The 7 best restaurants in Lichfield

With three Michelin restaurants, a range of bistros and eateries, and a diverse culinary scene, Lichfield is definitely a must-visit for foodies in Staffordshire. While you may first associate this cathedral city with history and medieval architecture, its up-and-coming gastronomical offerings will definitely establish it as a food capital in the future. 

In this guide, we’ll highlight the seven best Lichfield restaurants and explain why you should pay each of them a visit. 

Best places to eat Lichfield 

Whether you’re a Lichfield native or just visiting, you definitely won’t regret booking lunch or dinner at one of these eateries: 

1. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd 

Address: 25 Bore Street, Lichfield WS13 6NA

This restaurant is a must for lovers of contemporary fine dining. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd may be one of the newest additions to the Lichfield culinary scene, but it has already been given a range of awards including a Michelin Star.

It’s located in the heart of the city and lets guests choose between three-course meals and tasting menus. It also offers a unique Kitchen Table experience, where guests can dine right in the middle of the kitchen to watch Tom and his team preparing meals. 

Its specialities include its Orkney Scallops, Herdwick Hogget, and Thai Green Curry. 

2. Brewhouse & Kitchen 

Address: 1 Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PW

The Brewhouse & Kitchen is a dog-friendly gastropub that serves an interesting twist on standard pub grub and house-brewed beer. This chain restaurant is best known for its beers, such as the Hannover Cure pilsner and Hornigold blonde ale. 

These beers can be paired expertly with one of the restaurant’s mouthwatering meals. Highlights include Whole Bavarian Ham Hock, IPA Battered Fish and Chips, Smoked Pork Belly Rib, and the Sunday Roast. 

The menu changes every six months, with more winter-inspired offerings available from October. 

3. Faro Lounge 

Address: 29 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6LA

If you’re looking for the best family-friendly place to eat in Lichfield, look no further than the Faro Lounge. Located right on Market Street, the Faro Lounge offers a kids menu, a gluten-free menu, and a vegan menu in addition to its packed main menu. 

Depending on the day of the week you visit, you may be able to take advantage of one of the Faro Lounge’s deals. These include Cheeky Mondays, Tapas Tuesdays, Teatime Tipple, and the Lunchtime Deal, each of which provides you either with a free drink, dessert, or a side. 

In terms of tapas offerings, choose from Korean King Prawns, Garlic & Parmesan Fried Chicken Wings, and Spicey Beef Quesadilla. 

4. Larder 

Address: 17 Bore Street, Lichfield WS13 6LZ

Another one of Lichfield’s Michelin Star restaurants, Larder specialises in creating premium versions of classic pub dishes. The first-floor restaurant boasts modern decor and a sizable outdoor dining area so you can dine al fresco! 

Located on Bore Street, this restaurant comes with the tagline ‘all flavour, no pomp’ and makes the most of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to deliver the best flavours. 

The restaurant’s highlights include its Packington Pork Fillet, Herb Crusted Cod, and Jerk Chicken. Larder’s Sunday Lunch menu includes Leek, Potato, and Smoked Cheese Pie, Roast Beef Sirloin, and Chicken Supreme. 

5. Thyme Kitchen 

Address: Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES

Thyme Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Lichfield but is located slightly outside the centre. However, the 15-minute drive to this Watery Lane eatery is definitely worth it. 

From Tuesday to Friday, you can pop into Thyme Kitchen for brunch or cakes and coffee. Its brunch menu includes a vegan and veggie breakfast, breakfast burritos, halloumi bagels, Persian eggs, and mushrooms on toast. 

On Sunday, you can enjoy Sunday Lunch at Thyme Kitchen from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. This includes adult and child-sized portions of Roast Pork Loin, Roast Chicken, and Roast Sirloin of Beef. 

6. The Tudor of Lichfield 

Address: 32 Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LL

One of the best places to eat near Lichfield Cathedral, the Tudor of Lichfield is only a six-minute walk away and allows you to dine in a grade-II listed building! 

Dating back to 1510, the Tudor is a great place to enjoy locally sourced breakfasts and lunches in historic surroundings. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, as are child-sized portions. 

Food offerings include jacket potatoes, paninis, sandwiches, and daily special hot meals. Inside the Tudor, you’ll also find the only chocolate shop in Lichfield. Here, you can buy luxury boxed chocolates, chocolate bars, and chocolate figures. 

7. The Boat 

Address: Walsall Road, Summerhill, Muckley Corner, Lichfield, WS14 0BU

The Boat is Lichfield’s third Michelin Star restaurant. This restaurant is unique due to its cosy glass-ceiling interior, terrace area, and on-site micro-farm. On this on-site farm, the owner and chef Liam Dillon grows fruit, vegetables, and herbs which he then uses directly in his dishes; pigs and chickens are also kept on-site. 

Lunch, dinner, Sunday lunch, and vegetarian options are available at the Boat. Dinner highlights include Cornish Lobster, 90 Day Smoked Somerset Saxon Chicken, and the Tomato, Smoked Eel, and Goats Cheese. 

The restaurant’s desserts are also a highlight, which includes the likes of smoked hay ice cream and cherry mousse. 

Places to eat near Lichfield 

The culinary delights of Staffordshire are not only limited to Lichfield. You can find many other must-visit restaurants on the outskirts of the town as well as in neighbouring towns and villages. 

In Tamworth, you can find the atmospheric Paparazzi Restaurant, which serves a range of Mediterranean and pan-Asian dishes. You also have the Italian cuisine serving Portobello Restaurant. 

In Cannock, you have plenty of meat options, including the Podge & Tin Eatery and Miller and Carter. There’s also the Indian Shabab Restaurant and the Turkish Meze.  

FAQs 

What is Lichfield Eats? 

Lichfield Eats is similar to JustEat, the only difference being it delivers to Lichfield exclusively and only delivers on behalf of Lichfield-based restaurants. You can download the Lichfield Eats app from both the Apple Store and Google Play. Restaurants available on Lichfield Eats include Subway and Heritage Bar & Grill. 

What is the dress code for the Larder Lichfield? 

There is no set dress code for the Larder Lichfield. You can dress either smart or casual. The restaurant strives to make its guests feel as relaxed as possible, so wear whatever you’re most comfortable in. The website itself states that “it’s fine to be casual”. 

What is the dress code for Upstairs by Tom Shepherd? 

The dress code for Tom Shepherd is smart/casual. It’s a fancy restaurant, so perhaps it would be better to lean more towards smart attire. However, the restaurant website states that jeans and a T-shirt are fine. 

What is the oldest pub in Lichfield? 

The oldest pub in Lichfield that is still currently open is the Duke of York, which can be found at 23/25 Greenhill. This pub dates back to 1644 and features a wood-panelled ceiling, split-level front bar, wood burners, and an outside seating area. Pop-up street food offerings are available at this pub.