Nottingham has a strong, varied food scene shaped by its students, professionals, families and visitors. Whether you want Kerala curries, Neapolitan pizza, a proper steak or a historic pub lunch, the best restaurants in Nottingham cover everyday meals and special occasions alike.
This guide picks 10 well-reviewed restaurants in Nottingham, chosen for customer feedback, cuisine variety and overall dining experience. It also covers getting around, booking, eating on a budget, dietary needs and where to eat beyond the centre. Last updated: October 2026.
Restaurants in Nottingham at a Glance
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Approx. rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday People | Japanese, Asian | 4.8/5 | Relaxed evenings, small groups |
| Fothergills | British, gastropub | 4.6/5 | Lunch, casual dinners |
| Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant | Italian, seafood | 4.7/5 | Family meals, date nights |
| Compà City Centre | Italian, Mediterranean | 4.9/5 | Evening dining, small groups |
| BOHNS Best Burgers | American, burgers | 4.6/5 | Friends, informal meals |
| Kottaram | Indian, Asian | 4.9/5 | Family dining, group meals |
| Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana | Italian, pizza | 4.7/5 | Quick meals, groups |
| Son of Steak | Steakhouse, British | 4.5/5 | Dinner outings |
| Pitcher & Piano Nottingham | British, bar food | 4.4/5 | Groups, informal dining |
| Kayal | South Indian, Kerala | 4.7/5 | South Indian food lovers |
1. Everyday People
Everyday People is known for its Japanese and Asian-inspired menu with modern presentation. It has gained attention for creative starters and carefully prepared ramen, often praised for balance and flavour. It is a good pick when you want something a little different from the usual city-centre options.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.8/5
- Cuisine: Japanese and Asian
- Dining style: Casual and modern
- Suitable for: Small groups, relaxed evenings
- Area: Nottingham city centre
2. Fothergills
Fothergills is a long-established British gastropub near Nottingham Castle. It is popular for traditional dishes, seasonal menus and a historic pub atmosphere that suits locals and visitors alike, especially at lunch.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.6/5
- Cuisine: British, gastropub
- Dining style: Traditional, relaxed
- Suitable for: Lunch, casual dinners
- Area: Nottingham city
3. Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant
Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant focuses on classic Italian cooking with a strong emphasis on seafood. Diners often choose it for sit-down family meals and quieter evenings out, which makes it one of the calmer options for a date night.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.7/5
- Cuisine: Italian, seafood
- Dining style: Calm, sit-down dining
- Suitable for: Family meals, date nights
- Area: Nottingham city
4. Compà City Centre
Compà City Centre serves Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a modern approach. It is frequently mentioned for distinctive flavours and well-presented plates, and it is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Nottingham for evening dining.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.9/5
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Dining style: Modern, intimate
- Suitable for: Evening dining, small groups
- Area: Nottingham city centre
5. BOHNS Best Burgers
BOHNS Best Burgers is known for well-made burgers in a casual setting. It is a go-to for diners who want comfort food with consistent quality, and it works well for a relaxed meal with friends.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.6/5
- Cuisine: American, burgers
- Dining style: Casual
- Suitable for: Friends, informal meals
- Area: Nottingham city
6. Kottaram
Kottaram specialises in Indian and Asian cuisine, with a menu built on traditional flavours and recipes. It is especially known for its curries, lamb dishes and vegetarian options, and its sit-down format suits families and larger groups.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.9/5
- Cuisine: Indian, Asian
- Dining style: Traditional sit-down
- Suitable for: Family dining, group meals
- Area: Nottingham city
7. Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana is recognised for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza made with traditional techniques. It is popular for both dining in and takeaway, and the lively atmosphere suits groups and quick meals.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.7/5
- Cuisine: Italian, pizza
- Dining style: Casual, lively
- Suitable for: Quick meals, groups
- Area: Nottingham city centre
8. Son of Steak
Son of Steak offers straightforward British steakhouse dining. Customers often mention the quality of the steaks and reliable service, making it a dependable choice for a dinner out.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.5/5
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, British
- Dining style: Casual steakhouse
- Suitable for: Dinner outings
- Area: Nottingham city
9. Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
Pitcher & Piano Nottingham combines bar dining with classic British and international dishes. It is commonly chosen for social meals, group gatherings and casual evenings in the city centre, particularly when a mixed group wants food and drinks in one place.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.4/5
- Cuisine: British, bar food
- Dining style: Social, casual
- Suitable for: Groups and informal dining
- Area: Nottingham city centre
10. Kayal
Kayal is well known for South Indian and Kerala-style cuisine. It attracts diners looking for traditional flavours, including vegetarian-friendly dishes and classic curries.
Quick facts
- Approximate rating: 4.7/5
- Cuisine: Indian, Asian
- Dining style: Traditional sit-down
- Suitable for: South Indian food lovers
- Area: Nottingham city
Getting Around the City Centre
Nottingham’s city centre is compact, so most restaurants on this list are within walking distance of each other, clustered around Old Market Square, the Lace Market, Hockley and the streets towards the station. The tram links the centre with the railway station and outlying areas, so an evening out without a car is easy. Hockley and the Lace Market hold much of the independent food scene, while the area around Market Square has more of the larger chains.
Booking and Timing
Friday and Saturday evenings fill quickly, especially in university term time, around big events at the arena, the Theatre Royal and the Royal Concert Hall, and on match days at Trent Bridge and the City Ground. Book a few days ahead at the popular independents for weekends. Midweek is far easier, and many restaurants run set lunch menus or early-evening offers that make the same food much cheaper. Walk-ins work best before 7pm.
Eating Well on a Budget
As a large student city, Nottingham has plenty of places where a meal costs very little. Independent cafés, food stalls around the centre, and many South Asian and East Asian restaurants offer generous portions at modest prices. Lunch menus at pricier restaurants are often the best-value way to try them, and bring-your-own venues can cut the bill substantially at smaller places.
Dietary Needs and Allergies
Most restaurants in Nottingham now mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options clearly, and the South Indian and Kerala-style kitchens on this list are traditionally strong on vegetarian food. UK restaurants must provide information on the 14 major allergens in the food they serve, so ask staff directly rather than relying on the menu alone, and mention any allergy when you order. A kitchen that answers allergen questions confidently is usually one that runs carefully in general.
Beyond the City Centre
Some of the best restaurants in Nottingham are outside the centre. West Bridgford, south of the Trent, has a busy strip of independent restaurants and bars on Central Avenue. Beeston and Sherwood have their own clusters of neighbourhood places, and Hyson Green and Radford hold much of the city’s South Asian food. With more than one evening, crossing the river or taking the tram out is the easiest way to find places visitors rarely reach.
Planning a Food Weekend
A food-focused weekend works best as a relaxed independent lunch in Hockley, an afternoon in the Lace Market or at the castle, and dinner booked in advance at one of the more ambitious places. Sunday lunch at a traditional pub is a Nottingham institution, and several of the city’s old pubs have long histories worth a look in their own right. Exploring other cities too? See our guides to wine and cheese spots in Manchester and the best schnitzel in Manchester.
Related reading:
- Looking for lighter options? See our guide to healthy food restaurants in Nottingham.
- Thinking of living here? See the best UK cities for remote workers.
Final Thoughts
The appeal of restaurants in Nottingham lies in their variety and consistency. From Japanese and Italian cooking to British pubs and South Indian kitchens, the city offers dependable choices for every taste and occasion. Book ahead for weekends, use lunch menus to save money, and look beyond the centre if you have time.
Ratings are based on publicly available customer reviews and may change over time. Menus, services and opening hours can vary, so check directly with each restaurant before visiting.
FAQs About Restaurants in Nottingham
Which area has the most restaurants in Nottingham?
The city centre has the highest concentration, especially around Market Square, Hockley, the Lace Market and Nottingham Castle. Many popular spots are within walking distance of each other.
Are there good restaurants in Nottingham for visitors and tourists?
Yes. The city centre offers a wide mix of British, Italian, Indian and international cuisine, so tourists can easily find familiar or local options.
Do restaurants in Nottingham offer vegetarian options?
Most do. Many include vegetarian meals on the main menu rather than as limited alternatives, and South Indian restaurants such as Kayal are especially strong here.
Are restaurants in Nottingham suitable for group dining?
Yes. Casual venues, gastropubs and sit-down restaurants all cater to groups. Availability depends on seating and time, so book ahead.
Is it easy to find international food in Nottingham?
Yes. Italian, Indian, Japanese and other Asian cuisines are widely available alongside British food.
Do restaurants in Nottingham require advance booking?
Many accept walk-ins at quieter times, but booking is recommended for evenings, weekends and popular venues.
Are restaurants in Nottingham family-friendly?
Many welcome families with a relaxed atmosphere. Suitability varies by venue, so check menus and seating in advance.
Are restaurant ratings in Nottingham reliable?
Ratings usually reflect customer reviews across several platforms. They are a helpful guide, but experiences vary, so read recent reviews and check current menus before visiting.