The Cotswolds serves up everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to cosy gastro pubs with roaring fireplaces.
This honey-coloured region blends traditional British fare with contemporary cuisine, featuring local ingredients and seasonal menus.
Whether you’re after a proper Sunday roast following country walks or farm-to-table tasting menus, the Cotswolds food scene delivers.
I’ve spent countless weekends exploring picturesque villages and sampling everything from ale-soaked pies to creative small plates.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Best For: Farm-to-fork seasonal British dining
Owned by Lady Bamford of Daylesford Organic, The Wild Rabbit perfectly balances rustic country inn charm with refined gastropub elegance.
The kitchen garden vegetables and estate-grown produce shine in seasonal British dishes, whilst the cosy bar features a wood-burning stove that’s perfect after Cotswold walks.
Their Sunday lunch showcases heritage breeds and house-cured charcuterie.
The nose-to-tail approach means nothing’s wasted, and artisan cheeses from the farm complete exceptional meals in this Kingham gem.
Opening: Daily lunch and dinner service
Atmosphere: Rustic country inn with wood-burning stove, cosy bar, and refined gastropub elegance
Menu Highlights:
- Sunday lunch with heritage breeds
- House-cured charcuterie
- Kitchen garden vegetables
- Artisan cheeses from Daylesford farm
The Coconut Tree, Cheltenham
Best For: Authentic Sri Lankan street food
This vibrant spot brings authentic Sri Lankan street food to Cheltenham through tapas-style small plates perfect for sharing.
The egg hoppers (crispy pancakes with runny yolks) are absolutely brilliant, whilst spicy coconut curries and devilled chicken deliver bold, aromatic flavours.
I’ve watched locals order kottu roti repeatedly, and the affordable prices mean you can try multiple dishes.
The lively ambience and quick service make it ideal when you fancy something different from traditional Cotswolds fare.
Opening: Daily with quick service available
Atmosphere: Vibrant and lively with relaxed setting, perfect for casual dining and sharing plates
Menu Highlights:
- Egg hoppers with runny yolk
- Spicy coconut curries
- Devilled chicken
- Kottu roti
The Falkland Arms, Great Tew
Best For: Traditional 16th-century pub atmosphere
This ridiculously picturesque 16th-century inn features a thatched roof, low-beamed ceilings, and stone walls that ooze character.
Their homemade steak and ale pie comes wrapped in buttery flaky pastry surrounding tender beef chunks (absolute perfection with real ales from local breweries).
I’ve nabbed corner tables by the open fireplace countless times, watching village life unfold through vintage windows.
Generous portions run £14-18, and the garden terrace suits sunny afternoons brilliantly.
Book ahead weekends; popularity’s well-deserved.
Opening: Daily, weekend bookings essential
Atmosphere: Low-beamed ceilings, open fireplace, stone walls with vintage charm and garden terrace
Menu Highlights:
- Homemade steak and ale pie
- Real ales from local breweries
- Generous portions (£14-18)
- Traditional pub classics
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Best For: Michelin-starred special occasion dining
Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred restaurant represents the Cotswolds’ pinnacle of gastronomic excellence.
The tasting menu (£180 per person) showcases artistic presentation and seasonal vegetables from their famous kitchen gardens, which you can tour before dining.
Each elaborate course demonstrates culinary artistry I still dream about months later.
This luxury country house suits special occasions brilliantly (my 30th birthday meal here remains unforgettable).
Book months ahead and consider wine pairing options for the complete experience.
Opening: Book months in advance required
Atmosphere: Luxury country house with two Michelin stars, famous kitchen gardens, and impeccable service
Menu Highlights:
- Tasting menu at £180 per person
- Seasonal vegetables from kitchen gardens
- Wine pairing options
- Kitchen garden tours available
The Chequers, Churchill
Best For: Classic Sunday roast tradition
This historic coaching inn serves as Churchill’s local community hub, delivering proper British pub classics in comfortable, traditional surroundings.
Their Sunday roast features massive Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and gravy that’s clearly been simmering for hours.
The welcoming staff and family-friendly atmosphere make it perfect for relaxed weekend dining.
Hearty portions and seasonal menu changes keep locals returning, whilst the real ale selection and stone building’s Cotswold charm attract visitors seeking authentic village pub experiences.
Opening: Daily, specializing in Sunday roasts
Atmosphere: Historic coaching inn with traditional pub character, family-friendly and welcoming community hub
Menu Highlights:
- Sunday roast with massive Yorkshire puddings
- Crispy roast potatoes
- Proper homemade gravy
- Real ale selection
The Green Dragon, Cowley
Best For: Post-walk hearty Sunday roasts
I stumbled across this gem after getting properly lost on country walks (muddy boots and all).
Their Sunday roast delivers head-sized Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and proper gravy that rescued my freezing afternoon brilliantly.
The vegetarian nut roast impresses even meat-eaters, whilst outdoor seating offers stunning countryside views.
Friendly staff welcome walkers without judgment, making this casual village pub perfect for hearty meals following Cotswold rambles.
The generous portions and accessible pricing seal the deal.
Opening: Daily, walkers welcome all day
Atmosphere: Casual village pub with outdoor seating, countryside views, and muddy-boots-friendly attitude
Menu Highlights:
- Sunday roast with head-sized Yorkshire puddings
- Vegetarian nut roast
- Proper homemade gravy
- Generous portions at accessible prices
The Swan, Broadway
Best For: Quality pub classics centrally located
Broadway’s film-set beauty extends to The Swan’s historic charm and lively bar atmosphere.
Their fish and chips impressed me thoroughly (crispy batter surrounding flaky fish with proper chunky chips).
The gourmet burgers come fully loaded, whilst the summer garden proves brilliant for people-watching after browsing independent shops.
Cold beer and cider selections suit sunny afternoons perfectly.
At £15 for mains, it’s tourist-friendly pricing without sacrificing quality ingredients.
The bustling ambience feels welcoming rather than chaotic.
Opening: Daily lunch and dinner
Atmosphere: Historic charm with lively bar, summer garden for people-watching, and bustling welcoming vibe
Menu Highlights:
- Fish and chips with crispy batter
- Gourmet burgers fully loaded
- Cold beer and cider selection
- £15 mains with quality ingredients
Restaurant Henne, Moreton-in-Marsh
Best For: Contemporary weekly-changing seasonal menus
This stylish contemporary restaurant changes menus weekly based on seasonal availability and local sourcing.
I’ve impressed London visitors here (the roasted duck remains conversation-worthy months later).
The sophisticated atmosphere suits special occasions without feeling intimidating, whilst wine knowledge staff suggest unusual pairings that work brilliantly.
At £50-65 for three courses, quality ingredients and attention to detail justify premium pricing.
Creative cooking and refined presentation demonstrate serious culinary skill in this market town gem.
Opening: Weekly changing menus, advance booking
Atmosphere: Stylish contemporary setting with sophisticated yet welcoming vibe and knowledgeable wine staff
Menu Highlights:
- Roasted duck specialty
- Weekly changing seasonal menu
- Three courses £50-65
- Unusual wine pairings
The Old Bakery Tearoom, Blockley
Best For: Traditional cream tea experience
This quintessentially English tearoom saved me after overestimating my fitness on ambitious country walks.
Floral tablecloths and mismatched china create cosy charm, whilst homemade scones deliver the fluffiest texture I’ve encountered.
Their Victoria sponge balances light buttercream with proper jam ratios beautifully.
Daily cake selections change, but quality remains consistently excellent.
At £15 for cream tea serving two, it’s remarkably reasonable.
The welcoming environment suits solo dining perfectly (I’ve spent lovely afternoons here).
Opening: Daily afternoon tea service
Atmosphere: Quintessentially English with floral tablecloths, mismatched china, and cosy welcoming charm
Menu Highlights:
- Homemade fluffy scones
- Victoria sponge cake
- Daily changing cake selection
- Cream tea for two at £15
Tips for Dining in the Cotswolds
Book ahead (especially for dinner or Sunday lunch when good places fill quickly, particularly summer weekends).
Consider staying centrally in Stow-on-the-Wold or Chipping Campden for multiple dining options within reach.
Plan taxis for evening meals if you’re enjoying local beers; country roads get dark and winding.
Build appetite with Cotswold Way walks between villages (food genuinely tastes better earned).
Don’t dismiss tourist spots; popularity often reflects quality.
For special occasions, book months ahead.
