Yorkshire’s newest city may be one of the most underrated destinations – but more fool them, because there’s actually a lot on offer in this unsuspecting destination. I may be biased since I grew up there, but Doncaster has come on leaps and bounds since making its initial bid for city status, and day by day, we’re delighted to see new, independent businesses popping up left, right and centre. From quirky pizzerias, to doses of sunshine from the Caribbean, here are some of the best restaurants to try in Doncaster.
1. Ben’s, Bawtry
By day, a laid-back pizzeria, by night, a lively underground bar – Ben’s is loved in the neighbourhood of Bawtry, thanks to its gorgeous Neapolitan pizzas.
The cool space boasts a ground-level bar area and outdoor seating for soaking up the sun, where guests can tuck into their menu of delicious pizzas, crafted in the traditional Naples style with puffy crusts and floppy slices.
The flavours are absolutely delicious here, with toppings that we’ve actually never seen before in any other Neopolitan pizzeria – including salted pastrami with pickles and ‘nduja with a caramelised onion jam.
Ben’s, 31 Market Pl, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6JL.
2. Rum Rooms
Bringing a slice of the Caribbean to sunny Donny, The Rum Rooms is an all day and night bar bringing rum cocktails and Caribbean small plates under one roof. And thanks to its quirky, cool beer garden – where, in the summer, you can expect the BBQ in full use and live DJs – it’s become a hot spot in the town.
Small plates bring favourites such as jerk chicken, curried mutton and Creole steak, alongside fusion twists including the Rasta Pasta, saltfish risotto balls and even mini jerk burgers. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends over some great food and cocktails.
The Rum Rooms, 7 Market Rd, Doncaster, DN1 1LS.
3. Hoi Choi
Just a stone’s throw away from Doncaster’s central bar area, Silver Street, Hoi Choi offers Pan-Asian cuisine – with tons of small plates ranging from Thai and Chinese to Indian and Japanese.
The menu is diverse, with a little something for all Asian food lovers to try, from classics such as gyoza and bao buns, to creamy curries and warming noodle dishes.
The large restaurant is stylish and contemporary, making for the perfect place for date night or a night out with friends.
Hoi Choi, 36 E Laith Gate, Doncaster, DN1 1HZ.
4. Thai at the Sal
An unassuming hidden gem tucked away above (arguably) Doncaster’s most popular pub, Thai at the Sal is upstairs at The Salutation, transporting guests into a stunning restaurant that brings a completely different vibe to the pub.
The team are fantastic at giving recommendations for their authentic, flavourful dishes, and deliver the perfect experience for delving deeper into Thai cuisine.
Expect favourites such as Pad Thai, Panang and Green Curry, alongside banquet menus which are perfect for trying something you wouldn’t usually order.
Thai at the Sal, 14 S Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DR.
5. The Boat Inn, Sprotbrough
A cosy 17th-century pub situated on the River Don, The Boat Inn is well-known for its fantastic pub grub and Sunday roasts, alongside traditional, characterful decor including original beams and warm, wood-cladded walls.
Situated on the Transpennine Way, it’s the perfect spot to blow off the cobwebs, before hunkering down with a pint and homely dish with family and friends.
The Boat Inn, Lower Sprotbrough, Sprotbrough, Doncaster, DN5 7NB.
6. La Boca
A popular destination for steak lovers, La Boca is Doncaster’s first Argentine-inspired steakhouse, with stylish decor making this a fantastic place for special occasions.
The extensive menu spans an array of different cuts of steak – including sirloin, fillet, t-bone and even huge tomahawk steaks, with a fantastic selection of salsas and sauces to accompany, and even an array of dishes for those not in the steak spirit. Think burgers, pasta, belly of pork and more, all providing a little something for everyone.
The steak, however, is most certainly the star of the show here.
La Boca, 1 Nether Hall Rd, Doncaster, DN1 2PH.
7. DN1
Doncaster’s only fine dining offering DN1 brings something special to the city, pairing a bustling and fully-stocked deli (packed full of the best cheese, wine and more) with a unique dining experience.
Specialising in 5 and 8-course tasting menus, with the finest British produce crafted into truly stunning dishes. They’re almost too beautiful to eat, but, of course, the flavours are pretty difficult to resist (thankfully).
For those looking for something a little more remarkable in Doncaster, this is it.
DN1, 3 High Fisher Gate, Doncaster, DN1 1QZ.
8. The Rustic Pizza Co
A lakeside restaurant bringing Neapolitan pizza to the city, The Rustic Pizza Co can be found at the busy Lakeside complex, which is packed full of fantastic shops and restaurants.
Offering warm, modern vibes inside and outdoor, waterside seating for the summer months, the pizzeria prides itself on its authentic approach to pizza, promising a slice of Italy in their lakeside corner of Donny.
The pizzas are a must-try – particularly the more authentic Signature menu – however, if you don’t fancy it, the team also rustles up fantastic burgers, pasta and an array of Italian meat dishes.
The Rustic Pizza Co, Unit 3 Lakeside Blvd, Doncaster, DN4 5PL.
9. La Rustica
An underground Italian with cosy cave vibes (already making it a unique restaurant in Doncaster), La Rustica is very loved – and it’s easy to understand why.
Bringing homely, Italian cuisine made with love, the restaurant is so beautiful and cosy, with delicious dishes such as carbonara, lasagne and more bringing those familiar Italian dishes we all know and love.
From pizza and pasta to steak and Italian-style chicken, there’s tons of great dishes on offer, be it a cute date night with your other half or a family gathering.
La Rustica, 5 Nether Hall Rd, Doncaster, DN1 2PH.
10. Coppa Bar
Found just outside of Loversall and Balby, Coppa Bar & Eatery is well worth leaving the city centre for.
There’s a lot of incredibly beautiful dishes on offer here – including a mega Sunday roast with outstanding Yorkshire puddings. Everything is crafted to perfection, bringing a real upmarket feel to each and every dish – with the very best ingredient taking centre stage, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Think homely beef brisket bourguignon, perfect pies, and even an upmarket twist on classic fish and chips.
Coppa Bar & Eatery, 5 Nether Hall Rd, Doncaster, DN1 2PH.
11. The Pantry, Bawtry
Another fantastic restaurant in upmarket Bawtry, The Pantry is a beautiful brasserie offering beautiful food from breakfast right through to the evening, bringing indulgent and exciting flavours to each and every dish.
Think classy, signature burgers made with locally sourced Wortley Wagyu from just down the road in Sheffield, 40-day dry-aged steaks (which are aged in-house), and upmarket dishes such as sea bream and hay-smoked corn-fed chicken. A truly stunning place to dine.
The Pantry, 9, 13 Market Pl, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6JL.
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