Shortlisted: 10 Best Rugby Restaurants That Locals Love!

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Last updated on October 28, 2022 by Wandering our World

A small market town in eastern Warwickshire, Rugby is teeming with incredible restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes that are all unique in their own way.

This town is most famous for being the birthplace of the sport, rugby, but there’s also an impressive cuisine scene here which is well worth checking out. But if you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry!

Right here we show you ten of our favourite restaurants in Rugby. Let’s dig in!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

The Best Restaurants In Rugby: Food Worth Waiting For

1. On The Rocks

Popular steakhouse with plenty of options and outdoor seating for all seasons.

For a unique dining experience in Rugby, give On The Rocks a visit!

Why is this place unique? Well, at On The Rocks, you’re completely in control of your meal. All ingredients are fresh and locally sourced and cooked at your table on an individual hot volcano stone plate, so it’s definitely going to be cooked exactly as you like it! Plus think about all the fantastic food photos you’ll get by visiting here.

On The Rocks specialises in steaks, and those are 28 day aged beef sourced from local butcher Joseph Morris, so you can support local businesses whilst enjoying your perfectly cooked meat.

And of course, when you’re at a steakhouse, you have simply got to sample the steak Choose from Fillet, Rib Eye, Sirloin or Rump.

A particular favourite is the rump steak. It has a firm texture and is rich with flavour that is sure to satisfy your hunger.

But if steak isn’t what you’re in the mood for, then don’t worry. On The Rocks also serve lamb, chicken and seafood. We recommend the butterflied buttermilk chicken if you don’t fancy steak. But for the seafood lovers amongst us, the Swordfish is a must try! And even better, On The Rocks also offers vegan and vegetarian options so no one is left out.

Outdoor seating is also available at On The Rocks on their lovely terrace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your meal during the summer, but guests also enjoy it in the winter months thanks to heaters that will keep you toasty and warm!

With the great food, fun dining experience, and that outdoor seating, it’s little surprise this place made our list of the best restaurants in Rugby.

On the Rocks is open 6.30pm – 10.15pm Monday-Saturday. Large parties are also available for Sunday, but they must be booked first. 

Address: 22 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2RS

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/lisovskaya

2. La Casa Loco

Mexican dishes, tapas and drinks served in a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for after-work dinner with friends.

For a taste of Mexico in Rugby, try La Casa Loco, an authentic Mexican restaurant with a great atmosphere and delicious food. The wood panelled decor and floral accents here makes for a beautiful setting for a delicious Mexican meal with your family, or a well needed catch up with friends.

La Casa Loco prides itself on using local suppliers and local quality produce in their dishes so on top of enjoying incredible food, you’re also supporting local businesses in Rugby. It’s a win-win situation!

The extensive menu has dishes for whatever mood you may find yourself in. From chilli to enchiladas to fajitas, La Casa has you covered!

We recommend the sizzling fajitas with chicken. But if you’re not in the mood for chicken, it can be swapped out for steak or halloumi and courgette.

And if you’re not particularly hungry or are just popping in for a quick drink, you can order from the Tapas, Light Bites and Nibbles menu. But if you’re visiting with friends we recommend ordering a few dishes and sampling as much of La Casa Loca’s delicious food as you can.

Favourite tapas dishes here include the Chorizo, Muchos Nachos, and Patatas Bravas. As an added bonus the food is served in generous portions, but that just means that you get more bang for your buck and you can always take any leftovers home.

Alongside the food, La Casa Loca also has an extensive drinks menu. Offering the usual soft drinks, beers, as well as a range of wine, tequilas and cocktails. But since you’re in a Mexican restaurant, why not try a Mexican cocktail? We recommend the La Paloma which is tequila, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, a pinch of salt and grapefruit soda! 

La Casa Loca is closed on Monday but otherwise open 4.30pm – 9pm on Tuesday, 4.30pm – 9.30pm on Wednesday, 4.30pm – 10pm on Thursday, 3.45pm – 11pm on Friday, and 1pm – 11pm on Saturday. 

Address: La Casa Loco Mexican Restaurant, Churchside Arcade, 7 Little Church St, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3AW

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

3. The Boat Inn

Gastro-pub serving international and British classics, real ales, Sunday Roast and occasional events.

The Boat Inn is a relaxing rural country restaurant located next to the Grand Union Canal, just outside of Rugby. Both rustic and elegantly modern, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night.

In the winter, escape the cold and relax by the log burner. But when the weather is nice then soak up the sun on the terrace that overlooks the canal, or sit in the rear garden complete with beautiful flowers, a large fish pond and an al fresco bar and kitchen. This place really does have a seating arrangement for whatever mood you’re in.

This restaurant has a lot to offer drinks wise too, including a selection of Real Ales brewed by the local Nethergate Brewery, as well as unique brewed ales from breweries across the country.

The Boat Inn also offers a variety of delicious gastropub British and international food, so whether you’re in the mood for pasta, salad or a rich piece of meat, this place has got you covered!

As for what we recommend, why not try the Mango Chilli Chicken Power Salad. Both gluten free and delicious, it’s grilled mango and chilli marinated chicken that is served with green beans, bean sprouts and edamame beans.

But if you find yourself visiting on a Sunday, why not indulge in The Boat Inn’s incredible Sunday Roast? You can choose from either roast beef, roast pork, roast gammon or roast chicken, and it is served with roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings. There’s also a vegetarian option available, as well as a children’s option so it’s suitable for the whole family.

In fact out of all the restaurants in Rugby and the surrounding region, The Boat Inn arguably does the best Sunday Roast.

Exciting events are often held at this restaurant, so make sure to check their website so you don’t miss out.

The Boat Inn is closed on Tuesdays, but open 12pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-7pm on Sunday.

Address: The Boat Restaurant and Bar, Birdingbury Wharf, Birdinburgy, Rugby, CV23 8HQ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/CBCK-Christine

4. Cafe Vin Cinq

Restaurant and cocktail-bar with dishes made from fresh local ingredients and an impressive drinks selection.

This award winning restaurant is an absolute must visit for anyone who finds themselves in Rugby. As a boutique style restaurant and cocktail bar spanning three floors, and with a gorgeous spiral staircase at its centre, Cafe Vin Cinq is the perfect setting for a romantic date night.

Priding themselves on specialising in freshly prepared dishes using locally supplied and seasonal ingredients, the menu has plenty of choices to suit any and all tastes.

One popular dish is the Fresh Mussels in Bacon and Cider sauce served with toasted sourdough and fries, but we also recommend the Roasted Rump and Yorkshire Pudding, served with roast potatoes, heritage carrots, kale and port jus. Vegan and Vegetarian dishes are also available, so everyone’s needs will be catered to! 

On the third floor is Bartwentyfive at Cafe Vin Cinq, and that is stocked with beers, wines, stronger drinks and soft drinks, and is the perfect place to wind down after a delicious meal! And if you’re looking for something uique to do, Cafe Vin Cinq also has you covered as they offer cocktail making classes at the weekend! 

Cafe Vin Cinq is open Monday-Saturday 5.30pm – 10pm, whilst the cocktail bar is open Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm – Late. 

Address: 25 High Street (Opposite Historic Rugby School) Rugby Warwickshire CV21 3BW

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AnnaPustynnikova

5. Caffe Vita

This quaint cafe is a little off the beaten path but perfect if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

Caffe Vita has a warm and welcoming ambience, with trendy rustic decor and attentive staff that will answer any questions you may have and ensure that your visit is an enjoyable one.

And if you manage to catch a rare moment of British sunshine, why not enjoy your food on the cafe’s balcony? It’s a lovely place to sit and bask in the sun, full to the brim with gorgeous flowers and plants! 

All food and drink at Caffe Vita are freshly made and bursting with flavour. So expect typical cafe fare and lunch items but done exceptionally well. One of the favorites here are their Baked Potatoes with chargrilled vegetables, semi-dried tomatoes, basil pesto and cheese.

We recommend the grilled chicken, rocket, basil, mayonnaise and cheese panini, and for vegetarians why not try the French brie and red grape panini!

Caffe Vita also offers breakfast; one favourite is the simple yet delicious Cumberland sausage on a toasted muffin with a fried egg.

On top of great food, Caffe Vita also has a wide range of hot and cold drinks from coffee, to tea and hot chocolate. But we recommend the mango and summer berries smoothie: it’s refreshing and tasty, especially on a warm summer’s day.

Caffe Vita is closed on Sunday but otherwise open 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday, and 10am – 5pm on Saturday. 

Address:  34A High Street, Rugby CV21 3BW England

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Burku Saritas

6. Bacco Lounge

Bacco Lounge was founded in Bristol in 2002 by a trio of long standing friends and has since gone on to expand. Luckily Rugby has a branch!

This eccentrically decorated bar is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting Rugby and is the perfect setting to begin a well needed evening out with friends.

Bacco Lounge is also family friendly and understands that in order for parents to properly relax, the little ones need to be occupied. So this place is packed with books, toys, crayons and colouring pads to keep them entertained. How good is that?

And if that isn’t enticing enough, they’re also dog friendly – and there might even be a treat here for your pooch too! 

The menu at Bacco Lounge boasts a wide range of international food, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free so no one is left out.

One favourite is the delicious Mexican Superbowl that comes with black beans, edamame guacamole, roasted sweet potato, spicy rice, wild rocket and chipotle tomato salsa. Bacco Lounge also has soft drinks, beers, wines, and a range of cocktails. A popular cocktail worth trying is the refreshing Betty Blue.

If you’re here for their excellent brunch, make sure to not miss out on the Lounge Eggs with Smoked Back Bacon which consists of poached eggs served with hollandaise on a toasted English muffin with smoked back bacon – always a winner among regulars.

Bacco Lounge is open 9am – 11pm Sunday – Thursday, and 9am – midnight Friday and Saturday. 

Address: 16-18 Regent Street, Rugby, CV21 2PY

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/GourmetPhotography

7. Three

Situated on the edge of the town centre, Three is a bright and welcoming cafe with a friendly atmosphere and quick service that is the ideal place to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet along with a cup of coffee and some tasty food.

And if you want to enjoy your food and drinks whilst soaking in the sun, you can as Three also has outdoor seating available.

This place is one of the best restaurants in Rugby for breakfast and brunch, and we recommend visiting and trying their popular pancakes with bacon. The fluffiness of the pancakes offsets the crispness of the bacon and makes for the perfect start to your day!

But if you’re not in the mood for pancakes, we’re also partial to the smashed avocado and poached egg on wholemeal toast. Their English Breakfast is a must-try too, and whether you’ve got a big appetite or not, this cafe has two choices of either Small Breakfast which consists of 1 egg, 1 sausage, 1 slice of bacon, 1 hash brown, mushrooms, beans and tomato, or their Big Breakfast which is double the size!

Pair either of these dishes with an Iced Latte (that can be customised with vanilla, caramel or hazelnut syrup), and you’ve got yourself the perfect breakfast! 

Three is open every single day from 9am – 6pm. 

Address: 3 Clifton Road, Rugby CV21 3PY England

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Taninwat Pichitnapakul

8. The Hideout

Somewhat of a hidden gem in Rugby, The Hideout Coffee Shop & Cocktail Bar is passionate about providing fresh, locally sourced and home cooked food to the town.

Beautifully decorated with its sleeks white walls, kitschy furniture and floral accents, The Hideout is the perfect place to enjoy drinks, cakes, brownies and hot and cold food, whether that be for a lunch or just a simple Saturday night out with your friends! 

However no visit to The Hideout would be complete without sampling their incredible Afternoon Tea! Enjoy a wide range of sandwiches, tea and cakes, as well as those tasty traditional scones with cream and jam!

The amount of food that you get with your Afternoon Tea may seem a little excessive (which is never a bad thing), but you can take any leftovers home with you. When it comes to Afternoon Tea, The Hideout is one of the best restaurants in Rugby for sure.

And if Afternoon Tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Saturday evenings at The Hideout start from 6pm so pop in and enjoy a glass of prosecco or a cocktail! One favourite is the Strawberry Mojito: it’s summery, fruity and minty all at once! 

The Hideout is closed Sunday-Wednesday, but otherwise open 10am – 3pm Thursday – Saturday, and then reopens on Saturday from 6pm – 11pm.

Address: 6 Churchside Arcade Little Church St CV21 3AW Rugby 

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Aiselin82

9. Libertine Burger

If you’re looking for the best burger restaurant in Rugby, Libertine Burger is the place to be! Adorned with retro video game decor, Libertine is run by friendly and attentive staff who are dedicated to making your visit an enjoyable one.

Boasting an extensive menu, Libertine Burger has a burger for everyone, including beef and chicken burgers, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

If you’re a fan of beef burgers, we recommend the No. 001 patty, which consists of American cheese, lettuce, ketchup, French mustard and pickles! But we also love the No. 008 buttermilk fried chicken breast burger with American cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, pickles and crispy bacon!

The portion sizes here are generous, but you’ll soon be grateful for that when you realise how delicious the food is.

Whilst in terms of drinks, Libertine stocks the usual beers, wines and soft drinks, but also has the added bonus of house shakes. Choose from Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana or, our favourite, Oreo and Vanilla and get a real feeling of being in an American burger house.

If incredible burgers and tasty shakes aren’t enough to convince you to visit Libertine Burger, it’s also one of the most dog friendly restaurants in Rugby, so your furry friend can join you too!

Additionally, this restaurant also has a room that is available to hire for private events so why not celebrate a birthday or another special event there? And if you find that you love the food so much, you can purchase DIY Burger Kits and DIY Sauce and Side Kits so you can enjoy a taste of Libertine in the comfort of your own home. Pretty cool.

Libertine Burger is open every single day from 11 am-10pm, so pop down whenever you’re in the mood for American style burgers and shakes! When it comes to burgers, this has to be one of the best restaurants in Rugby for you.

Address: Chapel Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3EB

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/NatashaPhoto

10. The Bank

The Bank began life as a cinema but was renovated into the sleek and modern bar that it is today. The wood panelled walls adorned with lights creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in a bar that is the perfect backdrop for a catch up with friends or a casual date night! 

With an extensive menu of British and international classics, The Bank can cater to any food mood you may find yourself in, from grilled dishes to pizzas to burgers to wraps, as well as standard British fare like fish and chips that you can never go wrong with.

Two popular dishes are the Lamb Shank and Salmon Fillet, but if you’re not in the mood for a big meal, why not order from the Light Bites menu? Favourites include the Grilled Halloumi, Mozzarella Sticks and the Falafel Balls.

And if you’re a fan of bottomless brunches (and really, who isn’t?) The Bank offers that too! On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy a bottomless brunch for under £30 per person. Choose a dish from their menu (try the chicken and avocado wrap) and wash it down with a drink of your choice! And it doesn’t have to be mimosas – those drinks can be soft or hot drinks if you’re the designated driver. 

And for the sports fans out there, The Bank has TV screens that often show matches! So whether you’re a football or a rugby fan, you don’t have to worry about missing a game when visiting.

The Bank is closed on Mondays but otherwise open 12pm – 10pm Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm – Midnight Friday-Saturday and 12pm-8pm on Sunday. 

Address: 12 Bank Street, Rugby, CV21 2QE

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/KoriKobayashi

The Ten Best Restaurants In Rugby: Our Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Our ten best restaurants in Rugby! So dig in and enjoy all the incredible food and drink that Rugby has to offer! 

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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.