Best Restaurants in Glastonbury, Somerset

The best restaurants in Glastonbury offer a harmonious blend of culinary expertise, a welcoming ambiance, and a commitment to showcasing the finest local ingredients.

Over the last few weeks, I've visited and reviewed some of the best restaurants and pubs in Glastonbury, detailing the experiences in my free email newsletter, Somerset Dining Experiences.

In this article, I'm going to tell you about my recent experiences at three Glastonbury restaurants:

• Queen of Cups
• The Old Tannery
• Gigi's Ristorante & Pizzeria

For weekly Somerset restaurant reviews, subscribe to my free email newsletter, which has more than 1,200 local readers. I'm their eyes and ears on the ground, visiting a new restaurant every week.

Finding The Best Restaurants in Glastonbury: My 3 Recent Picks

Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, Somerset

Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, Somerset

Queen of Cups, located in Glastonbury, offers a hospitable atmosphere coupled with a concise menu and expertly prepared dishes. Originally a 17th-century coaching inn, the establishment has been transformed into a contemporary Middle Eastern retreat, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Under the leadership of Executive Chef and co-founder Ayesha Kalaji, Queen of Cups presents a meticulously curated menu, showcasing her culinary expertise. Ayesha's distinctive vision has garnered accolades, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a nomination for 'Best Newcomer' at the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs 2023. Additionally, she was honored with the Middle Eastern Food of the Year award at the BIH Spotlight Awards 2022, solidifying her excellent reputation.

My culinary journey at Queen of Cups commenced with the laverbread falafel, an appetising blend of textures and flavors. Complemented by sumac, lime fennel, and tahini, it provided a lively introduction to the meal.

For the main course, the crispy hogget showcased a harmonious fusion of flavours. The tender meat, paired with the kamouneh-spiced heart skewer, offered a depth of taste with each bite. Accompaniments such as celeriac puree, green shatta and bitter leaves provided a refreshing contrast on the plate.

The restaurant's name, inspired by Tarot card readings, reflects the mystical heritage of Glastonbury and embodies the essence of the dining experience. The attentive and knowledgeable staff only added to the ambiance, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

For those seeking a distinctive and flavourful dining adventure, the Queen of Cups is a destination of choice. With its focused menu, dedicated team, and captivating ambiance, this contemporary Middle Eastern establishment is a must-visit for discerning palates both in Somerset and beyond.

Menu

You can view Queen of Cups' full seasonal menu here.

Parking

I would recommend parking in St Dunstan's Car Park in Glastonbury, which is just a two-minute walk from Queen of Cups.

The Old Tannery in Glastonbury, Somerset

The Old Tannery in Glastonbury, Somerset

The Old Tannery offers a cozy retreat where you can unwind against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. My recent visit on a Wednesday evening was nothing short of delightful as I settled into a comfortable chair and enjoyed a starter of locally made artisan bread paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The Old Tannery is a family-run establishment that exudes warmth and hospitality. Their focus is on creating a welcoming space where good food and good vibes come together, all while supporting local producers and sustainable practices. It's a refreshing approach that definitely adds to the dining experience.

For the main course, I thoroughly enjoyed their medium-rare sirloin steak, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour.

But as I've said, it's not just about the food at The Old Tannery—the atmosphere is equally inviting. It's the perfect spot to catch up with old friends, with plenty of free parking available outside to make things hassle-free.

If you're looking for a laid-back evening filled with delicious food, good company and great views, I highly recommend paying a visit to The Old Tannery.

Menu

You can view The Old Tannery's full menu here.

Parking

There is plenty of parking at the front of the Red Brick Building, where the restaurant is located.

Gigi's in Glastonbury, Somerset Gigi's Ristorante & Pizzeria in Glastonbury, Somerset

Gigi's Ristorante & Pizzeria in Glastonbury, Somerset

I visited Gigi's Ristorante & Pizzeria in Glastonbury on a Friday evening. This is a beloved Italian restaurant known for its genuine charm. Since 1987, Gigi's has been serving up authentic Italian fare in a space that was once a shoe shop.

To start, I tried their 'Pizza Garlic'—a straightforward yet tasty appetizer. Imagine a soft pizza base covered in fragrant garlic butter and herbs. It was a delicious way to kick off the meal and get into the Italian vibe.

The restaurant itself had a cozy Italian feel, with waiters jotting down specials on a chalkboard and a lemon tree in the corner adding a fresh scent to the air. It felt like stepping into a traditional Italian eatery.

Although Gigi's menu offered many tempting options, I opted for the classic Margherita pizza. It didn't disappoint. The crust was crispy with just the right amount of char, and the cheese was gooey and plentiful. It was simply delicious!

Menu

You can view Gigi's full menu here.

Parking

I recommend parking in St Dunstan's Car Park in Glastonbury, which is a stone's throw away from the restaurant.

Best Glastonbury Restaurants: My Closing Thoughts

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants and pubs in Glastonbury and the surrounding area. Where should I visit next?

Over the next few months, I'm looking to visit as many Somerset restaurants and pubs as possible - and I will detail the experiences in my free weekly email newsletter. But I need you to help steer me in the right direction.

If you've recently had an incredible experience at a Somerset restaurant or pub, please share your thoughts with me.

Author: Adam Crookes