Best places to eat in Knutsford
Knutsford boasts some of the top restaurants, bars and cafes in Cheshire.
Whether you're seeking breakfast, lunch or dinner. Casual or fine dining, a family friendly restaurant, locations which are perfect for groups, or the ultimate romantic setting, Knutsford has somewhere for every occasion.
So if you're planning a visit to the town, and wondering where to find the best places to eat, here I'll share experiences, food reviews and recommendations to help you make the ideal choice for you.
The best of British
Linden Stores
Recommended for: Sharing plates of mouthwateringly good seasonal, British food and interesting wine choices.
Location: 15 Minshull Street
Opening times: Weds-Sat: Bar 12noon-11pm | Kitchen 12noon-2pm & 6pm-9.30pm
Website: www.lindenstores.co.uk
If you're a real foodie, then Linden Stores is the place for you.
Muted tones and a laid back atmosphere create the perfect ambience for enjoying the best of British. Chef Chris uses seasonal, often locally sourced ingredients to create exceptional plates of food, while co-owner, Laura, introduces some interesting wine pairings.
For the ultimate experience, try the Linden Stores Chef's Menu - 6 sharing plates of food which change with the seasons and elevate many of the ingredients to another level.
You are also welcome to pop in for a drink and small plates from the a la carte menu, either at one of the upstairs tables or seated at the bar. Whichever you choose. If you're looking for one of the best dining destinations in Knutsford. I highly recommend checking out Linden Stores. Read the full Linden Stores blog post here: sceneinknutsford.com/linden-stores-knutsford
A little bit of everything
King Street Kitchen
Recommended for: All-day dining and healthier food choices
Location: 84 King Street
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 8.30am-9pm | Fri-Sat 8.30am-10pm | Sun 9am-5pm
Website: kingstreetknutsford.com
Many of Knutsford's restaurants are located on King Street (also known as Bottom Street), and at the aptly named King Street Kitchen you'll find delicious food, good service, and an abundance of greenery which compliments the natural wood and muted colours to create a relaxed vibe.
With a focus on healthier meals, there's something to suit most palettes, plus plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
Breakfast choices include pastries, full English, and breakfast burrito. Plus my personal favourite, the poached eggs & avocado, or Ultimate Porridge bowl. Both offer a generous portion, providing the perfect way to fuel up for the day.
Lunch & dinner recommendations
The Ancient Grains bowls are always a popular choice for lunch and dinner. Packed with rice, grains and plenty of healthy vegetables, then topped with meat, fish or halloumi, they're a taste sensation.
Another recommendation from the evening menu is the Nasi Goreng, which is available as a starter or a main. I tend to order it as a main, as I just can't seem to resist the King Street Kitchen Salt & Pepper Cauliflower Wings starter.
To make a reservation, check opening times, and view current menus, visit the King Street Kitchen website at kingstreetknutsford.com
Smokehouse & Cellar
Recommended for: Family dining, beer, cocktails, and big portions!
Location: 1 Regent Street
Opening times: Daily 12pm-Midnight (last reservation for food 9.30pm)
Website: smokehouseandcellar.com
Smokehouse & Cellar serve traditional American BBQ style food, plus an extensive drinks list, including Staropramen Beer from copper tanks which flank the restaurant entrance.
In-house rubs and slow cooking create flavoursome meat dishes. There's also a selection of impressive burgers on the menu, plus lighter options such as hanging kebabs and salads.
Accompanying all this is a great range of tasty sides, with generous portions making this one of the best places to head to if you're hungry.
Spanish Tapas
Evuna
Recommended for: Delicious tapas and great wine choices
Location: 46 King Street
Opening times: Mon-Weds 5pm-10pm | Thurs-Sat 12-11pm | Sun 12-9pm
Website: evuna.com/restaurant/knutsford
Tasty tapas and great wine are on the menu at Evuna Knutsford. Perfect for a light bite at lunchtime, or a long evening sharing fabulous Spanish food and drink with friends.
Set back slightly from the road, the restaurant is deceptively spacious with seating spread over 2 floors. Downstairs provides the opportunity to dine at the bar, or at one of the rustic wooden tables. There are even a couple of high window seats for anyone wishing to watch the world go by as they eat and drink.
Upstairs there's more room for larger groups, plus a small outdoor terrace for when the sun shines.
An extensive tapas selection includes plenty of choice from nibbles, vegetarian, fish, and meat options. 3 different types of paella are also included on the menu, and are an ideal size for sharing.
Classic favourites such as patatas bravas and cured meats, are offered alongside Spanish tortilla and a generous serving of calamares. If you're a meat eater, I can highly recommend the Iberian slow cooked pork cheeks with mashed potato. It's rich, tender, and absolutely scrumptious. Whereas, the rest of the family always enjoy the Giant garlic prawns with chilli and oil.
White wine in a blue bottle
As you would expect, Evuna offers some excellent Spanish Wines to accompany it's tapas dishes. My absolute favourite is the Fulget. A beautifully fruity Albarino white wine which comes in a unique blue bottle.
There's also a great choice of reds, rose, fizz, beers, and even an Evuna Sangria. And you can finish off your meal in style with one of Evunas dessert wines or a delicious alcoholic coffee.
A taste of Italy
Gusto Italian
Recommended for: A lively atmosphere and group dining
Location: 81 King Street
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm
Staying with Mediterranean cuisine, this time we're heading to Italy courtesy of Gusto Italian.
A lively atmosphere makes this restaurant popular with families and large groups, so booking is highly recommended.
On the menu there's a whole host of Italian classics including pizzas, pasta, meat dishes and salads.
The Pan Fried Fillet of Sea Bass always gets the thumbs up from my husband, and the Rigatoni Arrabbiata is another popular choice. The Pizzas and garlic breads are particularly good, especially if you prefer them thin, crispy, and covered in plenty of toppings.
Begin your meal the Italian way with one of the many traditional Aperitivo on the drinks menu. Gusto also serve an impressive list of cocktails, including non-alcoholic versions, plus there's a good selection of Italian wines to choose from.
Giovanni's
Recommended for: A traditional Italian dining experience
Location: 125A King Street
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-10pm | Sat 12pm-11pm | Sun 12pm-9pm | Closed Mon
Website: giovannis-knutsford.co.uk
For another traditional and authentic Italian dining experience, head to Giovanni's.
Situated close to the entrance of Tatton Park, this delightful restaurant serves good food and great wine in a lovely setting.
The menu is packed with a number of classic Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, meat, and fish. I recommend the Lo Sfizio starter. It's a delicious serving of Apulia Burrata cheese, Parma ham, grilled asparagus, and artisan bread.
Another tasty way to begin your meal is with the thinly sliced, air-dried salted beef of the Bresaola di Manzo, served with shavings of parmesan cheese.
Main meal deliciousness
For a simple pasta dish, the Ravioli Leggeri consists of perfectly cooked pasta filled with ricotta cheese & spinach, cooked in a lemon butter
sauce.
Or if you'd prefer something richer, try the Carre di Agnello - a rack of lamb cooked to your liking, served with mustard infused potato puree and a red wine reduction.
Pastiche
Recommended for: A relaxed atmosphere and tasty Italian classics
Location: 13 Tatton Street
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 5.30pm-10pm
Website: www.pasticherestaurant.co.uk
This relaxed and friendly family run restaurant serves some mouthwateringly good tapas. Their extensive pizza menu is always a popular choice, and they also offer a delicious selection of Italian dishes.
Dine on classics such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Lasagne al Forno, or my personal favourite Pastiche dish of Canneloni.
It's easy to see why this great restaurant is so popular when you're served a generous bowl of creamy Chicken & Sun Blush Tomatoes with linguine. Or the tasty Pasta de la Casa with it's choice of sauces.
Indian & Sri Lankan Cuisine
Shamoli
Recommended for: Excellent service and a huge choice of tasty Indian cuisine
Location: 73A King Street
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm | Sun 4pm-9pm | Closed Tues
Website: shamoli-restaurant.com
If you're looking for a great curry, head to Shamoli Indian Restaurant.
Located directly across the road from the Rose & Crown, this is one of Knutsford's less visible eateries, which is easily missed due to all seating being below street level. But it's certainly one worth seeking out.
There's a huge selection of Indian cusine to choose from on the menu, including traditional classics, chefs recommendations, and Shamoli signature dishes.
Curry favourites
My husband's favourite is the North Indian Garlic Chilli. A rather spicy but extremely tasty dish. If you're seeking something a little milder, the Chicken Tikka Chom Chom and the Tandoori Butter Chicken are both delicious choices.
Personally, I love the Chicken Tikka Byriani from Shamoli. The large chicken pieces are always perfectly cooked, and the accompanying sauce is packed full of scrumptious vegetables.
Margao
Recommended for: Authentic Indian curry and Thali Apna
Location: 89 King Street
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-10pm | Sun 4pm-9pm
Website: www.margao.co.uk
Independently owned restaurant, Margao, pride themselves on serving authentic Indian street food and curry favourites in a welcoming setting.
They're known locally for their Thali Apna dishes - a whole meal of small plates served together on a tray, providing the perfect way to try a number of dishes. There's a meat version, vegan option, and my personal favourite, the vegetarian Thali Apna. Very filling and so tasty!
Margao's menu offers a wide range of other Indian cuisine, including Pani Puri (chaat bombs) as a starter, or if you like a spicy kick, try the Gobi Manchurian.
The high quality of ingredients used in Margao's cooking really shows in the succulent lamb dishes, such as the flavoursome Lamb Methi (pictured below), and the slighlty sweeter Lamb Hyderabadi.
With plenty of chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options to choose from, plus all the usual sides to complete your meal.
To view the full menu, visit the Margao website, where you can also reserve your table or order a takeaway for local delivery if you'd prefer to enjoy a Margao meal at home.
Sigiriya
Recommended for: Authentic Sri Lankan flavours and hospitality in vibrant surroundings
Location: 1-5 Tatton Street
Opening hours: From 12noon until late every day (closed Mondays)
Website: www.sigiriya.live
A recent addition to Knutsford's culinary scene, Sigiriya brings the flavours and vibrant colours of Sri Lanka to the town.
Small plates, which also act as starters, provide the ideal opportunity to sample a variety of dishes or stop for a light bite. Expect Chutney Glazed Tandoori Paneer, very tasty Vegetable Roti, or melt-in-the-mouth Pan Fried Scallops.
Main meals and sides include an interesting range of meat, fish, vegetables, rice and breads. Including a conversation inducing blue rice!
Quality ingredients are used in the generous portions, and you'll find a good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options on the menu.
Pub Grub
Rose & Crown
Recommended for: Delicious pub food, and one of the best Sunday roast dinners in Knutsford
Location: 62 King Street
Opening hours: Daily 12pm - Late
Website: knutsfordroseandcrown.co.uk
Cosy surroundings, excellent service and one of the best Sunday roast dinners in Knutsford await you at the Rose & Crown.
This 17th century coaching inn is still used as a hotel today, with newly refurbished rooms providing a great base from which to explore the local area.
You're also welcome to stop by for a drink at the bar, or stay for a meal in the comfortable restaurant area. A large outdoor terrace provides extra space, meaning the Rose & Crown can cater for various group sizes from couples through to big family gatherings.
All the Rose & Crown menus regularly change to reflect the seasons, so it's worth asking about their latest dishes when you book.
Bookings and enquiries can be made by calling the restaurant on Tel: 01565 652366. Alternatively, email your details over to the team and someone will contact you back.
The Angel
Recommended for: Pub food at reasonable prices
Location: 96 King Street
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-11pm
Website: joseph-holt.com/pubs/angel-king-st
An alternative location with great beer and pleasant pub surroundings is the Angel. Located at the other end of King Street (near Tatton Park), this Joseph Holt establishment has a large selection of classic pub dishes on the menu, alongside more modern options.
These include: fish & chips, pies, steaks, and burgers, plus a number of vegetarian dishes. For something a little different, try one of the hanging kebabs, a selection of small plates, or a generously topped flatbread. This Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Falafel one was delicious.
A number of offers are available throughout the week, such as Curry Thursday, Fish Friday, and free ice-cream & drinks for the kids, making this one of the cheaper venues to eat in Knutsford.
In my opinion, the food is good rather than excellent, but this is a great place for casual, classic pub dining.
Six Knutsford
Recommended for: An interesting small plates menu
Location: Silk Mill Street
Opening hours: Kitchen open from noon-8pm Tues-Sun. Bar open until later.
Six Knutsford is a family-run bar situated in an 18th century silk mill right in the centre of town. An interesting small plates menu provides the perfect accompaniment to their craft beers, speciality cocktails, spirits and wine, making this an ideal venue for a casual bite to eat.
Many of the dishes are served with delicious dips, such as the crispy buttermilk chicken strips with biscoff satay, and the tasty cheeseburger spring rolls with burger sauce.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are also available. The Korean fried cauliflower is particularly flavoursome, or try the tomato & mozzarella stuffed gnocchi dipped in pesto mayonnaise.
Six Knutsford are dog friendly, have a large outdoor terrace for dining alfresco, and there's even a gorgeous private dining room in one of the outbuildings which can be booked by contacting the venue directly.
Cafes & Coffee Shops
The Courtyard (Coffee House)
Recommended for: daytime dining and lighter bites
Location: 92 King Street
Opening hours: Mon, Thurs-Sat 9.30am-4pm | Tues-Weds 9.30am-3.30pm | Sun 10am-4pm
Website: thecourtyardknutsford.co.uk
Another of Knutsford's hidden gems is The Courtyard. Tucked away behind the King Street shops, this delightful cafe serves a tasty range of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, alongside drinks and cakes.
The breakfast menu is served all day, and includes a number of classic hot favourites, as well as a selection of pastries.
My husband is a fan of The Courtyard Breakfast with it's high quality ingredients which are all perfectly cooked. Personally, I love the generous serving of spinach and hollandaise sauce in the Eggs Florentine
Lunchtime provides the opportunity to enjoy a warming soup of the day, plus sandwiches, salads, omelettes, and additional hot options on the menu.
Carrot Cake fans will be pleased to know this is one of the large range of scrumptious cakes and hot drinks also served throughout the day. In addition, there's an extensive gluten free menu, and one for children up to the age of 12.
All this makes The Courtyard an ideal spot for a hearty breakfast, mid-morning pick me up, casual lunch, or a relaxing afternoon catching up with friends and family.
Top Tips for visiting The Courtyard Coffee House:
Top Tip 1: This is a popular cafe, therefore I would recommend booking to guarantee a table by calling 01565 653974.
Top Tip 2: The cafe can be accessed from Heritage Way (where Tatton Street meets Princess Street) or via a cobble lined alleyway leading off King Street - between Paris Boutique clothes shop and the distinctive black & white building of The Hidden Barn.
The Tea Room
Recommended for: Homemade cakes and light bites in a traditional tea room setting
Location: 73 King Street
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Website: thetearoomknutsford.co.uk
For more mouthwatering cakes and delicious light bites, head to The Tea Room.
Situated in a courtyard setting just off King Street, The Tea Room have both indoor and outdoor seating, and are dog friendly.
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the traditional surroundings and fabulous food make this one of Knutsford's most popular eateries.
Whether you visit for a Full Knutsford Breakfast, freshly made sandwich and soup, or one of Harriet's scrumptious homemade bakes, you can expect a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.
Cranford Cafe & Sandwich Bar
Recommended for: A large selection of breakfast offerings and sandwiches
Location: 8-10 Canute Place
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-2.30pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm, Sun closed
Website: cranfordcafe.co.uk
Another fabulous venue for tasty breakfasts and one of the best selection of sandwiches in Knutsford can be found in Canute Place.
Customers are welcome to dine in the cafe or order a takeaway from the adjacent sandwich bar.
Whichever you choose, you can expect deliciously fresh food, made (where possible) with local ingredients. And believe me, you'll be spoilt for choice. Although if it helps, I can definitely recommend the Wholesome Breakfast with spinach, avocado, tomato, and 2 perfectly poached eggs.
The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen
Recommended for: Breakfast, lunch, cakes, and shopping
Location: Moseley Hall Farm, Chelford Road
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm (last hot food order 4pm), Sun 10am-4pm (last hot food order 3.30pm)
Website: the-lambing-shed.myshopify.com/
Situated on Chelford Road (on the outskirts of town but well worth the walk or short drive here) is The Lambing Shed.
This award winning farm shop & kitchen serves breakfast and lunch on a daily basis, and their food is fabulous.
What better way to start the day than with a Farmers Breakfast, including sausages and bacon from The Lambing Shed's very own butchers counter.
For lunch, I can highly recommend the Buttermilk Chicken Strip Wrap which is served with a generous side of fries. Or a warming bowl of soup is perfect on a cold winter's day.
The Lambing Shed also serve an impressive selection of cakes and bakes on a daily basis, together with a range of hot and cold drinks.
Enjoy a mooch too
If you're planning a visit to The Lambing Shed, make sure you set aside time to mooch around the adjoining farm shop. Here you can purchase some of their fantastic produce on the butcher and deli counter. Plus there's a great choice of wines, gins, fresh fruit & veg, frozen goods, and some lovely jars and tins of treats which make wonderful gifts.
These are just some of the best places to eat in Knutsford, with plenty more to come. Which means I'll be adding to this list as I continue to dine around the town.
