Shortlist: Eight Restaurants In Basingstoke That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 10, 2022 by Wandering our World

Welcome to Basingstoke! This charming town is nestled in Hampshire in the south of England, and is the perfect place to explore and get lost in the local historical charm of this part of the country.

Basingstoke is an ancient market town that dates back to Saxon times. It’s a bustling area with all kinds of attractions and activities. From terrific shopping experiences and fabulous dining opportunities to historic sites and vibrant festivals, there’s plenty to see and do here. But it’s the restaurants in Basingstoke that always pique our interest!

That’s because this town offers visitors a real taste of local life, with farmers’ markets where you can purchase locally-grown produce, as well as plenty of pubs and restaurants on offer with menus that explore global cuisines and traditional British foods.

The choices can be overwhelming though, especially if you’re a tourist and new to the area.

So to make things easier, we’ve gone and done the nitty gritty research to bring you a curated guide on some of Basingstoke’s best restaurants.

So grab your stretchy trousers – let’s tuck in!

A waitress serving customers food at a restaurant
iStock.com/DGLimages

Our Favourite Restaurants In Basingstoke: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Yamazaki Sushi Bar

A dive into traditional Japanese cuisine in a cool and simple setting, try the sushi; you won’t regret it!

Yamazaki Sushi Bar is a one-stop destination for some of the finest Japanese cuisine in Basingstoke. Their mission is simple: to provide guests with the highest quality sushi and Japanese dishes, using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Their dishes are crafted with an eye toward authenticity, and the chefs show great prowess in their technique.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a meal with friends, Yamazaki Sushi Bar has something for everyone. They offer a variety of unique and flavourful creations, with sushi being the highlight of their menu.

Their guests always have something exciting to try, catering to all walks of life, even vegans. They also have traditional beverages, such as sake and green tea, to complement their meals.

The dishes have been praised by both locals and visitors alike, and the service by their dedicated team of staff has been described as nothing short of impeccable. They’re friendly and happy to offer a helping hand to guests new to traversing the flavourful wonders of Japanese cuisine.

The venue is small and simple, taking a less-is-more approach to decor and placing all the focus solely on their meals. We don’t mind, though; you can get dinner and a show by watching the expert sushi chefs at work at the Sushi Bar. It’s bound to become your new favourite spot.

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 9 pm Mon – Thurs; 12 pm to 9:30 pm Fri & Sat; Closed Sun
  • Location: 1 Feathers Lane, Basingstoke
Sushi platter arrangement
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/AtlasStudio)

2. Afrizi

A fun and vibrant take on Nigerian street food found along Festival Place.

If you’re ready to explore something new and exotic, Afrizi might be one of the best restaurants in Basingstoke for you. Of course, we’ve all seen our fair share of Asian, European, and American restaurants, but how often can we say we’ve dined from the heart of Africa?

Afrizi serves up Nigerian cuisine in a casual and fun restaurant found in the aptly named Festival Place. It’s simple but can easily transport you to foreign streets, especially if you take in the flavourful smells wafting from the kitchen throughout the day.

Because they’re relatively small, the menu is a concise dedication to Nigerian staples, so you can expect dishes packed with a whopping amount of flavour. Regulars can’t seem to get enough of the jollof rice, stews, and plantain-based dishes that litter the pages, so definitely try those out.

And let’s not forget their highly acclaimed Puff-Puffs, which are a must-have if you stay for dessert. Soft, deep-fried dough balls topped with your choice of cinnamon sugar or maple syrup. It’s probably their most highly recommended dish! And that’s just dessert.

Perhaps the best part is just how inexpensive their meals are. Everyone loves cheap meals, and even Afrizi’s biggest dishes are offered for a steal. So what’s not to love? It’s fresh, exotic, completely reasonable, and one of the best and most affordable restaurants that Basingstoke has to offer!

  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 8 pm Mon – Sat; 12 pm to 6 pm Sun
  • Location: Festival Place, 1 Clapham House, Basingstoke
West african food concept. Traditional Wset African dishes assortment - peanut soup, jollof rice, grilled chicken wings, dry fried bananas plantains, nigerian chicken kebabs, meat pies, top view
iStock.com/Rimma_Bondarenko

3. The Purefoy Arms

A Michelin Guide worthy pub with spacious outdoor seating and a menu packed full of contemporary British cuisine!

Are you looking for a truly heavenly culinary experience? If so, you don’t have to look further than The Purefoy Arms in Basingstoke!

This venue offers a wide range of tantalizing dishes and British pub food offerings. With its welcoming atmosphere and warm service, this place will surely delight anyone who stops for a bite to eat.

Under the careful guidance of award-winning chef Gordon Stott, The Purefoy Arms has risen to hold an esteemed spot in the Michelin guide and can proudly claim to be one of the best restaurants in Basingstoke.

The venue itself has a classic English pub feel, complete with a cozy bar area, open fires, and exposed brick. A picturesque outdoor area also offers seats for people to enjoy the warmer months, and they even have a Purefoy pod that caters to private dining in an exclusive little tent. This place exudes a family-friendly atmosphere and offer a warm welcome to people from all walks of life.

The food is just as warm and comforting, but still welcomes the versatile palates of their patrons. Guests can choose to dine ala carte or from a set menu, both of which have a vegan alternative too.

While mimicking classic pub grub, the meals are seasonal dishes that change according to the local ingredients available. “Our tasting menu is popular during the weekend, and it’s also my favorite to prepare and serve,” Gordon told Wandering Our World.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Scotch Egg or something a bit more refined like Wild Sea Bass, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy on the interactive menu.

Occasionally, “we have hosted Tasting Menu nights alongside matching wines. This is normally to show new dishes and wines available”, these evenings are often advertised on their social media and represent the changes in menus that happen seasonally.

Keep an eye out during the holiday season, too, as Chef Stott is ready to roll out festive menus to cater to each occasion, but be sure to book first to avoid disappointment!

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm Tues – Sat; Closed Sun & Mon
  • Location: B3046, Preston Candover, Basingstoke
Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

4. The Cafe Dome

Feeling charitable? Cafe Dome is a unique cafe with trainee chefs serving up delightful breakfasts and lunches in a quaint but charming venue.

The Cafe Dome in Basingstoke is not your average cafe. They were opened as an integral part of the Basingstoke Cafe Project. This charity assists young adults with learning disabilities to find their footing in the culinary world.

It acts as a training facility where the chefs behind the marvelous creations on the menu learn the ropes and create some surprisingly homely meals.

Open for breakfast and lunch; Cafe Dome has become a community hub providing a place to relax and hang out with friends, all while showing support to a great cause.

Their menu is surprisingly versatile, with plenty of tempting delicacies found throughout the pages. Gut-busting breakfasts, available in vegetarian alternatives, all through to pasta, paninis, and seafood, there’s a world of choices at your fingertips.

The chefs are passionate, and their excitement to learn means they put their heart into their cooking. As a result, the meals look splendid, and judging by the many repeat customers; they always taste as good as they look!

The patrons love the sense of community felt throughout the restaurant; it’s often quite busy (it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Basingstoke after all), with the friendly staff rolling out meals, cakes, and teas throughout the day.

There’s a quaint patio outside, with a few scattered tables allowing guests the option to soak up the summer sun. And when the weather gets a bit chilly, the interior can be surprisingly cozy and welcoming.

It’s easy to see why the Cafe Dome is such a welcome and popular addition to the town. It’s simple, homely, and friendly and well worth a morning or early afternoon pit stop.

  • Opening Hours: 9 am to 3 pm Mon- Sat; Closed Sun
  • Location: Brighton Hill Parade, Basingstoke
English breakfast display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Taninwat Pichitnapakul

5. The Olive House

Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a well-decorated venue built on old traditions and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The whole point of eating out is to whisk yourself away to new and exciting places. The Olive House embodies this, and guests often revel in the nostalgia the venue brings to mind for vacations to Turkish shores.

They’ve converted a sweeping space into something magical. While you can still be reminded that you haven’t traversed to another country, ornamental lights, gorgeous wall hangings, and more are enough to stir up the imagination.

The venue is large and spacious, with tables having ample space between them to help create a sense of intimacy without losing the essence of the atmosphere the restaurant builds.

Their evenings can get fairly busy, with their quietest days still filling the restaurant to near capacity. But fear not, the staff are expertly trained and unbelievably friendly, handling swarms of hungry patrons with ease. While bookings are always recommended for busier restaurants, we can assure you the wait won’t be long.

After all, it helps that a fair few of their guests come here for the Mezze alone. But the menu is versatile and hosts a world of flavourful dishes you’ll be itching to try. Moreover, people drive from far out of town to get their hands on a meal from here.

Their meals are made fresh to order, with the meats (especially the lamb) coming out of the kitchen tender enough to fall from the bone. The menu features food for all tastes and still makes space for a specials board that adds even more new and exciting meals to choose from!

What more could you want from one of the best restaurants in Basingstoke?

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 10:30 pm Tues – Thurs; 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm Fri; 12 pm to 11 pm Sat; 12 pm to 9 pm Sun; Closed Mon
  • Location: 21 Church St, Basingstoke
Selection of Turkish dishes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Yulia Gusterina

6. Spices & Spirits

Indian Cuisine like you’ve never tasted it before served alongside gourmet cocktails and imported spirits.

Indian Cuisine can be found throughout the UK, but rarely do we come across a place like Spices & Spirits in Basingstoke. Born after the chaos of the pandemic, they have built an unbelievable reputation for themselves, winning various rewards in such a short period.

This only bodes to speak excellently for the quality of food. Owner, Anushree Patil, was born and raised in India and embodies the very essence of what Indian Food is about. From old family recipes and years of studying with masters of the cuisine from all walks of life, she’s brought a unique and eye-opening experience to the town of Basingstoke in a distinctive way.

The “kitchen is regarded as the soul of every Indian home,” and that’s exactly what you get. Homely, honest-to-goodness Indian meals are made using traditional and organic ingredients. The menus (yes, multiple) are concise and, unlike most neighbourhood Indian spots, offer a limited but artfully perfected selection of traditional meals.

Guests appreciate the flavourful impact of each dish, and vegetarians and vegans will be delighted by the range of dishes available to them! Cocktails are also ready to be enjoyed throughout the meal, so be sure to include them in your order.

The venue itself transports you to exotic places in a simple way, with a grand entrance leading into a warm and cozy interior. The friendly staff welcomes you and can easily act as your guru if you’re new to Indian cuisine.

Small, elaborate decor adorns the walls, with a tasteful mural encompassing the bar area. It may seem a tad basic, but the reality is you’re here for the food; everything else is just a bonus.

  • Opening Hours: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm Mon – Thurs; 12 pm to 2 pm, 5:30 pm to 11 pm Fri – Sun
  • Location:  3 Kings Furlong Dr, Centre, Basingstoke
Indian food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/LunaMarina).

7. Hoddington Arms

A charming countryside pub serving unique renditions of British pub grub. They offer a large outdoor area, and events throughout the year.

The Hoddington Arms, lovingly nicknamed “The Hodd,” has been family owned and operated since 2015. Located in the picturesque area of Upton Grey, Basingstoke, it’s surrounded by natural beauty and scenic countryside.

There’s no denying why locals and visitors alike rate the Hodd as one of the best restaurants in Basingstoke. For all their countryside charm and refined British cuisine, they’ve stolen the hearts of just about anyone who visits, winning them a coveted position in the Michelin guide during 2022.

They’ve come a long way since they started, taking an old countryside pub and creating an unbelievable experience from it. It’s family-friendly, with sprawling gardens and footpaths giving the little ones plenty to do.

They have a cozy interior too, with log fires going through the winter and that classic pub feel we’ve all grown to know and love. But don’t be fooled; it’s elegant and sophisticated and serves up meals fit for kings.

Of course, we expect nothing less from the likes of Chris Barnes, the award-winning chef behind the menus. The Hoddington Arms serves contemporary pub grub taken to new heights with well-perfected techniques and, of course, some of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.

They also are one of the few places serving highly acclaimed Tunworth cheese, which comes in freshly made from the neighbouring town to grace the plates of Hoddington guests. From mains to desserts, The Hodd has some incredible dishes, with a crowd favourite being their rendition of a good ol’ classic Fish & Chips.

The kitchen whips out special menus that cover roasts and festive feasting on holidays and Sundays. And if you keep an eye on their social media, you can come across special events happening on odd occasions, as well as their plans for the holiday seasons.

  • Opening Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm Wed & Thurs; 12 pm to 12 am Fri & Sat; 12 pm to 8 pm Sun; Closed Mon & Tues
  • Location: Bidden Rd, Upton Grey, Basingstoke
Fish and chips with beer
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Daviles

8. Vemillion

A vegan cafe found in a local shopping center serving organic, healthy and hearty breakfasts and lunches.

Vegetarians and vegans delight at Basingstoke’s very own 100% vegan restaurant, Vemillion. You might be surprised at how easily enticing this green cafe can be. After all, organic foods are all the rage, and it’s about time Vemillion gains the recognition they deserve for turning humble, leafy greens into something flavourful and absolutely mouth-watering.

Whether you’re coming for a sit-down meal or a quick grab-and-go, you’ll be happy to note the concise menu offering a decent range of options to suit any craving. From the delicacies on display at the self-serve counter to the piping hot meals served from the kitchen, you might find yourself questioning, “What!? That’s Vegan?

“Coronation Chicken” sandwiches, pancakes, and pasta pots are a mere handful of what’s available. However, their creativity abounds, showing that vegan cuisine can be more than broccoli and lettuce. You’d be shocked by the alternatives and surprised by how delightfully similar in taste and texture they are to the real deal.

And this also extends to the drinks, which are a collection of coffees, teas, and freshly pressed juices using fully plant-based alternatives to bring the same delicious taste and quality you’d find at your local cafe.

It’s a small and simplistic cafe in the Chineham Shopping Center, but they’ve made the most of what they have. They offer ample seating around scandi-style tables and occasionally extend a makeshift patio outside, where guests can people-watch to their heart’s content.

Plus, if you’re of the magpie-heart variety like us, you’ll also love the selection of knick-knacks they have available for purchase, all made from organic, vegan-friendly businesses too!

  • Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm Mon – Fri; 9:30 am to 5 pm Sat; 10 am to 4 pm Sun
  • Location: Unit 9, Chineham Shopping Centre, Chineham, Basingstoke

The Best Restaurants in Basingstoke: Our Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks; if you’ve ever found yourself in the wonderful Basingstoke, it’s more than just historical buildings and retail!

There’s a world of adventure awaiting on each corner; after all, we’re firm believers that a key part of travel is the cuisine. So you will certainly feel world-aware after visiting some of this charming town’s restaurants.

Whatever you’re craving, and wherever you roam, you’re sure to stumble upon something magnificent. But if you’re feeling lost, and need a little guidance, remember us here at Wandering Our World – we’ve made it easier for you by providing a few of our favourite restaurants in Basingstoke. Bon appetit!

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.