Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland">RUTLAND</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fern-uppingham"><a href="https://www.fernuppingham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fern</a>, Uppingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005.jpeg" alt="fern uppingham" class="wp-image-57361" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/04/Fern-Uppingham-005-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Overlooking Uppingham’s pretty, well-heeled market square and set within the rather iconic Falcon Hotel,&nbsp;Fern&nbsp;is a swish new departure, bringing stylish and high end, yet delightfully informal dining to the space and meticulously focused on using produce that is fresh, in season and as local as is feasible. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty amazing too &#8211; <a href="https://northantsleicsrutland.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-fern-uppingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">read our review here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbis-stamford"><a href="https://www.orbisstamford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orbis</a>, Stamford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="991" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Orbis-stamford.jpeg" alt="Orbis stamford small plates" class="wp-image-59911" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Orbis-stamford.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Orbis-stamford-300x297.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Orbis-stamford-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Orbis-stamford-768x761.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ok, it&#8217;s <em>technically</em> in Lincs, but only just, so we&#8217;re calling it. This lively restaurant serves food from the land, sea, garden in their &#8216;Taste the World&#8217; menu, featuring small dishes like melt-in-your-mouth teriyaki skewers, maple syrup belly pork and mini tacos. There&#8217;s also plenty for veggies too like bang bang cauliflower (my fave) and sticky Vietnamese tofu. Where will your plate take you?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northamptonshire">NORTHAMPTONSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ember-wellingborough"><a href="https://restaurantember.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ember</a>, Wellingborough</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="807" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Ember-wellingborough.jpeg" alt="Small plate Ember Wellingborough" class="wp-image-59893" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Ember-wellingborough.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Ember-wellingborough-300x242.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Ember-wellingborough-768x620.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ember is the last word in relaxed, elegant dining that doesn’t compromise on serving incredible and inventive dishes. Everything is cooked over an open fire and if you book a seat at the bar you can watch it all happening (a word of warning though: ditch the merino sweater, it gets warm). The menu changes up all the time and it’s great for veggies and meat lovers alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fork-and-flower-long-buckby"><a href="https://www.theforkandflower.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fork and Flower</a>, Long Buckby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="974" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Fork-and-Flower-small-plates.jpeg" alt="Fork and flower long buckby" class="wp-image-59895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Fork-and-Flower-small-plates.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Fork-and-Flower-small-plates-300x292.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Fork-and-Flower-small-plates-768x748.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Every Friday and Saturday night, the fabulous Fork and Flower comes alive with fabulous vibes and amazing food. There’s snacks and nibbles, plus such scrumptious delights on the menu as pan seared scallops, bao buns and buffalo cauli wings. Licks lips. Oh, and in-house mixologists are in situ to shake up the odd cocktail too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://laterrazatapasbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Terraza</a>, Upton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/04/SMALL-PLATES-La-Terraza.jpeg" alt="La Terraza Upton Northampton Northats Tapas Small Plates restaurant" class="wp-image-39239" /></figure>



<p>This slick Spanish tapas and paella restaurant on the edge of Northampton has become a bit of an institution and is highly recommended, especially if you’re yearning for that holiday vibe. The tapas is pretty authentic, so expect plenty of the good stuff, think calamari, gambas and tortillas, plus amazing sharing platters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://nuovo-restaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuovo</a>, Northampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/nuovo.jpg" alt="Nuovo italian small pilates northampton restaurant" class="wp-image-28206" /></figure>



<p>Italian small plates rule at this gorgeous town centre hideaway, with everything from pizza to risotto served cicchetti style, and they’re known for their incredible desserts too. Bring on the tiramisu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-and-waffle-grafton-underwood"><a href="https://pigandwaffle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pig and Waffle</a>, Grafton Underwood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1238" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Pig-and-Waffle.jpg" alt="Pig and waffle tapas grafton underwood northants" class="wp-image-59898" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Pig-and-Waffle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Pig-and-Waffle-242x300.jpg 242w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Pig-and-Waffle-827x1024.jpg 827w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Pig-and-Waffle-768x951.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With actual Spanish chefs at the helm, Pig and Waffle serve up tapas feasts and brunch dishes, sourcing all their produce as locally as possible, from stewed ox cheeks to seafood stew, you can expect to have your tastebuds well and truly tantalised. There are some great midweek deals on tapas too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lolas-bar-northampton"><a href="https://www.lolasbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lolas Bar</a>, Northampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1199" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Lolas-Bar.jpeg" alt="Lolas bar cheesy churros" class="wp-image-59904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Lolas-Bar.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Lolas-Bar-250x300.jpeg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Lolas-Bar-854x1024.jpeg 854w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Lolas-Bar-768x921.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This bar, cafe and tapas restaurant in the heart of Northampton is right on the doorstep of the Royal &amp; Derngate &#8211; perfect for a quick pre- or post-show drink or nibble, as well as a more leisurely lunch or dinner. Savoury cheesy churros for the win! Lovely to sit at the outdoor tables on St. Giles&#8217; Street on a warm summer&#8217;s evening too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leicestershire">LEICESTERSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tamalada-quorn"><a href="https://www.tamalada.co.uk/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tamalada</a>, Quorn</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Tamalada.jpeg" alt="Tamalada Quorn" class="wp-image-59905" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Tamalada.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Tamalada-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Tamalada-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Bored of the same Friday night takeaway? Head into this lively little village near Loughborough where you can enjoy Peruvian specialities and South American delicacies. Dedicated small plates are created by chef William Ortiz who has worked at The Savoy and The Dorchester, as well as Michelin-starred Lima where he worked with his brother, Robert. Food is fresh and flavoursome and packs a punch &#8211; think chicken marinated in Peruvian red chilli sauce, prawns in garlic butter, pan-fried Brazilian cheese skewers served with a sticky chilli jam.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonris-a-leicester"><a href="https://sonrisa.uk/menu/bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonris</a><a href="https://sonrisa.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a</a>, Leicester </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="837" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Sonrisa-Leicester-837x1024.jpeg" alt="Sonrisa leicester Argentine" class="wp-image-59907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Sonrisa-Leicester-837x1024.jpeg 837w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Sonrisa-Leicester-245x300.jpeg 245w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Sonrisa-Leicester-768x939.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Sonrisa-Leicester.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" /></figure>



<p>Be transported to Buenos Aires with Argentine platitos-style dishes perfect to share with friends and family. The food is mout-watering, with some excellent veggie offerings (as well as plenty of meaty options) like the wild mushroom croquettes and cauliflower tossed in parsley butter with red chilli and&nbsp;garlic. Too spicy? Cool off with the Sexy Senorita cocktail. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mowgli-leicester"><a href="https://www.mowglistreetfood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mowgli</a>, Leicester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="909" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mowgli-1-909x1024.jpeg" alt="Mowgli street food leicester" class="wp-image-59923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mowgli-1-909x1024.jpeg 909w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mowgli-1-266x300.jpeg 266w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mowgli-1-768x866.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Mowgli-1.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 909px) 100vw, 909px" /></figure>



<p>The name of the game here is street food, specifically the flavours of India. The vibe is very cool: an industrial look softened with fairy lights and swing seats. Since the MO is fast, real eating is a zingy, messy experience: roti wraps leaking sweet chutney, piles of sticky tamarind fries, lots of crunchy finger food &#8211; you&#8217;ll love it! Too much choice? Order a Tiffin Box for a chef’s choice selection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barceloneta-clarendon-park-road-leicester"><a href="https://barcelonetarestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barceloneta</a>, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="841" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Barceloneta-Leicester-841x1024.jpeg" alt="Barceloneta Leicester" class="wp-image-59916" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Barceloneta-Leicester-841x1024.jpeg 841w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Barceloneta-Leicester-247x300.jpeg 247w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Barceloneta-Leicester-768x935.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/07/Barceloneta-Leicester.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px" /></figure>



<p>This bar/restaurant in the cool Clarendon Park neighbourhood is reminiscent of Spanish tapas bars with its colourful tiled walls. It&#8217;s especially lively at the weekend so grab a drink and dive into dishes like grilled squid, chilli and garlic shrimp with smoked paprika, chorizo cooked in wine &#8211; all served in small, traditional terracotta tapas dishes. Don&#8217;t miss the seafood paella (they even do a veggie version). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more-like-this-try-these">Want more like this? Try these</h2>



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12 of the best small plates and tapas restaurants in Northants, Leics & Rutland

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