Somerset offers a dining scene that rewards the curious visitor. From coastal harbours serving daily catches to centuries-old pubs hidden in quiet villages, the county provides a compelling mix of tradition and innovation. This guide highlights where to eat in Somerset, balancing well-known destinations with local secrets that reward the hungry traveller.
Coastal and Harbour Gems
For the quintessential Somerset experience, follow the coastline and riverside paths. The region’s proximity to the sea shapes its cuisine, with restaurants prioritising fresh, sustainable seafood caught just hours before service.
Glastonbury and Street
Just inland from the coast, Glastonbury offers a blend of spiritual history and modern cafe culture. Look for bakeries serving robust farmhouse loaves and cafes using local produce. Street, sitting directly on the Somerset Levels, provides access to waterside dining, where the air carries the scent of salt marsh and the promise of fresh crab.
Burnham-on-Sea and Watchet
Burnham-on-Sea combines traditional beachside kiosks with more formal dining, often featuring sole and plaice sourced from the Bristol Channel. Watchet, a smaller harbour town, offers a quieter atmosphere, where family-run pubs serve generous portions of locally landed fish alongside views of the quay.
Market Towns and Village Pubs
Somerset’s market towns are the heartbeat of the county’s culinary scene. They offer reliable quality and a chance to sample regional produce, whether it is a carefully curated cheese board or a Sunday roast sourced from a nearby farm.
Chard and Ilminster
These neighbouring towns provide a strong base for exploration, with a selection of gastropubs and affordable eateries. You will find classic dishes executed well here, often using seasonal vegetables from the town’s surrounding farms.
Castle Cary and Wincanton
Smaller and less tourist-focused, these towns offer an authentic glimpse into local life. Expect warm service and menus that reflect the rhythms of the agricultural calendar, featuring game in autumn and spring vegetables when the fields renew.
Urban Dining and Contemporary Cuisine
While rural settings dominate the narrative, Somerset’s towns and cities are home to a growing number of ambitious restaurants. These venues showcase modern British cooking, drawing inspiration from global techniques while respecting local suppliers.
Taunton and Bridgwater
Taunton, the county town, hosts a diverse range of restaurants, from long-standing family-run Indian and Chinese establishments to contemporary European brasseries. Bridgwater, with its regenerated quayside, offers stylish bars and restaurants perfect for a weekend dinner, often featuring creative menus that highlight seasonal Somerset produce.
Cheese, Cider, and Sweet Treats
No exploration of Somerset eating is complete without engaging with the county’s famous producers. Incorporating a visit to a creamery or cidery into your itinerary transforms a simple meal into a deeper understanding of the regional flavours.
Glastonbury Tor and Wells
Near Wells, the rolling hills are dotted with apple orchards and dairy farms. Take time to visit a local creamery for a tasting of Cheddar and its more artisanal cousins, then enjoy a cream tea in Wells, a city rich in medieval architecture and refined tea rooms.
Product | Key Areas | Best For
Cheddar Cheese | Cheddar Gorge, Shipham | Traditional tastings and farmhouse variations
Apple Cider | Martock, South Petherton | Pressings from local orchards, often sold by the gallon
