Shortlisted: 7 Restaurants In Lichfield That Locals Love!
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The picture-postcard medieval city of Lichfield has a rich history, incredible architecture and a vibrant arts scene. And luckily for those of us who like dining out, this historic city also has a lively food scene so there’s plenty of fantastic restaurants in Lichfield to try out when passing through.
You’ll find traditional English pub fare alongside quirky cafes, and plenty of international cuisine too – from Bangladeshi through to classic Mediterranean.
So whether you’re visiting for a holiday or are simply new to the area, join us as we share with you what we believe are the best restaurants in Lichfield.
The Seven Best Restaurants In Lichfield For Food & Experiences
1. Patty Freaks
Patty Freaks started as a street food burger business, but they recently opened a branch in the City Arcade because of their massive – and well deserved – success.
They have a loyal online following, and Lichfieldians are always on the lookout for new additions to the menu here. Their smash burgers have been dubbed the best in Lichfield and we absolutely have to agree. The burgers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also taste magnificent and have won national awards.
All those burgers are served on soft, chewy Japanese milk buns with lettuce, pink onions, and gherkins. Aside from the burgers, they also have a great selection of sides that are equally tantalizing.
So, let’s talk about what we like on the menu. The best beef burger is arguably the Chucky, with its smashed beef patty, pulled beef, Carolina sauce, and blue cheese sauce. This burger may stay on your mind for weeks! The Manhattan with its slices of pastrami (see picture below) is pretty unbeatable too.
There’s not much that can upstage the burgers here, but the BBQ bites gives those burgers a run for their money. These bites are cornflakes fried chicken thighs drenched in maple BBQ glaze, black pepper mayo, spring onion, sesame seeds, and fresh lemon zest. These are not just the best chicken thighs in Lichfield, but they may just be the best in the West Midlands, nay, the entire country!
As soon as you arrive in Lichfield, run to Patty Freaks! They are open from 12pm-9pm on Mondays-Saturdays, and 12pm-7pm on Sundays.
Address: City Arcade, Lichfield
2. Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
This restaurant oozes romance. It sits right next to Minister Pool and there are floor-to-ceiling windows with a gorgeous view of the cathedral and the lake. Those windows have even been adorned with fairy lights to complete the magical ambiance.
The menu features various Mediterranean cuisines—Spanish, Italian, Greek, and Moroccan. On top of that, Tuesday is steak night, Wednesday is tapas night, and Thursday is for kebabs!
To help you out if it’s your first time visiting, we’ve made a list of our favourite items from each menu, so you can have your own fabulous dining experience here.
From the tapas menu, try the Gambas Al Pil Pil. It’s grilled prawns in a spicy, garlicky sauce. Whilst a great vegan and gluten-free option is the garlic mushrooms in cream, lemon, and parsley tapas. And why not get the homemade sangria by the jug—it was only £11 at the time of writing.
Now you can’t go to a Mediterranean restaurant and not try the kebabs! We recommend the Moroccan lamb kebabs that have been marinated to perfection and just keep getting more delicious with each bite; they are regarded by many as the best kebabs in LichfieldÂ.
Ego also has a very good separate vegan and gluten-free menu, so you won’t feel stuck with only one or two options if you have dietary restrictions. They also have a membership programme for discounts called Ego Club. Look into that if you’re planning on staying in Lichfield for a while and eating here often!
Ego is open every day from 11am-11pm.
Address: New Minster House, Bird St, Lichfield
3. The Boat Inn
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, then look no further than The Boat Inn which is definitely one of the best restaurants in Lichfield for a special meal.
This restaurant has a huge garden terrace and mainly serves British fare. It’s actually included in the Michelin Guide and is run under the captainship of award-winning chef Liam Dillon.
Although externally it may look like any other pretty roadside pub, inside you will be greeted with a moody interior with dramatic deep wooden floors and dark green walls, which have a gorgeous striking effect. Natural flair is added with artwork on the walls and rugged antiques rooted on shelves, nailing the rustic yet sophisticated modern look.
There’s a selection of tasting menus ranging from lunch to dinner (4 and 6 course), a Sunday day menu, a Sunday evening menu, a vegetarian menu, a terrace menu (enjoyed in their beautiful garden on a canopied terrace), and a wine list featuring wines straight from Dillon’s father’s vineyard in France. Didn’t we say this place would be perfect for a special occasion?
If it’s on the menu when you visit then we recommend treating yourselves to their beloved amuse-bouche that. Now don’t be alarmed, it comes served on a pig’s skull cut in half! However, the only lingering memory will be of its flavorful, rich, and juicy meat.
For your full course meals, we recommend opting for their Cotswold lamb with a black garlic and tongue sauce, which appears nothing short of a revelation. Then why not conclude your delightful meal with one of their delectable desserts, we’d recommend the baked Alaska or chocolate parfait.
The Boat Inn is open Thursdays from 6pm-9pm and Friday-Sunday from 12pm-9pm with the bar open until 11.30pm. We recommend reserving in advance though, as The Boat Inn is one of the most popular restaurants in Lichfield and the surrounding area.
Address: Walsall Rd, Muckley Corner Lichfield
4. Melbourne in Lichfield
Melbs in Lich is not just another coffee shop, it’s a lifestyle in Lichfield. As soon as you enter this café, any caffeine aficionados will immediately know straight away that this place is perfect for speciality coffees.
This Australian-themed coffee shop has walls covered in tasteful graffiti, a lovely outside area perfect for people watching, and a fun yet laid-back atmosphere.
They roast their own coffee here, and the result is some of the best coffee in the region. But Melbs also do food, and the breakfast bagels are particularly popular and are served all day. We’re always fans of a place that gives you the option to have breakfast in the afternoon!
Other light bites include the kimchi and cheese toastie which is a surprising combination that works tremendously well. But we suggest adding a little bit of pineapple to this toastie to complement the spiciness of the kimchi.
Saturdays are for cruffins at Melbs. Every week a different sweet or savoury cruffin – which is a sort-of mix between a croissant and a muffin – is served and they can be pre-ordered online. They close the ordering system at 6 a.m. and once they are gone, they are gone. So, you don’t want to miss out!
Melbs also serves as something of a community center, and you’ll find the owners hosting events like 80s prom murder mystery night, fundraisers, and mother and baby wellbeing sessions for women’s health month.
It’s a great place to catch up with friends and grab the best cup of coffee in Lichfield. They’re open from 7.30am-4pm on Mondays-Saturdays, and from 8am-2pm on Sundays.
Address: 32-34 Bird St, Lichfield
5. The Feathers Inn
Voted National Community Pub of the Year in 2014 and Entertainment Pub of the Year in 2015, The Feathers Inn is something of a household name in Lichfield.
This family-friendly establishment, which often features live music, also has a beer garden with an outside bar for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal in the sun.
The delicious pub food they serve comes in large portions, is reasonably priced, and is freshly made – what’s not to like! They also have a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options too, which is a real bonus.
The Beer Battered Cod is a popular item on the menu and is served piping hot. Another favourite is the roast ham, eggs, and chips doused in the most decadent gravy. As far as we’re concerned, that’s a perfect Sunday night meal to enjoy with a pint.
Talking of pints….The Feathers Inn features a range of specialty real ales, including their own creation called Spitting Feathers.
On top of that, there always seems to be something happening here – that’s why they’ve won awards for entertainment in the past! Every Tuesday night is an open mic night, so if you’ve been thinking about testing your singing chops then here’s your chance.
Or if you’d rather see other people in the spotlight, then pay the Feathers Inn a visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night, as local bands take the stage at the weekend. They have a monthly calendar on their website with a detailed schedule of all the events so definitely check that out.
Food at this disabled-friendly pub is served from 12pm-3pm and 5.30pm-8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 12pm -3pm and 5.30-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12pm-4pm on Sundays.
The open mic nights on Tuesday begin at 8pm and the bands start playing around 9 pm on the weekends. When it comes to entertainment, The Feathers is easily one of our favourite restaurants in Lichfield.
Address: 118 Beacon Street, Lichfield
6. Nowka 71
To try something a little different and expand your food palate, Nowka 71 could be the best place for you. With a meticulously chosen menu that bridges Indian and Bangladeshi flavours and western techniques, Nowka 71 provides an individual and special fine dining experience.
Located near the Stowe Pool in Lichfield, the loft-inspired, warm-toned, and earthy yet cosy atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Visit their lively bar where you can kick back, have drinks, and engage in worthwhile conversations, or merely sit in serene silence.
As you sit beside exposed brick walls and mustard painted walls embraced by plants, you will be blessed with the aroma of Bangladeshi cuisine.
If you’re new here, we think the best way to go about ordering is to try a little bit of everything! We recommend diving into the starters and trying either their lamb samosas or the vegetable samosas which are just one of the many things you can get from their diverse assortment of vegetarian dishes.
For the main course, why not try the achari dhaba which is an unforgettable tangy dish you won’t be able to put down. You can’t go wrong with any rice dish here either, and their biryani will make you mull over how it’s even possible to make rice taste so good. As always with any biryani, expect a hearty portion.
Last but not least, we can’t forget their mouth-watering lamb chops which are marinated in a rustic spice blend that will simply melt on your tongue, hitting you with a burst of flavour.
Nowka 71 is easily one of the best restaurants in Lichfield and is open Wednesday-Sunday from 5.30pm onwards.
Address: 8 Lombard St, Lichfield
7. Pom’s Kitchen & Deli
This place is in the heart of Lichfield and is a delightful spot for the best afternoon tea and brunch you can get in the city. Pom’s proudly showcase their local suppliers and changes their menu seasonally to highlight in-season produce. So you can always expect fresh local dishes here.
The interior is modern yet rustic too, with mood lighting that feels like a warm hug. It’s a photogenic space, and a great spot to enjoy brunch or lunch. There’s also a small outside terrace that’s perfect for people watching in the sun.
For the Afternoon Tea menu, they’ll start you off with a drink and we recommend choosing something refreshing like a Bellini. While you sip away, the server will bring the three-tier tea stand to your table. The first layer is a selection of three sandwiches, including one vegan option, which many people think is the best one. This sweet potato falafel, hummus, tomatoes, and nigella chutney sandwich creates a symphony in your mouth—a very non-traditional symphony!
The second layer consists of cakes and sweet treats. Our favourite has to be the caramel profiterole. An airy Choux pastry with a caramel filling that is rich and perfectly sweet. The top layer is, of course, scones.
As for the most important part of the afternoon tea, the tea itself, we suggest keeping it simple and going for a traditional earl grey.
The afternoon tea is available every day from 9am to 4pm. And if you have a dog, feel free to bring your best bud along as Pom’s is one of the most dog friendly restaurants in Lichfield and even has a dog menu!
Address: 20-22 Bird Street, Lichfield
