6 Restaurants in Loughborough

The first place to look is the city centre, which hosts an array of outstanding options. Some of the best of them take their inspiration from centuries of Indian tradition. You'll come across some excellent Himalayan restaurants in Loughborough which showcase the cooking of India's northern region and Nepal (check out the masu lamb cooked with apricots and potatoes), as well as contemporary curry houses which focus on Bengali spice recipes, offering delicacies like garlic chilli prawns and filling mains like Horiana lamb with a rich, cinnamon-based sauce.

Italian food is also a highlight among Loughborough's restaurants, so whether you're in the market for a quattro stagioni pizza or a classic spaghetti carbonara, finding one won't be a problem. These Italian eateries show off the peninsular's outstanding gastronomy, using the freshest locally sourced fruit and vegetables, and bringing in crucial ingredients like olives, mozzarella and Italian flour. But it's the techniques and recipes that are the vital imports, and with dishes like slow-roasted beef or lasagne al forno, these places serve up aromas and tastes that could only derive from the home country.

However, gastronomy in Leicestershire isn't all about trying international cuisine (although that's definitely a major attraction). The county also has some culinary traditions of its own that will have you coming back for more. Most famously, the area is a cheese-making nexus, with Stilton and Red Leicester made in the region, as well as newer variations like Sparkenhoe Red. When you head down to British restaurants in Loughborough, be sure to check out the cheeseboards, as they will no doubt feature some exceptional local creations.

Some of the best places to seek out first-rate British food are Loughborough's gastropub restaurants. Often housed in lovingly renovated country pubs, these eateries are making a name for their roasts, fish and chips, down-to-earth ambience and - naturally enough - their wide range of craft ales and fine wines. Head to nearby villages like Shepshed, where you'll find pubs with sprawling, idyllic beer gardens and neat little touches like homemade condiments, adding an extra element of gourmet charm to your meal.