The Best Michelin Star Restaurants in the Cotswolds

Famed for its thriving agriculture, lush landscapes and golden stone architecture, the Cotswolds epitomises idyllic British country living – and as well as offering an unparalleled quality of life for all who reside here, this AONB also accommodates a spectrum of spectacular Michelin Star restaurants. So, whether there’s a special occasion approaching or you’re simply looking for somewhere to indulge in a spot of fine food, the Cotswolds dining scene certainly won’t disappoint.

Michelin Star Restaurants Cheltenham

An elegant spa town renowned for its whitewashed architecture and upmarket appeal, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, benefits from the best of both worlds – a profusion of breathtaking scenery met with a beautiful, bustling city centre. A sought-after shopping spot, Cheltenham also attracts a wealth of gastronomes – and for good reason.

Perfectly perched in the charming spa town and hidden beyond an unassuming facade lies Lumiere – an altogether elegant eatery serving innovative, ingredient-led dishes in abundance. With many of the edible flowers, herbs and vegetables sourced directly from their own 15-acre smallholding, husband and wife Helen and Jon are quite the dream team. Make a beeline here if you love nothing more than classical dishes topped with rich, decadent sauces.

Alternatively, give your palate a pick-me-up with the vibrant dishes of Le Champignon Sauvage. With a 30-year long heritage, this special occasion hotspot employs the best British ingredients and translates them into classically based French dishes edged with modern cooking techniques. While some dishes are light and fragrant, others are bold and indulgent. Rated 10/10 by The Guardian this place has become renowned for its desserts and inspiring selection of seasonal delights.

Where to stay: Be at one with Cheltenham’s breathtaking countryscapes as you pitch up at Withington Grange. A dog-friendly cottage in Cheltenham with ample space for up to 12 guests, this gloriously luxurious property is a vision of ancient grandeur. Think beamed ceilings, open fireplaces and traditional sash windows – all met with the added wow factor of a pristine outdoor pool, tennis courts and more.

Book Withington Grange

Michelin Star Restaurants Castle Combe

Characterised by quaint villages and charming yellow stone architecture, Castle Combe offers exactly what visitors of the Cotswolds want – and though it may be small, it is in fact home to a spectacular Michelin star restaurant.

Forming part of the Manor House, at its foot, Bybrook affords 365 acres of formal gardens and parkland, is here to ensure a fine dining experience like no other. Each dish is enriched with sustainable home-grown and local produce and a backdrop of beautiful feature walls, fabulous floral arrangements, solid oak dining tables and snuggly leather chairs set the scene.

Where to stay: Less than a 50-minute drive from Castle Combe is pretty Painswick – a charming Cotswold village in which to base your adventures, and somewhere to unravel in style after your fine dining experience.

Wellie Boot Cottage, with its idyllic stone facade and breathtaking country decor, is steeped in olde worlde charm, juxtaposed with a medley of modern touches and all the contemporary comforts your heart could desire. Once your cravings are satisfied, retreat back here for a long hot soak in the sizable roll-top bath before sinking into your snuggly, freshly-made bed – bliss!

Book Wellie Boot Cottage

Michelin Star Restaurants Whatcote

With its wealth of attractions and visiting hotspots, Whatcote is well worth a visit – particularly for those that like their food.

Michelin Star restaurant, The Royal Oak, is among the most popular places to eat in Whatcote – and it’s not difficult to see why. Hailed as one of the oldest pubs in the country, this characterful eatery invites you to revel in its warm, welcoming atmosphere and sample some of the best British produce around. Dishes here are beautifully simple, consisting of just 3-4 first-class ingredients, and the selection of fine wines is second to none.

Where to stay: Situated a leisurely 25-minute drive from Whatcote sits the charming town of Chipping Norton. Famed for its wealth of high-flying residents, this beautiful Oxfordshire bolthole presents the perfect place to centre your Cotswolds adventure – and with plenty of luxury cottages in Chipping Norton to choose from, finding your perfect place to stay will prove a breeze.

For those travelling with canine companions, Donne Cottage is a dog-friendly cottage Chipping Campden you’ll love to call your own. Benefitting from an authentic country look and feel, this family home marries traditional country charm with all the contemporary comforts you could wish for.

Also based in Chipping Norton is Keats Cottage. A picture-perfect home laden with classical touches, this place also features its very own private indoor pool, a park for the children and a fully-equipped home gym. So, if you’ve overindulged and a spot of exercise is craved, you’re in luck!

Book Donne Cottage

Michelin Star Restaurants Malmesbury

Sitting pretty in North Wiltshire is the delightful town of Malmesbury. A much-loved Cotswolds gem, this picturesque spot is dotted with perfectly preserved historic buildings and alive with things to do. Visitors here love the market and thriving local calendar, and the dining scene is equally adored.

Serving yet another must-visit Michelin star restaurant, Malmesbury welcomes you to sample the culinary delights of The Dining Room. Set among twelve acres of formal grounds, this exceptional eatery forms part of the most spectacular venue, Whatley Manor and is leveraged by an expanse of breathtaking country views.

Food-wise, the offering is – if possible – even more impressive than the landscape. Head Chef, Ricki Wesgton, delivers a spectrum of artfully presented dishes, with a bevy of contrasting flavours and textures present on every plate. The 7-course set menu is inclusive of vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian versions and the expansive wine list boasts a variety of vegan, biodynamic and mature brews.

Where to stay: Just short of an hour away from Malmesbury, you’ll find scenic Stow-on-the-Wold – the ideal spot to centre your Cotswolds adventure. Staying here offers an authentic experience of the AONB, with surrounding towns and villages all within easy reach.

We recommend heading to Crooked Cottage for a countryside stay like no other. Aged charm oozes from every beam and Inglenook fireplace, meanwhile, the addition of high-quality fixtures and fittings ensures a luxurious look and feel throughout.

Book Crooked Cottage