Food-lovers seeking farm-to-fork experiences have come to the right place. Diners can expect low food miles thanks to Somerset’s rich agricultural heritage and its fertile, low-lying peat soils. Higher up, the Mendip Hills provide a bounty for foragers and are responsible for bringing Cheddar cheese to the world. Somerset is also one of the country’s greatest cider producers and its apple harvests are revered in song and in the tradition of wassailing. It is this commitment to quality produce that gives Somerset’s best restaurants their edge. The passion of chefs is shared not only by local growers but by whole communities.

For further Somerset inspiration,  see our guides to the region's best hotels, things to do and pubs.

Mendip Hills

The Pig near Bath, Hunstrete

This country house hotel suits both revellers wanting to let their hair down and food-lovers. It also, proudly, only uses locally grown ingredients produced within a 25-mile radius. The Conservatory Restaurant has an informal feel, with a slate floor, tables dressed with potted plants and lots of light. Menus could feature local partridge or a rack of Somerset lamb, with a side of savoury swede crumble. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for. Eat well, then relax for a great selection of post-dinner drinks in one of the hotel’s shabby chic lounges.

Contact: thepighotel.com
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££

The Ethicurean

Housed in a potting shed with views of the Mendips, The Ethicurean offers curated dining experiences. Lunches are relaxed, taking two-and-a-half hours. Fresh bread and ferments are followed by various courses and sweet treats. For the full evening experience, small groups can look around the Victorian walled garden before snacks and “wild” drinks are served, made from foraged ingredients or food waste – for example fish skin crackers.  Many courses then unfold before the evening ends around a firepit with a nightcap, such as horchata made with local cobnuts.

Contact: theethicurean.com
Reservations: Essential
Prices: £££

Merlin Labron-Johnson's restaurant in an old blacksmiths has a Michelin star and is simply dressed with white table cloths, rustic shelves and bunches of dried herbs. Vegetables are favoured in his cooking and flavours are intensely matched: a tower of ricotta, tomatoes and raspberries is shiny with the oil of French marigold leaves, while cookie dough twirls on a sheep’s milk pudding tastes like an evolved cheesecake. Presentation is thoughtful, with cold tomato tea and verbena served in a thick, chilled ceramic cup. Ciders are occasionally paired with dishes, along with fine wine.

Contact: osiprestaurant.com
Reservations: Essential
Prices: £££ 

Roth Bar & Grill

On the grounds of Durslade Farm, next to the Hauser & Wirth art gallery, Roth Bar & Grill features a long bar, eclectically decorated with scrapyard finds and a dining space that is wall-to-wall with contemporary art. Cuts of meat from the farm’s Aberdeen Angus, Wagyu and Hereford beef cattle hang ageing in a glass-walled salt room, while vegetables, fruits and herbs come from the walled garden. The kitchen’s specialities include Durslade Farm Tomahawk steaks, served with bearnaise sauce to share. A heated, transparent tent in the courtyard is the ideal place for a pre-gallery coffee or brunch. 

Contact: rothbarandgrill.co.uk
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££

The Three Horseshoes

Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen has swapped Shoreditch for tiny Batcombe (marginally fewer hipsters, more mud). Despite its low ceilings and beams, her revamped pub is a calming space where a 16th-century bench is the standout piece and the back terrace awaits sunny days sat beside the village church. Ingredients shine and flavours are perfectly balanced, with a leg of lamb lifted by a delicate lemony glaze on its pink firs and broad beans. The day’s scallops are caught by a diver from Lyme bay.

Contact: thethreehorseshoesbatcombe.co.uk
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££

At the Chapel

 

This buzzing, Grade II-listed church conversion is the thriving hub of town, with a restaurant, wine shop, bakery, pizzeria and a downstairs bar. The clean lines of the restaurant are beautiful, with double height feature windows that flood with light and a minimalist feel. Though it is an airy space, it is easy to chat and there is a comforting degree of bustle. The outdoor terrace is lovely too, bordered by climbing roses. Breakfast is served through to dinner. There is an excellent choice of sourdough pizzas, solid traditional cocktails and a menu that bears Mediterranean influences, offering beetroot risotto or chargrilled chicken with aioli, for example.

Contact: atthechapel.co.uk
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££

The Old Pharmacy

Inspired by provincial bistros, this cafe has mismatched chairs, chalk boards and its own farm shop, with a wooden counter, photo-worthy vegetables and artisan cider. It is the more affordable eatery from Merlin Labron-Johnson, who is the chef at Osip, a few doors down. Drop in for morning coffee and pastries, then later on, expect bites to takeaway or fresh pasta and French small plates to linger over. Perch at the countertop to chat over wine and snacks.

Contact: oldpharmacybruton.com
Reservations: Essential
Prices: ££

The Garden Cafe at The Newt, Castle Cary

There is something very New World about the Garden Cafe, with its well-spaced tables sat behind a long bank of glass that affords lovely views of the gardens at The Newt. The hotel is owned by the stylish South African wine estate Babylonstoren and the restaurant imports Cape sophistication to rural Somerset. Open for breakfast and lunch, pretty vegetable dishes abound, with meat dishes classed as “sides” requiring a supplement. There is much from the orchards, including apple sourdough and pork belly resting in the hotel’s own cider plus a couple of vegan options.

Contact: thenewtinsomerset.com
Reservations: Essential, members entry ticket required
Prices: ££

South Somerset

Chef Nicholas Balfe has enjoyed building relationships with South Petherton farmers and allotment growers since moving from Peckham, where he co-owns Larry’s and Levan. Holm is a relaxed, contemporary restaurant housed in a former bank, with skilful yet honest plates of food. Highlights include fluffy Westcombe cheddar fries and cull yaw (mutton) with preserved wild garlic. Counter top dining is recommended for those wanting to watch the kitchen at work, or the terrace outside is ideal for wine and nibbles. 

Contact: holmsomerset.co.uk
Reservations: Recommended
Prices: ££

The Barrington Boar

In a sleepy Ham stone village this honey-colour inn has amicable hosts, blazing log burners and plates heaped with superior comfort food. Start with a glass of Somerset sparkling wine on the lawn, then move into the knocked-through restaurant for food crafted from local ingredients. Alasdair Clifford has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and likes to be creative, so expect dishes like halibut sashimi marinated in yuzu ponzu.

Contact: thebarringtonboar.co.uk
Reservations: Recommended
Prices: ££

The Sheppey Inn, Lower Godney

This vast pub is filled with vintage toys and music-inspired art, giving it a cool vibe. In fine weather, the best seating is on the wooden terrace out the back, which has the River Sheppey running alongside it. Great value dishes from the kitchen – which excels in vegetarian cooking – can be both hearty and surprisingly delicate, with lots of world food influences, from a chicken burger with smoked Wedmore cheese and tzatziki, to roasted fennel and smoked garlic soup or char-grilled hispi, aubergine, puy lentils, labneh and tahini dressing. There is a big range of cider, craft beer and spirits too.

Contact: 01458 83 15 94; thesheppey.co.uk
Reservations: Essential
Prices: £

• 9Telegraph expert rating

  The Newt is exceptional. In the making for six years, it opened in August 2019 with admirably lit...Read expert review

• 9Telegraph expert rating

  Medieval elegance meets boutique panache at this former 12th-century forge, townhouse and row of ...Read expert reviewFrom£130

• 9Telegraph expert rating

  A memorable pub with rooms in a gorgeous, sleepy Somerset village. Come for the cosy, civilised a...Read expert review