Culinary Journey Through Somerset: The 10 best restaurants you must visit

Culinary Journey Through Somerset: The 10 best restaurants you must visit

April 11, 2025

Somerset, a picturesque county in southwest England, is famous not only for its beautiful scenery and rich history, but also for its delicious cuisine. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, and local products are the basis of culinary masterpieces. We invite you on a fascinating journey through 10 of Somerset's finest restaurants that offer an unforgettable taste experience and an atmosphere that will long be remembered. From sophisticated Michelin-starred establishments to cozy pubs serving homemade specialties, Somerset has something to offer for every lover of fine dining. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will delight your palate and show you a true taste of England.

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The culinary gems of Somerset -. From fine dining to cozy pubs

Let's begin our culinary journey with Osip Restaurant, a true gastronomic gem of Somerset. Located in the charming town of Bruton, Osip offers a unique dining experience in an intimate setting. Here, Michelin-starred chef Merlin Labron-Johnson creates tasting menus based on local, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from the restaurant's own garden. Guests praise not only the refined dishes, but also the extraordinary attention to detail and friendly service. Prices are high, but the quality justifies the expense - it's the perfect place for a special occasion.

Not far from Osip is another culinary gem - HOLM Somerset. This restaurant with guest rooms offers a modern take on British cuisine. Here, chef Nicholas Balfe combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches to create dishes that are both familiar and surprising. HOLM is renowned for its use of products from local suppliers and its own crops, which translates into fresh and intense flavors. Guests can choose between à la carte and tasting menus, and prices are slightly lower than at Osip, making HOLM accessible to a wider range of customers.

Moving on to Taunton, the capital of Somerset County, we come across Augustus Restaurant. It's a place that combines the elegance of fine dining with the coziness typical of small, family-run restaurants. Chef Richard Guest here creates dishes inspired by French and Italian cuisine, but with a strong emphasis on local, seasonal produce. The menu changes regularly, reflecting the best of the season. Augustus offers excellent value for money, making it popular with locals and tourists alike.

We can't leave out The Circus Restaurant in Bath, a city famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Housed in an 18th-century townhouse, this restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of classic British cuisine. Chefs Alison and Richard Golden focus on simple but perfectly executed dishes that highlight the flavor of quality ingredients. The Circus is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and professional service, which, combined with moderate prices, makes it an ideal place for a family dinner or romantic supper.

Each of these restaurants has its own unique character and offerings, but they share a passion for local products and a commitment to culinary excellence. Whether you choose a refined tasting menu at Osip, modern British cuisine at HOLM, or classic dishes at Augustus or The Circus, you can be sure you're in for an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Somerset.

Tradition and innovation on Somerset plates

Continuing our culinary journey through Somerset, we can't leave out The Clockspire Restaurant, located in the picturesque village of Milborne Port. Housed in a restored 19th century school, this restaurant combines historic charm with modern elegance. Here, chef Luke Sutton creates a menu that pays homage to local produce and traditional cooking techniques, but with a modern twist. The Clockspire offers both à la carte and tasting menus, and prices are in the high end, reflecting the quality of ingredients and culinary artistry. The restaurant has won critical and guest acclaim for its unique atmosphere and unforgettable taste experience.

Let's now move to Glastonbury, a town known for its legendary music festival and mystical aura. Here you will find Queen of Cups, a restaurant that brings a breath of fresh air to the local food scene. It specializes in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a wide selection of mezze and vegetarian dishes. Queen of Cups stands out not only for its taste, but also for its atmosphere - the colorful, eclectic decor perfectly captures the spirit of Glastonbury. Prices here are affordable, which, combined with the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, makes it the perfect place for an informal meal with friends.

Returning to Bath, be sure to visit The Olive Tree Restaurant, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. Here, chef Chris Cleghorn creates a sophisticated tasting menu that is a true feast for the senses. The Olive Tree is known for its innovative approach to classic British ingredients, creating dishes that are both familiar and surprising. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options at the same high level. Prices are high, but the quality and creativity justify the expense - it's the perfect place for a special occasion or a culinary experience that will live long in the memory.

For those looking for a more traditional but still high-quality culinary experience, The Talbot Inn in Mells is an excellent choice. This 16th century inn combines the charm of old England with a modern approach to dining. The menu is based on classic British dishes, but made with fresh, local ingredients and attention to detail. The Talbot Inn is particularly famous for its Sunday dinners, which are a true celebration of traditional British cuisine. Prices are moderate and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, making it the perfect place for a family meal or a quiet dinner for two.

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, reflecting the diversity and richness of Somerset's gastronomic scene. From sophisticated Michelin-starred cuisine to cozy pubs serving traditional British fare, there is something for every lover of fine dining in Somerset. These restaurants not only provide a great tasting experience, but also allow you to immerse yourself in local culture and culinary traditions, creating unforgettable memories of your travels in this picturesque county.

Culinary experiences in the heart of the English countryside

Our Somerset culinary journey would not be complete without a visit to The Mount Somerset, a unique hotel and restaurant located near Taunton. It's a place where elegance meets homeliness, offering guests a luxurious experience in the heart of the English countryside. The Mount Somerset restaurant is renowned for using the freshest local ingredients to create a seasonal menu that reflects the richness of the region. The chef focuses on classic British flavors, but served in a modern, sophisticated way. Sunday lunches are particularly recommended here, and are a true feast for the palate. Prices are moderate to high, but the quality of the food and service and the beautiful surroundings fully justify it.

At the end of our culinary journey we will visit The Newt in Somerset, a unique place that is much more than a restaurant. It's a complex that includes a hotel, gardens, cider house and several dining outlets, each offering a unique dining experience. The main restaurant, The Botanical Rooms, serves dishes inspired by the surrounding gardens and orchards. The menu changes with the seasons, always offering the best of the moment. The Newt is famous for its homemade cider, cheeses and other products that can be found on the menu. Prices are high, but guests pay not only for the food, but for the overall experience, which includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens and participate in various cooking workshops.

Comparing all the restaurants discussed, we can see that each has its own unique character and offerings. Osip and The Olive Tree stand out as Michelin-starred restaurants, offering the most sophisticated and innovative dining experience, but also the highest prices. HOLM Somerset and The Clockspire represent a modern approach to British cuisine, combining tradition with innovation. Augustus Restaurant and The Circus offer elegant but affordable dining experiences, ideal for special occasions. Queen of Cups stands out for its international cuisine and eclectic atmosphere, offering something very different from typical British restaurants. The Talbot Inn and The Mount Somerset represent a more traditional approach, offering classic British dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Finally, The Newt in Somerset offers the most comprehensive experience, combining dining with the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens and participate in various activities.

As for availability, most of these restaurants require advance reservations, especially on weekends and during the tourist season. Prices range from moderate at places like Queen of Cups and The Talbot Inn, to very high at Michelin-starred restaurants like Osip and The Olive Tree. It's also worth remembering that many of these places change their menus seasonally, so the dining experience can vary from season to season.

All in all, Somerset offers an incredibly rich and diverse culinary scene that will satisfy even the most discerning foodies. From sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy pubs serving traditional British fare, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a family dinner or a culinary adventure, Somerset's restaurants will provide an unforgettable experience that will live long in the memory. This culinary journey through Somerset is not only an opportunity to sample delicious dishes, but also a way to experience the culture, traditions and hospitality of this beautiful English county.

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