As someone who lives near to a cross city train line, when I want local food I have two choices…. head in one direction to Birmingham, or head the other to Lichfield. More often than not of late, when looking for good food or decent bars, I’ve found myself taking the train to Lichfield.
Lichfield’s food scene is impressive and this cathedral city never fails to impress me. What started as a casual Sunday lunch hunt a few years ago turned into a full-blown obsession with the quality and variety packed into these historic streets.
Lichfield isn’t trying to be Birmingham or London. It’s doing its own thing, and I have to say, it is doing it brilliantly.
You’ve got Michelin-starred tasting menus sitting alongside proper gastro-pubs, quirky independent spots, and cozy traditional inns. The emphasis here is on local ingredients: heritage vegetables from Staffordshire farms, meat from nearby butchers, and craft ales that actually taste like they’ve been brewed with care.
After months of eating my way through the city (tough job, I know), I’ve pulled together this list of the best restaurants in Lichfield. These aren’t just the places with the highest ratings, they’re the ones that left me thinking about them days later, the ones I’ve dragged friends and family to, and the ones that represent what makes this city’s food scene special.
Quick Verdict: The Dirty Cow For Fun & Great Food
Lichfield is awash with great choices when it comes to food and there’s no getting away from Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. But if you want something that’s fun, independent and easily accessibly then my vote goes to The Dirty Cow.
Their burgers are to die for and the added bonus of their interactive games has given me some of my fave nights out in Lichfield.
Whether you are looking for just drinks, great food or a great night out with friends – this place will deliver on all levels. But like most places in Lichfield, I’d recommend booking to be sure of a seat.
1. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd
When You Want to Remember a Meal Forever
Let’s start at the top. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd holds a Michelin star, and after finally snagging a booking, I understand why people travel from miles away for this experience.
The restaurant sits above Tom’s other venture, and the moment you climb those stairs, you know you’re in for something special. The space is intimate – modern without being cold, elegant without feeling stuffy. We went for the tasting menu (there’s really no other option, and you won’t want one), and each course felt like a little story.
The boar salami with fennel arrived first, and the earthiness of it set the tone perfectly. Then came the bresaola, which had this delicate balance I’m still trying to articulate to people. But the dish everyone talks about? The banana dessert. Tom made it for the Great British Menu, and it went a bit viral and for good reason. It’s playful and sophisticated at the same time, which pretty much sums up the whole experience.
The wine pairing is worth it, by the way. I’m not usually someone who goes for pairings (I like choosing my own wine, thanks), but the sommelier knew exactly what they were doing. Each glass elevated the dish it came with.
Book well ahead, especially for weekends. This isn’t a walk-in kind of place, and it’s popular with both locals celebrating special occasions and food tourists making a pilgrimage.
2. The Dirty Cow
Fun, Interactive, and Surprisingly Delicious
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Dirty Cow. The name alone is cheeky, and the whole concept – combining a restaurant with digital darts and shuffleboard – seemed potentially gimmicky. But I was completely wrong.
The food here is genuinely good. You only need to glance quickly at the menu to see this is a venue with attitude and good pub grub – and when you’re menu has that much attitude, you need to deliver – and The Dirty Cow does just that.
We ordered the sharing platters, which are perfect for groups and give you a taste of everything: burgers, wings, pizzas, all cooked with care. Every bite was delicious, which isn’t something I say lightly. The burgers are juicy, the wings have proper flavor, and the pizzas have that perfect crispy base.
But what makes The Dirty Cow different is the atmosphere. The decor is colorful and fun (yes, there are cowhide benches), and having the darts and shuffleboard adds this playful element. We played between courses, and it made the whole evening feel more like an event than just dinner.
The cocktails are spot-on, and they do a bottomless brunch that’s become quite popular. It’s affordable, too, which makes it great for groups or when you want a night out without spending a fortune.
This isn’t fine dining, and it’s not trying to be. It’s “seriously good food in an unserious way,” as their website says, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
For a night out with great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere (and all at an affordable price) then it’s hard to look further than The Dirty Cow – just remember to bring great friends!
3. The Boat Inn
Gastropub Perfection Without the Pretension
Just outside Lichfield proper, The Boat Inn has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which basically means it’s doing Michelin-level food without the Michelin prices (although it’s not far off). I drove out here on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the riverside setting alone made it worth the trip.
What I love about The Boat Inn is that it hasn’t lost its pub soul. Yes, the food is exceptional, the tasting menu changes with the seasons, and everything feels fresh and thoughtful. The seafood dishes are particularly good; there was this monkfish preparation that had me scraping the plate. But you can still bring the kids, still pop in for a pint, still feel like you’re at a proper local.
The Sunday roast here is legendary. Generous portions, meat cooked just right, and vegetables that aren’t an afterthought. I’ve been back three times specifically for Sunday lunch, which tells you everything.
The atmosphere is cozy, especially by the fire in winter, and there’s outdoor seating by the water when the weather co-operates and they even grow their own produce on site. Service is warm and genuinely friendly, none of that stiff formality you sometimes get at higher-end places.
It’s worth the short drive from the city centre, and honestly, I’d argue it’s one of those spots that’s worth traveling to Lichfield specifically to visit.
4. Dubberley Delicious
Creative Fine Dining That Actually Excites
Dubberley Delicious sits at the top of TripAdvisor’s Lichfield rankings with a perfect score, and after eating there, I’m not surprised. This is British fine dining done with creativity and confidence and is real jewel in Lichfield’s crown.
The menu changes regularly based on what’s in season and what they can source locally. When I went, the heritage tomatoes were on the menu—sounds simple, right? But they’d done something with them that made them taste like they’d never tasted before. The pork belly was succulent, with that perfect crispy crackling that you dream about. And the wagyu beef brisket? Incredible.
The cocktails here deserve their own mention. I had something with elderflower and gin that was perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not trying too hard. The bartender clearly knew their stuff.
Yes, it’s pricey (definitely in the special occasion category), but the quality justifies it. The intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or when you just want to treat yourself. The decor is elegant without being over the top, and the service strikes that perfect balance of attentive without hovering.
Reservations are essential. This place books up quickly, especially on weekends.
5. Larder Brasserie & Grill
Where Steak Lovers Need to Go
Sometimes you just want a really good steak, you know? Larder delivers exactly that, without the stuffiness you sometimes get at grill restaurants.
The focus here is on prime local meat, cooked over fire the way steak should be. I went for a rib-eye (medium-rare, obviously), and it was perfectly seared with that beautiful charred crust. The chips were crispy, the sides were generous, and everything felt hearty and satisfying.
What makes Larder stand out is the quality-to-price ratio. It’s not cheap, but it’s not trying to be a £100-per-head steakhouse either. You’re paying for good meat, cooked well, in a relaxed atmosphere. The vibe is modern brasserie, vibrant, welcoming, great for groups or couples.
The wine list is solid, with a good range at different price points. Service is friendly and knowledgeable without being formal. It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate something special or just go because it’s Tuesday and you fancy a decent meal.
If you’re a meat lover, this should be high on your list.
6. The Feathers Inn
Traditional Pub Food Done Right
The Feathers Inn is what I think of when someone says “British pub.” It’s cozy, welcoming, and serves the kind of food that makes you feel satisfied in a deep, soul-warming way.
The Sunday roast here is excellent, proper generous portions, meat that’s been cooked with care, vegetables that taste like vegetables should. I went with my parents, and they immediately added it to their regular rotation. The ales are well-kept, the staff are genuinely friendly (not just service-friendly), and the whole atmosphere is relaxed.
There’s outdoor seating with views, which is lovely on a nice day. It’s family-friendly without being chaotic, and dog-friendly too, which always gets points from me.
The Feathers isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s doing traditional British pub food well, consistently, and at fair prices. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. No fuss, no pretension, just a good meal and a pint.
7. The Three Tuns
Wood-Fired Magic
The Three Tuns has become a bit of a local favorite for its wood-fired pizzas and Yakitori sticks. The combination sounds odd on paper, but it works brilliantly.
The pizzas have that authentic wood-fired texture. Think crispy bases, slightly charred edges, toppings that taste fresh. But the Yakitori sticks are the real surprise. They’re delicious, with that smoky char flavor that you can only get from cooking over fire.
The atmosphere is rustic and relaxed, with those wood fires creating a cozy warmth. It’s a gastro-pub at heart, which means it’s casual enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for when you’re meeting friends.
Prices are reasonable, and the vibe is friendly. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a quick bite and end up staying longer because you’re enjoying yourself.
8. Toluca Mexican Bar & Grill
When You Want Something Different
Sometimes you need a break from British food, and Toluca delivers exactly that with bold, vibrant Mexican flavors.
The tacos are excellent, the grills are flavourful, and the margaritas are dangerous (in the best way). Everything feels authentic without being overly fussy. The value is impressive – you can have a really good meal here without spending a fortune.
The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with that festive energy you want from a Mexican restaurant. It’s great for groups, great for dates, great for when you just want to shake up your usual dinner routine.
The portions are generous, and the staff are enthusiastic about the food, which always makes a difference.
9. Quill & Scholar
Relaxed Gastropub Dining
The Quill & Scholar is one of those gastropubs that gets the balance just right. The menu is seasonal, the cocktails are thoughtfully made, and the atmosphere is relaxed without being sloppy.
What I particularly appreciate is that it’s dog-friendly, which means I can bring my spaniel when I’m craving their menu. The terrace is lovely in good weather, and the location in the city centre makes it convenient.
The food is British classics with little twists that keep things interesting. Nothing revolutionary, but everything executed well. It’s the kind of place you go when you want a good meal in a comfortable setting – no stress, no overthinking, just reliable quality.
10. Faro Lounge
Casual, Eclectic, and Always Welcoming
Faro Lounge is perfect for when you don’t want anything too serious. The menu is eclectic, brunch, tapas, burgers, salads. So there’s something for everyone, which makes it great for groups with different tastes.
The atmosphere is quirky and relaxed, with mismatched furniture and a laid-back vibe. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and the kind of place where you can linger over coffee or pop in for a quick bite.
The outdoor seating adds to the appeal, especially in summer. Service is friendly and unfussy, which fits the whole casual approach.
It’s not going to blow your mind, but sometimes you don’t need that. Sometimes you just need a comfortable spot with decent food and good coffee.
Summary
Lichfield’s restaurant scene always impresses me. For a relatively small city, the variety and quality is remarkable. You’ve got everything from Michelin-starred sophistication to fun interactive dining, cozy pubs to vibrant international flavors.
My advice? Book ahead for the popular spots, especially on weekends or during holiday times. Support these independent restaurants by leaving reviews and spreading the word, they’re what make Lichfield’s food scene special.
Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the cathedral and history, make time for the food. These restaurants are doing brilliant things, and they deserve recognition beyond Staffordshire.
What will you try first?