Restaurants in Winchester

The city hosts a number of festivals and shows, including the annual comedy festival in October, the science festival in July, the Hampshire food festival throughout the same month and the wine festival in November. Bear in mind that visitor numbers go up for these events and at peak times such as Christmas when the festive markets are in full swing, so if you're looking to dine in the city during these times it's well worth booking in advance with Quandoo, as Winchester's restaurants are highly popular and will fill up fast. The good news is that you can book up to two hours before you want to dine and avoid waiting for a table!

England's ancient capital city has a well-deserved reputation for fine fare and local produce, benefiting from the surrounding agriculture in its rural location. When you peruse the menus at Winchester's restaurants you'll often find reference to local ingredients such as East Meon watercress – grown locally and celebrated every May with its own festival in nearby Alresford – as well as local trout which swims in the River Itchen. Most restaurants in Winchester also have an excellent wine and beer list, which may well feature brews from some of the local award-winning microbreweries.

There is something for everyone in this thriving, beautiful city. Stroll along the cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, floral displays and attractive shops and you'll spot a huge amount of places to eat. There are affordable restaurants for Winchester students on a budget and award-winning venues for visitors looking to experience fine dining and the skills of award-winning chefs. Why not read some of the reviews on Quandoo for some ideas of the restaurants in Winchester that other diners enjoyed?

The city has a great retail centre with a mix of big brands, designer stores and independent boutiques, and there are some lovely Winchester restaurants and cafes offering brunch, lunch and light bites perfect for shoppers. Enjoy a flat white and a slice of carrot cake or perhaps Earl Grey with a beetroot brownie from one of the vegan cafes. Looking for a healthy pick-me-up? Look for venues selling fresh juices and smoothies!

You'll find some great options for lunch too, as many of the more expensive Winchester restaurants will put on affordable lunch menus with set options. This gives you the chance to experience award-winning dining at a lower price than perhaps the evening a la carte menu. If you fancy something indulgent, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea with prosecco at one of the Winchester hotel restaurants? They serve freshly-made treats in luxurious and comfortable surroundings where you can relax and enjoy at your leisure.

The history and atmosphere of Winchester make restaurant dining a real experience in the city. You’ll find a wonderfully diverse range of eateries which reflects the international flavour and culture here. Look for traditional English restaurants and gastropubs that serve classic recipes made with the finest local ingredients and faultless cooking. The portions are usually excellent, too! Prefer fine French cooking? Look for chic little bistros hidden away in the Medieval courtyards and side-streets. These are often kept quiet by the locals in the know, but you can find the best spots on Quandoo and enjoy a romantic meal with fine service for yourself!