With a vibrant foodie scene that’s grown considerably in the past few years, Nottingham has plenty of variety to offer in terms of food – whether you’re after a casual Thai feast at Zaap or an impressive a la carte spread at World Service. Here are some favourite food spots from Go Dine Digital's Phoebe Gregor...
Calcutta Club
One of Nottingham’s favourite Indian restaurants, Calcutta Club is a fine-dining establishment specialising in first-class service and authentic cuisine. Situated on Maid Marian Way, Nottingham’s Curry Mile, the restaurant serves everything from timeless classics to exciting club specials, including the delectable South Indian crab samosa and the Goan fish curry. And with exceptional service, dining at Calcutta Club becomes an experience fit for a Maharaja.
Calcutta Club website
Zaap Thai Street Food
Zaap may be situated in Nottingham city centre, but you’ll find yourself transported to the streets of Thailand when you step inside. Climb aboard a tuk tuk (Instagram hits, obviously), grab a Singha at the bar and revel at the vibrant street market-inspired decor before tucking into authentic Thai cuisine. The gang massaman and the classic pad thai are some of our favourites, but don’t miss out on the starters: deep fried corn cake and crispy tiger prawns make the perfect intros.
Zaap website
Iberico World Tapas
Combining the rustic authenticity of Spanish tapas dining with the refined ingredients of world cooking, Iberico World Tapas unites the award-winning excellence of sister restaurant World Service with a more laid-back approach. Despite its more relaxed vibe, Iberico has won plenty of awards itself – including the Michelin Guide's coveted Bib Gourmand. When it comes to the food itself, the inside-out chicken wings are probably Iberico's most popular dish, for good reason, while the authentic churros with hot chocolate sauce are definitely not for sharing.
Iberico World Tapas website
World Service
Maybe the city’s most esteemed restaurant, World Service can be found housed in the elegant seventeenth-century Newdigate House. Found in the Michelin, AA and Good Food Guides, the restaurant is never short of praise from other venues, bloggers and locals alike. It might be a surprise to find that it doesn’t cost the “world” to dine there: the restaurant’s fixed-price menu is just £16.95 for two courses. Our current favourite dishes include the gin-cured salmon and the wood pigeon with bacon and peppercorn sauce.
World Service website
Nada Budaya
Nottingham’s only Malaysian restaurant is a gem. Combined with the fact that it’s neighbours with some proper pubs and bars, you get a winning formula for a decent night out. Owner Maziah Omar is passionate about bringing authentic, home-cooked Malaysian recipes to the people of Notts for a great price, without skimping on quality. Our favourites include the beef rendang and the delightfully green seri kaya dessert. To top it off, every Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy two courses for just £8 at lunchtime.
Nada Budaya website
Oscar & Rosie’s
If you like pizza (and we’re sure you do), there’s no better Nottingham venue to visit than Oscar & Rosie’s. You won’t find pre-made plastic sauces or pre-grated cheese here – this place is all about proper quality food at decent prices. They also do incredible mac ‘n’ cheese, featuring toppings such as chilli and cumin roasted butternut squash and thyme roasted mushrooms.
Oscar & Rosie’s website
Yamas
Tucked away on Thurland Street is Nottingham’s favourite Greek: Yamas Meze and Tapas. This Mediterranean oasis is the perfect place to visit with a group of hungry friends: just make sure they like to share. Tapas-style dining means you can try a lot of dishes for a great price – some of our favourites are the meaty stifado and the vegetarian-friendly halloumi saganaki.
Yamas website.
The Angel Microbrewery
Reopening in June 2016, their new menu promotes carnivore and herbivore options equally. Based on Stoney Street, the pub holds its own microbrewery with its first in-house brew sold in March 2017. Serving classic pub grub with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes that are the perfect alternative, such as their tempah fish and chips. Their homemade pies change flavours daily, and the staff will always suggest the perfect beer or ale to pair it with.
The Angel website
The Larder on Goosegate
Since opening in 2006, The Larder has earned a reputation as one of Nottingham's best independent restaurants. Their afternoon teas are some of the best in Nottingham (plus you can always add some Prosecco to your teas, finger sandwiches and sweet treats). A daily changing menu is based on seasonal, local produce, and the curry spiced cauliflower is one of the best vegetarian dishes in Nottingham.
The Larder on Goosegate website
Lobster Pot
Nottingham’s favourite seafood restaurant is the perfect place to try your first lobster. Go for their famous lobster platter, or pick one of their Thai dishes such as a phanaeng curry. Their Beeston branch is the younger of the two, but boasts an extensive Thai menu influenced by the owner’s family and recipes. Always fresh from local fishmongers and daily changing specials, it’s a proper taste of the sea in the Midlands.
Lobster Pot website
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