The 10 Best Burford Restaurants

Fresh, locally sourced produce, diverse choices of dishes and award winning restaurants are one reason that people visit Burford. From fine dining to café comforts, here’s our pick of the best:

1. Bay Tree Restaurant

Sheep Street, Burford

If period features such as original leaded windows, flagstone floors and tapestries tick all your boxes, the Bay Tree Restaurant will not disappoint. The dining room has a warm, candlelit atmosphere and diners can enjoy a wide selection from the menu, including seasonal produce of rabbit terrine, braised venison, duck ballantine and treacle cured ox cheeks. Those preferring lighter meals can head onto the cosy Woolsack Bar, situated within the hotel.

2. The Lamb Inn

Sheep Street, Burford

This award-winning restaurant prides itself on customer service and exquisite dining. Taking local ingredients and turning them into delicious meals is a particular passion of Head Chef Sean Ducie, who creates traditional English cuisine with a touch of the contemporary. The light and airy dining room overlooks a courtyard terrace and has a certain charm about it. And for those who are not sure of what to order, why not try the eight course tasting menu, complete with matching wines.

3. The Bull at Burford

105 High Street, Burford

The Bull at Burford may have only been open since 2010, but this hasn’t stopped them from winning 2 AA rosettes for Culinary Excellence and a special AA Breakfast Award. The traditional English menu changes according to the seasons, with the kitchen offering locally sourced produce. Dishes include wild boar terrine, pan fried medallions of venison and hare, fish platter including smoked salmon, herring salad and crayfish.

4. The Mermaid

78 High Street, Burford

For those who love hearty English meals, set in a warm and cosy atmosphere, the charismatic Mermaid restaurant is located within an 18th century building and still retains some original features, such as the fireplaces and old wooden beams. Set on two floors, with the upper perfect for a more intimate dining experience, the menu includes a wide range of real and local ales, and proper English food, with daily specials such as fresh fish, homemade pies and of course, the ever popular Sunday Roast.

5. The Spice Lounge

81 High Street, Burford

Serving traditional Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine within a contemporary setting, the Spice Lounge has a lovely relaxed atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop in which to partake of the excellent cuisine. The restaurant serves up a range of ethnic and diverse dishes, from the unusual to the classic Indian, all using organic and fresh ingredients. The Spice Lounge is open for lunch or dinner, where house specials include Lamb Korai, Chicken Makan, King Prawn Achar, and Lamb Roshan. There is also a take away option.

6. The New Dragon Inn

152 High Street, Burford

Situated at the top end of Burford’s High Street is the New Dragon Inn, offering Chinese cuisine at very affordable prices. The restaurant is located within a beautiful Grade 1 listed building, but there’s nothing dated about the menu. Serving a wide range of dishes of Peking, Cantonese and Szechwan dishes, choose from sizzling dishes with beef, chicken or fish, or stick with the traditional stir-fries and soups.

7. The Angel at Burford

14 Witney Street, Burford

The Angel at Burford is housed in a delightful 16th century coaching inn and is well loved amongst the locals. Whether you fancy a quick pint at the bar, or a delicious meal, you’ll get a warm greeting from the owners, which is extended to families with children and even dogs. All the food is sourced locally with an eye on seasonal specials, to create a great British Pub menu, including popular classics such as fish and chips, steaks and pies.

8. The Inn for All Seasons

The Barringtons, Burford

Set in a stunning country hotel, the Inn for All Seasons offers a relaxed dining experience close to Burford. Head Chef Matthew Sharp lovingly prepares the exquisite food, complete with precision presentation, alongside his team of classically trained chefs. The kitchen does use locally sourced produce, including smoked fish and meats from Upton Smokery, Barrington venison & game from the estate next door, and specially prepared artisan cheeses & freshly baked breads. They also specialise in fresh fish bought daily from Brixham, pork from Gloucester and Suffolk lamb. You should expect to pay a little more here, with mains starting from around £12 upto £28.

9. The Cotswolds Gateway

The Hill, Burford

If you’re looking for something a little different you’d do well to check out the Cotswolds Gateway, where traditional values of good service and unpretentious food come as standard. Set in lush surroundings, you can sample delights from the menu such as Slovakian Goulash, T-bone pork chops and smoked haddock fishcakes, with a wide selection of wines to compliment.

10. Burford Garden Company Café

Shilton Road, Burford

Finally, not a traditional restaurant as such, but we had to mention the Burford Garden Company Café, set within the Garden Centre. A firm favourite with the locals, all the food is prepared from scratch everyday, from the infamous homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches, to the freshly prepared soups, and the wide range of hot meals available. Head Chef Diarmuid Rogan leads the kitchen team, and is a staunch supporter of local producers, which includes fruit and vegetables from the kitchen’s own gardens, lamb from their own flock.

Taste buds officially tantalized? Check out our range of holiday cottages in Burford to sample the culinary delights of this special destination