One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food – and Winchester is no exception. Home to a huge array of fantastic restaurants and cocktail bars, this gorgeous cathedral city in Hampshire is one of the top places in the UK for its gastronomical offerings, and appeals to diners for its wide choice of cuisine. Benefitting from abundant rural and coastal resources, the menus of Winchester’s restaurants are full to the brim with dishes made with local produce and ingredients. Needless to say, whether you’re looking to quell your cravings with classic British favourites or tantalising exotic fare, you’ll find something to suit every appetite and occasion here.
If you can’t wait to sample the delights of England’s ancient capital, we’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurants in Winchester for you to try during your stay.
Rick Stein’s Winchester
Bringing a briny splash of Cornwall to the heart of Winchester, Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant on Winchester’s street is a firm favourite with foodie fans of all ages. True to form, seafood dishes reign supreme here, with classic favourites like the Stein’s fish curry, wholesome fish pie, and freshly opened Dorset oysters to treat yourself to. Of course, if seafood isn’t totally your cup of tea, there’s also a sprinkling of land-based options on the menu, including a range of dishes inspired by Rick’s travels around the world.
Chesil Rectory
The Medieval façade of the 600-year-old Chesil Rectory on Chesil Street conceals a gorgeously characterful restaurant, framed by exposed beams and decorated with botanical prints. Stylish and cosy in equal measures, it tastefully sets the scene for atmospheric meals, catered for by a passionate team of staff who take pride in both their excellent service and foodie offerings. Book at a table at this Michelin-recommended restaurant and look forward to a modern British menu woven with quality local and seasonal fare.
Kyoto Kitchen
Drawing on authentic cuisine from eight regions across Japan, Kyoto Kitchen on Parchment Street specialises in sushi and sashimi dishes. Offering bite-size parcels of flavour, each dish is hand-cooked to order for food that is fresh, clean and oh-so moreish. If you’re struggling to decide, ramen is a particular favourite here, with the restaurant’s signature noodle broth warming tums and hearts alike. And, to continue the fun, takeaway menus are also available for your perusal too.
The Dispensary Kitchen
Whether you’re tempted by a hot cup of coffee and wedge of cake or an ice-cold beer and burger stacked with all your favourite trimmings, there’s no better place than the Dispensary Kitchen in Winchester. An inviting hub where the vibes are cool, the dishes are fresh, and the welcome is warm, this easy-going restaurant-bar is a popular choice with all. Sweetening the deal are a number of cocktails, perfect for adding a fun twist and sense of occasion to every meal. Making sure everyone is catered for, vegetarian and vegan options are available too.
The Wykeham Arms
Set between the city’s 11th Century cathedral and 14th Century college, The Wykeham Arms enjoys a wonderful location in Winchester’s historic centre. Serving up some of the best pub food in Winchester, this traditional pub and restaurant promises a menu of seasonal taste sensations that’ll appeal to all generations of diners. Head over for lunch or dinner and pick from a selection of delectable starters, mains and sides, before navigating the dessert menu for the ultimate treat.
Forte Kitchen
Beckoning with the best breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas in town, the award-winning Forte Kitchen is a real crowd pleaser. With a range of mouth-watering meals, it’s the perfect place for breakfast-lovers and daily-grazers, serving heaped plates and light bites of sweet and savoury goodness. Whether your idea of heaven is a hearty Full English or stack of pancakes, a local beef burger or a fresh, crisp salad packed with flavour, you are sure to find something here to pique your tastebuds and have you returning for more.
Tanoshii Fusion
A family-run restaurant serving innovative Pan-Asian cuisine, Tanoshii Fusion in Winchester is the place to go to expand your culinary horizons. Among their deliciously eclectic menu, you can expect to see authentic dishes from China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and more. With regular favourites accompanied by seasonal specialities, there’s always plenty to look forward to, whether you’re heading here for the first time or the fifteenth. And, as an added bonus, the restaurant also offers a takeaway service too.
Overdraft Beer and Tacos
If you can’t wait to enjoy the pure joy of beers and tacos on tap, head over to Overdraft in Winchester. With a soundtrack of vinyl and laughter, the setting at this laidback restaurant invites for leisurely hours of conversation and dining. Boasting a menu of Mexican-style dishes that wash down perfectly with a pint of one of their craft beers, you’ll be in for street food heaven. Pore over their selection of nachos, tacos, poke bowls, burritos (all tortillas are made inhouse) and more, and pick your favourite to refuel and revive in this buzzing restaurant and bar.
Pulpo Negro, New Alresford
A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant since 2014, Pulpo Negro (meaning Black Octopus) in New Alresford is one of the best places to eat near Winchester. Earning itself a well-deserved reputation for excellent, authentic Spanish cuisine, it impresses diners with its cool vibes and punchy tapas-style menu. Look forward to beautiful charcuterie and ‘picoteo’ bites followed by a choice of mouth-watering desserts, created with local ingredients and inspired by the owners’ native Barcelona and the sun-kissed climes of the Med.
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge
Just a short distance from Winchester is the picture-postcard town of Stockbridge, home of the well-known, Michelin guide-recommended Greyhound on the Test. For the tastiest plates of fresh, wholesome food, head over to this mustard-hued gastropub and take a seat within its low-beamed, refined country interiors. Served incredible food by a friendly, professional team of staff, you’re sure to be won over by the relaxed ambience and quality dishes here. Just be sure to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
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