24 best restaurants in Somerset, according to local foodies

In the charming village of Ditcheat, The Manor House Inn serves the best smashburgers we’ve had all year – impressive considering the strength of London’s burger scene. Part of the Chickpea group, which also includes The Bell & Crown in Zeals and a handful of pretty pubs in Wiltshire, this is a food-first pub, though it does have a lovely garden for long summer afternoons, and great local ales on tap in the bar. Stylishly decorated throughout, this 16th-century boozer is a great spot to bookmark if you fancy a meal after a long walk in the Somerset countryside. Hits on the menu include smoked-mackerel caesar salad with anchovies and croutons, and chocolate and chia seed mousse with coconut sorbet and pomegranate. There’s a pizza kitchen, making it a good option for children, and if stay over in one of the lovely bedrooms, you’ll get a satisfying breakfast too.

Address: Wraxall Road, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet BA4 6RB
Website: manorhouseinnditcheat.co.uk

Briar

Briar, Bruton

Best for: Refined yet relaxed dining
Dish to order: Slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with yoghurt and chard

In the former home of Osip, Briar has slotted neatly into a hallowed site. Lit up behind two bay windows on Bruton’s high street, Briar is part of the Number One Bruton hotel that also houses The Old Pharmacy wine bar. Like Osip, it’s a farm-to-fork restaurant, but the focus is on a more casual menu of small plates, snacks, sharing dishes and proper puddings, which all contributed to a recent Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Created by chef Sam Lomas, dishes could include smoked trout and roe on toast; mackerel with grilled spring greens, crème fraiche and elderflower vinegar; or asparagus with walnut mayo. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the hotel, you’ll have breakfast in the restaurant. Expect a farmhouse feast of granola, yoghurt, warm bread, freshly baked croissants, soft-boiled eggs, homemade jams, seasonal fruits and compotes, local cheese, ham and juices.