Whether you're heading to a thought-provoking author talk, picking up your next great read or spending a day immersed in stories, ideas and discussion, Cheltenham's food scene offers plenty of places to relax, refuel and continue the conversation.
With Montpellier Gardens at the heart of the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, taking place from 9 to 18 October 2026, you're perfectly placed to explore everything from elegant hotel restaurants and independent cafés to award-winning dining and international cuisine. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee between events, a leisurely lunch or an evening meal after the final event of the day, here are some of the best places to eat within easy reach of the festival.
Dining in Montpellier
Just moments from Montpellier Gardens, you'll find some of Cheltenham's best-loved restaurants, cafes and hotel dining destinations, making it easy to enjoy breakfast before a morning event, stop for lunch between sessions or settle in for a relaxed dinner after a day of literary discovery. The free-to-enter Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens offers a range of food and drink options, making it the perfect place to take a break between events.
Located within the stunning Grade I listed Montpellier Rotunda, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie offers all-day dining in elegant surroundings, from breakfast and brunch through to evening dining. Nearby, Brasserie Blanc serves French-inspired classics, while Chaplais Kitchen is a popular independent bistro known for its freshly prepared pizzas, pasta dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Tucked away in Montpellier Courtyard, Sam's Montpellier is a local favourite serving seasonal dishes and cocktails in a charming setting.
Hotel dining features prominently in this part of town. Victoria's at the iconic Queens Hotel Cheltenham overlooks Imperial Gardens and serves British-inspired dishes throughout the day. Nearby, Bistro du Vin at Hotel du Vin combines classic French cuisine with an extensive wine list, while Malmaison Bar & Grill offers a stylish setting for seasonal dishes, steaks and grill favourites. If you're craving Indian flavours, both The Mahal and Bandook are excellent choices close to the festival site, each offering their own distinctive take on Indian cuisine.
Montpellier is also home to a fantastic selection of independent cafes. For The Saints, Clementine and Lazy Graze are all popular choices, while The Gardens Cafe, located right in the heart of Montpellier Gardens itself, is perfectly placed for coffee, cake or a light bite during your festival visit.
Dining on the Promenade
A short stroll from the Festival Village brings you to Imperial Square and The Promenade, home to a variety of restaurants perfect for pre-event dining, post-event drinks or an evening meal.
Overlooking Imperial Gardens, No.131 is a favourite for seasonal dishes and stylish surroundings. Just across the square, Sef Steakhouse is the go-to destination for premium cuts of meat, while nearby Settebello serves authentic Southern Italian cuisine, from traditional pizzas to fresh pasta dishes.
For vibrant international flavours, Rosa's Thai brings authentic Thai cooking to Cheltenham, while the award-winning East India Cafe offers dishes inspired by the culinary heritage of the British Raj. For something a little different, Japes is famous for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, while YO! Sushi provides a convenient choice for freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and Japanese favourites.
Dining in the town centre
Venture a little further into the town centre and you'll discover some of Cheltenham's most popular dining spots.
Japanese cuisine features strongly here, with KIBOU serving sushi, ramen and Japanese classics in a vibrant setting, while Nagomi offers authentic Japanese and Korean dishes, including interactive table grilling experiences.
For a coffee, cocktail or something in between, Mr Cambray's Curiosity transforms from a cafe by day into a quirky cocktail bar by night, making it a great place to continue conversations after an event. Nearby, Tailors serves comforting pub classics in a welcoming setting, while The Beefy Boys has built a national reputation for its award-winning burgers. Prithvi is one of Cheltenham's most acclaimed restaurants, renowned for its contemporary Indian tasting menus and exceptional service.
For Italian dining, Savoy di Roma brings the flavours of Rome to Cheltenham, while Mirari offers Basque-inspired sharing plates, cocktails and wines, making it an excellent choice for sharing with friends and family. Also close in the town centre, Coalhouse Brew & Cue combines slow-cooked barbecue, smoked meats and craft beer in a relaxed setting that's ideal for casual dining. Meanwhile, The Tivoli offers a welcoming neighbourhood pub atmosphere with quality food and drinks, making it well worth the short walk from Montpellier Gardens.
