Top 26 Places to Eat & Drink in Derby in 2026

The Spice Lounge

Voted Best Indian Restaurant in Derbyshire for 2024, The Spice Lounge is a long-standing favourite in the Cathedral Quarter. Family-run and full of character, it serves up rich regional flavours, bold house specials and timeless curries in stylish surroundings – a must-visit for lovers of Indian cuisine.

Place

The Spice Lounge

10 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

The Engine Room

A stylish new arrival on Derby’s food scene, The Engine Room brings bold flavours and industrial-chic vibes to the heart of the city. From in-house smoked meats to vibrant sharing boards and hand-stretched pizzas, it’s a go-to for inventive dining and relaxed drinks.

Place

The Engine Room

Riverlights, Morledge, Derby

Houseboat

Bringing the bold flavours of Kerala to Derby, Houseboat offers an authentic South Indian dining experience in a beautifully styled setting. From banana-leaf-grilled fish to fragrant curries and house-made toddy, this family-run gem delivers warmth, spice and tradition in every dish.

Place

Houseboat

89 - 91 St Peters Street, Derby

Good Thai Derby

Good Thai Derby serves authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of the city, with a menu full of classic dishes and bold, aromatic flavours. From comforting curries to vibrant street food favourites, it’s a welcoming spot for both relaxed dining and takeaway.

Place

Good Thai Derby

34 Victoria Street, Derby

BEAR Derby Irongate

BEAR Derby serves up fresh, locally-sourced dishes in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. From all-day dining to smash burgers and craft cocktails, including their signature Espresso Martini, it’s a must-visit!

Place

BEAR Derby Irongate

7 Iron Gate, Derby,

Hickory’s Smokehouse

Step into the Deep South at Hickory’s Smokehouse, where in-house smoked BBQ classics meet bold flavours and big portions. From tender ribs to mac ’n’ cheese and epic milkshakes, it's a slice of the States right here in Derby.

Place

Hickory's Smokehouse Derby

166 Swarkestone Road , Derbyshire

Bear Derbion

BEAR Derbion is the perfect pit stop for fresh, locally sourced dishes in the heart of the shopping centre. From all-day brunch to speciality coffee and sweet treats, it’s a must-visit for a relaxed bite mid-shop!

Place

BEAR Derbion

Derbion, Level 2, Derby

Bistrot Pierre

Located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Bistrot Pierre brings a touch of French flair to Derby. With a menu full of classic dishes, generous set menu options, and gluten-free and family-friendly choices, it's perfect for relaxed dining any day of the week.

Place

Bistrot Pierre

18 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

Cast Iron Bar & Grill

Whilst in Derby, head to Cast Iron Bar & Grill where you can choose from a range of fresh, locally sourced and hearty best of British dishes.

Place

Cast Iron Bar & Grill

Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, Derby

The Pepperpot

Awarded Restaurant of the Year 2025, The Pepperpot serves refined modern British dishes using seasonal produce in a beautifully restored historic setting on London Road. Led by Head Chef Dan Fincher, it’s a must-visit for exceptional food, cocktails and warm hospitality in Derby.

Place

The Pepperpot

Nightingale Quarter, London Road, Derby

Lorentes Darley Abbey

When you visit this riverside bistro within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Darley Abbey Mills you'll truly feel like you are in a corner of Madrid or Barcelona with their choice of Spanish cuisine.

Place

Lorentes Darley Abbey

The Cotton Yard, Darley Abbey Mills, Derby

The Brasserie at Darley's

Located on the water’s edge in Derby, The Brasserie at Darley's serves premium steaks, fresh seafood, and fire-inspired brasserie classics. Dishes are served as they’re ready, creating a fine-dining experience that feels natural, social, and unhurried.

Place

The Brasserie at Darley's

Waterfront, Darley Abbey, Derby

Ebi Sushi

Ebi Sushi is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the UK and one of Derby's best kept secrets. Frequented by the city's Japanese community based around Toyota, the fish is fresh, the cuts are succulent and the simple tastes melt in your mouth.  Named one of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025 by  The Good Food Guide  and Marketing Derby Food & Drink Award Winner 2025 - Outstanding Achievement.

Place

Ebi Sushi

59 Abbey Street, Derby

The Old Silk Mill

Awarded Best Pub at the 2024 Marketing Derby Food & Drink Awards, The Old Silk Mill pairs real ales and artisan ciders with bold, modern British cuisine – all served in a stylish setting at the heart of Derby’s historic Cathedral Quarter.

Place

The Old Silk Mill

19 Full Street, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

BOA Derby

BOA introduces an innovative approach to street food, cocktails, and tapas in Derby. Immerse yourself in a delightful array of culinary pleasures, ranging from juicy burgers and indulgent cheesy chunky chips to tantalising Korean fried cauliflower and honey-glazed chorizo. Their menu goes beyond with a diverse selection of vegan and vegetarian options, complemented by an abundance of fresh salads, catering to a variety of preferences.

Place

BOA Derby

32/33 Sadler Gate, Derby

Blacksmiths Lounge

The Blacksmiths Lounge is a relaxed bar serving a selection of draught and bottled beers, delicious cocktails &, wines, plus, you can enjoy weekly live music.

Place

Blacksmiths Lounge

19 - 20 Sadler Gate, Derby

Lotus Indian Kitchen

All the dishes on Lotus Indian Kitchen's concise menu are cooked to traditional recipes and designed to be shared by everyone round the table. 

Place

Lotus Indian Kitchen

Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, Derby

Cosy Club Derby

The Cosy Club Derby is an opulent all-day bar and restaurant perfect for relaxed dining and drinking in a really special setting with a touch of timeless glamour.

Place

Cosy Club Derby

Royal Buildings, Victoria Street, Derby

The Bookcafé

The Bookcafé is a quirky cafe set within a beautiful building. They are dog friendly and offer breakfast, brunch and lunch with homemade cake being served all day.

Place

The Bookcafé Derby

21 Cornmarket, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

The Greyhound

 

The Greyhound is a historic Grade II listed pub dating back to 1734, offering an unrivalled selection of world beverages.

Place

The Greyhound

76 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter, Derby

The Old Bell Hotel

Set in the heart of Derby’s historic Cathedral Quarter, The Old Bell Hotel offer a unique eatery with drinks galore in stunning surroundings.

Place

The Old Bell Hotel

51 Sadler Gate, Derby

Zorba the Greek Derby

Zorbra the Greek brings authentic Greek food to Derby. There is something to suit all tastes from the classic Moussaka to freshly made Souvlaki or the exquisite taste of Kalamari and not forgetting the refreshing Horiatiki with Feta cheese and Greek olives… simply scrummy!

Place

Zorba the Greek Derby

9 - 11 Bold Lane, Derby

Exeter Arms

The Exeter Arms has been packing them in with its cutting edge approach, all in a very traditional setting. Let’s just say that if you fancy a pigeon samosa, together with a pint of Dancing Duck Brewery’s 'Nice Weather' Pale Ale, then this is the place for you.

Place

Exeter Arms

Exeter Place, Derby

The Souvlaki

The Souvlaki the best place to find the most original and traditional Greek souvlaki and gyros. Come in to enjoy authentic Greek food! 

Place

The Souvlaki

35 - 37 Market Place, Derby

Cafe Villabella

Winner of the 2023 Marketing Derby Food & Drink Award for Best Cafe, Cafe Villabella captivates with its three-story expanse adorned with Mediterranean-inspired influence and decor.

Place

Cafe Villabella

7 Babington Lane, Derby

Derby Market Hall

Derby Market Hall is the city’s buzzing hub for street food, bringing together a mouth-watering mix of ethnic and international flavours. From Asian bowls and Jamaican jerk chicken to Mediterranean gyros, sweet treats, and artisan coffee, there’s something for every taste under one roof in a lively, fun foodie environment.

Place

Derby Market Hall

Tennant Street, Derby

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