Places to eat in Matlock

With Indian, Thai, Italian, British and more on the menu in Matlock, there’s something for everyone. Starting close to our Matlock hotel, Stones is just a short walk along the River Derwent into the heart of Matlock. A very modern and stylish British basement restaurant with a swanky terrace overlooking the Derwent, they offer up an eclectic and adventurous menu, opening for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

Right next to Stones is Herd, a wonderfully modern steakhouse that boasts cosy booths, river-view seating or simply a chair at their cocktail bar while you decide which of the 10 steaks and dozens of sides to choose from.

Head down Dale Road and you’ll find Viva Restaurant, one of the leading Italian restaurants in the region with an open-plan kitchen and a menu spanning all the classics. Alternatively, wander a few doors down to the Thailand No.1 Restaurant – it might sing its own praises with its name, but if you’re craving a classic Thai curry all served in a stylish two-level restaurant, then this is the place.

On the other side of the Derwent near the Park you’ll find one of the town’s more unusual restaurants, Maazi Matlock. Set in a converted cinema, this romantic Indian restaurant offers candle-lit dining, a touch of Bollywood colour and sensory-overload curries delivered in traditional clay pots.

As with most of the restaurants, Matlock’s cafés are largely found in the centre of town. Just next to the train station, The Green Way Café is the leading vegetarian café in town, with a small garden terrace, a small play area for children and a lunch menu spanning homemade soup, nut roasts, salads, freshly made bread and plenty of cakes for dessert.

Crossing the Derwent, we arrive next at Café In The Park. With views overlooking Hall Leys Park, it’s the perfect place to refuel with a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, snacks, afternoon tea menu and full meals as well as regular Bistro nights through the year.

If you’re after something on the go, Tucker’s Fish and Chips overlooking the Derwent at the bottom end of Matlock is a local favourite. Choose to eat in at no extra cost or take your chippy away and stroll around Matlock – they even have a range of dairy and gluten-free options on the menu.

Heading towards Matlock Bath, When The Clock Strikes Three is the perfect place for afternoon tea, and all the delicious tea, cake, scones and finger sandwiches that come with it. There’s much more to this wonderful café than just tea and cakes, however, as they serve up excellent breakfast, lunch and snack options as well.

Also in Matlock Bath is Parky’s Eatery, another highly recommended outlet that covers most bases with serious style. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, via afternoon tea, cake and coffee, you could easily eat all your meals here and be very, very happy.