They say a way to someone’s heart is through their stomach so good food is high priority when dining out for any and every occasion.
We’re spoilt for choice here in Leicester for dining destinations which means you’re sure to find a place for whether you’re out with friends, family or colleagues.
We give you the lowdown on just a few of the Independent eateries you can indulge in.
1. Chutney Ivy
In the heart of the cultural quarter, Chutney Ivy serves sumptuous Indian cuisine with the freshest ingredients but with a modern twist. Cooked and prepared in an open plan kitchen, you can sit back, relax and tuck into a tasty meal from a menu expertly designed from years of research and experience. You can dine out for lunch or dinner and is perfect for a pre or post theatre trip as they offer a dedicated banquet menu.
2. Peter’s Pizzeria
Serving up authentic, traditional, Neapolitan pizza, Peter’s Pizzeria is situated in a Grade II listed building in the city peppered with eye-catching décor. Their pizzas are made fresh on site each day with ingredients from independent, small scale producers to ensure the quality. You can enjoy all your favourite toppings such as mozzarella, salami, ham, anchovies, mushroom on their signature sourdough bases which are created using Caputo flour from Naples, which is considered the best in the world!
3. The White Peacock
Expect expressive interiors and a bespoke service to compliment the modern British and international cuisine at The White Peacock. Located at the foot of New Walk, the restaurant offers affordable luxury with their carefully considered menu with dishes including Gnocchi with black garlic & parmesan, herb pesto & toasted pine nuts and Braised beef cheek with horse radish polenta, Wasabi soil, pear puree & bone marrow jam. On Saturdays, they also offer 7 and 9 course taster menus so you can experience their excellent and imaginative style.
4. Gelato Village
Treat yourself to a taste of the multi-award winning authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto at Gelato Village. Each scoop contains 100% natural ingredients with a focus on local and seasonal produc. Whatever size of cup or cone you buy you can enjoy up to three flavours, so you can explore the tasty menu of flavours on offer from Tiramisu to Strawberry and Black Pepper The store is also free of single-use plastics so your gelato is served in biodegradable and compostable cups!
5. Knight and Garter
Escape the bustle of the city into the Knight and Garter and enjoy their vibrant, fresh seasonal menu prepared by passionate chefs and served from their industry leading, state of the art kitchen. They pride themselves on serving up four focal steak cuts, aged and prepared to their exact specific and cooked to yours. At the weekends, you can revel in additional chefs specials, a stunning brunch menu as well as a selection of superb roasts on a Sunday.
6. 1573
Steaks, seafood, sandwiches and salads and a selection of mouth-watering sides are on the menu at 1573 Bar & Grill. Enjoy a warm friendly and relaxed experience in one of the oldest school buildings in England as the Grade II listed building was built originally in 1573 – hence the name! Using only the best fresh seasonal produce, you can sink your teeth into dishes including a 6oz Rump Steak and Cauliflower Steak with Fresh Salad.
7. Crafty Burger
Founded by their love of quality, locally sourced food and really nice beer, Crafty Burger is a pop-up burger restaurant from the team behind St Martin’s Coffee and Kitchen. Run every week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, their carefully designed, simple menu changes on a semi-regular basis and has a loyal following who buzz about their laid-back street food vibe and tantalisingly tasty burgers.
8. Middletons Steakhouse
In the iconic former NatWest bank building on St Martin’s, you’ll now find Middleton’s steakhouse and grill restaurant. Amongst the outstanding grand setting, enjoy a delicious mix of prime cuts of meat, grills, burgers, fresh fish and homemade desserts. Ensuring a delightfully fresh meal each time you dine, their meats are delivered daily from our their own butchery in Kings Lynn.
9. San Carlo
Relax in a stylish and contemporary while you tuck into authentic Italian cuisine at the much-loved San Carlo. From pasta to seafood, pizzas or steak, enjoy a fine extensive menu produced with the freshest Italian ingredients to suit all tastes. The restaurant is a firm favourite in the city and known for its great food and buzzing atmosphere.
10. Kokoro
The word Kokoro translate to heart, soul and spirit and this transfers in the way they cook their hand-made sushi and hot Japanese food fresh in house each day. You can tuck into tasty dishes from Chicken Katsu Curry to Deluxe sushi sets that is different from your typical fast food.
11. Wygstons House
Real ales, draught beers and high-end cuisine, you can find all three every day at Wygston’s House. Standing proudly in the heart of the historic Old Town, the city’s oldest standing house has been converted into a stunning bar & restaurant. In the stunning 15th century eatery, expect to see dishes such as Ox Cheek, Wild Mushroom and Red Wine Pie and Beetroot flavoured Tagliatelli on the menu.
