Nottingham Restaurant Guide

“On the edge of an industrial estate, and under the A52 flyover might not sound the ideal place to take that special someone for dinner, but the experience makes up for it in spades” at Sat Bains’s “wonderful oasis, between the pylons, concrete jungle roadways and nettles!” – one of the UK’s most impressive restaurants (with rooms), on the outer-fringe of the city. “There is no other word than exceptional to describe his cuisine” (choose from a 7-course or 10-course menu) and “the unusual combinations are amazing without being different for the sake of it” (“horseradish ice cream sandwich was one of the nicest things I’ve ever tasted! and the chicken liver muesli was also a highlight!)”. Have they been working on the service too? – “with just the right amount of friendliness and attentiveness” it scored particularly highly this year. ‘Nucleus’ is a further dining option here – a six-seater chef’s table within the development kitchen, which couldn’t be more rapturously rated by reviewers.

2016 Review: A restaurant “above the original Boots shop, with large windows overlooking the busy Hockley nightlife” that's “going from strength to strength each year”; “the food is seasonal, often fairly local, and never disappointing”, while service is “just on the right side of relaxed”.

This city-centre gem again elicits raves from reporters for its “outstanding” and “imaginative” food; “excellent service and atmosphere” too (owner “Anita gives her all to ensure everyone has a truly special time”). “We’ve been to Benares, Cinnamon Club and many others in and around London and this is easily the finest!”

“Still miles ahead of competitors far and wide” – this “sophisticated” bar in a historic cellar on the Lace Market delivers a formidable package of “amazing tapas”, “great sherry” and Iberian wines. “The quality wouldn’t be out of place in central London”.

A very characterful and slightly offbeat restaurant profiting from the panelled interior of The Nottingham Club, whose building it shares, plus a “very romantic” courtyard garden come summer; its “very, very interesting food” doesn’t always come off, but equally serious quibbles about it are absent.

The location strikes some as “strange” – “near a canal in a small unassuming town between Nottingham and Derby” – but this “first-class” venture pleases (nearly) all reviewers with its “imaginative, tasty British cooking” and “excellent service”: “expensive but good value for money”.

“Coffee is served by real enthusiasts” at this “cool NYC vibe” venue, which has now spawned six spin-offs as far afield as Cardiff and Leeds. “The food is much better than your average coffee shop (an ever changing selection of really good sandwiches, and decent cakes too)”. What’s more, you actually get served at the table, which is lovely, not having to hang around at the counter while the baristas fanny about!