The Best Restaurants In Worcester, England
The birthplace of the famous Worcestershire sauce and, more recently, the home of the Foodie Festival and Fortnight, it makes sense that Worcester has a dining scene worth boasting about. We’ve lined up the city’s top culinary offerings, from contemporary British cuisine to mouth-watering Mediterranean fare. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
The Olive Branch
A bistro and wine bar, The Olive Branch serves a delectable mix of Mediterranean treats, styled after the cuisines of Spain, Italy and Greece to name but a few. Start with a selection of the Olive Branch’s tapas-style dishes – patatas bravas, deep-fried halloumi and lamb kofta are just a few delicious examples – to share with friends before hearty mains like gnocchi with sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, and pancetta in a creamy gorgonzola sauce or a classic paella with king prawns, chicken, chorizo, mussels, peppers, peas, and saffron-infused rice. Head downstairs to its gorgeously cozy wine bar for post-dinner drinks.
Bolero Bar & Kitchen
Opened in 2012 by local restaurateur Ilir Fazliu – who also owns No. 35 The Provenance, a sleek restaurant and wine bar, next door – Bolero Bar & Kitchen is an upscale-casual restaurant serving a mix of British and international fare. By day, specialty sandwiches and wraps are served alongside afternoon tea, while Bolero Bar & Kitchen’s evening menu features burgers, pasta, and steaks alongside sophisticated dishes like pan-seared black pearl scallops with garden pea risotto, smoked bacon lardons, and sage butter. Drinks include cocktails, specially selected wines, champagne, and cognac.
Chesters
Chesters’ specialty just might be its mix of modern and traditional Mexican dishes – think chimichangas, fajitas, and chile con carne alongside pasta – but its expansive menu has a dish for every diner, from pasta dishes with a spicy Mexican twist to Cajun-inspired fare like jambalaya. The restaurant also features a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like its sweet pepper and lentil tortilla basket. Split over two levels, Chesters’ cozy cellar-level dining room is perfect for a quiet meal while its lively street-level bar, where a range of South American beers are served alongside cocktails, tequila, and mezcal, is a must for post-dinner drinks.
Singapore Restaurant
Nestled in a cozy spot on one of Worcester’s most historic streets, just steps away from the Tudor House Museum, Singapore Restaurant’s motto is ‘little place, big taste’, and after one look at the menu this certainly rings true. Alongside plenty of classic Cantonese dishes – think familiar favorites like salt and pepper squid, Szechuan-style beef or roast duck with plum sauce – guests will also find a number of exotic Singaporean and Malaysian specialties like stir-fried crab with black pepper sauce and Malay sambal belacan with king prawn. Plenty of vegetarian dishes are served as well, from sweetcorn soup to deep-fried tofu, while Singapore Restaurant’s delectable desserts include the likes of New York vanilla cheesecake and lemon sorbet.
Ostlers at Number 1
Ostlers at Number 1 has been around under different ownership for some time, but when current owner Ben Nelsey and head chef Richard Deim took the reins in 2014, they truly transformed the restaurant into a little slice of Europe in the heart of Worcester. Locally sourced produce abounds on Ostlers’ menu, with starters like duck liver paté with Pershore plum chutney and melba toast featured alongside mains like Herefordshire blade of beef with horseradish mash, kale, parsnip crisps, and jus. Desserts include cheeseboards and indulgent sweet treats like sticky spice apple cake with vanilla custard and toffee ice cream, while Ostlers’ concise but comprehensive wine list is bound to impress any budding oenophile.
G & Tea
Opened by lifelong friends Chrissy and Therese (who also own the aforementioned Saffrons Bistro and Burgerworks, respectively) in late 2014, G & Tea is a cozy little tearoom on historic Friar Street. Fourteen different types of loose leaf tea are served alongside sweet treats like banana bread, coffee and walnut cake, and strawberry tarts, while G & Tea’s savory options include breakfast fare like Scotch pancakes or buttered crumpets and lunch-friendly dishes including homemade quiche of the day, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches. For those in need of something a little stronger than tea, check out G & Tea’s gin teapot cocktails like the Royal Jam with gin, lemon juice, local strawberry preserve, lavender bitters, and prosecco.