Cheltenham has a thriving bar and restaurant scene, with everything from a romantic, florally-festooned sushi bar to a spot under a dreamy domed ceiling or a rooftop table with the best skyline views across the town.
SoGlos reveals 19 of the best hot spots to spoil your loved one on a tasty night out.
The Nook on Five
Cheltenham's first ever rooftop restaurant, The Nook on Five at the Quadrangle takes its inspiration from European fine dining, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce. And with breath-taking panoramic views over Imperial Gardens, stretching as far as the Malvern Hills on one side and Cleeve Hill on the other, The Nook offers sublime sunset dining for two.
KIBOU
Featuring one of the most unforgettable interiors in Cheltenham, KIBOU is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which originally opened its doors back in August 2013. Celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, the popular dining spot serves up a delicious menu — with a large variety of freshly-made sushi and an expansive offering of hot Japanese cuisine, with a decent amount of vegan options, too. KIBOU also took home the Highly Commended award for Restaurant of the Year at the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards last year.
Restaurant Journey
Creative fine-dining venue, Restaurant Journey, has recently been included in the Michelin inspectors' list of favourite new restaurants in 2023. The eatery, located on Bath Road, is a fun, immersive experience, with theatrical food presentation; unique interiors, including a floor-to-ceiling graffiti-inspired mural and a 'living wall' of pickles and fermentations; not to mention its 12-course tasting menu with silver service.
Lumière
Lumière won its first Michelin star back in March 2023 and is one of Cheltenham's finest restaurants with a huge local fan base. This petite restaurant offers an intimate and sophisticated environment, with a menu of artistically-presented modern British cuisine. Diners can enjoy a few hours spent tasting its four, six or eight-course menu options, for a full and luxurious fine-dining experience.
Purslane
An independent restaurant located on Rodney Road in the heart of Cheltenham, Purslane offers relaxed fine dining with a focus on seafood in an elegantly intimate setting. Using fresh and sustainably-caught seafood from British waters, Purslane’s menu changes bi-monthly and incorporates the best possible locally-sourced ingredients to create interesting and inventive dishes. With both a la carte and tasting menus to choose from, it even offers special lobster nights where diners can splurge on six courses with fine wines to accompany.
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie
Retreat to an atmospheric evening in the art deco interior of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie. Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the Montpellier area, couples can treat themselves to a delicious dinner in a spectacular setting under the domed ceiling, tucking into modern British fusion cuisine and a delectable selection of wines and cocktails.
Prithvi
A firm Cheltenham favourite for its refined, modern take on Indian dishes, the award-winning Prithvi on Bath Road offers ambient fine dining, with its dark green panelling and atmospheric lighting. While on the menu, its a la carte Indian dishes are sublime, both in taste and presentation. Prithvi also won the coveted Restaurant of the Year at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards this year, with head chef Rajesh Arumugam taking home Highly Commended for Chef of the Year.
The Beefy Boys
For a fun, relaxed dinner date, The Beefy Boys on Regent Street is home to the UK's best burger, with food fans travelling from all over the county to sample its signature burgers and moreish milkshakes. Grab a booth for two and enjoy the award-winning patties. The restaurant also recently featured on a BBC television show hosted by celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge.
Sam's Montpellier
Sam's Montpellier is independent restaurant and one of Cheltenham's hidden gems, tucked away in the exclusive Montpellier Courtyard. With a diverse range of flavours inspired by the earth, land and sea, and tapas-sized dishes perfectly designed for sharing, throw in a hand mixed cocktail and you've got the idyllically quiet supper for two.
Domaine 16
Another restaurant from Regent Street's impressive line-up of foodie favourites, Domaine 16 makes for a fun date night with its French cheese and wine speciality. With a big variety of sharing dishes and boards, and a choice of several fondues for two, finished off with a glass of wine or two from the restaurant's extensive drinks menu, Domaine 16 offers an entertaining night out that's sure to be memorable.
Muse Brasserie
With a chef from Paris and a chef from India, Muse Brasserie combines elements of traditional European and Asian cuisine — promising a unique fusion experience with the most incredible flavours; it even has a dedicated vegan menu, too. And the cocktail list is every bit as inspired as the surroundings, with its dining room adorned with beautiful apple blossom for an added touch of romance.
Suffolk Rock
Local and organic ingredients take centre stage at Suffolk Rock, an independently run British bistro in the Suffolks, with Thursdays being reserved for its special steak night. Menus change every week, depending on local produce, with vegetarian and vegan options alongside its organic meat and sustainably-sourced fish.
Bhoomi Kitchen
Serving southern-Indian cuisine inspired by the flavours of Kerala, Bhoomi Kitchen, on Suffolk Road, is renowned for its traditional one-pot curries and barbecue dishes. Tuck into small plates, or mains, with all the accompaniments and sides you'd expect from an Indian kitchen, while cosying up in the effortlessly stylish, intimate interiors.
Petit Coco Bistro
Just off Cheltenham's High Street, this cosy basement bistro excels at classic French fare, with everything from escargots to cassoulet and creme brulee on the menu, all elegantly presented in its cosy candlelit dining room. Petit Coco Bistro regularly hosts live music events too, with musicians recreating the romantic sounds of a chic Parisian cafe.
The Suffolk Arms
An independent gastro pub set in a converted Grade II listed Georgian property, The Suffolk Arms is popular for its homemade 'big boy pies', tasty traditional British pub grub and excellent Sunday roasts. Head chef Liam Doherty was also a finalist for Chef of the Year at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2023.
Sef Steakhouse
Sef Steakhouse is the brainchild of restauranteurs Metin Civlak, Mert Aras and Kaan Kucukagalar, who have a combined 30 years' experience in the industry from running businesses in Turkey and Kuwait. The final restaurant to open in the Quadrangle in 2023, Sef's (pronounced 'chef') elegant interiors and theatrical dining experience (with many of its dishes finished at the table in front of you) make for an unforgettable date night.
Gallimores Kitchen
Seafood lovers will want to head to Gallimores Kitchen, with its shellfish platters and moules mariniere renowned for being some of the best fish dishes in Cheltenham. Another little gem tucked away in Montpellier Courtyard, Gallimores' shellfish is sourced as locally as possible, with suppliers in Devon and south Wales.
Bosco Pizzeria
Inspired by Naples, New York and San Francisco pizza places, Bosco Pizzeria, the first restaurant to open at the Quadrangle in 2022, has an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, creating a modern, vibrant dining space that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner date. Serving not just pizza, but pasta and Italian-inspired main dishes too, with a healthy dose of starters, sides and desserts.
Thai Emerald
A longstanding and much-loved Cheltenham restaurant, Thai Emerald has been serving up traditional Thai dishes for nearly 30 years. And it always seems to get it just right — with its opulent traditional decor, attentive staff and scrumptious food. With all the classic favourites you'd expect, from a green curry to a pad Thai, or try a banquet for two for a special feast.
