Best restaurants in Leicester

Best for shopping and sightseeing

Bodega Cantina

Whether you’re shopping or learning more the royal who was found under a Leicester car park (the King Richard III Visitor Centre is only a short walk away) or visiting Leicester Cathedral, Bodega Cantina is ideally placed in the middle of the action. Pop in for a taste of South America, including burritos, enchiladas, tacos and steak. Choose from a selection of smaller plats, larger plants, sides, desserts and street food.

Address: 6 St Martins Square, Leicester, LE1 5DF
For reservations and menu: www.bodegacantina.co.uk/locations/leicester/

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Best for authentic Indian cuisine

Shivalli

Named after a village in southern India, famous for pioneering innovative vegetarian food, it’s no surprise to learn that Shivalli only serves vegetarian dishes. You’ll find over 50 delicious choices on the menu, made primarily from grains, beans, vegetables and fruit, and all prepared using authentic Indian herbs and spices. Choose a rice and lentil dosa pancake, a uttapam, thali or curry, noting that Shivalli villagers serve meals on plantain leaves and eat by hand.

Address: 21 Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7AD
For sample menu and reservations: www.facebook.com/thevillagevegetarian/

Best for Korean-inspired food

Grounded Kitchen

This Leicester eatery may be a little small, but it has a big following of locals, all keen to embrace the ethos of living a happy, healthy and grounded life. Three simple little words — love, life, eat — grounds all the dishes on the Korean-inspired menu, with broths, bibimbaps and nutrient-rich nourish bowls available, alongside wellness teas and superfood lattes. Another branch can be found on King Street.

Address: 68 Queens Road, Leicester LE2 1TU
For sample menu and reservations: www.groundedkitchen.com/

Best for after the footie

Blues Bar & Grill

If you’re headed to King Power Stadium to watch Leicester City FC you might want to pop for a bite to eat at Blues Bar & Grill, a casual sports bar and restaurant just a short walk from the stadium. Burgers, ribs, steaks, gourmet hotdogs and chicken wings make up the bulk of the menu, and their slow-cooking smoker is fuelled by chipped Jack Daniels barrels. Sharing platters and children’s meals are also available.

Address: Filbert Way, Raw Dykes Road, Leicester, LE2 7FQ
For menu and reservations: www.bluesbargrill.co.uk

Best for healthy fishy food

Kayal

Specialising in authentic Kerala seafood, Kayal is a family-run restaurant, part of a small chain dedicated to and passionate about good healthy food. The Indian cuisine on the menu is a little different from what you may expect, mildly flavoured and gently cooked using traditional spices. Tilapia, kingfish and salmon feature in some of the delicious pescatarian mains, with aubergine curry and mutter paneer options for vegetarians. All meat used is halal.

Address: 153 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FE
For sample menu and reservations: www.facebook.com/kayalrestaurantsuk

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Best for pub grub

The Red Cow

A 10-minute drive from the city centre, the Red Cow is a charming country pub in Leicester Forest East, part of the Vintage Inns chain. Popular with walkers enjoying the rolling countryside, as well as families gathering for Sunday lunch, the menu at this rustic watering hole includes classics such as Hunter’s chicken and steak and ale pie. You’ll also find sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and a selection of vegan options.

Address: Hinckley Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE3 3PG
For sample menu and reservations: www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/midlands/theredcowleicesterforesteast

Best for a special occasion

North Bar and Kitchen

Prosciutto wrapped monkfish tail, Hereford beef fillet with horeradish mash and scallops with roast chorizo are some of the mouth-watering dishes available at North Bar and Kitchen, a fine dining restaurant on Hinckley Road. If choosing between the dishes is hard you can opt for the 6-course taster menu (a vegan taster menu is also available) and try an assortment of exquisitely plated food.

Address: 42 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0RB
For sample menu and reservations: www.northbarandkitchen.co.uk/

Best for Sunday lunch

Ben’s Kitchen

Although located at the Kirby Muxloe golf club, it’s worth driving out of the city to Ben’s Kitchen, especially for Sunday lunch. There’s no need to tee off either, as non-members are welcome to dine at the carvery which happens to overlook the course. Satisfied customers praise both the excellent food and service, noting that chef Ben Knowles often walks the floor making sure everyone is happy with his cooking.

Address: Station Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2EP
For sample menu and reservations: www.kirbymuxloe-golf.co.uk/restaurant

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