Shortlist: 8 Restaurants In Shrewsbury That Locals Recommend!

Tucked amidst the rolling hills of Shropshire, nestled on the banks of the River Severn, lies the gorgeous historic town of Shrewsbury. Once home to famed individuals like Charles Darwin, one can find tidbits of days gone by hidden along the streets.

It’s a bustling environment that celebrates its rich heritage and has welcomed new development in the past few years. This means that amidst the multitude of exciting things to do on your trip, you can also find a plethora of restaurants to indulge in unique cuisines.

With Shrewsbury being known as a market town, you can guarantee fresh flavours and excellent quality, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

However there’s no doubt it can be hard deciding where to eat when new to the area. That’s why we’ve decided to list our eight favourite restaurants in Shrewsbury to help you decide. Let’s get started!

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The Eight Best Restaurants In Shrewsbury: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. The Walrus

A Michelin Star dining experience serving creative British and French cuisine.

The Walrus is a leading example of new era sustainable restaurants. Opened by young and plucky owners, Ben and Clara have taken an unusual approach to their venue, which has rightfully awarded them with a Michelin Star rating.

The double-story venue oozes chic and modern finesse. Well-lit dining rooms are available on both floors. In addition, the ground level has the privilege of watching the chefs prepare their meals through the open kitchen. Sharp blue tones contrast the natural hues of softwood, and the light decor creates a refined atmosphere throughout.

Of course, Michelin Stars are not earned by looks alone, and while they have a stunning venue, it’s the food that genuinely steals the show. Their seasonal menu is an ever-changing array of delicious, home-produced goods. While the options are limited, they are created with a masterful flare that celebrates everything the British countryside has to offer.

What’s more, is that the vegetables and herbs used are not only locally produced but come from their very own garden in Ford Street. The options include a 3-course Ala Carte Menu or a 6-Course Tasting Menu that can also be paired with a Wine Flight, which is meticulously arranged around the flavours provided on your plate.

The owners and team at The Walrus are youthful and ambitious. This has helped them step to the challenge of creating innovative and contemporary cuisine.

So, it’s no question why The Walrus is one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury. Their use of expert techniques has undoubtedly made them a venue worth rooting for, and we cannot wait to see what awaits the future of this quirky upmarket restaurant.

• Opening Hours: Closed Sun – Tues; 5:30 pm – 9 pm Wed – Fri; 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Sat
• Location: 5 Roushill, Shrewsbury SY1 1PQ

2. The Haughmond

Located in a countryside Inn, there’s no better way to indulge in British cuisine.

Tucked in rural Upton Magda, The Haughmond is a pillar of Shropshire history. The inn, as it’s known, was opened in 2014 by the Board family and strives “to offer the best dining and guest experience in Shropshire,” as they’ve told Wandering Our World.

With award-winning Chef Gareth Howarth at the helm of their restaurant, they’ve created a celebration of food that has won 3 coveted Rosettes in its young life as well as a much-deserved spot in the Michelin Guide of 2022.

This attractive little restaurant boasts nothing but rustic country charm. It offers guests a relaxing, fine-dining atmosphere, unlike anything you’ve ever had the pleasure of. Quirky animal portraits dot the walls, bringing a sense of fun to the otherwise mellow ambiance.

They serve refined British Classics that draw influence from Global cuisines to bring a refreshing taste to village dining.

They exclusively do tasting menus that range between 4 and 6-courses. We have exclusive insider information that “the most popular dish is the lobster. Exclusively on the 6-course tasting menu,” but that is just a fraction of the delicacies on offer.

Note that their suppliers are community-based, so the menus often see variations and adjustments according to what fresh produce is available.

If you attend the restaurant on the right day, you might stumble upon one of their many planned events. They’re collaborating with local vineyards to bring Wine Evenings and more, so keep an eye on their website and social media for dates.

They’re masters in hospitality, and you can feel assured knowing you have expert service from a dedicated team of staff whose personalities have been described as “infectious.”

• Opening Hours: Closed Sun & Mon; 6 pm – 8 pm Tues to Sat (Dinner); 12 pm – 2 pm Thurs to Sat (Lunch)
• Location: Pelham Rd, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4TZ

3. Riverbank Bar and Restaurant

Located on the scenic River Severn, you can indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean while enjoying the view and live music.

With a local stamp of approval, Riverbank Bar and Kitchen comes certified to bring some of the best entertainment to your doorstep. Of course, they’re an inherent part of the Shrewsbury nightlife, but don’t count them out for a peaceful meal just yet.

The venue is situated along the River Severn, with the bubbling waters adding a soothing atmosphere on their quieter days. Especially if you’re taking full advantage of their small outdoor patio. The venue is sultry, with warm lighting and a happening cocktail lounge that always seems alive with activity.

Their service is impeccable, with friendly servers working alongside expert mixologists and passionate chefs to streamline your experience.

But the ultimate draw card is their food and cocktails. Mediterranean fusion meets British classics creating an innovative menu tailor-made to blow your expectations away!

You can’t go wrong with a classic Pork Belly, but if you’re looking to shake things up, we recommend getting any of the Seafood dishes. In addition, on Sundays, they host a traditional Brunch where you can get your hands on some mouth-watering roasts.

And you cannot leave Riverbank without getting your hands on a cocktail first. They add a new era flair to their mixology. They have made an inventive menu of colourful beverages you’ll be craving long after you leave.

As we mentioned, they are a thrum of activities, so you can bet there’ll be incredible food specials on offer. If you keep an eye on their social media, you’ll be alerted to all the ins and outs of their Happy Hours, Grill Evenings, and more!

• Opening Hours: 11 am to 11 pm Mon – Thurs; 10 am to 12 am Fri & Sat; 10 am to 9 pm Sun
• Location: Victoria Quay, Victoria Ave, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH

4. La Dolce Vita

Authentic Italian dishes served in a laid-back restaurant.

In our eyes, Italian is at the top of a must-have list for staple cuisines in any town. And for residents of Shrewsbury, it hardly gets any better than La Dolce Vita.

This family-run restaurant has been at the top of its game since ’99. It has continued to produce authentic, rich Italian cuisine ever since, even earning a coveted Rosette for Culinary Excellence in 2019.

Their hard work, passion, and dedication reflect in every aspect of the restaurant, with the owners at the helm ensuring the utmost best possible service is provided at all times.

Chefs Patricia and Gennaro work tirelessly to produce a menu that carefully combines imported Italian and locally-sourced ingredients to create an unforgettable taste. Between them both, they have studied under the wings of Michelin-starred chefs and bring together their own unique culinary experiences.

They have a small ala carte menu for lunch twice weekly, and their dinner options rotate between three 4-Course Tasting Menus and two 6-Course Tasting Menus.

Their menus are based around providing a fully immersive culinary experience. So you won’t just be getting an unbelievable taste but complimenting textures made using masterful techniques.

However, be aware that they cannot provide for Vegan and Dairy-intolerant patrons. Still, they will happily attempt to accommodate other dietary requirements if given ample notice.

In addition, these menus change monthly as they pride themselves on using seasonal ingredients, so be sure to see what’s available at the time.

The wine list also sees a monthly rotation to ensure each wine selected pairs well with the food selection at the time.

As we mentioned, the venue is run on passion and dedication, so expect nothing less from their servers.

• Opening Hours: Closed Mon & Tues; 6:30 pm – 10 pm Wed to Fri; 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm Sat; 6:30 pm to 9 pm Sun; 12 pm – 2 pm Fri & Sat (Lunch)
• Location: 35A Hill’s Ln, Shrewsbury SY1 1QU

5. Casa Naranjo

A subtle glimpse into miraculous Spanish cuisine.

If you’ve ever had a craving for genuine Spanish cuisine, look no further than Casa Naranjo. This hole-in-the-wall is a specialised Tapas bar that will transport you to the houses of Madrid. It also happens to be one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury, rated highly amongst locals and tourists alike.

Located in the Barracks Passage and within a stone’s throw from the beautiful River Severn, it’s a new opportunity to dive into something fresh and exciting. Here at Wandering Our World, we thrive on the exotic and unique, of which Casa Naranjo has certainly supplied both.

The exposed beams of the dining room are reminiscent of Spanish architecture; paired with antique decor, it builds a stunning image of old Montereys. This niche styling creates a romantic atmosphere that flows throughout the entire venue. Colourful tables bring life to the ambiance, along with a team of staff passionate about giving you an unforgettable experience.

The menu revolves around traditional Tapas. Each small plate is packed full of incredible flavor complexity. We recommend making it a group affair and ordering the fiesta menu, which happily feeds 4.

Otherwise, look at the divine selection available on their Ala Carte menu. Delicious Chorizo soaked in red wine, Lamb Chops refined with Spanish spices, and ample vegetarian options are available for your choosing.

If you remember, you can also pre-order entrees like their famous Seafood Paella or a hefty portion of Lamb Leg with spiced vegetables as a side.

They also have a stellar selection of wines to indulge in, each with its own unique undertones that can compliment the complexity of your chosen tapas beautifully. Casa Naranjo is easily one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury.

• Opening Hours: Closed Mon & Tues; 5 pm to 9:30 pm Wed – Sun; 12 pm to 2:30 pm Sat & Sun (Lunch)
• Location: Barracks Passage, 73C Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1XA

6. La Mer Rouge

A colourful Mediterrenean restaurant celebrating Seafood Specialties in a vibrant venue.

When it comes to excellent seafood, there is no better place than La Mer Rouge. While the restaurant may be young, they’ve taken the culinary scene by storm. It has made a name for itself with its carefully curated dishes and incredible venue.

Having recently undergone a location change, the new restaurant is a colourful and creative eatery taking influence from the many beautiful cultures of the Mediterranean, especially Egypt. This is fitting, considering its focus is on Mediterranean cuisine!

Vibrant hues and tones bring life to a cozy dining room, creating a visual rainbow and undertones of natural wood features. A spiraling staircase dripping with foilage and lights focuses attention on the center of the room. Also, it serves the functional purpose of leading guests up to the 2nd-story dining area.

The best thing about Mediterranean cuisine is the impeccable flavor that comes from the complex spice combinations. But they’re also renowned for their seafood, a staple in many countries.

So, of course, there’s no secret that La Mer Rouge is one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury to have mouth-watering seafood. Their Monkfish Loin is amongst one of their most popular dishes, and we can’t deny their seafood risotto that brims with a taste of everything.

But, if you don’t enjoy seafood, you must watch those specials. Occasionally succulent Lamb, Chicken, and Beef delicacies flow from their kitchen, paired with delicately spiced sides.

Their welcoming staff are happy to accommodate, and the venue has the added bonus of being pet-friendly. However as they’re one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury they can get pretty busy, especially on weekends, so we highly recommend booking a table for you and your group.

• Opening Hours: Closed Mon; 12 pm to 9 pm Tues – Sat; 12 pm to 5 pm Sun
• Location: 77-77A, Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 1PZ

7. CSons

A worldly dining experience that’s light, fun and casual with a sprawling outdoor courtyard.

CSons was the ingenious creation of four brothers who had spent their childhood globe-trotting with their father as part of his work. As a result, they’ve collectively stored over half a century’s culinary expertise to inspire them. So they grabbed life by the horns and invested in a 16th Century building to turn into their own food paradise.

They celebrate the historical aspect of the building, allowing it to retain the century’s old characteristics. This adds to the rustic appeal of their venue. Their courtyard offers the best opportunity to soak up the sun during the day and adds additional seating for their busier seasons.

While the menu may take global influence, their ingredients are strictly sourced locally to ensure the best quality of everything they make. However, this does mean that their menu can go through small daily changes according to availability.

Kickstart your day with a stack of American-style pancakes or perhaps even a Scandinavian breakfast. Then, sneak in a mimosa or two to truly wake you up.

Lunch and dinner share the same menu, and you have the option to have something as a main meal or a tapas-style small plate. We prefer the latter as it allows us to try myriad cuisines simultaneously. In addition, their Pork Belly is unforgettable, and their burgers are really something special.

On the first Thursday of each month, they have a 5-course Mystery Menu celebrating a unique country and its divine meals. You can find out more on their social media closer to the time.

CSons is a unique experience that’s fun and casual while still putting out some of the best food in Shrewsbury, so be sure to visit!

• Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm Sun – Thurs; 9 am to 11 pm Fri & Sat
• Location: 8 Milk St, Shrewsbury SY1 1SZ

8. Avatar

A charming and warm restaurant specializing in dishes from India and Nepal.

Add a little extra spice to your occasions by visiting Avatar. Nestled near the heart of Shrewsbury, this restaurant is a delightful taste experience that garners inspiration from Nepal and India.

You’re bound to fall in love with the casual, romantic venue. Dainty decor pops amongst natural wooden tones and contrasting blacks. The atmosphere is always buzzing with lively conversation, and the laid-back ambiance ensures a comfortable evening out.

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by friendly and attentive staff who will be your guides for the evening. If you’re new to the cuisine, they’ll be your best shot at getting the menu’s most delectable dishes.

They cater a wide variety of curated meals, each inherently containing a unique palate of flavors that’s hard to recreate. Aromatic curries, succulent meats, and an excellent selection of vegetarian meals are carefully prepared by expert chefs.

Our advice: Start with a platter. This way, you can taste some of the most famous street foods in each country.

The menu is jam-packed with an exotic selection of delicacies for entrees, including Seared Guinea Fowl Breast. Traditional and more well-known choices like Biryanis and Tikkas also grace the pages, alongside a selection of options for our vegetarian friends.

As one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury, you can expect nothing but quality, which pours into everything they do. After all, they have the mammoth task of bringing an authentic Nepalese and Indian experience to the local community. In this regard, they’ve definitely succeeded. 

• Opening Hours: 12 pm – 2 pm Wed – Sun, 5:30 pm – 11 pm Daily
• Location: 22-23 Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 1PU

The Best Restaurants In Shrewsbury: Our Final Thoughts

Shrewsbury is undeniably the beating heart of Shropshire culture. For a seemingly small market town, it’s blossomed into a hub for tourism and high-end living. The ease of access to the rolling hills and beautiful countryside has helped this town build a rapporteur for incredible restaurants to set down roots.

From Michelin Star prodigies to exotic flavours, the foodie scene and restaurants in Shrewsbury are not something to be missed. So whether you’re just traveling through or settling down for the long haul, we hope you take the time to indulge yourself at the best restaurants Shrewsbury has to offer.