Restaurants in Swindon

If you’re on the hunt for a top restaurant, then check out Helen Browning’s Chop House on Wood Street. Helen Browning was a director of the National Trust, and was awarded an OBE for her organic farming. She now runs a farm in Bishopstone – a village on the edge of the Wiltshire Downs – as well as The Chop House in the centre of Swindon that serves simple dishes using organic beef, pork and lamb from the farm. It’s absolutely delicious.

Staying in the steak world, Rios Brazil Churrascaria is a short walk from the Brunel Shopping Centre and delivers meat with a Brazilian twist. Choose from a range of 12 freshly cooked beef, lamb, chicken or pork skewers – including beef ribs, chicken in bacon and chicken hearts. You can then head to the salad bar, which is packed with pasta, rice and over 20 different salads. Simply signal to the staff if you want more meat by holding up the green sign or, if you’ve had your fill, show them the red sign.

One of Swindon’s most-popular restaurants, Old Town Thai is an authentic restaurant that delivers a real Thai experience, right down to the traditional Thai forks and spoons that accompany the dishes. If you’re a spice fanatic, then choose the Jungle Curry – but with over 50 items on the menu, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds.

Covering a broad Asian food remit, Kenzo 72 is a plush bar and kitchen that’s quickly become a favourite on the Swindon food scene. The food is largely based on small tapas-style sharing plates, while their signature grilled steaks are served on a volcanic hot stone. Factor in classy cocktails, high-end spirits and a well-researched wine list, and you have one of Swindon’s more elite restaurants.

If you want tapas, look no further than Los Gatos. Situated next to The Core in Old Town, it might not look like much from the outside but the food is tasty and the specials are delicious. And, paired with a lively and fun atmosphere, Los Gatos has been one of the most popular restaurants in Swindon since opening in 2006.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Da Vinci Italian Restaurant. A family-run affair since 2011, the Fleet Street restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic meal. Make sure to leave room for dessert, especially the zabaglione, which is cooked at your table.

Mario’s Trattoria is a hidden gem, which can be found down an alleyway on Wood Street. The restaurant’s underground in a refurbished stone cellar, so it’s lovely and cool in the summer months. The food is a mix of Italian and Sicilian classics, spanning pasta, seafood and pizzas, while the wine is all sourced directly from Italy.

If Greek is your thing, then make sure to head to the Greek Olive. Choose from Greek classics, such as moussaka, souvlaki and tiganito – lush deep-fried squid rings – as well as a huge range of starters, including more dips than you could brandish a flatbread at. Run by a Greek family, you can rest assured that the food is authentic.

A world apart is Moshan Island Grill, a sleek Caribbean restaurant that lures you in with a lilting reggae soundtrack and a tropical flavours. Think jerk skewers, rum steak (that’s beef rump served with a rum gravy) and ackee and saltfish.

Finally, we have to mention the Ruchi Indian Restaurant. One of the longest-established restaurants in town, dating back to 1990, the food and service have rarely dipped at this hugely popular Indian restaurant on Victoria Road. From the light and fluffy naan bread to their signature Ujala dish (tandoori meat with green chilli, potatoes and mushrooms), the food is first rate and served in a stylish but simple setting.