Best Restaurants in Ashbourne, United Kingdom

Written by Darleen Reid
Updated November 18, 2023

Ashbourne is a market town in the Derbyshire Dales, England, with a population of 8,377 in the 2011 census, estimated at 9,163 in 2019. It contains many historical buildings and independent shops, and offers a historic annual Shrovetide football match. Its position near the southern edge of the. Here are some of the top restaurants in Ashbourne:

1. Thai Basement

Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Ratings

4.5 (333 review)

Thai Basement

Unique setting for traditional Thai food Attention to detail, from the exquisitely prepared and presented dishes to the professional waiting-on service, proves a dedication to perfection on the part of owner Annie Sarinla. Situated in a cellar which is more than 200 years old, the unique, independently-run restaurant offers a mouthwatering menu all freshly prepared and cooked to order.

The restaurant’s menu includes Thai and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Thai Basement can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: St. John Street Middle Cale, Ashbourne DE6 1GP England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 300305
  • Website: http://www.thebasementrestaurant.com/index.php?r=site/index
  • Working Hours: Thu: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Fri - Sat: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer

Reviewed By TJeinsteinwood

Worth a visit for reasonably priced Thai. We were able to get a table early evening despite it being Valentines evening - it filled up really fast after we took our table. Its a great use of the space and has a nice atmosphere. The service was good and prices reasonable. We were able to have the early bird menu (before 7pm) even though it was Valentines day which was good. A good range of starters and curries which were tasty. They also have a children's menu which looked good Wine and beer were reasonably priced. A good experience overall. Not the best Thai I have ever eaten but tasty and good value.

2. The Lighthouse Restaurant

Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

5.0 (716 review)

The Lighthouse Restaurant

We love going to the Lighthouse for a special occasion meal. The food is delicious! I am vegetarian so it is a delight to go to a restaurant who provides a great variety of foods and proteins on a vegetarian tasting menu, instead of just vegetables like at most mitchelin star restaurants we have eaten at. I'd highly recommend and I hope they achieve the mitchelin star they deserve soon.

The restaurant’s menu includes European, British and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Lighthouse Restaurant can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is generally considered to be a high-end restaurant with prices that reflect the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere.

  • Address: New Road Boylestone, Ashbourne DE6 5AA England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 330658
  • Website: http://www.the-lighthouse-restaurant.co.uk
  • Working Hours: Wed - Sat: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Features: Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Reviewed By 803ellaf

Delicious food and fantastic service. We absolutely loved our visit to the lighthouse. The service was fantastic, and the food was absolutely delicious. We had the tasting menu (one pescatarian/vegetarian) and one normal, and both were exceptional. The staff were all super friendly and overall it was a great experience.

3. The Inn

Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (1192 review)

The Bowling Green</a> Inn

The Bowling Green is traditional British pub, renowned for its great food, beer and service. We serve breakfast (New for 2022!), lunch and dinner 7 DAYS A WEEK! Open from 9am daily, we prepare locally sourced produce where possible and pride ourselves on quality. We also have a wood fired pizza oven and offer a takeout (collection only) service on pizza. Whilst bookings are highly recommended for lunch and dinner to avoid dissapointment, breakfast is a more laid back affair and tables are offered on a first come, first serve basis *NEW FOR 2022* BOWLING GREEN BREAKFAST will be open from 9am till noon, Monday to Sunday serving supreme coffee and our delicious breakfast menu. What could be better? Well how does a FREE COFFEE EVERY WEEK sound?! Simply download our app and you can get one free coffee every week. No catch, no additional purchase necessary, just a free coffee on us.

The restaurant’s menu includes Bar, British, Pub, Pizza, Cafe and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Bowling Green Inn can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: 2 North Avenue, Ashbourne DE6 1EZ England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 342511
  • Website: http://www.bgsteakhouse.co.uk
  • Working Hours: Sun: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM | Mon - Sat: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Features: Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Validated Parking, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By Crazywoman0586

Fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Our second visit here and it did not disapoint, my husband and I both had the fillet steak. 10/10 melted in your mouth, cooked to perfection. The dauphinoise potatoes are lovely too. We are already planning our next visit.

4. Cafe Impromptu

Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (327 review)

Cafe Impromptu

Cosy cafe & bakery for British cuisine with a French flare served in an intimate inside space with outdoor seating on the pavement and upstairs patio. Combining traditional British style with French specials, we offer classics with subtle French influences for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Ideal for both quick bites and leisurely meals, Café Impromptu serves delicious food and drinks in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu includes Cafe, British and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Cafe Impromptu can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: 14 Church Street, Ashbourne DE6 1AE England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 682262
  • Website: http://cafeimpromptu.com
  • Working Hours: Tue - Sat: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service

Reviewed By SheffieldPip

Wow!!. Having visited Ashbourne many times and finding some of the cafes disappointing, I spotted Cafe Impromptu's reviews on TA. Well, they weren't wrong! Just managed to get a table for two at a busy lunchtime. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We both had 'Specials' from the board, mine a rump steak and the OH, cod and prawn curry. The meals came out promptly and beautifully cooked - we just could not believe how reasonable the food was and of such good quality. We have now found our 'Go To' place in Ashbourne, but will book to save any disappointment!

5. Lamplight Restaurant

Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (471 review)

Lamplight Restaurant

Thank you so much. We had a wonderful experience on Saturday night. The food was excellent as always and the staff couldn't have been better. Lovely atmosphere at this character restaurant we will definitely be back soon.

The restaurant’s menu includes European, British and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Lamplight Restaurant can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: 4 Victoria Square, Ashbourne DE6 1GG England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 342279
  • Website: http://www.the-lamplight.co.uk/
  • Working Hours: Wed - Fri: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Thu - Sun: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Sat: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Features: Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Reviewed By Matthew N

A gem. We had a wonderful meal this evening. The salmon on the Christmas/Winter menu was just incredible. Highly, highly recommended.

6. The Black Horse Inn

Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (202 review)

The Black Horse Inn

The Black Horse is traditional, old English, family run, freehold pub set in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales. We offer an excellent selection of guest ales and wide variety of soft drinks. We have a menu freshly prepared to order and a traditional lunch is served on a Sunday. The pub has large a function room and caters for parties, conferences, funerals, and weddings. The pub also has four en-suite bedrooms for long or short stay bed and breakfast. We are well positioned to visit many of the attractions Derbyshire offers such as Carsington Water, Alton Towers and Matlock Bath. The Black Horse has a large beer garden to relax in on those warmer days or evenings. All are welcome.

The restaurant’s menu includes Bar, British, Pub and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Black Horse Inn can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Ashbourne Road, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne DE6 3EE England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 370206
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-Black-Horse-Inn-536965743099275/
  • Working Hours: Sun: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Tue - Sat: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Wed - Fri: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Sat: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Reviewed By 510jaynet

Good pub grub. Visited on Saturday night - drinks served promptly and shown to table to peruse the menu which was quite comprehensive. Order taken and short wait for starters. The prawn cocktail was very generous and tasty. The whitebait hearty. Two had the homemade steak & ale pie, chips and peas for main - both said it was absolutely delicious, best pie they had had for ages! I had the scampi & prawns, chips & asked for ‘mushy’ peas which they did, very tasty and good sized portion, home made chips! We couldn’t manage a pudding but saw some being served to other tables and definitely will save some room for next time! Two coffees to finish off and a reasonable bill. The young man that served us was pleasant and efficient. A ‘go to’ for decent pub grub.

7. The Cow

Excellent
72%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Ratings

4.5 (277 review)

The Cow

A luxury small boutique hotel set within the Derbyshire Dales offering 12 all new beautifully decorated and furnished guest rooms. The luxurious rooms offer locally made hand-crafted, premium mattresses, wonderfully modern bathrooms and the sumptuous feel of pure 300ct Egyptian cotton bedding, smart TV's, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines, intelligent software "open key" door systems, room safes and refrigerator, lightweight waffle bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries add to the luxury. Alongside the rooms the property features a casual dining restaurant/bar, stripped back to reveal the heritage and character of the original 19c building, our rural and peaceful Derbyshire location makes us and ideal base for corporate visitors to local industry as well as leisure clients visiting the wonderful Derbyshire and Peak District countryside. Our "30 mile" menu of stunning locally sourced food is complimented by a fine range of premium beverages.

The restaurant’s menu includes Bar, British, Pub and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Cow can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: The Green, Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne DE6 5BE England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1332 824297
  • Website: http://www.cowdalbury.com/eat/
  • Working Hours: Sun - Thu: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM | Fri - Sat: 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Features: Gift Cards Available, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wine and Beer

Reviewed By 12KarenH

Superb!. Beautiful food, great service, lovely relaxed atmosphere. Something for everyone on the menu. Would recommend to all.

8. The Royal Oak Hotel Restaurant

Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Ratings

4.5 (327 review)

The Royal Oak Hotel Restaurant

Open from 12pm everyday, serving delicious home cooked food, 7 en suite bed and breakfast rooms, real ales and great wine. Our Coach House Suite is suited for any occasion, from Weddings and Christenings to Party’s, Conferences and Dining. We have a lovely beer garden with relaxing walks along the river dove. Alton tower, other family attractions and also quant lovely little towns and villages only a stones throw away.

The restaurant’s menu includes Bar, British and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Royal Oak Hotel Restaurant can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Hanging Bridge Mayfield Road The Royal Oak Hotel, Ashbourne DE6 2BN England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 300090
  • Website: http://www.royaloakashbourne.co.uk/
  • Working Hours: Sun - Sat: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Reviewed By John K

An enjoyable visit. The meal we had was excellent and the pheasant casserole absolutely superb. The person who looked after us during breakfast was very friendly and helpful.

9. Friends Cafe Ashbourne

Excellent
84%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Ratings

4.5 (174 review)

Friends Cafe Ashbourne

Friends Cafe Ashbourne is a restaurant, located in 26 Market Place, Ashbourne DE6 1ES England. Licensed Cafe & Bistro, serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients. All our food is made on the premises including all cakes and baked goods. Serving Breakfasts all day, lunches, afternoon teas.. The restaurant’s menu includes Cafe, British, Healthy and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Friends Cafe Ashbourne can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: 26 Market Place, Ashbourne DE6 1ES England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 343823
  • Website: http://friendscafeashbourne.co.uk/
  • Working Hours: Sun: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Mon - Fri: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By GPrughes

Very good food and location. Following reviews we visited for lunch - really good food and friendly staff. Overall an enjoyable experience.

10. The Duncombe Arms Pub

Excellent
70%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Ratings

4.5 (1341 review)

The Duncombe Arms Pub

The Duncombe Arms Pub is a delightful setting in which to enjoy a drink, some lovely food and a chat. You’ll have the ambience of a roaring log fire and enjoy choosing from a great range of beers, a varied and interesting selection of wines and all your favourite soft drinks. Our great food is freshly prepared and we offer traditional favourites with a few exciting specialties of our own – all at affordable prices.

The restaurant’s menu includes European, Bar, British, Pub and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Duncombe Arms Pub can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Main Road Ellastone, Ashbourne DE6 2GZ England Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +44 1335 324275
  • Website: http://www.duncombearms.co.uk/
  • Working Hours: Sun: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Mon - Fri: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Features: Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Validated Parking, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By funkcity

Post valentine meal. We came the night after Valentine, as restaurants are always hectic and maybe don't always show their best side. The Duncomber Arms is cosy and welcoming. Staff were friendly and attentive. I loved the log fire. Excellent choice on the menu. I would have been happy with any of the items. Food was all well cooked and tasty, Couldn't fault it. My standard for good restaurant food is is it better than something I could cook at home, and it defintely passed the test.