Whether you're looking for a romantic, intimate venue, or a place the whole family will enjoy, our selection of the best restaurants in Hull includes something for every occasion.
We've taken into account the views of our restaurant reviewers, as well as hundreds of online reviews, to come up with a list of 11 must-try places to eat in Hull. It includes everything from all-you-can-eat buffets to high-end fine dining.
These highly rated restaurants are not just about the quality of food, however: we've also taken into account factors such as the atmosphere, friendliness and value for money. Some, such as Beleza Rodizio, on Kingswood, are relative newcomers and have quickly built up a loyal fanbase. Others, like The Lantern, have been delighting Hull diners for decades.
Read more: I ate at Hull's hidden Wetherspoons and it's not what you'd expect
Hull's restaurant scene has never been so diverse, with a huge range of independent eateries to choose from. And with great venues across locations such as the Fruit Market, city centre, Avenues and Kingswood, there are more options for diners than ever before.
Gusto Da Gianni
Gusto Da Gianni is renowned as one of Hull's most authentic and delicious Italians - winning restaurant of the year at the Hull Live Food and Drink Awards in 2019. It's hardly surprising, as few Hull restaurants have a finer heritage: owner Gianpaul is the son of Gianfranco Redolfi, whose La Perla restaurant was long the city's best-rated Italian joint. With its intimate, cosy atmosphere it's also one of the best Hull venues for a date night.
Must-try dishes include the Gusto pizza (Italian cream, mozzarella, broccoli, Tuscan sausage, provola cheese - £14.95), and, if you're pushing the boat out, the Filetto Stroganoff (Waterford farm signature beef fillet strips in a stroganoff sauce - £31.95). Expect traditional favourites too, such as Pane al Aglio, Pomodoro e Pesto (garlic, tomato and fresh pesto bread - £7.45).
Reviewers have praised the "impeccable" service and "five-star" food. The warm family atmosphere has also won plaudits.
Address: 26 Newland Avenue, Hull, HU5 3AF
The Aegean Taverna
The Aegean Taverna, now located in Newland Avenue, Hull, built up a fantastic reputation over many years at its former restaurant in Anlaby Road. Offering, "a slice of Greek sunshine with a real taverna feel", and with space for almost 100 diners, the Aegean specialises in "home-cooked" Greek specialities.
Expect Greek favourites such as Moussaka (£11.50) and Pastitsio (£10.50), as well as dishes cooked on the charcoal grill such as Lamb Souviaki (£10.50). As you'd expect from a Greek restaurant, there's also a good selection of fish options. Traditional desserts include Baklava, Ravani and Rum-Baba. A bottle of house wine costs £13.95.
The restaurant has won plaudits for "gorgeous" food and "generous" portions. Excellent service and a good atmosphere have also been praised.
Address: 17-19 Newland Avenue, Hull, HU5 3AG.
Rupert & Darwin
Billed when it opened as offering fine dining at mid-range prices, Rupert & Darwin quickly became a big favourite among Hull's foodies. We visited the restaurant. With a beautiful ambience and fabulous service, it certainly provides the sort of experience you'd expect from a high-end restaurant. Named after two pet tortoises, it also has a quirky side - making it a delight to visit.
The a la carte menu typically includes dishes such as braised lamb shoulder (£22) and herb-crusted beef fillet (£28). Sunday lunch, meanwhile costs £20 for two courses and £25 for three and offers starters such as steamed mussels and mains such as roast beef and roast chicken.
Reviewers have described being "amazed" by the quality of food and suggest it's the perfect place for a "special" night. The Sunday lunch has also been described as "excellent".
Address: 74 Princes Avenue, Hull, HU5 3QJ
Beleza Rodizio
One of the newer restaurants on this list, Beleza Rodizio - which serves Brazilian and Argentinian cuisine - is firmly aimed at meat lovers. With a stylish interior, Kngswood's latest addition is already earning a reputation as a favourite venue for date nights or romantic meals with the partner. Not only that, but it offers all-you-can-eat options where you can feast on up to 15 of the finest cuts.
Reviewers have praised "incredible" and "plentiful" food, and pointed out that the restaurant offers excellent value for money. Staff have also won praise for their warm welcome.
Address: Unit 2A Kingswood Leisure Park, HU7 3DB.
The Madras
Another long-time favourite with the people of Hull, The Madras has been voted one of Hull's very best curry houses on numerous occasions. Among the most popular dishes is their twist on the Bhuna, with additional spices and components, and Mohdu - a mild creamy curry similar to a Korma but without the coconut. This dish consists of mild spices, garlic, honey and cream..
The huge menu includes all the Indian restaurant staples you'd expect, including Tandoori Mix Grill (£12.95), Nawabi Lamb Shank (£16.95) and Chicken Tikka Massala (£8.50). Reviewers have described enjoying generous portions and plenty of choices, with superb flavours.
Address: 249 Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2SE
Piccolo Italian Bistro
Another perennial favourite, Piccolo, in Chanterlands Avenue, has built up a loyal fanbase for its Italian favourites - who consistently vote it one of Hull's best restaurants. In fact, our reviewer described it as being so good it hands down beat 90 per cent of the restaurants in the more popular Princes Avenue.
Piccolo has made a name for itself as a small, independent venue with good food. It's also known for being very good value for money. The Piccolo Carne pizza costs £12.75 and includes tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, beef fillet strips, chicken, salami, red onion, garlic and oregano. The 12oz Steak Florentine - grilled sirloin steak served with mixed salad leaves plus a choice of side dish and a sauce - is £24.95.
Reviewers have written of enjoying "the best" and "most flavoursome". The service has also won high praise.
Address: 119 Chanterlands Ave, Hull HU5 3TG
Humber Fish Co
Famed for posting pictures of whopping great fish and lobsters on social media, Humber Fish Co, in the thriving Fruit Market quarter of Hull city centre, is a paradise for seafood lovers - and in a city renowned for its maritime past, it really does do our heritage justice. If it's tasty fish you're after, look nor further.
As you'd expect, the focus is on fresh fish and seafood. Starters include the Signature Prawn Cocktail (£11) and Crispy Szechaun Pepper Squid (£10). Main courses range from the Great Fish and Chips (£17) to Roast Loin of Halibut (£30). There's also a range of seafood, from steamed mussels to lobster tempura.
Staff have been described by reviewers as "lovely" and "extremely efficient". And while the prices may be higher than at some venues, one customers declared that "it is worth every penny".
Address: Humber Street, Hull, 01482 326136.
The Persian
Consistently appearing in the top five Hull restaurants on reviews site TripAdvisor, The Persian, in Princes Avenue, is a traditional meze/grill restaurant. It also offers a perk to people worried about the cost of living, as it's a bring your own booze venue.
Regular customers have spoken highly of the restaurant’s kebabs and authenticity. Our reviewer thought the food at The Persian was superb - and the prices are also reasonable. A Joojeh chicken kebab will set you back £11.50, while Ghormeh Sabzi - a lamb stew known as the national dish of Persia - is £12.50. Reviewers have also suggested trying the "amazing curries" and "tender" meat dishes.
Address: Princes Avenue Unit 1, Hull, HU5 3QA
Gino D'Acampo My Restaurant Hull
While most of the restaurants on this list are independent venues, Gino D'Acampo's My Restaurant has proved extremely popular since opening on Kingswood in 2017 - and many satisfied customers have posted reviews online telling of their excellent experiences.
The venue features a popular open-air terrace, which offers a touch of the al fresco Mediterranean dining experience - at least when the sun shines. Reviewers have also praised the friendly staff "who go the extra mile" - which perhaps reflects the city as much as the chain. As Gino himself explained: “They have all been so friendly, the people of Hull. I like the fact that they come and say ‘hi.’ It feels like more of a community in Hull. It’s different than London and big cities.”
With sharing plates, anti-pasti and a large selection of pizzas, main courses and grills, there's plenty to please most tastes. The Real Neopolitan Pizza (Italian sausage, friarielli, mozarella and chilli) costs £15.25. Lamb cutlets with peas and smoked pancetta will set you back £24.50.
Address: Kingswood Retail, Althorp Road, Hull, HU7 3DA
The Lantern
One of Hull's best-kept secrets - and now quite possibly the city's oldest restaurant - The Lantern has been serving delicious food since 1964. Located in Whitefriargate, it's easy to miss, with just a single sign pointing the way to a narrow alleyway and a flight of stairs.
Inside, you'll enjoy a warm welcome, impeccable service and excellent food. As our reviewer wrote: "The menu itself is a smorgasbord of classics, with some Cypriot delights also thrown in for good measure and to honour the origins of the owners.
"The Lantern is a true blast into the past, and should be heralded and applauded for maintaining a business for such a long time and through so many financial climates. It should have its own blue plaque for what it has achieved."
But don't just take our word for it - customers writing online have praised its "great quality" food and silver service. Others have hailed "wonderful hosts" and "great cooking".
Address: 46-48 Whitefriargate (first floor), Hull city centre.
Hitchcock's Vegetarian Restaurant
"The first thing you need to know before you dine at Hitchcock's is that it's not like other restaurants," the website states. Indeed, this Hull institution is more than just dinner - it's a unique experience. For a start, the menu is chosen by the first person who books for that night and is themed around a different national cuisine. You could find yourself eating Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many other types of food.
Starters are brought to the table, but the main courses are all served in an all-you-can-eat buffet. All this costs £25 a head for three courses and coffee (and it's vital to book in advance).
Tucked away in Hull's Old Town, Hitchcock's Vegetarian Restaurant has been delighting diners for decades and so deserves its place on any list of the best restaurants in Hull. The quirky, eclectic interior and social eating ethos make it a must-visit venue. Online reviews described the staff as "welcoming" and the food as "well prepared", "well presented" and "so delicious".
Address: 1 Bishop Lane, Hull, HU1 1PA
READ NEXT:
