Top Restaurants: Exceptional Dining Across the Midlands and Beyond
Great restaurants offer far more than exceptional food – they create memorable experiences that linger long after the final course. Across the Midlands and surrounding counties, independent restaurants are combining carefully sourced ingredients, creative cooking and warm hospitality with settings that make dining out feel like a genuine occasion.
From authentic Italian flavours and modern British cooking to sustainable countryside dining and bold seafood dishes, there is something here for every taste. Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, an evening with friends or somewhere special for a celebration, these restaurants each bring their own distinctive character to the table.
Pane E Gusto – Authentic Italian Dining in Hinckley
At Pane E Gusto, a love of authentic Italian cuisine and family tradition come together in the heart of Hinckley. The restaurant combines contemporary style with touches of Italian charm, creating a welcoming setting whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, enjoying a leisurely meal or gathering with friends.
Quality and authenticity are central to the experience, with a passion for great food matched by warm, friendly hospitality. Located at The Clarence on Market Place, Pane E Gusto offers a taste of the Italian way without having to travel far.
The Noel’s Arms – A New Chapter for a Melton Landmark
Standing proudly on Burton Street overlooking the church, The Noel’s Arms has welcomed locals and visitors to Melton Mowbray for generations. Following a thoughtful restoration, the historic inn has been revived while retaining the character and heritage that have made it a familiar part of the town.
Today, its elegant restaurant champions seasonal British produce, with menus featuring ingredients such as Colston Bassett Stilton, Cornish day boat fish, heritage vegetables and produce sourced from trusted growers and artisan suppliers. Classic British flavours are given a contemporary touch, whether you’re visiting for a leisurely lunch, intimate evening meal or special occasion.
The destination is evolving further with three luxury self-contained apartments, allowing visitors to combine dinner with an overnight stay and time exploring Melton Mowbray and the surrounding Leicestershire countryside.
The Riverside – Sustainable Dining in Herefordshire
Set within a historic 16th-century building in the Herefordshire countryside, The Riverside places sustainability and locally sourced produce at the heart of its approach to dining.
Seasonal ingredients take centre stage, with many grown in the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. Its commitment has earned recognition including the AA British Sustainable Champion Award 2025 and Taste of Herefordshire Award 2024.
Alongside the restaurant, beautifully appointed rooms make The Riverside an appealing choice for those looking to turn dinner into a countryside stay. Whether visiting for a relaxed meal, celebrating a special occasion or escaping for a few days, the combination of food, accommodation and rural surroundings creates a complete experience.
Malvern Restaurant at Brockencote Hall Hotel – Modern British Dining
Following a £150,000 refurbishment, Malvern Restaurant at Brockencote Hall Hotel offers a refined dining experience inspired by the Worcestershire countryside.
Head Chef Tim Jenkins creates modern British dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, served within newly refreshed surroundings designed to complement the food and setting.
From lunches and dinners to traditional Sunday roasts and Afternoon Tea, Malvern Restaurant provides plenty of reasons to visit, whether you’re marking an occasion or simply looking for somewhere special to enjoy good food in the Worcestershire countryside.
Visit Malvern Restaurant at Brockencote Hall Hotel
Sapphire Seafood Kitchen – Bold Flavours in Leicester
Bringing something altogether different to Leicester’s dining scene, Sapphire Seafood Kitchen is the city’s first dedicated seafood boil restaurant. Inspired by bold Cajun flavours, its hands-on approach turns dinner into an experience designed to be shared and enjoyed.
Since opening, Sapphire has developed a loyal following and has been nominated for Best Restaurant at the British Restaurant Awards three years in a row. It has also received an OpenTable Diners’ Choice award and been featured by the OnlyScrans YouTube channel.
Whether you already love seafood or you’re trying a seafood boil for the first time, expect generous portions, premium seafood and plenty of flavour at its Infirmary Square restaurant.
Visit Sapphire Seafood Kitchen
Discover Somewhere New
From Italian hospitality in Hinckley and seasonal British cooking in Melton Mowbray to sustainable Herefordshire dining, refined Worcestershire cuisine and a hands-on seafood experience in Leicester, these restaurants demonstrate just how varied the region’s food scene has become.
Whether it’s somewhere you already know or a restaurant waiting to be discovered, there’s always a good reason to book a table, try something different and make the meal itself part of the occasion.
