
From the slopes of the Mendips to the Quantock Hills, Somerset is fertile territory for food producers and restaurants alike.
Cheddar cheese was born in these parts, and the county is also home to many new-wave set-ups. Keep your eyes peeled for traditional farmhouse cider and tipples from a growing number of vineyards.
The genteel city of Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture is one of the most fashionable places in the region and has always shown an interest in all things gastronomic. Eating places abound.
The Eastern EyeThe moment you walk into The Eastern Eye you realise that this is no ordinary curry house. It occupies the whole upper floor of a cavernous Georgian hall designed by renowned architect Henry Goodridge, with three huge, ornately framed glass windows running the length of its extraordinary domed ceiling.
8a Quiet Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Indian
Queensberry Hotel, Olive Tree RestaurantBuilt in 1771 for the Marquis of Queensberry, this palatial townhouse hotel is a fine place in which to enjoy the full-on Bath experience.
Russell Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Royal Crescent Hotel, The Dower HouseThere's no finer setting for a dreamily elegant, refined and overtly luxurious city hotel than Bath's iconic Royal Crescent - arguably Britain's most glorious Georgian terrace and a masterpiece of European architecture.
16 Royal Crescent, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Bath PrioryOne of the city's most iconic hotels, the Bath Priory stands behind high walls in a residential area a few minutes' drive from the centre of town.
Weston Road, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
BeaujolaisEstablished by Jean-Pierre Auge and his wife in 1972, Beaujolais has become a Bath gastro-landmark over the years. The place suffered a serious fire at the end of 2005 but is now back in business as a 'bistro/bar' with a brand new look and brand new menus running through the day.
5 Chapel Row, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: French Bistro
CasanisCasanis is a delightful authentic French restaurant set in an attractive Georgian building, adjacent to Bath's Assembly Rooms and Museum of Costume.
4 Saville Row, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: French
Combe Grove Manor Hotel, Georgian RoomsYou can see for '17 miles' from the grounds of this sumptuous seventeenth-century manor house, which stands in 69 acres of grounds overlooking the Limpley Stoke Valley.
Brassknocker Hill, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
Demuths Restaurant'World food' with a vegetarian accent has been Demuths claim to fame for almost 20 years and it's become a legendary Mecca in the South West for those have forsaken meat – whatever the reason.
2 North Parade Passage, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Vegetarian
Dukes Hotel, Cavendish RestaurantA model of Georgian town house elegance on one of Bath's showpiece streets, Dukes Hotel occupies a magnificent, Grade I-listed Palladian mansion that has been faithfully restored to its original splendour.
Great Pulteney Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Firehouse Rotisserie'Honest food from the fire' is the business of the day in this listed Georgian building right in the heart of historic Bath.
2 John Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Californian
Garrick’s HeadHot-foot from their big hit at the nearby King William, Charlie and Amanda Digney have set about converting and renovating one of Bath's most famous boozers (originally a townhouse bolthole belonging to Georgian dandy, Beau Nash).
Sawclose, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Hudson Bar & GrillA vibrant razzmatazz conversion of an old Edwardian pub in the buzzy centre of Bath, the Hudson combines the virtues of a steakhouse and grill with a lively cocktail bar.
14 London Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Eclectic
King WilliamOnce a street-corner boozer, the King William has been miraculously transformed in true gastro pub style by Charlie and Amanda Digney.
36 Thomas Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Vellore RestaurantSleek elegance and five-star English refinement are the prime features of this ultra-luxurious hotel set in a nineteenth-century, neo-classical mansion.
Sydney Road, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
Mai ThaiGenerally reckoned to be the most consistent, authentic and good-value Thai restaurant in Bath, this cheerful venue not far from the city centre and the station continues to do good business.
6 Pierrepont Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Thai
No. 5 RestaurantIn a sought-after location between Poulteney Bridge and Laura Place, this intimate, personally run restaurant is a long-running fixture of the Bath scene.
5 Argyle Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: French
OnefishtwofishNamed after a madcap Dr Seuss children's tale, this livewire Bath venue is housed in what one review called 'a Georgian coalbunker'.
10 North Parade, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Seafood
Raphael Bar & RestaurantPre-show deals attract culture vultures to this stylish ground-floor restaurant and bar directly opposite Bath's Theatre Royal in the heart of the city.
Gascoyne House, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: European
Thai BalconySituated in one of the prettiest blocks in Bath, overlooking Kingsmead Square and just round the corner from the Theatre Royal, this spacious Thai banqueting hall and restaurant is dressed up to the nines with twinkling lights, floral displays, plush armchairs, Thai artefacts and even a water feature; it goes without saying that the gracious and ever-helpful waitresses are colourfully attired in traditional costume.
1 Seven Dials, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Thai
Thai BasilA striped awning marks out the entrance to this much-liked, highly rated and cosy Thai restaurant close to the city centre.
90a Walcot Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Thai
The Hop PoleSituated just outside Bath city centre between the River Avon and Royal Victoria Park, the Hop Pole is one of a clutch of nine forward-looking pubs owned and run by Bath Ales independent brewery in Bristol.
7 Albion Buildings, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Marlborough TavernThe Marlborough Tavern is situated near the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park in the spa City of Bath. This spacious modern pub with its lovely walled courtyard garden was awarded the British Food Pub of the Year 2010 at the Publican Food and Drink Awards.
35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
White Hart InnRenowned as one of Bath's most venerable boozers, the White Hart is handily placed a short walk from the railway and bus stations.
Widcombe Hill, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Woods RestaurantA bastion of the Bath restaurant scene since the late 1970s, Woods occupies the ground floor of a magnificent Georgian terrace in a quiet cul-de-sac opposite the Assembly Rooms.
9-13 Alfred Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Anglo French
Yak Yeti YakNepal comes to Bath in the shape of this evocative stonewalled basement. Inside it's a colourful mix of artefacts, prints and rugs that provide a perfect backdrop to the food.
12 Pierrepont Street, Bath, Somerset - Cuisine: Nepalese
The Blue Ball InnTucked away down a narrow lane deep in the Quantock Hills, the Blue Ball is now an impressive complex comprising three huge converted barns with the thatched pub and restaurant located in old coaching stables at the back.
Triscombe, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
At the ChapelAt the Chapel a former 17th century Congregational chapel is a unique building in Bruton, home to a bakery, wine shop, café and restaurant.
High Street, Bruton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Candlelight InnCandlelight Inn is set in the picturesque village of Bishopswood in the heart of the Blackdown hills, some of the most beautiful countryside in Somerset.
Bishopswood, Chard, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Bellplot House Hotel, Thomas's RestaurantBuilt on a 'bell-shaped' plot of land in 1729, this four-square Georgian residence was once home to a Malaysian rubber planter, although most of its subsequent incumbents have been women.
High Street, Chard, Somerset - Cuisine: International
MurraysMurrays of Clevedon was established in 1984, not only is it an excellent delicatessen, but there is a splendid restaurant attached as well.
87 - 93 Hill Road, Clevedon, Somerset - Cuisine: Italian
The WheatsheafVisitors who tire of Bath's Georgian splendours and Roman remains can take a trip out to this elegant whitewashed pub on a wooded hillside just 15 minutes' drive from the city.
, Combe Hay, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
Tarr Farm InnOccupying its own secret world, surrounded by 40 acres of woods and moorland in the depths of Exmoor National Park, this sixteenth-century riverside inn sits just above the famed Tarr Steps.
Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Luttrell ArmsMighty Dunster Castle (ancestral home of the Luttrell family) is visible from the garden of this timber-framed fifteenth-century inn - which was once used as a guest house by the Abbots of Cleeve.
High Street, Dunster, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
ArchangelArchangel Hotel and Restaurant opened its doors on the 1st July 2010 in the attractive town of Frome, after two years of extensive and meticulous renovations.
1 King Street, Frome, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Homewood ParkHomewood Park started life as a private residence, but for the last 25 years it has developed a reputation as one of the loveliest country house hotels in the West Country.
Abbey Lane, Hinton Charterhouse, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Lord Poulett ArmsEnthusiastic hosts have done a grand job of renovating this old thatched hostelry (circa 1680), which now sports wooden floors, a mix of elegantly rustic chairs and antique tables, open fires and lots of gentrified trappings.
High Street, Hinton St George, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Holcombe InnThe recently refurbished Holcombe Inn is a 17th century grade II listed building, taking its name from the village in which it is situated, an old village which even has a mention in the Doomsday Book.
Stratton Road, Holcombe, Somerset - Cuisine: French
Brown & Forrest Smokery RestaurantThis is a small family run Smokery started 22 years ago producing the finest smoked eel and salmon as well as a whole range of delicious smoked food that includes smoked chicken, duck, lamb and trout.
Bowden Farms, Langport, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Kings ArmsThe Kings Arms at Litton is a classic English pub in a delightful village and is now a part of a small forward looking group of pub restaurants that pride themselves on 'the best provenance', meaning authenticity, assurance and the finest quality ingredients.
, Litton, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Devonshire ArmsAn imposing eighteenth-century hunting lodge overlooking Long Sutton village green is now the setting for this rather grand gastropub-cum-restaurant. Behind the many-gabled stone façade, visitors will discover a pleasantly hospitable bar and dining room done out in contemporary style with sturdy wooden tables, wood floors and plush leather sofas.
, Long Sutton, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Moody Goose at The Old PrioryHaving made a name for himself at The Moody Goose in Bath, Stephen Shore decided to up sticks and head out to the prosperous backwaters of rural Somerset.
Church Square, Midsomer Norton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Restaurant at The Kings Arms InnSet in historic Montacute, one of Somerset's most picturesque and unspoilt villages, the King's Arms Inn is a charming Country House, built in 1632 from the golden Ham stone, quarried locally.
The Kings Arms Inn, Montacute, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
New Farm RestaurantA beautiful converted barn located between Yeovil and Taunton, New Farm Restaurant offers Modern British and International cuisine with a distinctive, individual style.
South Petherton, Over Stratton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Andrew's on the WeirSandwiched between Exmoor and the sea, Porlock Weir is a truly delightful haven and it makes a heaven-sent setting for Andrew and Sarah Dixon's yellow-painted restaurant-with-rooms.
Porlock Weir, Porlock, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
The Oaks HotelSet amid lawns and oak trees high above the village of Porlock (where Exmoor National Park meets the sea), this gabled Edwardian house has been faithfully restored and nurtured by long-serving owners Tim and Anne Riley.
Porlock, Porlock, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Blostin'sVery little seems to change at Nick and Lynne Reed's modest restaurant just outside the town. Theirs is a modest enterprise with a handful of tables and Nick holding sway in the kitchen - just as he always has done.
29-33 Waterloo Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - Cuisine: Anglo French
Bowlish HouseThis very elegant Grade 2 listed Georgian Palladian House was once home to Stephen Clark (of Clarks Shoes) who, in 1964, bought the property and spent a very considerable sum of money in major restoration work.
Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Charlton House Hotel, Sharpham Park RestaurantDating back to 1608, historic Charlton House is now owned by Roger and Monty Paul, creators of the famous Mulberry Design Company.
, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The CamelotFans of Arthurian legends might well be attracted to this cracking solid-stone village pub, which stands close to the foot of the prehistoric hill fort known as Cadbury Castle and the South Cadbury Environs Project.
Chapel Lane, South Cadbury, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Ston Easton Park'Grandeur' is a word that sits comfortably with this stunningly dramatic Palladian mansion and its wondrous classical parkland landscaped by Humphrey Repton – in fact, Ston Easton ticks all the boxes when it comes to classical country-house attributes.
, Ston Easton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
AugustusAugustus is a bistro style restaurant located in a private courtyard, not far from the main street in Taunton. It is jointly owned by Yorkshireman Richard Guest, the former Michelin-starred chef who headed the kitchen of the Castle for more than a decade and Cédric Chirrosel who also worked at the Castle as restaurant manager.
3 The Courtyard, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
BrazzSitting cheek-by-jowl with the auspicious Castle Hotel, this buzzy, rumbustious brasserie is sleek, modern, bright and colourful. A huge bar area takes up much of the space in the L-shaped ground-floor room, where drinkers congregate and lounge in comfy sofas.
Castle Bow, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
Corner House Hotel, 4DQ BistroA contemporary boutique hotel in a beautifully preserved Victorian building, the Corner House still makes much of its fine-looking turrets, stained glass and original mosaic tiled floors.
Park Street, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: European
Farthings Country House HotelNestled in the heart of the Somerset countryside, The Farthings hotel and restaurant is an elegant country house hotel in the historic village of Hatch Beauchamp, not far from Taunton.
Hatch Beauchamp, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Castle HotelBuilt on the site of a Norman fortress, the venerable Castle Hotel is all about grandeur, history and heritage. Its roots run deep – the Chapman family have been custodians here for more than 50 years and, in its time, the place has welcomed kings, queens, princes and legions of commoners.
Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Willow TreeThread your way through the pedestrian back streets of Taunton to find this 'little gem' of a restaurant down an alley off Tower Street.
3 Tower Lane, Taunton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Bindon Country House HotelSteeped in history Bindon House dates back over 400 years. A magnificent Grade II-listed baroque building set in seven acres of stunning formal and woodland gardens.
Wellesley Restaurant, Wellington, Somerset - Cuisine: Classical French
GoodfellowsAdam Fellows came to Wells after hitting the heights at the Charlton House Hotel, but he has swapped sumptuous country house elegance for the streetwise pizzazz of Goodfellows.
5 Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset - Cuisine: Seafood
Fountain Inn & Boxers RestaurantThe Fountain Inn & Boxer's Restaurant, originally built during the 16th century has a well-deserved reputation for superb quality food and an excellent choice of wine.
1 St Thomas Street, Wells, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Crown at Wells, Anton’s BistrotSituated in Wells' historic market place and overlooked by the magnificent world-famous cathedral, the Crown is a fifteenth-century Grade II-listed building with all manner of attributes.
Market Place, Wells, Somerset - Cuisine: Mediterranean
The Old SpotHaving spent some five years searching for the perfect site, Ian Bates eventually homed in on the cathedral town of Wells, saw what he wanted, refurbished the premises and named his new restaurant after a breed of pig.
12 Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern European
Wookey Hole InnThe Wookey Hole Inn is a real fun place. They have a fantastic walled sculpture garden seating over 100 people planted with bamboos, grasses and herbs, backlit at night and filled with drinkers, eaters and musicians.
Wookey Road, Wells, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The CoveAs the Daily Telegraph noted, this exciting venue 'introduced stainless steel and pan-seared sea bass to a town reared on plastic chairs and bacon butties'.
Birnbeck Road, Weston super Mare, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Holbrook House HotelLeisure facilities and a fully equipped spa contrast with the history and interior of this luxurious Victorian country manor set in 17 acres of lush parkland and gardens.
Holbrook, Wincanton, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
The Montague InnIt's tucked away in the middle of nowhere, but a trip to the Montague Inn is recommended for anyone who likes their food and drink from local sources.
Shepton Montague, Wincanton, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Old InnThis old staging inn dates from around 1700. A whitewashed building in the pretty village of Holton, The Old Inn provides excellent pub food and a good selection of well kept local ales.
Holton, Wincanton, Somerset - Cuisine: Traditional British
The Royal Oak InnSet in a postcard-pretty village on the eastern fringes of Exmoor National Park, the Royal Oak looks every inch the archetypal English country pub, right down to its thick stone walls and immaculate thatched roof.
, Winsford, Somerset - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Lanes HotelIn a pretty village a couple of miles outside Yeovil, Lanes Hotel occupies what was once an Edwardian rectory, although recent renovations have given the building a brand new contemporary look.
High Street, Yeovil, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Little Barwick HouseSurrounded by three acres of delightfully tranquil gardens on the edge of Barwick village (a short drive south of Yeovil), Tim and Emma Ford's Georgian dower house functions perfectly as a country restaurant-with-rooms.
Barwick, Yeovil, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British
Yeovil Court HotelSituated on the outskirts of Yeovil, within easy reach of local businesses and amenities, this purpose-built modern hotel has been privately run by Brian and Carol Devenport since it first opened.
West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset - Cuisine: Modern British