Despite being known as Britain’s First City and the first Roman Capital in England, Colchester’s food scene is often overlooked. We’re here to show you that the diverse food scene in this magnificent town is worth talking about, with cuisine from all over the world available for you to try. Whether you’re after somewhere to celebrate a special get-together, a place to grab a quick bite to eat or a candle-lit dinner destination, never fear, as you can discover the tastiest Colchester restaurants here.

1. The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie

How does modern European cuisine with an English influence sound? If that's up your street, visit The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie. This award winning restaurant is located inside a 17th century building on East Street and has a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends or family and enjoying a meal. Open 6 days a week, the menu here features a variety of delicious plates to suit everyone's taste-buds. From Mediterranean tapas to grilled meats to succulent steaks to Sunday roast dinners, you’re bound to find something which entices you!

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Address: 75 East St, Colchester CO1 2TS

2. Mirra

Ask any Colchester local where the best Turkish cuisine can be found, and they’ll no doubt recommend Mirra. Mirra has been a part of the vibrant food culture in Colchester since 2016, with its relaxing restaurant on the High Street drawing in customers everyday of the week. Offering a huge variety of authentic Turkish dishes such as Ali Nazik, Mixed Seafood Skewers, and Lamb Kofta Wraps, you will not leave disappointed. They’re open from 12pm until 11pm so no matter what time of day you’re after freshly cooked food full of flavour, you can count on this place!

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Address: 98 High St, Colchester CO1 1TH

3. Aburi

Who doesn’t love the beautiful flavours of Japanese food? If you fancy something different, we have to recommend Aburi. Situated on Short Wyre Street, Aburi ticks all the boxes when it comes to Japanese fare with a menu offering sushi, teriyaki, curry, noodles, maki and so much more. For us, our absolute go-to has to be their special chicken katsu boxes as you get so many great tasting foods combined into one. Try one of the Asian beers or a Japanese soda with your lunch, they’re a real hit.

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Address: 19 Short Wyre St, Colchester CO1 1LN

4. The Green Room

The Green Room is one of Colchester’s most beloved and popular dining destinations, located just a 2-minute walk from the High Street. The menu here emphasises on British food with a modern twist, with locally sourced ingredients used to make initiative, fresh and seasonal plates. At this relaxed bistro with exposed brick walls you’ll find something to suit every appetite. With delicious meals like beer battered haddock goujons, scamorza arancini and lovage pesto, as well as citrus marinated king prawn skewers. Keen to make an evening out of it? Their extensive wine list is sure to impress!

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Address: 51 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1PY

5. Bellapais Steak House & Greek Restaurant

Bellapais Steak House & Greek Restaurant is a locals favourite offering the highest quality dishes from Greece and Cyprus. Located on St John’s Street, Bellapais has been a part of Colchester’s restaurant scene for over 30 years and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. If you’re looking for a relaxing sit-down meal, here is the place, with flavourful plates like Kleftico, which comes with a shoulder of lamb covered in herbs and baked in wine and beer until tinder. For a vegetarian option, order their Moussaka with layers of potatoes, aubergines & courgettes with a savoury vegetable filling, topped with a creamy cheese sauce.

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Address: St John's St, Colchester CO2 7AH

6. Ristorante Favoloso

A little out of town in the centre of historic Colchester is Ristorante Favoloso - trust us, it’s worth the stretch. From the outside it may not look like much but once you step inside and get a taste for what's on offer, you’ll want to return again and again. This intimate family-run Italian restaurant specialises in freshly prepared seafood and pasta dishes, with a wide-range menu offering plates to suit everyone. No matter what you're in the mood for, there’s a selection of fish, meat, pasta and vegetarian meals such as Ravioli Spinaci, Seafood Risotto, Penne Quattro Stagioni and Spaghetti Polpette.

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Address: 2-4 Balkerne Passage, Colchester CO1 1PA

7. Kintsu

Kintsu is a small-fine dining restaurant located on North Hill, which is run by Michelin-recognised chef Paul Wendholt. If you’re wanting to dine out, Kintsu is on the more expensive side of things, with British multi-tasting plates being the focus. With an ever changing seasonal menu, no two visits to this stellar eatery will be the same. You can choose to eat in front of the open kitchen, have some drinks in their stunning courtyard garden or even fish off your evening in the mezzanine lounge.

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Address: 11a North Hill, Colchester CO1 1DZ

8. Doga Restaurant

If you’re craving mouth-watering Turkish food and you don’t fancy cooking, Doga Restaurant is a great haunt. At this North Hill eatery touting gorgeous interiors, you can enjoy tucking into plates like Chicken Beyti, Lamb Chop, and Pan Fried Liver. They even have an extensive menu of spirits and liqueur coffees to accompany your meal, which makes it the perfect location for a catch up over lunch with your friends or date nights alike. Doga is bound to hit the spot, so be sure to check it out if you’re in Colchester!

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Address: 26 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1EG

9. Rim Jhim Spice Indian Restaurant

Keeping your eyes peeled for the best eateries in Colchester? Rim Jhim Spice Indian Restaurant is a foodie destination you’ll want to try! This place prides themselves on their high quality food and customer service so you’re sure to have an amazing dining experience. You can sink your teeth into the best Indian food with tandoori, masala, biryani, and balti dishes on offer. Order the chef’s speciality Zara Chicken, made from slices of marinated chicken with garlic butter, cheese and cream, almond powder and special sauce - mmm!

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Address: 6 Villa Rd, Colchester CO3 0PU

10. Timbers

If you’re in need of the ideal breakfast spot, Timbers is coming in hot. Established in 2007, the menu at this down-to-earth restaurant consists of national and international favourites. Hungry and in need of a hearty brekkie? Order their Timbers Regular Breakfast, or Chorizo and Fried Egg Hash. For something to wash it all down with, go for the caramel crush iced frappe, or a mango smoothie, the choice is yours. Make your way to this Trinity Street venue, it’s open everyday of the week!

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Address: 22 Trinity St, Colchester CO1 1JN If you’re in need of a food fix whilst studying in Colchester, you’re sorted with amazing restaurants on every corner, each offering something different! Keen to experience Colchester’s nightlife? Take a read of our guide to discover the best venues for a night out.

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