The best fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants in Somerset
Posted by Rebecca Jackson on Updated onOur fine dining guide to Somerset
The Somerset foodie scene evokes images of wholesome hearty meals, high-quality produce and much-loved local cider. In recent years, the region’s gourmet scene has been on the rise and is now home to a range of exciting restaurants. To help you discover your next favourite venue, we’ve hand selected a list of the best fine dining restaurants in Somerset.
Osip
© Osip via Instagram
Style of Food: Modern British | Focus of the Menu: Plant-based, Fish and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide
Situated in the heart of Somerset, Osip promises an effortlessly elegant dining experience, perfect for a romantic evening for two. Passionate about its farm-to-table ethos, its ever-changing menu features produce grown across organic land and gardens. Bold in flavour and rich in quality, pair grilled sea bass, pine nut miso and purple kale with a selection of bespoke biodynamic wines.
Location: Bruton
The Barrington Boar
© The Barrington Boar via Instagram
Style of Food: Modern British | Focus of the Menu: Meat, Fish and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide
Dating back to the 18th century, this stone-built inn plays host to a series of dishes that aim to showcase local suppliers including farmers, brewers and cheesemongers. A cosy and welcoming place to enjoy refined pub classics, expect to see Cornish pan-roasted hake as well as hearty desserts such as plum and frangipani pudding. Immerse yourself in the county’s famous culinary heritage from the confines of this pretty Tudor-inspired village.
Location: Ilminster
Clockspire
© Clockspire via Instagram
Style of Food: Modern British | Focus of the Menu: Meat, Fish and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide
With an emphasis on flavour and balance, this tastefully renovated 19th century school house is perfect for those who like their surroundings to be as chic as the food on offer. Blending the old with the new, expect a modern twist on traditional dishes including Carver duck breast served with pickled blackberries and Dorset white crab crumpets. To round off the evening in style, ascend to the mezzanine floor for a glass of champagne under vaulted ceilings adorned with chandeliers.
Location: Sherborne
Castle Bow
© Castle Bow via Instagram
Style of Food: Modern British | Focus of the Menu: Fish, Shellfish, Meat and Vegetarian
Awards: One Michelin Star, Three AA Rosettes
Beautifully elegant, Castle Bow promises a fine dining experience in a relaxed setting. With a constantly evolving menu based on the best West Country produce, Head Chef Liam Finnegan is passionate about using fresh, local and home-grown ingredients. The delectable tasting menu comes highly recommended, with specials such as Somerset Pigeon, Brixham Halibut and Organic Dexter Beef.
Location: Taunton
Our Nearest Properties: Nightjar – Approx. 24 miles
Woods
© Woods via Instagram
Style of Food: Anglo-French | Focus of the Menu: Fish, Shellfish, Meat and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide, Good Pub Guide ‘National Wine Pub of the Year’ and Two AA Rosettes
A cosy pub set right on the edge of Exmoor serving fabulous British food with a French influence. The exciting and inspiring menu utilises produce from the owner’s farm, from Roast Loin of Northcombe Lamb to Confit Leg of Guinea Fowl. With an extensive award-winning wine list and a popular bar on the top floor, relax beside the open fire with your favourite tipple in hand.
Location: Dulverton
Our Nearest Properties: Nightjar – Approx. 3 miles
Roth Bar & Grill
© Roth Bar and Grill via Instagram
Style of Food: British | Focus of the Menu: Meat, Seafood and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide
With a daily changing menu, this charming restaurant is set amongst the Hauser & Wirth art exhibitions near Bruton. The talented kitchen team focus on sustainable and ethical produce and even specialise in curing cuts from their own livestock. Expect an exciting range of options from open sourdough sandwiches to dry-aged pork chops and ‘nutri juice of the day’.
Location: Bruton
The Somerset Dining Room at The Mount
© The Mount via Instagram
Style of Food: British | Focus of the Menu: Meat, Fish and Vegetarian
Awards: Three AA Rosettes
With spectacular views across Quantock and Blackdown Hills, The Somerset Dining Room is set within The Mount Hotel and has an undeniable air of Regency luxury. An elegant space for refined dining, Head Chef Mark Potts has brought a contemporary style to the classic menu.
Location: Taunton
Our Nearest Properties: Nightjar – Approx. 28 miles
The Queens Arms
© The Queens Arms via Instagram
Style of Food: Modern British | Focus of the Menu: Meat, Fish and Vegetarian
Awards: Michelin Guide and Two AA Rosettes
This traditional local pub serves exceptional food amongst rolling hills on the Somerset-Dorset border. With their own smallholding on site, expect to see delicious daily specials ‘from the garden’. Choose from small plates, pub classics and more elaborate dishes like Sea Bass Ceviche and Roasted Broccoli Risotto with Dorset Blue Vinney.
Location: Corton Denham
For something a little further afield
Don't miss our related guides on the best fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
Posted by Rebecca Jackson
Rebecca loves everything to do with food, beautiful interiors and travel. When she’s not booking her next cookery masterclass, she’s discovering incredible new destinations, restaurants and spas across the UK and beyond.