Best Restaurants In Winchester
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9 months ago
Where to dine in the Hampshire city
Winchester is famous for many things, from its eleventh century cathedral to its college, one of the country’s oldest schools where parts of The Crown were filmed. But the historic city is also becoming increasingly known for its culinary scene, garnering a reputation as Hampshire’s foodie capital. Its pretty streets are lined with neighbourhood restaurants, bars and cafes – plus twice a month the city hosts the famed Winchester Farmers’ Market. Located just an hour’s train drive away from London, it makes the perfect weekend break – but where to dine while you’re there? Read on for the C&TH pick of the best restaurants in Winchester.
Where To Eat In Winchester
Kyoto Kitchen
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If you’re craving sushi, head to Kyoto Kitchen, a local favourite which last year moved from Parchment Street to Bridge Street. The food stayed the same in the move: eclectic Japanese cuisine, from small plates of gyoza and tempura to sashimi and the famous ‘special rolls’, plus grills of sea bass, black cod and miso salmon. There’s a focus on locally sourced ingredients, with a laid-back vibe – and if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the eatery is also home to a few hotel rooms.
Bridge Street House, 5 Bridge St, Winchester SO23 0HN, kyotokitchen.co.uk
Chesil Rectory
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Winchester is home to many historic buildings, but the Chesil Rectory takes the crown for being the city’s oldest dwelling. The property itself dates all the way back to 1450, and it has stood as a restaurant for 70 years, upholding its traditional charm with its old black beams and an inglenook fireplace. Food-wise, chef Damian Brown and his team cook up a menu of modern British classics: think spiced Portland crab, roast local venison with bacon rosti, and pan roasted celeriac with toasted hazelnuts – as well as an excellent Sunday roast.
1 Chesil St, Winchester SO23 0HU, chesilrectory.co.uk
Forte Kitchen
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Serving up the best breakfast in town is Forte Kitchen, a charming cafe on Parchment Street. Kick off your day with a plate of sweetcorn fritters and poached eggs, French toast with streaky bacon, or one of the beloved Forte cinnamon buns, alongside a coffee and a smoothie. There’s also a lunch menu featuring sandwiches, burgers and salads, plus an afternoon tea offering. On-the-move? Grab a croissant and coffee from The Hatch, Forte Kitchen’s takeaway sister cafe.
78 Parchment St, Winchester SO23 8AT, fortekitchen.co.uk
Pulpo Negro
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A little outside of Winchester, but well worth going slightly out of your way for is Pulpo Negro, a relaxed tapas restaurant in Aylesford. Housed inside an old townhouse and boasting a stylish interior, the eatery has secured a Bib Gourmand for its Spanish-inspired menu, which is spearheaded by Barcelona-born director Andres Alemany alongside head chef Sam Fawcett. Expect all the classics – croquetas, gambas al ajillo, smoked chorizo and patatas bravas – alongside an array of Spanish wines and cocktails.
28 Broad St, Alresford SO24 9AQ, pulponegro.co.uk
Rick Stein’s Winchester
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Back in 2014, Rick Stein chose Winchester as the first location to open a restaurant outside of Cornwall. Head here for the fresh seafood fare Stein is renowned for – with the Cornish catch of the day delivered to head chef Chris Baker and the team. The menu includes signatures like the fish curry and hake with beer and bacon, alongside decadent fruits de mer platters, Jersey oysters and salt cod fishcakes. There’s a good set menu too, offering two courses for £21.95 or three for £26.95.
8 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX, rickstein.com
The Wykeham Arms
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For a quintessential British pub experience, head to The Wykeham Arms, located in the city centre between the cathedral and the college. It has an impressive food menu designed to showcase the best of Hampshire produce, with highlights including a lamb pie, slow roasted squash and sage ravioli, and a sharing côte de boeuf. The perfect cosy pitstop for lunch and a pint during a day of exploring the city.
75 Kingsgate St, Winchester SO23 9PE, wykehamarmswinchester.co.uk
Palm Pan Asia
This family-run Pan Asian restaurant has been popular with locals for many years, focusing predominantly on Thai food. The extensive menu begins with an array of small plates: steamed dumplings, Indonesian chicken satay, five spice duck salad and spring rolls, ahead of zingy curries, stir fries and grills. It’s reasonably priced and there’s always a friendly, buzzy vibe.
166-167 High St, Winchester SO23 9BA, palmpanasia.co.uk
