Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Northampton/Northamptonshire

OpenTable

Updated 05 March 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Northampton/Northamptonshire? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ember

4.9

4.9 (659)

£26 to £40

British

Wellingborough

About the restaurant

TASTING MENU UP THE CHEF’S TABLE (HIGH STOOL)

SAT ON SUMPTUOUS BAR STOOLS UP ON THE CHEFS COUNTER, YOU WILL GET TO SEE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF OUR FULL MENUS AS OUR TEAM OF CHEF’S CREATE YOUR DISH RIGHT IN-FRONT OF YOUR EYES. THE CHEF’S TABLE SEATS 12 MAX, AND OUR BIGGEST PARTY IS 4 PEOPLE, THIS IS A 7 COURSE TASTING MENU ONLY.

SMALL PLATE DINING

FOR THOSE WANTING MORE PRIVACY, WE HAVE A SUITE OF DINING TABLES ON THE MAIN FLOOR, WITH EACH TABLE IN EYESHOT OF THE KITCHEN. THIS IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE BECAUSE YOU CAN STILL SEE ALL THE ACTION AND FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SOUNDS AND SMELLS OF THE KITCHEN.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Such a lovely welcome, the door was held open when we arrived before we even got close to the entrance. Equally when my partner went outside to settle our baby, again the door was held open when he was ready to come back in. The preempting and attentiveness was spot on, a great touch. Loved the food and the atmosphere. Service was lovely, staff really accommodating with us having small children. Great to see previous feedback by another customer had been taken onboard about it being chilly by the door and a powerful heater was in situ. We can’t wait to come back as a couple for a date night minus the baby for the taster menu. Thank you

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Experience

TABLE BY THE DOOR

Experience

TASTING MENU UP THE CHEF'S TABLE £70pp

Experience

SMALL PLATES DINING

The Fox And Hounds

4.8

4.8 (588)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Towcester

About the restaurant

The Fox and Hounds is a gastro pub and restaurant, nestling in the heart of the beautiful village of Whittlebury, South Northamptonshire. We’re just a stone’s throw from the home of motor sport – Silverstone – and close to the market towns of Towcester, Brackley and Buckingham.

Inside, the team have created a comfortable and welcoming environment, perfect for you to relax, socialise, eat and unwind. Open to the whole family.

Our Head Chef has created a menu for all tastes and occasions. From a light bite or traditional pub food in the bar, to modern brasserie dishes served in one of our dining rooms, we cater for every occasion.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on 24 Feb 2025

Wonderful place to eat, food was great, very accommodating (I’m a coeliac and plenty of options available) staff very friendly and attentive even though it was busy. Highly recommend

The Snooty Fox Lowick

4.8

4.8 (633)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Kettering

About the restaurant

General Manager Matt Sear and Executive Chef Steve Bott

The Snooty Fox is a pub with a difference and Northamptonshire's finest freehouse - there is so much to sample, you’ll need to revisit many times - and you’ll always be assured of a Snooty Fox welcome whenever you do.

The pub itself is a truly stunning place in the heart of Lowick, a lovely village with a great community spirit.

The Greedy Gordons Pub Group were thrilled to take over the pub in 2020 and wanted to create an unusual and quirky venue with food and drink to match.

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

Me and my partner went for a meal after reading some excellent reviews, and I must say they were all correct. The food was amazing, good portions, lovely wine, service was friendly and timely. The night was topped off with one of the best Espresso Martinis we have had in a long time. We will be back again.

Pig and Waffle

4.7

4.7 (843)

£25 and under

English

Kettering

About the restaurant

General Manager Nikita Harvey, Head Chef Maria Gonzalez

The Pig & Waffle is so much more than a pub – it’s simply the perfect country destination for all who love good food and a relaxed drink in the beautiful village of Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire

Breakfast, Lunch and authentic Tapas cooked by the amazing Ricardo and Maria using family passed down recipes and the love of Spain and Mexico.

Top review

Dined on 5 Mar 2025

Welcomed on arrival sand show. Table. Quick drinks order and food ordered quickly after that. Service was excellent. Never felt rushed the food arrived and we enjoyed at our leisure. Banter with the staff and the noise was a good level of people chatting and enjoying food and company. Great that there is little to no reception for mobiles inside. Making it a much more relaxed evening. Thanks to the chef and staff for providing a great experience

Four Pears Pub & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (31)

£26 to £40

British

Northampton

About the restaurant

Our 17th century country pub is more than just your local. Think of a roaring fire in the winter, a sun trapped courtyard garden in the summer and seasonally changing menus that reflect the best of the British Isles.

Top review

Robert

Dined 6 days ago

Quality food. Excellence polite service. Outside space could be given more attention.

No.23 Uppingham

4.7

4.7 (509)

£26 to £40

Mediterranean

Lyddington

About the restaurant

No.23 is the latest venue from the team that created The Sun Inn at Great Easton, The Nevill Arms at Medbourne and The Red Lion at Great Bowden.

This new neighbourhood restaurant and bar will offer a Mediterranean-influenced menu using locally sourced ingredients, alongside refined cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.

Top review

lynne

Dined 2 days ago

The food was delicious and lots of choice on the menu. Service was perfect amount of helpful and friendly 😊

the 1867

4.7

4.7 (321)

£25 and under

Comfort Food

Weedon Bec

About the restaurant

The 1867 is a renowned licensed eatery at Heart of The Shires Shopping Village, just north of Weedon in Northamptonshire. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and boutique shops, it’s a perfect spot to meet friends, family, or business associates from across the UK and beyond.

We welcome well-behaved dogs with water and treats on arrival. Open daily from 9:15 am for breakfast, including bank holidays (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day & Easter Sunday). Afternoon Tea is served from 2–4 pm—please pre-book with any dietary requirements.

Our crew genuinely wants you to leave feeling better than when you arrived, and we’ll do our utmost to make that happen. Last food orders at 3:00 pm.

If there’s anything else we can do, just ask.

Your FRIENDS at the 1867.

Top review

Gillian

Dined 2 days ago

Met with my daughter for coffee and we decided to have pancakes with fruit too which was delicious. The coffee was really good too. The staff are extremely friendly and we and our rather large dog were made to feel very welcome. The 1867 is very popular so I recommend booking ahead, even if you only want a quick coffee.

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Experience

A Cuppa With Mother - Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Experience

the 1867 Breakfast Experience

Experience

Lunch and Lite Bites

Red Lion

4.7

4.7 (1207)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Kettering

About the restaurant

The Greedy Gordons Pub company welcome you to the Red Lion. Managed by Ashley Headland, he brings a strong team of consistency and knowledge.

Situated in the heart of Cranford near Kettering a village steeped in history & the pub being the mainstay since the 1700’s.

Head Chef Ben Drury brings loads of experience by bring people together with our love of great food and drink delivered with passion.

Priding ourselves on being ECO-local we have reduced our carbon footprint by using local produce, recycling & upcycling as much as possible as well as providing waste for Bio Fuel. #EcoLocalRedLion.

All welcome and catered for including dogs!

Top review

Jean

Dined 5 days ago

Great place to eat and food excellent. Loads on the menu to choose from. Desserts were good too. The staff were very attentive and helpful.

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Rushden Lakes

4.5

4.5 (1914)

£25 and under

British

Wellingborough

About the restaurant

Bill's, located in the heart of Rushden Lakes shopping development, is a calm oasis for shoppers to take a break and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. From cosy booths to larger sharing tables, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and you'll be well looked after from the moment you walk through the door.

Top review

Julia

Dined on 18 Feb 2025

Even though it was very busy, half term, Caroline, was exceptional. She was attentive, nothing too much trouble and kept smiling through a very long shift. I wish there was more people like her who actual listens and helps.

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Experience

Bottomless Pancakes

Experience

Set Menu for Celebrations

Experience

Group Dining Menu

Cartel Brasserie & Grill

4.7

4.7 (60)

£26 to £40

Fusion / Eclectic

Northampton

About the restaurant

Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience at CARTEL, located in the heart of Northamptonshire. Immerse yourself in a world where tradition intertwines with innovation, creating a symphony of flavours that tantalize the senses. Discover a culinary haven split over two floors and an impressive garden, each offering a unique ambience. We invite you on a journey of gastronomic exploration, where every dish is meticulously crafted to celebrate global cuisines while honoring local ingredients. Our menu caters to every palate, including steak aficionados, pan-Asian enthusiasts, and vegetarians alike. Indulge in perfectly grilled steaks or savour slow-cooked meats that melt in your mouth. Enjoy an elegant and vibrant atmosphere at CARTEL, great live music, eclectic wines and handcrafted cocktails. We are committed to delivering an unforgettable dining experience with impeccable service. We offer Stunning Indoor Dining & Heated Outdoor Patios, as well as, Private Rooms.

Top review

Amanda

Dined 7 days ago

Absolutely amazing experience loved the food and such good value

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