Blanketed in sweeping countryside and sandwiched between the culinary capitals of Somerset and The Cotswolds, Wiltshire is one of the best places in the country for foodie exploration. Peppered with everything from bistros to breweries, its city streets and country roads promise an irresistible journey through some of the tastiest eateries in the country. Whether you can’t wait to try local specialities or indulge in exotic creations, its all-star line-up has something for you.
Ready for you to savour the finest tastes in the county, we’ve curated a guide to the best restaurants in Wiltshire proffering unmissable dining opportunities, from Michelin star restaurants to the cutest country pubs.
The Dining Room, Malmesbury
Starting our list of the top restaurants in Wiltshire is the prestigious Dining Room. Set within twelve acres of pristine lawns and extensive kitchen gardens and orchards, this heavenly arcadia boasts not only one Michelin star, but also has a Michelin green star and four AA Rosettes, making it the most highly decorated restaurant in the county. Multi-award-winning, it is run by Head Chef Ricki Weston who uses his culinary vision and prowess to create intricate tasting menus twined with the seasons. Book well in advance to secure your reservation and look forward to captivating cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Red Lion Freehouse, Pewsey
A traditional country pub in the Vale of Pewsey, the Red Lion Freehouse has been welcoming hungry travellers since the 18th century. Family-owned and family-run, it is recommended by the Michelin Guide and is celebrated with three AA Rosettes for its gastronomic successes. Promising a quintessential pub experience with a refined edge, its kitchen team harness classic cooking techniques to deliver both à la carte and five-course tasting menus that are big on bold, natural flavours. Complement your meal with a local tap beer or cider, home-made drinks, fine wine, or your favourite cocktail for the ultimate tasting experience.
Bath Arms, Horningsham
Recognised as one of the top gastronomic destinations in Wiltshire, Bath Arms in Horningsham is a fantastic gastropub on the edge of the Longleat Estate. Channelling country couture, its stylish interiors balance period features and modern details with atmospheric teal-hued dining areas decorated with vintage finds and a handsome bar lined with oak stools. Take a seat in the pub, restaurant, or outside on the suntrap terrace and garden, ready to savour long, leisurely lunches and dreamy dinners crafted with a glass of something special.
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, Colerne
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park sets the scene for Michelin star dining within a stunning Palladian mansion. To arrive in style, follow the mile-long, beech tree lined drive through the surrounding estate to arrive at Lucknam Park, before wandering through to the drawing room or library to sip a cocktail before your meal. Once escorted to your table in the elegant, sophisticated restaurant, you can peruse the menus of award-winning cuisine, including regularly updated specials and fixed menus of modern British dishes.
Pythouse Kitchen Garden, Tisbury
The ethos at Pythouse Kitchen Garden in Tisbury is all about a sustainable approach to both gardening and cooking. Nestled within an 18th century walled garden, the restaurant here takes inspiration from the land and regenerative growing techniques. Marrying their own home-grown produce with ethically-sourced ingredients from the wider community, it promises the freshest tastes around. Book yourself a table at this Michelin-recommended eatery, anticipating the flavours of its wood and charcoal-cooked creations. A real highlight, the vegetable-based dishes are particularly recommended.
The Hidden Chef Brasserie, Trowbridge
A hidden gem in the heart of Trowbridge, The Hidden Chef Brasserie offers a unique dining experience in Wiltshire. With varied opening hours, the restaurant is open for select lunches and dinners and offers both set and à la carte menus. Created by Head Chef and owner Dean Toon, each menu is composed of the freshest ingredients sourced in tandem with the seasons and flourishes handcrafted dishes full of flavour. Look forward to local and British delicacies including Wye Valley asparagus, Cornish scallops and Gressingham duck, and choose your favourite decadent dish to indulge the palate.
Bybrook, Castle Combe
One of the best restaurants in Wiltshire, Bybrook restaurant is driven by Head Chef Robert Potter and his talented team and boasts a coveted Michelin star and three AA Rosettes. Whipping up some of the highest quality dishes in the county, this prestigious establishment is hard to beat for moments of culinary bliss, with sumptuous suppers carefully curated around a seven-course tasting menu. For utmost quality, vegetables, fruits, and herbs are sourced from the estate’s kitchen gardens and orchards, and each dish can be paired with the perfect bottle of wine from the extensive wine cellar.
Castle Inn, Castle Combe
Located within one of the prettiest villages in England, Castle Inn sits within the 12th century Cotswolds village of Castle Combe. With a winsome honey-coloured façade brimming with character, it paints an immediately inviting picture which becomes even more appealing as you step inside its attractive interiors. Dubbed one of the best gastropubs in the country and recommended by the Michelin Guide, its atmosphere is warmed by open fires and friendly, professional staff, while its plates are adorned with hearty fare filled with deftly-prepared offerings.
Bell, Ramsbury
Surrounded by rolling countryside within a 19,000-acre estate, the three-hundred-year-old Bell in Ramsbury is a former coaching house that combines rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Flanked by undulating chalk hills and only a pebble’s skim from the banks of the River Kennet, its picture-perfect location is rivalled only by its menus of mouth-watering cuisine. Take a pew below its striking oak beams in winter or outside in its countryside garden in the warmer months, and relish slow moments of laidback lunches and romantic date nights.
Bunch of Grapes, Bradford-on-Avon
Recommended by the Michelin and the Good Food Guide, Bunch of Grapes is a family-run pub and restaurant in the historic market town of Bradford-on-Avon. One of the top places to visit in the county, it has a range of bar, à la carte, and five and seven-course menus available to suit every appetite and occasion. On weekends, the kitchen team also serves up delicious breakfast menus so you can start your day with the most uniquely flavoursome repasts. For further delectation, the pub’s sister venue and bakery, The Bunch of Bakes, is located just down the road.
Rick Stein, Marlborough
If you’re a fan of fruits de mer, there’s no finer place to visit for delicious seafood dishes than Rick Stein in Marlborough. Situated in Lloran House, this esteemed establishment brings a taste of the coast to Marlborough’s high street with iconic Rick Stein dishes. To make the most of the house specials, deliberate over the restaurant’s fish dishes and shellfish plates, served as a part of two or three-course set menus. Or, if you’d rather opt for land-based fare, you can also select from classic favourites including vegetarian and meat-based medleys.
The Bradley Hare, Maiden Bradley
The Bradley Hare is a charming village pub in the heart of Maiden Bradley, tucked within the grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s sprawling estate. Surrounded by spectacular bucolic landscapes peppered with historical relics, it lends itself perfectly to wholesome meals after long walks in the country. And, taking full advantage of its pastoral surrounds, the restaurant uses the freshest, seasonal Wiltshire ingredients from local producers, including local greengrocers, fishmongers, butchers and game dealers. Reserve a table in advance and look forward to tantalising meals to satiate and replenish.
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