Where to Eat in Taunton: The Best Restaurants and Bars

August 7, 2017 Weston Hennigan

Taunton /ˈtɔːntən/ is a large regional town in Somerset, England. The town currently peaks at a population of 69,570 as of 2018. The town itself has over 1,000 years of religious and military history, including a monastery dating back to the 10th century and Taunton Castle, which has origins in the Anglo Saxon period and was later the site of a priory. The Normans then built a stone structured castle, which belonged to the Bishops of Winchester. The current heavily reconstructed buildings are the inner ward, which now houses the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum.
Things to do in Taunton

1. The Bicknoller Inn

32 Church Lane | Bicknoller, Taunton TA4 4EL, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$47 - HK$212 +44 1984 656234
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

The Bicknoller Inn

Reviewed By cuppateacooper - Somerset

4 of us visited last week for evening meal. 3 or us ordered Somerset Smokie and it was delicious, large portion, lots of fish, would highly recommend as were the fajitas. Have had the burger before which I also highly recommend. Staff helpful, lovely atmosphere, good service, nice beer. Affogato for desert, delicious. This is my favourite pub in West Somerset. For a pub maybe slightly pricey, otherwise would have given a 5 but will go back.

2. Queens Arms

Pitminster, Taunton TA3 7AZ, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +44 1823 421529
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Queens Arms

Reviewed By hump2016 - Somerset, United Kingdom

Booked a table last evening, delighted we had as it was buzzing, Jenny was on holiday but not to worry your girls did you proud and made everyone most welcome and the service and most importantly the food was excellent, as always. The perfect end...MoreHi. Glad you had a great time & the girls did me proud. Look forward to seeing you soon. Regards Jenny

3. The Willow Tree

3 Tower Lane, Taunton TA1 4AR, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar British, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$306 - HK$361 +44 1823 352835
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 728 reviews

The Willow Tree

Reviewed By Bessie190696

I have dined here many times over the years. With my husband or eldest daughter. We have all enjoyed tremendously. On my last visit I had the monkfish followed by the bread and butter pudding. It was wonderful, so many intricate flavours. Looking forward to our next visit!

4. Tristans Bistro

11 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3EW, England Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards International, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner, Drinks, Late Night HK$141 - HK$361 +44 1823 332117
Excellent
78%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Tristans Bistro

At Tristans Restaurant and Wine Bar is ran buy husband a wife partnership Ashley and Georgie. We have a monthly menu to keep things interesting and also keeping to seasonal produce.The restaurant itself has intimate tables for two as well as tables suitable for gatherings of friends up to 12 plus it has the benefit of the recently refurbished and redecorated Garden room making it a popular venue in Taunton for parties up to 26 for a wide range of events and celebrations.The addition of the bar and Seating area at the front of the restaurant provides a relaxed wine bar feel and we now welcome diners and non diners to sit and relax with a glass of wine, pre-dinner aperitif or post dinner coffee.

Reviewed By Sharkie994 - Taunton, United Kingdom

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Taunton. It's a lovely little bistro run by Georgie and Ashley. Georgie and the rest of the team are always so welcoming and this place has a lovely atmosphere (I've even been in solo before and not...MoreThank you so much for your review. We really appreciate it! See you again soon Georgie and Ashley x

5. Augustus

3 The Courtyard St. James Street | St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +44 1823 324354
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 676 reviews

Augustus

Reviewed By TheShoeman - England

If you’re planning on eating out in Taunton then make this fantastic restaurant your first port of call . Probably worth booking in advance as it gets very busy & rightly so !
Very cosy restaurant with a great atmosphere & very attentive staff but not overbearing . The food is superb & we had the best foie gras we’ve eaten outside of France. Genuinely can’t fault Augustus & would defiantly recommend a visit.

6. Thai Lotus Flower

89-91 Station Road, Taunton TA1 1PB, England Takeout, Seating, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Thai, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$78 - HK$439 +44 1823 324411
Excellent
76%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Thai Lotus Flower

Reviewed By jamesb72 - Somerset

Visited for a friends birthday, owners couldn't have been nicer, and brought out our birthday cake and sung happy birthday. Food was lovely, and all tastes were catered for from mild to wild. Would definitely recommend both for food and experience.

7. Little Italy

Orchard Shopping Centre | Paul Street, Taunton TA1 3TP, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 1823 336545
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

Little Italy

Reviewed By Debbie Q - Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom

Little Italy, is located in Orchard Shopping Centre and you get to it beside Cafe Nero down the alleyway opposite the hairdressers. It is small and cosy and only opens until 10pm at weekends.
The food is authentic. Best bolonaise we have ever tested. Served good quality wine. Extremely friendly and attentive. All made fresh. We will be back now we have found this little gem.

8. Ciao Amore

4 Eastgate, Taunton TA1 3NB, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1823 353127
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Ciao Amore

Reviewed By Sue M - Taunton, England, United Kingdom

Visited this lovely Italian restaurant twice in the last month, St Valentine's Day and Birthday meal last night.
Such a friendly, welcoming restaurant, very attentive staff and absolutely amazing food. Had 3 courses each visit and every dish has been amazing. The food is so delicious, so very tasty with lovely flavours running through each and every dish. Even the coffee to finish was fab... and the limoncello Mmmmm
We shall be back again very soon.

9. Castle Bow Restaurant

Under the Archway Castle Green | Castle Bow, Taunton TA1 1NF, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi British, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks HK$173 - HK$683 +44 1823 328328
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 242 reviews

Castle Bow Restaurant

Castle Bow Restaurant offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion. Head Chef, Liam Finnegan's menu is constantly evolving, created to fully embrace the season. It is this quality and care that transforms every meal into a true West Country experience.

Reviewed By Charlotte M - Taunton, United Kingdom

The food is simply outstanding - beautifully cooked & presented. Lovely touch of canapés and an amuse bouche as complimentary extras. Having dined at Pony & Trap and Lympstone Manor over the last year (both of which have Michelin stars) in my opinion the food...MoreDear Charlotte M Thank you for the excellent review. Maybe that star will come this year! Best regards Marc

10. Royal Oak

The Square, Taunton TA3 6EH, England Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$78 - HK$220 +44 1823 490602
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 148 reviews

Royal Oak

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS - We wish to inform you that our restaurant will be temporarily closed from August 15th to September 2nd inclusive. Our bar will be open as usual. <br><br>Family owned village pub in the heart of the community serving homemade, seasonal, locally sourced classic pub food.

Reviewed By Full2001 - Taunton, United Kingdom

A very friendly pub in the heart of Stoke St. Gregory. This pub has it's own pizza oven so makes delicious stone bake Pizzas. The steak burger is also really good and comes with a lovely fresh bun, onion rings, chips etc. All cooked to perfection. The £12 for two courses menu is excellent value (there is also a 3 course deal too).

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