Mondays in the city can be a bit of a culinary minefield. After a busy weekend, plenty of independent restaurants and cafés take the day off – and quite rightly so. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a sad meal deal when the Monday hunger starts calling. Whether you’re starting the week with a catch-up over coffee, looking for a proper lunch, or fancy treating yourself to dinner, our Food Co-editor and Nottingham Food Guide founder Julia has rounded up eighteen of the best places to eat in Nottingham on a Monday.
This Japanese spot offers some of the city’s best ramen, as well as other authentic plates you’ll love. It’s also run by one of the loveliest women you’ll meet in hospitality too.
Must-try dish: the tori paitan ramen (basically a white broth with chicken. Trust us, it’s delicious)7-9 Heathcoat St NG1 3AF
Our go-to and old faithful for Mondays. Bar Iberico never lets us down with their Spanish tapas and we’d consider them an all-rounder to please any palate.
Must-try dish: the crispy chicken or cauliflower
17-19 Carlton St NG1 1NL
Still fairly new to the Nottingham food scene, Noshi’s modern Chinese and Japanese cuisine is for the fancier diner looking to celebrate a special occasion with a cocktail under the cherry blossoms.
Must-try dish: the sticky beef short rib bao buns
Trinity Square NG1 4AF
A cosy family-run Italian restaurant known for its warm hospitality and authentic, traditional Sicilian street food. The service here is truly welcoming.
Must try dish: their homemade cannoli
21/A Heathcoat St NG1 3AF
Deli and café housed in a stunning former banking hall with a mezzanine overlooking the action. Shoppers can browse more than 1,000 artisan cheeses, wines and fine foods before settling in for coffee, lunch or a sharing platter.
Must try dish: their cheese, charcuterie and antipasti sharing platters
12 Victoria St NG1 2EX
Expanded onto Parliament street with a new, modern Vietnamese lounge. Best known for their authentic steaming bowls of pho but the banh mi is excellent too. Great portions and prices.
Must try dish: Any bowl of pho your heart desires or a banh mi
100 Upper Parliament St NG1 6LF
A true hidden gem in Nottingham. Located in Sneinton Market, this no-frills diner is a favourite of ours. They have a wide menu ranging from highly rated Malaysian and Chinese dishes, as well as sushi – and, slightly unexpectedly, one of the best British fry-ups hiding in the city centre.
Must try dish: The Sichuan beef in hot chilli oil
11 Gedling St NG1 1DS
If you enjoy a bit of history and culture with your meal, this pub is located opposite Nottingham Castle and our famous Robin Hood statue. A top Nottingham experience. Expect classic pub dishes done properly, with one of the best views in the city centre.Must try dish: The steak & ale pie
5-7 Castle Rd NG1 6AA
Another hidden gem, known for their traditional Thai food.Must try dish: the pad see ew, but honestly, any of the classics will tick the boxes
2 Parliament Terrace NG1 5FX
A bit of a Nottingham institution, this family-run Indian deli has been going for over thirty years. The counter full of fresh curries, street food and handcrafted sweets will be hard to resist.
Must try dish: the samosas are banging, including the chocolate ones
22-26 Carrington St NG1 7FF
Those who know, know. Nottingham’s best Chinese? We’ll let you decide. Find over 200 dishes from Cantonese classics to fiery, traditional Sichuan cuisine.
Must try dish: twice cooked pork belly
15 Goose Gate NG1 1FE
A vibrant pub, bar and restaurant all under one roof. The venue blends quality gastro-style food, live weekend music and one of the best outdoor spaces in the city centre.
Must try dish: the fish and chips 7 Broad St NG1 3AJ
Located in one of the city’s many hidden alleyways, this trendy pour house combines global craft beer and seasonal small plates. Go upstairs to The Kilpin for additional seating.
Must-try dish: whatever is on the ever-changing menu, plus some beer, of course
12 Bridlesmith Walk NG1 2FZ
Vietnamese café serving proper Vietnamese phin coffee alongside a brilliant breakfast and lunch menu. And as a bonus, they’re located just two minutes from Nottingham Train Station.
Must try dish: The egg coffee (again, trust us) or a banh mi.
40 Carrington St, NG1 7FG
Coffee connoisseurs will tell you the blend here is top notch stuff. And they wouldn’t be wrong. But the brunch from Lilac Eatery is just as excellent.
Must try dish: the viral Hong Kong toast or the Turkish eggs
50 Friar Ln NG1 6DQ
A bright, sunny yellow spot you can’t miss in the heart of Hockley that will meet all your coffee and brunch needs.
Must try dish: the eggs benedict is the best we’ve tried in Nottingham so visit for that alone29 Goose Gate NG1 1FE
If you’re craving handmade pizza or pasta and want to avoid the chains, then try this spot instead for a casual lunch or dinner
Must try dish: the chicken pasta may not be traditional Italian, but it is very good
21-23 Wheeler Gate NG1 2NA
This Indian restaurant specialises in South Indian cuisine, particularly from the Kerala region.
Must try dish: without a doubt, the masala dosa
28 Maid Marian Way NG1 6GF
Follow @thenottinghamfoodguide on Instagram for more food recommendations in Notts.
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