Guide Book Recommended Restaurants in Cheltenham

Are you a gourmet soul? Fuelled by exceptional eats and flavoursome feasts? Us too! Cheltenham is truly a foodie's paradise. Home to a rich tapestry of culinary delights and exotic eats worthy of any gastronomes guidebook. 

Speaking of guidebooks, The Michelin Guide, The Good Food Guide and Harden's all have innumerable recommendations in the town for reliably fantastic food. From elegant independent eateries and beautifully presented fine dining fare to modern twists on classic cuisines.    

At the pinnacle, there is Cheltenham’s own Michelin Star and 4 AA rosettes restaurant, Le Champignon Sauvage, the perfect ‘special occasion’ spot residing in the very pretty district of The Suffolks. 

The highlights continue with L'Artisan French Bistro - Cafe du Midi and praised in Hardens as a “delightful, very warm experience”  while revered food critic Jay Rayner gave a rave review, stating “They know what they are doing and they do it extremely well.”

Meanwhile, fish lovers can enjoy fresh seafood from Cornwall and Scotland at Purslane. Whose five and seven-course tasting menu is “worthy of attention from any serious fine-diner.”

Expect spectacular food in a fun and vibrant setting at Restaurant Journey. The food takes centre stage and the number one aim of their team is to delight and surprise their guests. Throughout the evening you’ll be treated to lively music, kitchen theatrics and a seamless serving performance. 

Looking for amazing food without the fanfare? The Coconut Tree on St Paul's Road is the place to be. Providing Sri Lankan street food rich in Ceylon spices, in a no-fuss, youthfully spirited venue. It’s the perfect place to share dinner with friends and drink a few fiery cocktails. 

Alternatively, head on over to The Tavern on Evesham Road for American-inspired comfort food in ‘Cheltenham’s friendliest pub’, one of the very few restaurants in the area to have been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for ‘good quality, good value restaurants’.

Those looking to add a little spice to their life have plenty of guidebook-recommended restaurants to choose from in Cheltenham. In no particular order, we have East India Café with its ‘magical basement setting’ and delectable Anglo-Indian cooking. The Curry Corner described by Gordon Ramsay as “exquisite flavours, better than in India”, and Bhoomi Kitchen which received rave reviews on Harden saying “I’d gladly eat their dosas for the rest of my days – in fact, I’m salivating just by writing about them!”

Concluding the guide book recommended restaurant list is Yoku, the exquisite new Japanese offering from No.131 that is quickly becoming a firm favourite in the town.     

Of course, the guidebooks are not the only source of credible information, and Cheltenham's enviable offering of restaurants, bars, and cafes should not be underestimated. You can see a full overview of our gastronomic delights on our eating out page. Bon appétit!