10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Cheltenham

288 Bar & Wok by High Street is where you’ll find one of Cheltenham’s best places for Chinese cuisine. Established for over a decade, this family-style restaurant features an array of made-to-order Asian dishes with fresh ingredients sourced locally where possible.

288 Bar & Wok offers lunch specials on weekdays, though prices remain reasonable at regular times. As it’s often packed, we recommend calling ahead if you’re visiting with a big party. This restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free options.

The Curry Corner is an Indian restaurant run by a father-daughter team, Sam and Monrusha Krori. Located on Fairview Road, it has been a staple to the locals for over 40 years. If you're looking for something special for the evening, we'd recommend the Cotswold lamb shank masala.

The Curry Corner is a multi-award-winning restaurant, having bagged over 25 accolades in their years of business. However, it remains a humble establishment that serves arguably the town's best Indian cuisine.

Paparrito's is a Mexican-style cantina along the High Street. Locals come here for its customisable taco selections and fast-food style meals, all at pocket-friendly prices. The establishment prides itself for using fresh and healthy ingredients, promising a preservative-free environment in the kitchen.

If you’re pressed for time, try any of Paparrito’s popular made-to-order burritos. If you love spicy food, be sure to ask for some extra hot sauce with your meal.

Koj Cheltenham is an open-kitchen Japanese restaurant on Regent Street. It’s the brainchild of MasterChef finalist, Andrew Kojima, and has quickly won over the hearts of locals looking for a twist in Japanese cuisine.

It has a ‘no sushi’ approach, meaning that you’ll only find dishes such as walnut barley miso pumpkin and special Koj fried chicken. Koj has a hidden bar on its 2^nd floor, known as the Bandana Monkey Bar. Be spoiled for choice with its extensive range of Japanese sakes, whiskies, and beers.

The Brewery Quarter is a shopping gallery at the end of High Street. True to its name, this was once Cheltenham’s first proper brewery in 1760 before brewing stopped in 1998. Locals often come here to shop at independent boutiques or to catch the newest movies at Cineworld.

Come mealtimes, you’ll find an array of restaurants, including the popular Five Guys and a local gastrobar known as The Brewhouse & Kitchen. If you’re a student or visiting The Brewery Quarter with one, be sure to ask about the student discount specials at selected eateries.

The Suffolks is a quiet area within Cheltenham, with independent boutiques and artisanal eateries lining its streets. Locals often frequent notable restaurants such as The Suffolk Kitchen for homemade dishes. If you’re feeling generous, book a table at the Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage.

For movie buffs, you’ll want to visit the Daffodil Restaurant where an episode of Sherlock was shot. Set in an original 1920 Art-Deco cinema, the restaurant is excellent to enjoy local fine dining or a 3-tiered afternoon tea (available on Fridays and Saturdays).

The Promenade – The Prom by locals – is a pedestrianised spot between High Street and Montpellier. Surrounded by lush greenery, its true fame comes from the rows of outdoor drinking and dining establishments.

From bars and eateries by the Regency basement to quaint cafes offering quick brunches and dinner setups, The Promenade is where you'll often see the locals enjoying a laidback day out. A must-try is the Well Walk Tea Room, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with scenic views. While you’re there, pick up some freshly made scones served with clotted cream and homemade jams.

The Cheltenham Farmers’ Market by The Promenade is a bustling shopping venue that takes place twice a month. First organised over a decade ago, the market is great for picking up fresh produce from local farmers and businesses around Cheltenham.

For the fellow foodies, the Cheltenham Farmers’ Market offers artisanal cakes and homemade meals from aspiring home chefs. If you have a sweet tooth, Hetty’s Kitchen specialises in delectable brownies with flavours that change with the season.

The Regent Arcade is a premium indoor shopping arcade by High Street. As Cheltenham’s only covered mall, it’s an ideal place to be in case of bad weather. It has over 60 stores by a mix of independent and well-known brands.

To refuel after a day of shopping, locals often pop into one of many eateries within the arcade. KIBOU is a Japanese restaurant famed for its extensive ramen selections and unique handrolls. Comfort food like pasta, burgers, and baguettes are available at the Bridge Cafe, located on the Regent Arcade’s first floor.

Montpellier is a charming town south of Cheltenham’s town centre. Home to a handful of boutiques and artisanal jewellers, you’ll often catch the locals enjoying a chic day out. From daytime visits to cafes such as the Cote Brasserie to evening dates at the Montpellier Wine Bar, there’s always a great place to recharge throughout the day.

Come Christmas, you’ll get to visit the seasonal Montpellier Street Fair. It’s an excellent time to sample some homemade bakes and warm up with mulled wines prepared by the locals.