10 Great Restaurants in Derby

Darley’s Restaurant and Terrace sits in an enviable spot beside the River Derwent. It occupies what was once the canteen of a 19th-century silk mill. Today, exposed beams are a reminder of the past, with natural light flooding to create a bright and airy space. Tables on its small terrace and upper storey by the window make the most of the views overlooking the water and a weir.

The food at Darley’s Restaurant and Terrace is as beautiful as its surroundings. The extensive à la carte menu contain the best of British and European cuisine. You can opt for a tasting menu if you’re finding it hard to pin down your choices.

The Farmhouse at Mackworth is close enough to central Derby to pop over for dinner, though you might also be tempted to stay in one of its many cosy rooms. This popular gastropub occupies an 18th-century farmhouse on Ashbourne Road, around 12 miles southeast of the Peak District National Park. 

The décor is contemporary and homely, with a food menu that complements its surroundings. The Farmhouse at Mackworth is proud of its stone-baked, hand stretched pizzas, as well as steaks cooked in its chargrill oven. 

The Cottonworks Bistro is part of the Darley Abbey Mills, an 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage site in Derby. Located beside the River Derwent, it’s often busy during peak lunch and dinner hours.

Although its evening menu is limited, you’ll find crowd-pleasing dishes such as butternut squash soup, Derbyshire lamb, and apple millefeuille. Consider visiting The Cottonworks Bistro on a Friday or Saturday for brunch. Expect tasty dishes such as bubble and squeak, porridge, smashed avocado, and the traditional full English.

The Dining Room at 121 describes itself as “classically contemporary”. Step through its blue door and you'll be greeted with a stylish space that features exposed brick walls and plenty of wood and leather.

The food is imaginative and beautifully presented. Start with squid ink battered king prawns or share a baked Camembert. Follow with spiced lamb rump or stuffed gnocchi with flavoursome tomato and bean ragù. Round off your meal with decadent chocolate fondant or an apple and blackberry strudel.

Tarka brings the flavours of Pakistan to central Derby. This rather stylish restaurant features crushed blue velvet banquettes and oyster velvet accent chairs under bold contemporary lighting, which exudes a luxe ambience.

If you're feeling indecisive while perusing its extensive menu, Tarka's waitstaff are happy to offer suggestions. Standout Pakistani classics include gosht (slow-cooked lamb or mutton), nihari (beef stew), haleem (stew with barley, meat and lentils), and paya (trotters cooked with spices). Alternatively, try one of its authentic desi karahi, which is chicken, lamb or fish simmered in a tomato, green chilli, coriander and ginger base.

The Greyhound is a charming gastropub close to the Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume. The light-filled dining space has a beamed ceiling, exposed brick walls, colourful artwork, and well-trodden hardwood floors. Outside, there’s a pretty terrace for summer days.

The Greyhound's menu features unmistakable American influences. There’s a good selection of nibbles and snacks, including corn dogs, nachos, and chicken wings. For something more substantial, check out its extensive list of burgers or browse the Smokehouse choices. We highly recommend the juicy brisket or pulled pork.

The Viceroy showcases authentic dishes from India. If you’re dining with a group, it’s hard to resist the gourmet banquet for its wide range of delicacies. Start with something from the tandoor, such as murgh malai tikka (chicken marinated in spices, yoghurt, and cream) or Mehrunisa king prawn.

When it comes to mains, the chef’s specialities include chicken methi palak (spinach and fenugreek) and Rajasthani handi (chicken cooked in claypot). You can also opt for a dish from southern India, such as Goan king prawn curry, fish Malabar, and Chettinad chicken.

House of Darwin is a cosy pub in Derby’s southern suburbs. The place has a traditional feel to it, with rustic wood cladding and exposed brick on the walls, heritage artwork, and leather sofas in the bar. Diners can choose to be seated on the ground floor or upstairs.

Begin with a Yorkshire pudding with sticky beef, charcoal-roasted king prawns, or chestnut and beetroot tartare. Move on to mains such as steaks, pan-fried salmon, or garlic-roasted squash stew. Make sure to save room for House of Darwin's decadent desserts – standouts include roasted pineapple, sticky toffee pudding, and crème brûlée.

Seven is a modern restaurant and bar nearby the Derby railway station. It combines a contemporary décor and attentive service coupled with an extensive food menu, making it one of the most popular restaurants in Derby.

Its talented chefs draw inspiration from across the globe. Starters include jackfruit bao buns, baked Camembert, arancini, and Cajun-spiced crispy squid. When it comes to main courses, we highly recommend the chicken Milanese, braised lamb shank tagine, and Thai red fish curry. 

Seven is a modern restaurant located on a business estate not far from Derby station. This is a stylish and sophisticated eatery, worth travelling beyond the city centre for. Plus points include contemporary décor and attentive service coupled with an extensive menu.

The dishes draw their inspiration from across the globe. For instance, starters include jackfruit bao buns, baked Camembert, arancini and Cajun spiced crispy squid. This variety is also reflected in the choice of main courses: chicken Milanese, braised lamb shank tagine and Thai red fish curry all feature.