DN1 Delicatessen & Dining

"As a regular diner at DN1, I continue to be struck by the assurance and consistency of the cooking. This is a small restaurant delivering food of real depth and discipline. DN1 is a small restaurant in Doncaster, operating without the safety net of location prestige or passing trade. What it has instead is consistency, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to standards. Chef Marcus Ashston-Simpson, calmly mentoring a young team with respect for ingredients. This is more than cooking for trends or accolades — it is cooking because it matters. A chef of rare balance: technically accomplished and quietly assured. The cooking is rooted in classic French technique, expressed with restraint and clarity, and subtly shaped by modern and occasional worldly influences where they genuinely enhance the dish rather than distract from it. Every plate is purposeful — flavour-led, seasonal, and precise — with nothing superfluous and nothing missing. What I believe truly distinguishes DN1 is the ability to deliver refinement without pretension. You experience food that is confident, elegant but grounded, and deeply satisfying. It appears that DN1 has built a loyal following not through hype, but through trust, and I am one of those followers — every visit is worth it In an industry increasingly driven by noise, the experience here represents something more enduring: craftsmanship, consistency, and humility. DN1 stands as proof that exceptional dining can exist and indeed thrive outside the expected postcodes. A standout dish on a recent visit was the tuna moussaka inspired by Chefs trip to Mykonos. Built around a slow-cooked tuna ragù, it was genuinely astonishing in both texture and flavour. Blindfolded, you would be convinced you were eating finely cooked steak rather than fish. The ragù was rich, deeply savoury and perfectly judged, carrying all the satisfaction of a classic meat-based dish while remaining balanced and refined. It is a technically confident piece of cooking. How lucky we are that this gem opened just 25 miles from where we live however if you live further afield this place is, as they say , ‘worth a detour ‘"

"From the moment you step through the doors of DN1 restaurant and Deli, you know you’re in for something extraordinary. This is not just fine dining; it’s a world-class experience that seamlessly blends culinary artistry, genuine hospitality, and an exemplary 'round the world' Deli and ingredients store. The DN1 menu changes regularly and is always a masterclass in creativity and precision. The latest dishes I tried were the Scallop with pickled mushroom which is a revelation: delicate, sweet scallop balanced by the tang of perfectly pickled mushrooms, creating a harmony of flavours that lingers on the palate. The Spiced cauliflower is nothing short of mind-blowing; an inventive dish that transforms a humble ingredient into a bold, aromatic centrepiece. And then there’s the Salmon and leek, a dish that exemplifies elegance and depth, with buttery salmon complemented by the subtle sweetness of leek in a way that feels both comforting and sophisticated. What truly elevates the experience is the front-of-house team. They are warm, friendly, and effortlessly funny, striking that rare balance between professionalism and personality. Their wine knowledge is exceptional; expert recommendations delivered with confidence and clarity but never pretentious as is so often the case! A rare and very welcome positive in my opinion; It feels like a conversation with a passionate friend rather than a lecture, making the pairing experience as enjoyable as the food itself. In short, DN1 delivers on every level: innovative cuisine, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just a diner. This is a destination for anyone who appreciates the art of dining at its finest, And you can peruse the Deli for DIY inspiration! As is the norm! restaurant reviews tend to be from London based critics... Risk the nosebleeds and dare to travel north of the Watford Gap - There's a bigger (AND BETTER!) world out side of That London! "

"A gem of a restaurant on the outskirts of the city centre. An open kitchen run by a small team of highly talented chefs where you can dine and be entertained by the action in the kitchen - there is also a small dining room, a wine bar and chefs table - the whole restaurant seat 24 Dishes such as Tuna - Aubergine - Parmesan a take of moussaka and Liver and Onion macaroon are flavour bombs Head chef twice reached semi finals of NCOTY An impressive wine list curated by the enthusiastic sommelier Tom A friendly welcome combined with excellent food and service"