• Photo of visitors sitting outside Good Roots in Worcester

Food & Drink / Taste Worcester / Worcester

Eat Like a Local – Worcester City

From the best burgers to secret breweries – but sssshhh…don’t tell everyone!

Here at Visit Worcestershire, we know that it’s sometimes hard to ‘get under the skin’ of an area and really explore those hidden gems that make your visit special – especially when it comes to good food and drink!

Well – never fear, the team at Visit have put together their top 10 ‘Eat like a Local’ recommendations for a stay in Worcester City.

Photo of dish at Maneki Ramen in Worcester
Maneki Ramen, Worcester

Best Burger

It’s a contentious one, but for us, the Burger Shop Worcester offers the best quality patty, a changing specials menu and fab drinks tucked away under the railway arches near Foregate Street Station. For a taste of Worcestershire try the Worcester Blue Burger.

To explore the menu, book or find directions visit: https://aruleoftum.com/burgers...

Photo of burger from Burger Shop Worcester
Burger Shop, Worcester

Best Family Restaurant

Hickory’s is a BBQ and smokehouse based in parkland near the River Severn. The large restaurant has an extensive garden, a wooden pirate ship for the kids and even a cinema and popcorn. The menu offers a range of ribs, burgers and American classics – open brunch through to dinner, there is plenty to keep the whole family happy.

To explore the menu, book or find directions visit: https://hickorys.co.uk/venue/w...

Photo of food platter at Hickory's Worcester
Hickory's, Worcester

Best Brunch

Another contentious one, but for us, Waylands Yard is hands down the best place to grab a coffee, pastry or a helping of their killer Crumpets. Topped with chilli jam, halloumi – or even fried chicken. They are what brunch should be about! The busy café has a large ‘yard’ and is a dog (and child) friendly.

To explore the menu, book or find directions visit: https://www.waylandsyard.com/w...

Photo of brunch dish at Wayland's Yard
Wayland's Yard, Worcester

Date Night

For somewhere a little bit special, check out Ostlers, which is hidden away on the outskirts of the City centre near the racecourse. This cute little independent bistro has been a long-established foodie hot spot with locals for years, with early evening set menus and tasting evenings – you can enjoy fresh Worcestershire produce at its best.

Or maybe somewhere with a laid-back atmosphere? Mankei Ramen serves modern interpretations of Japanese noodle bowls + snacks, in a repurposed railway arch.

To explore the menu, book or find directions visit: https://ostlersatnumber1.uk/

Photo of dish being prepared at Ostlers in Worcester
Ostlers, Worcester

With your Four-Legged Friends

We know that sometimes you want to take the ‘whole’ family out for a meal or a drink – so here are a few options if you want to dine with your furry family members:

Burger Shop
(as above)

Waylands Yard (as above)

Goodroots Café
– based in the porcelain works this is a great option for brunch or lunch: https://www.goodroots.store/

Oil Basin – small independent pub and brewery – find @Wintripbrewco on Facebook

Orchard Café
– on the outskirts of Worcester, next to Worcester Woods – a perfect place to walk your four-legged friend then enjoy an ice cream or spot of lunch: https://www.theorchardcafe.co....

Photo of guest and dog dining in at Good Roots in Worcester
Good Roots, Worcester

Best Vegan

Be The Change is a 100% vegan lounge in the heart of Worcester. Passionate about making delicious plant-based food & drink that’s exciting & affordable. From dirty kebabs to indulgent cakes, there is something for everyone.

To review the menu and book a table, visit: https://www.bethechangefoods.c...

Best Wine Bar

Worcester has a host of good pubs and bars, but if you are looking for a special bottle to take home or fancy a cold crisp glass of white after an afternoon shopping – try Bottles Wine Bar. Bottles prides itself on boutique & rare products that are not widely available, offering an exceptional customer experience.

Check out the website for wine tasting events and directions: https://bottles-worcester.co.u...

Great for a Pint (and a roast)!


Down a side street just past Worcester’s main market, is the Paul Pry a traditional Victorian Pub with a saloon and back room. Owned by the Pope family this beautiful pub does everything well. The beer is brewed for the pub by the Teme Valley Brewery and they regularly change their ciders and beers and can talk you through the weekly choices. They grow produce on their allotment and this shapes the weekly menu – a good spot for a beer and bar snack any day of the week – but check them out on a Sunday for a mouth-watering roast!

Learn more at https://www.paulprywr1.com/foo...

Photo of beer on table at a pub
Cheers! Worcestershire is home to some fantastic pubs

Best for Groups

Chester’s Mexican is a long-established local fav, for a quick lunch or evening with friends this vibrant and friendly restaurant is one not to miss. Great for Vegetarians or carnivores alike – try their legendary burritos or chimichangas. Delicious.

To book and to review the menu, visit: https://www.chestersrestaurant...

Island also offers a mouth-watering experience for large groups with authentic Greek dishes using the finest ingredients! Read more - https://www.facebook.com/Islan...

Photo of food dish at Chesters in Worcester
Chesters, Worcester

Best Cocktail

And finally, no evening in Worcester is complete without sampling a cocktail (or three). Depending on your mood, there are a few good hot spots. Heroes is based in a Tudor building on Friar Street, tucked upstairs (above the yummy Thai Gallery) this casual bar offers traditional cocktails, local and international beers, live DJs on the weekend and even the chance to play table football. Check them out, @heroesworcester on Facebook.

If you are looking for something a little more formal, check out Tonic. Great wine, creative modern cocktails and international beers are served in this friendly independent bar – challenge your date to a heated game of connect4 or Jenga by candlelight.

Find out more at http://tonic-worcester.co.uk/

Evening photo of Worcester Bridge
Worcester Bridge, taken by Kyle Laskey