machines.
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Greek on the Docks (Unit A, Merchants Quay, The Docks)
A modern Greek / Mediterranean restaurant & bar located in the historic Gloucester Docks.
Exceptional quality & creativity are key to their culinary philosophy. They only use local ingredients in a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views over the water of Gloucester Docks. A Greek Restaurant like no other, in the heart of Gloucester
