When it comes to finding somewhere to eat in Wells, many of the best options are conveniently located on Sadler Street, in the shadow of the resplendent Wells Cathedral. They are some truly exceptional kitchens cooking up delicious cuisine ranging from authentic Greek food to stylish Italian and modern British eats. See what you fancy and tick off as many as you can.
Places to eat in Wells
Restaurants
Hidden in an alleyway off Sadler Street, you’ll find The Courtyard Restaurant serving some of the best food in Wells. The restaurant was formerly known as Cafe Piano, but they got rid of the piano, so the name had to go as well. It’s a bistro-style restaurant with fresh, simple food with big flavours. We recommend the whitebait to start, followed by the lamb shank.
For a tastebud trip straight to the Mediterranean, The Greek Taverna is another beautiful dining option housed in the former Sun Inn pub. The food is authentic, fresh and exquisite. Take the Greek sausages, for example, they’re the real deal and usually only found in Greece, but they’re actually made around the corner at the local butchers to the restaurant’s recipe. Visit on Monday for the mystery meze special, but leave room for the baklava.
Goodfellows is a supremely popular seafood restaurant on Sadler Street. It’s a smart restaurant with beautifully presented food, good-sized portions and very reasonable prices. The bouillabaisse is rather brilliant, the scallops are a crowd-pleaser, and the bavarois makes for quite the closing curtain.
Staying on Sadler Street, Ensemble is probably our favourite place to eat in town right now. It’s an exceptional neighbourhood restaurant that ticks all the boxes of a creative menu of British food – a stylish setting, brilliant service, a fine wine list, plenty of veggie and vegan options, and excellent views of Wells Cathedral, which is right up there with our top activities in Wells.
One last restaurant recommendation is Rugantino, part of the Ancient Gatehouse Hotel on Sadler Street. It makes for an elegant setting to enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine. The food is good and the setting is excellent, amidst some of the top tourist attractions Wells has to offer. It’s best on sunny days when you can dine al fresco with the best views of the West Front of Wells Cathedral.
Wells restaurants
Cafés in Wells
Cafés
If you’re after the best coffee in town, wander briefly away from the High Street and hunt down Strangers With Coffee on St Cuthbert Street. It’s a brilliant little dog-friendly cafe that’s also got a great reputation for its homemade cakes and delicious sandwiches.
Veggies, vegans and anyone with any dietary requirements should visit The Good Earth on Priory Road. It’s a wholefood store and vegetarian restaurant that’s established itself as a veritable Wells institution and has been going for more than 40 years. The food is excellent and the selection is second to none.
Other honourable mentions go to the stylish cafe, tasty kitchen and excellent location of Twentyone on the Market Place, as well as the first-class breakfasts and lovely welcoming atmosphere of the fully-licensed Andre’s Cafe on the High Street.