If you’re looking for a new place to eat out as the summer weather starts to kick in and lockdown restrictions are eased, then we may be able to help you.
Yesterday Boris Johnson announced that hotels, restaurants, pubs, cinemas and hairdressers can reopen from July 4 providing they are "Covid-secure" and theatres and concert halls can open but cannot stage live performances.
So the Gazette has visited reviews website Tripadvisor to get what it says are the ten best-rated restaurants in Basingstoke.
1. Spices and Spirits
Where to find: 3 Kings Furlong Dr, Centre, Basingstoke RG21 8YT
What the reviews say -
"Have been to most of the curry houses in Basingstoke and this is by far the best food I've had. It was a takeaway during lockdown but online ordering was really easy, let you choose a time and the food arrived to the minute and piping hot which isn't always the case with a takeaway."
"We have dined in and done takeaways and the quality has almost always been really good. My favourite is the chicken lollypop! Extremely adaptable to customer needs."
"Spices and Spirits takeaways are so uplifting in these times of Covid lockdown. The menu still caters to all signature dishes and the taste and quality gets better."
2. The Sushi Maki
Where to find: Unit R7 Lower Ground Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BE
What the reviews say -
"Fabulous birthday meal! Staff were so helpful & polite. The sushi /sashimi boat looked fantastic and tasted beyond delicious."
"Absolutely amazing! Quick efficient staff, polite with the best sushi I've had in a long time! Thank you to all the lovely staff especially for the free cocktail tasting!"
"Been here a lot and never get disappointed with the quality of the food and friendly service. Will be visiting here again soon with my friends and family."
3. Hoddington Arms
Where to find: Bidden Rd, Upton Grey, Basingstoke RG25 2RL
What the reviews say -
"Great choice of locally sourced ingredients. Probably one of the best roast dinners I have eaten. Slow roasted shoulder of lamb was delicious."
"We had an amazing meal today, the roast beef was delicious and the roast pork was beautiful. Lovely surroundings and great service."
"A really nice country pub with great food and a big friendly welcome. Highly recommend visit. Yet to be disappointed. Give them a try."
4. The Olive House
Where to find: 21 Church Street, Basingstoke RG21 7QQ
What the reviews say -
"We visited the Olive House several times before lockdown and always enjoyed it. Last night we had our first takeaway of the lockdown from there. We are vegan and the choices for us are pretty good."
"I am really pleased that under current lockdown The Olive House are open for delivery and collection. Just had a fantastic meal that I would normally order in the restaurant."
"Don't waste your time with chains in Festival Place, visit The Olive House and you won't be disappointed. We're looking forward to eating in the restaurant when life get's back to a little bit of normality."
5. Festival Street Kitchen
Where to find: Festival Square Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BB
What the reviews say -
"Best street food ever great staff always happy different menu everyday Great value for money Go and have a meal try it you won't be disappointed."
"We went on Saturday and had the Greek Chicken - it was excellent! I will happily drive to Basingstoke (35 miles) for lunch at Festival Street Kitchen. The staff are friendly too! Thank you for our happy tummies."
"Fantastic food tonight, the 2 lads working were incredibly polite and friendly and the food was AMAZING. Will be back soon."
6. Chennai Express
Where to find: 19 Wote Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NE
What the reviews say:
"We have visited the Chennai Express on many occasions prior to lockdown and love their fresh tasting dishes."
"Can’t say anything bad about this restaurant Loads of South Indian cuisine that makes other Indian/ Bangladesh restaurants bland by comparison."
"Lovely idlys and dosa with flavoursome samba - certainly something different and very well cooked! Would definitely recommend."
7. The Purefoy Arms
Where to find: Preston Candover, Basingstoke RG25 2EJ
What the reviews say: "Excellent lunch of roast beef and all the trimmings. With extra cauliflower cheese! Highly recommend! Reasonably priced too."
"We've eaten here a few times now, and recently had the brilliant takeaway afternoon tea for VE day. The staff are all so friendly and helpful, and are very accommodating of allergies."
"Incredible takeaway rack of ribs, chips and fennel salad. The meat just fell away from the ribs and were cooked in a lovely barbecue sauce."
8. Glasshouse Restaurant
Where to find: Rectory Road Oakley Hall Hotel, Oakley, Basingstoke RG23 7ED
What the reviews say:
"This is a fantastic restaurant. The staff set the tone from the minute you walk in and you know you are eating a very special and carefully prepared meal."
"This was a delightful experience. The setting was very relaxed and the staff very attentive. Food was amazing. Well worth a visit."
"Excellent service during our Champagne Afternoon tea. Staff were very polite. Nice atmosphere as well. We enjoyed our time so much."
9. The Fur and Feathers
Where to find: Herriard Road, Herriard, Basingstoke RG25 2PN
What the reviews say:
"Just had such a wonderful, filling meal in such a lovely country pub. Sat by the warming, cosy wood burner. What more could one ask for."
"Had a very nice lunch here and would certainly visit again. The pub is just off the main road with parking available outside."
"Had a lovely pub lunch here as part of our Jane Austen tour. Staff were friendly and the food was excellent."
10. The Gamekeepers
Where to find: Tunworth Road, Mapledurwell, Basingstoke RG25 2LU
What the reviews say:
"Saturday Dinner, First visit to The Gamekeepers for a family meal and every dish was fantastic. Brilliantly cooked and fresh produce makes this my new favourite."
"Fresh (unhung pheasant) served, with a wonderful side salad and wedges, and fruit cake sunday, wow, menu changes all the time depending on season and what is fresh at time, menu explained by owner, which is great as you get."
"We had a family gathering here over Christmas. Warm, friendly hosts and an array of game dishes including the most amazing scotch egg starter!"
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