If you’re new to the area or simply looking for somewhere different to eat, Derby offers a choice of cafes and restaurants which are sure to suit every diner.
From traditional treats to a truly theatrical dining experience, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the city.
Where to eat in Derby for a top-notch pub experience
Finalists in the 2018 Derby Food and Drink Awards, The Exeter Arms serves pub classics like burgers and chips, fish and chips, deep-fried chicken and steak alongside more unusual dishes such as pheasant risotto and Sri Lankan curry.
The menu boasts plenty of twists on gastropub cuisine, including the Derbyshire Tapas Board – a selection of sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, chipolatas in mustard and honey, black pudding, pickled onions and chips, garnished with piquant piccalilli.
There’s also a small but impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu, including the truly show-stopping halloumi avocado burger with sweet potato fries.
This is definitely one to book beforehand – The Exeter Arms’ reputation precedes it. Expect a packed pub with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Where to eat in Derby for high-class Indian dishes
A restaurant to make takeaway curry houses pale into insignificance, Anoki is all about delivering a fine dining Indian experience.
Housed in the opulent Old Picture Hall – the domed ceiling of which has a truly Eastern feel – the restaurant is nothing if not atmospheric. The staff are clothed in traditional Indian outfits for a truly authentic feel.
When your order arrives, it more than lives up to the setting. Fragrant curries and perfectly cooked dishes of succulent meat dressed in traditional sauces of tamarind and mint are guaranteed to delight your palate.
Despite the restaurant’s glamour, it doesn’t fail to deliver on English curry staples such as the classic chicken and lamb tikka or seekh kebab, which are served in generous portions.
Get there early or be prepared to park some distance from the restaurant – Anoki’s car park isn’t quite as accommodating as its waiters!
Where to eat in Derby for a truly theatrical dining experience
If you like your meal served with a flourish, head to COSMO Derby. This all you can eat world buffet is located within the former Gaumont Cinema – one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city.
The Gaumont Cinema was first built in 1934 in the Art Deco style and COSMO have taken every care to preserve its character, even keeping the original cinema seats for their guests.
Nowadays though, it is COSMO’s team of chefs that wow audiences, with live cooking stations that showcase everything from the quintessential English roast to fresh teppanyaki dishes and delicious desserts.
With the entire COSMO experience costing as little as £7.99 for a weekday lunch, COSMO Derby is definitely the place to be.
Where to eat in Derby for a traditional treat
Foodies should head to the ideal opportunity to sample a local treat at the Derby Pyclet Parlour. The pyclet is a flat, free-form pancake made from crumpet batter and loaded with delicious toppings.
Traditionally made by working people who could not afford the metal rings necessary to create a thick, spongy crumpet, the humble pyclet has since been elevated to a delicacy in its own right – and you shouldn’t leave Derby without trying one.
From luxurious smoked salmon and horseradish cream to goat’s cheese, chorizo and red pepper, there are plenty of pyclet toppings to try, with gluten-free and dairy-free options also available. Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss the chance to sample a pyclet topped with jam or Nutella.
Where to eat in Derby for a quirky meal
The Wonky Table in Derby offers a friendly and relaxed ambience with European-influenced food freshly prepared in their kitchen – with a quirky twist! Try stuffed yorkshire puds or a yorkshire pudding wrap with ‘wonky mushrooms’. They pride themselves in using as much locally supplied produce as possible.
Vegetarian options here are creative and abundant like the walnut, hazelnut, and pepper stuffed wellington with melted brie. They even put on regular vegetarian evenings.
They also do quirky themed afternoon teas – perfect for birthday parties and hen dos.
The Wonky Table also have Winston the Wonky Wagon which is available for private hire and is often seen at local events. For the summer months, the restaurant has a ‘secret garden’ complete with red telephone box and wall murals.