Peterborough Restaurants and Dining

(Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

Eating out is often an important part of any visit to Peterborough and there are plenty of dining establishments and eateries to choose from. Many visitors plan an evening out at one of Peterborough's theatres, and pre-performance meals are available at the Key Theatre, where the Riva Restaurant is located.

Alternatively, if you are catching a show at the Broadway Theatre, on the northern side of Peterborough city centre, then you may like to enjoy the fine dining on offer at Gaston's Restaurant, which is able to comfortably seat some 140 diners and features a pleasant ambience. Also at the Broadway is the Piano Bar, where intimate cocktails are the order of the day.

Where to Eat

Located within the very heart of Peterborough is the Cathedral Square, around which is an appealing selection of dining venues, close to the Guildhall and interspersed with the main shops. For something a little on the romantic side, there are actually several floating restaurants moored along the banks of the River Nene, providing you with a unique setting and evening out.

There is a noticeably Italian community now present in Peterborough and as a result of their roots and heritage, you can expect to find some of the country's very best Italian restaurants in the city. Whether you favour pasta or pizzas, rest assured that you are in for a treat. One of the most popular pizzerias in the city is the Pizza House in the Cowgate area, which is a cosy venue and has been successfully operating here since the early eighties.

Of course, if you are in the mood for a spot of al fresco dining, then what could be better than buying some takeaway fish and chips and heading to a bench in Central Park. For sit down fish and chips in Peterborough, the Parrotts Fish Parlour at Hereward Close, next to the market, is hard to better.

Most parks, gardens and major attractions in the Peterborough area come with their own cafes and eateries, should you require refreshments whilst there. Nearby Burghley House has certainly become known for its acclaimed Orangery Restaurant, which provides views across the Capability Brown landscaped gardens and is a much-favoured spot for Sunday lunch dining. The Garden Cafe at Burghley House is also notable, featuring patio tables, sandwiches and warming winter soups.

Afternoon tea rooms in Peterborough provide a memorable dining experience, with the best boasting views of the cathedral spires. The Buttercross Tearooms at Central Park is particularly good and has fresh scones, cream cakes and sandwiches, all served by waitresses dressed in traditional uniforms.

All around Peterborough and within the surrounding villages, country pubs allow you to sample hearty seasonal fare at affordable prices, being generally cheaper than most restaurants in the city centre. Popular country pubs reside in nearby Alwalton (The Cuckoo), Fotheringhay (The Falcon Inn) and Nassington (The Queens Head Riverside Inn).