7 Great Restaurants in Stoke-on-Trent You Need to Taste

Food is a key part of student life, wherever you’re studying and living across the UK. In Stoke-on-Trent, this is no different. From late night bites and overdue catch ups to quiet evenings that become wild nights out, you can create some culinary memories in the home of the Potteries.

Today, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favourite restaurants in Stoke-on-Trent that students and locals alike have to try for themselves. Whether you’re chasing comforting meals, food on the move, or international flavours, we’ve got you covered.

It’s time to dig in!

Willow Restaurant: Where Modern Meets Mindful

Found on the grounds of the famous Trentham Estate, Willow is an eatery built on balance. Clean, airy interiors reflect a calm that’s mirrored by the menu. International, seasonal, and hearty tastes burst out of the kitchen, making Willow one of the best restaurants in Stoke-on-Trent.

The menu regularly changes to spotlight the best of British produce, with vegetarian and vegan options that tempt even the most devoted of meat lovers.

Willow also prides themselves on their openness and keeps visitors updated on where their ingredients have been found and the allergens included. For those with a curiosity about new flavours, this place rewards you. It’s a precise, high-quality, and relaxed restaurant that promises to become one of your fancier spots.

The Slamwich Club: A Local Treasure

Located in the heart of Hanley (the city centre), The Slamwich Club have reimagined the humble sandwich in a wide range of ways. Their slightly bonkers creations have given them a reputation as one of the greatest sandwich bars in the country. Delights such as crispy pork belly, slow-cooked brisket, and an array of homemade sauces ooze foodie happiness.

The restaurant itself is bursting with personality. Neon lights buzz overhead, and the soundtrack bounces between funk, soul, and indie classics. It’s a really vibrant place to grab your lunch, and won’t cost you too much, either. In terms of the best casual dining spots in the city, this might be number one.

Lunar: A Culinary Journey

Enjoying a meal at the relatively newly opened Lunar is like stepping into a food-inspired story time. Every course is crafted with meaning, paying homage to Stoke’s ceramic roots and industrial heritage. Managed by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, this is a curated narrative told through the art of cooking. You’ll experience new tastes, textures, and techniques every time you visit.

You can find this spot on the grounds of World of Wedgwood, a museum dedicated to Stoke’s legendary pottery makers. Lunar is a restaurant for those who like to know the tale of how their food got to their plate. It’s unlikely to be a place you visit every week, but for a special occasion, it’s unmatched.

Capello Lounge: A Warm Hug, but Food

While not named after former England football manager Fabio Capello, Capello Lounge is one of those places that makes you feel welcome and warm as soon as you step in. Found on Church Street, the cosy lighting, comfortable sofas, and chilled atmosphere make it the ideal breakfast or brunch spot following a big night out.

Their menu is vast, but what makes Capello Lounge so good are the taster boards. Whether you’re feeling the need for chorizo, or chips, avocado or chicken skewers, the choices feel endless. There is also a great selection of homemade juices, smoothies, and mocktails for a healthier day of drinking.

More than just food, Capello resembles a common room. Students can settle in and tap away on their laptops alongside families enjoying a coffee and a cake.

The Wayfarer: Rustic Treats Outside the City

A short bus ride out to Stone brings you to The Wayfarer, a place that’s all polished oak beams, open fires, and quietly confident cooking. It may look like a country pub, but the menu speaks the language of contemporary British dining with global twists.

Their reputation for perfectly prepared steaks, hand-stretched pizzas, and flavoursome fish dishes has made it a favourite for locals and students alike. The journey out makes it something of an adventure, as it’s not something everyone will do.

If you’re living in student accommodation in Stoke-on-Trent and are feeling the itch to escape the urban bubble, this is your answer.

Mantra Indian Restaurant: Traditional Flavours with a Twist

The team behind this modern Indian restaurant understands spice not as a gimmick, but as a symphony. Every dish is a thoughtful construction of flavour, aroma, and depth. From tandoori seabass to delicately layered biryanis.

Inside, it’s all polished floors, ambient lighting, and warm service. Mantra strikes the balance between elegance and approachability. And the staff are always happy to guide you through the menu, which makes it especially welcoming for those discovering Indian food for the first time.

If you’re an international student from the region, this could become your taste of home. Take your flatmates and expand their horizons beyond the supermarket curries.

La Bella Napoli: A Stoke Institution

A true legend of the Stoke food scene, La Bella Napoli has been feeding the city for over 30 years and is still owned by the same family who founded it. The restaurant is the place to go for authentic, wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta that’ll transport you to Italy.

The people are what have made this spot such a firm favourite. Specials are recited from memory, and if you’re a regular, they’ll probably remember your face.

It’s a rarity among British restaurants these days, which is why La Bella Napoli is a must-visit for students in Stoke-on-Trent. If you crave big portions and Italian classics, you cannot beat it.

A City that Feeds Curiosity

Stoke-on-Trent may not shout too loudly about its foodie culture, but it’s quietly making a name for itself among locals and students alike. It’s diverse, welcoming, and more affordable than many other cities. The local tourist board has plenty more restaurants you should try on their website, too.

If you’re ready to dive into student life in Stoke-on-Trent, you can discover even more of what it has to offer its academics. 

The Last Bite

Food helps us connect. Whether it be through international cultures or local favourites. So, connect with the city you’re calling home through its best restaurants.

Pull up a chair and get stuck in. Your new favourite dish is waiting for you to discover it.