We're giving you the chance to win back the value of your meal - every time you dine this month!

Best restaurants in Cheltenham

Ever since King George III arrived in 1788 in the hope of curing his ailments with the town’s medicinal spa waters, Cheltenham has attracted a steady stream of visitors. Esteemed schools and colleges, music and literature festivals and world-famous horse racing – this elegant town now has something for everybody. The restaurant scene in Cheltenham is not to be sniffed at either, with restaurants in Cheltenham offering everything from lively bottomless brunches to fine-dining experiences. To help you make the most of your next visit, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Cheltenham, which need to be added to your to-dine list.

Updated on 20 February 2020

Cheltenham is a large Regency spa town found on the edge of the Cotswolds, best known for its picture-perfect townhouses and jam-packed social calendar; music and literature festivals abound, while guys and girls from across the town get dolled up for the annual Cheltenham Festival, a four-day long racing event which culminates in the Gold Cup.

While Cheltenham’s scenic gardens and historic buildings might appeal to young families and mature crowds, the town has also gained a reputation across the UK for its dynamic restaurant scene. It should come as no surprise that Cheltenham is home to plenty of great gastropubs and dining rooms in Georgian manor houses, but the area also boasts a number of more modern propositions, which have won over both the local crowd and tourists with the fun likes of bottomless brunch or by championing under-represented cuisines.

If you’re a little overwhelmed by all of the Cheltenham restaurants on offer, take comfort in the fact that we’ve rounded up all of the restaurants in Cheltenham that are actually worth your time (and money). So, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Cheltenham below, which features everything from cosy pubs with open fires to fine-dining establishments set among acres of parkland.

The Mayflower Restaurant

The Mayflower Restaurant

32 - 34 Clarence Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3NX

This cosy Cantonese has been thrilling diners since 1982, with its winning combination of attentive service and delicious dishes, all presented in traditional British Regency surrounds. The contrast of themes shouldn’t work, but it does.
£30 - £49
Chinese
Book now
Purslane Cheltenham

Purslane Cheltenham

16 Rodney Road, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1JJ

A yellow-painted Regency building just off the high street, intimate Purslane has really made a mark on the local scene. The menus showcase exceptional regional produce and Cornish fish, with each dish cooked with care.
Under £30
British
Book now
No. 131 The Promenade

No. 131 The Promenade

131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1NW

No. 131 finds its home in an elegant Georgian townhouse on Cheltenham’s bustling promenade. The menu changes with the seasons, but we keep going back for the Brit classics, such as crispy braised pork belly.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
The Fire Station Cheltenham

The Fire Station Cheltenham

The Fire Station Cheltenham 7 St James Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3PR

If the name doesn’t give it away, this popular restaurant and bar used to be a fire station. These days, it’s serving tempting cocktails alongside modern European dishes, while bottomless brunch keeps the weekends lively.
£30 - £49
Book now
L

L'Artisan

30 Clarence Street, Cheltenham , Gloucestershire, GL50 3NX

Warm surrounds and switched-on service are a large part of the appeal at L’Artisan, but it’s the authentic French dishes that keep diners coming back for more. Our top order? The snails in garlic butter.
£30 - £49
French
Book now
Prithvi Indian Restaurant

Prithvi Indian Restaurant

37 Bath Road Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7NB

Far from your typical casual curry house, Cheltenham’s Prithvi is a hit with both locals and tourists. The restaurant is known for serving polished Indian cuisine via a seasonally changing menu of updated Indian classics.
Indian
Book now
Domaine 16

Domaine 16

16 Regent Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1HE

There are few more sophisticated ways to spend an evening than indulging in cheese and wine. At Domaine 16, you’ll find thoughtfully curated charcuterie boards alongside fondue with all the trimmings – a cheese lover’s dream.
Cheese
Wine Bars
Book now
The Daffodil

The Daffodil

18-20 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2AE

Housed within a converted art-deco cinema, the Daffodil’s open kitchen occupies what was once the stage. Chef Tom Rains’ dishes are unpretentious and created with fine Cotswold produce. Time your visit for Saturday’s jazz sessions.
£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Book now
Lumiere

Lumiere

Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3PA

Don’t be put off by the smart dining room here, as service is refreshingly free of airs and graces. Equally, the menu shows respect for classic ingredients, but isn’t afraid to give them hi-spec makeovers.
£50 - £79
Modern European
Book now
The Wheatsheaf Inn - Burford

The Wheatsheaf Inn - Burford

West End, Northleach, Burford, Oxfordshire, GL54 3EZ

A short drive from Cheltenham, this 17th-century hostelry on the market square at Northleach is the quintessential Cotswold inn-with-rooms. Open fires and sumptuous furnishings set the scene for hearty Sunday roasts showcasing local produce.
£30 - £49
Gastropub
Book now
The Clarence Social

The Clarence Social

The Clarence Social Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3NY

Spread across three floors, Clarence Social is open all day and serves popular weekend brunches and Sunday lunches too. From the à la carte, our top order is the Ox cheek bourguignon with horseradish mash.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
The Restaurant at Ellenborough Park

The Restaurant at Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park, Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3NJ

It’s true that Ellenborough Park is a short drive from Cheltenham, but an oak-panelled dining room, seasonal menus and a wealth of wines to choose from the hotel’s extensive cellar make it worth the trip.
£50 - £79
British
Book now
MUSE Brasserie

MUSE Brasserie

MUSE Brasserie 60 St. Georges Place, Cheltenham, GL50 3PN

Billing itself as a French fusion restaurant, Muse serves up innovative dishes in a smart dining room flanked by shelves stocked with European wines. Indulgent desserts such as classic apple pie, provide the perfect finish.
£30 - £49
Book now
5 North Street

5 North Street

5 North Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LH

It’s easy to dismiss Cheltenham as twee, but this restaurant is as modern as they come. Menus change dependent on the season, but expect up to the minute dishes and a dedicated offering for vegetarians.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
Malmaison Cheltenham

Malmaison Cheltenham

Bayshill Road, Montpellier, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3AS

It’s not cheap, but this polished hotel chain is worth it. Malmaison’s establishments always feel sophisticated, and their stylised interiors will put you in a Champagne popping mood – with or without the famous afternoon tea.
£50 - £79
British
Book now
The Beehive Cheltenham

The Beehive Cheltenham

1-3 Montpellier Villas, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2XE

This charming Victorian corner pub offers a number of real ales from local breweries and good food too. In winter, grab a table near the open fire or try the enclosed garden on warmer days.
£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
Book now
The Restaurant at Cowley Manor

The Restaurant at Cowley Manor

Cowley, Near Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL

The Grade-II listed garden may be the obvious draw at Cowley Manor, but the dining room is pretty as a picture too. Can’t make it in the week? Come for afternoon tea or weekend brunch.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
The Coconut Tree

The Coconut Tree

59 St Paul's Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4JA

Authentic Sri Lankan street food is the name of the game at Coconut Tree, which serves a menu of delectable small plates at fair prices. The artisan beers and tropical cocktails are worth trying too.
Under £30
Sri Lankan
Book now
Le Champignon Sauvage

Le Champignon Sauvage

24-26 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2AQ

This two Michelin-starred gaff is widely acknowledged as among the finest gastronomic experiences in the UK. Owner-chef David Everitt-Matthias uses cutting-edge culinary techniques to create mesmerising dishes from Cotswold produce, much of it foraged.
£50 - £79
Modern European
Book now
The Tavern

The Tavern

5 Royal Well Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3DN

This former boozer has been transformed into a bar/diner you’d expect to find in Soho rather than genteel Cheltenham. Popular staples such as sliders and steaks for grown-ups are supplemented by a separate kids’ menu.
£30 - £49
International
Book now

Willing to explore a little further out? Check out our pick of the best restaurants in the Cotswolds.

More restaurant recommendations

List Grid

List Grid

Test List

Test List

TestList2

TestList2

list test1

list test1

Sign in
Join SquareMeal Rewards

We're giving you the chance to win back the value of your meal - every time you dine this month!

JOIN FREE TODAY!

Already a member? Sign in