A storybook town nestled within the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, Tetbury is a honey-dipped dream crafted for seekers of history, natural beauty, and delectable food. Surrounded by such rich and fertile lands, it’s of little wonder this enchanting town has garnered a reputation for exquisite eats.
From cosy bistros for intimate moments to vibrant pubs that ply you with artisanal drinks alongside handcrafted bar snacks, Tetbury boasts a cornucopia of culinary raptures to uncover. Not to mention a myriad of Michelin Star restaurants at your fingertips for luxurious dining that celebrates the best of the best.
Feeling peckish? Surround yourself in Cotswoldian charm as you sup at one of the best restaurants in Tetbury, uncovering unhurried repasts framed by honeyed walls and verdant hills.
Lola & Co
With simplicity at its heart, Lola & Co is a celebration of doing things well. Elegant, with a blend of Georgian chic and Spanish heart, this intimate restaurant invites you to hit pause as you sink into a food-fuelled reverie inspired by local ingredients and international tastes. The tapas-style menu features simple dishes that deliver intense flavours, and a selection of vegetarian, fish, and meat options ensures every palate is well catered for. Start your delectable journey with a board of cured fuet or rich manchego, before moving on to creamy burratas, lobster thermidor, and mini burgers with wagyu beef and caramelised onions. Finish things off with xuixo, a custard-stuffed pastry with pistachio cream, and you’ll soon be longing to return time and again.
KOKO
Next door to Lola & Co, KOKO is the bustling restaurant’s informal sister, beckoning for laidback hours in a relaxed bar setting. The food here follows in the footsteps of its kin, with simplicity and flavour leading the way, whether it’s vibrant poke bowls or spicy salmon tartar. Alongside the carefully curated menu, you’ll find a creative cocktail menu waiting to be explored. Sink back with a Negroni, whiskey, or a glass of something sparkling as you soak up the sumptuous space. Made for slow and social moments, this bar-meets-restaurant will soon become your favourite Tetbury eatery.
Bybrook, Castle Combe
A short drive from Tetbury lies the storybook village of Castle Combe, where honey-dipped cottages line a babbling brook to craft one of the prettiest sights in the Cotswolds. Set amidst a 365-acre estate, Bybrook celebrates the natural beauty of the area with a Michelin Star tasting menu that’s paired with characterful interiors and outstanding service. Ingredients are sourced from only the very best places, whether it’s mussels from Porthilly, Somerset duck, or fresh crab from Salcombe Bay. Each dish combines these wholesome ingredients to craft something entirely new and utterly entrancing. For an introduction to Executive Chef Robert Potter’s renowned carte de jour, the four-course menu offers a reduced selection that steals the show with every bite. There are two choices of wine pairing for your meal, or you can opt for a non-alcoholic drinks pairing. Whichever you choose, expect to be swept away in a tide of eclectic flavours.
The Gilbertine Kitchen
A relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome await at The Gilbertine Kitchen, which has quickly become one of the most beloved places to eat in Tetbury. Whether you seek breakfast, lunch, or something in between, this family-run restaurant boasts character at every turn, from the carefully chosen decor to the curated menu. Breakfasts and brunches are a whirlwind of flavour, whether you opt for the hearty French toast topped with smoked back bacon and maple butter or the delicious twist of beans on toast with smokey pinto beans, sobrasada sausage, and poached eggs atop a crispy slice of sourdough. Lunch continues to soothe the soul, with the likes of deep-filled ciabattas, sumptuous halloumi burgers, and their famous croque monsieur. Freshly brewed coffee finishes your meal on a perfectly roasted note, ensuring your sun-soaked day exploring the Cotswolds is well and truly fuelled.
The Dining Room, Malmesbury
Nestled in the neighbouring town of Malmesbury in the luxurious Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, The Dining Room calls to all who seek a Michelin Star experience in the heart of the Cotswolds. Executive Chef Ricki Weston has earned a sterling reputation for intricate dishes that infuse simple ingredients with complex combinations of flavour and texture. The full Dining Room menu invites you on a carefully curated journey through nine exceptional courses, featuring Sturia caviar, Cornish lobster, and Brixham crab, culminating in a crisp citrus tea. For a lighter affair, opt for the six-course menu, which features the best dishes for a sample taste of Chef Ricki’s ever-expanding flair. Pair your meal with the accompanying wine flight for the full experience, or select something special from the drinks menu, which features a medley of artisan cocktails to suit every taste.
Bistro 23
For those seeking Michelin-inspired dining in the heart of Tetbury, Bistro 23 is a culinary celebration with abundant charm and artisanal cocktails. Sumptuous interiors invite you in, promising romantic moments with a loved one or treasured memories with friends beneath the golden glow of the chandelier. As your gaze turns to the menu, you’ll find a myriad of delectable dishes to choose from. Starters range from unctuous fig and Oxford blue tart with candied walnuts to a light and bright pork and pistachio terrine served with pickled vegetables and crisped sourdough. For your main, choose between the soul-warming pie of the day, a 10-oz ribeye steak with triple-cooked chips, and traditional fish and chips with minted crushed peas. As the week draws to a close, book a table for their epicurean Sunday lunches, which have been honed to perfection, with French trim chicken, locally sourced pork loin, and vegetable wellington vying for your attention.
The Cat & Custard Pot Inn
For those seeking a medley of dining options in one place, The Cat & Custard Pot beckons with an array of choices to suit every occasion. The welcoming pub, with its William Morris walls and lush velvet seating, crafts an unhurried atmosphere in which to dine. The menu showcases the Cotswolds’ rich larder of homegrown fare, with dishes such as beetroot and shallot tarte tatin, slow-cooked lamb shank with cream potatoes, and a playful kimchi burger with salt-kissed halloumi and a zesty lime mayonnaise. Meanwhile, in the chalet you’ll find a menu bursting with Italian favourites, whether you opt for saffron arancini, butternut salad, or one of their famous pizzas. Celebrating something special? Reserve your place for one of their raclette sharing experiences, where a platter of dippable charcuterie pairs perfectly with the melted delights of the Swiss cheese.
The Close Restaurant
Situated a stone’s throw from Tetbury’s famous Market House, The Close Restaurant is perfectly placed for a peaceful reprieve while touring Tetbury’s unique sights and sites. The restaurant’s interiors are spacious, yet boast an intimate feel, with deep-hued walls, stone fireplaces, and leather chairs adding to the unique style and crafting an utterly unforgettable dining experience. The Close invites you to dine throughout the day, whether it’s eggs Benedict to start your day, a winsome afternoon tea replete with delicate finger sandwiches and crumbly scones, or an ambrosial dinner that ends your day with miso-marinated sea bass or wild mushroom polenta. A well-stocked bar also awaits, whether you wish to pause with a cocktail before your meal or enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Grey’s, Malmesbury
Set within Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Grey’s combines the Michelin-worthy craft of The Dining Room with its own marque of relaxed dining. The interiors reflect the restaurant’s name, pairing soft grey hues for a relaxing ambience in which to unwind with friends and loved ones, while the garden offers a sun-soaked setting in the summer months. Grey’s offers a choice of menus, including small plates for lighter bites and an all-day menu for heartier meals, with the week ending with Sunday lunches worthy of their place in the Michelin guide. Beef and a number of the fruits and vegetables are reared and grown on the estate, sparking a true appreciation for home-sourced fare.
Wilder, Nailsworth
A stone’s throw from Tetbury, in the pretty town of Nailsworth, sits Wilder, a unique restaurant whose place in the Michelin guide has been cemented through creativity, dedication, and skill. The menu is set, having been artfully crafted by the chefs to reflect a playful nature and devotion to local, seasonal ingredients. The experience begins at 7pm, with chefs serving each dish as it comes. Expect the unexpected when dining here, as dishes are inspired by anything and everything, creating an unforgettable feast for the senses. Previous menus have included the likes of goat’s curd and kimchi tapioca crackers, lasagna of salt-baked onion and truffle, and lemongrass and yoghurt foam with kaffir lime leaf granite. Despite the curated menu, Wilder can cater to a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic drink pairings; simply let them know when you book.
Feeling inspired for a culinary sojourn? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in the Cotswolds.
