9 of the best restaurants in Mansfield

From laid-back meals with friends to special occasions worth celebrating, finding the right place to eat can make all the difference. Mansfield restaurants provide a diverse mix of flavours and cuisines, with both well-loved local favourites and more unique eateries to explore. With so much on offer, we took it upon ourselves to round up some of the best ones the town has to offer below.

1. Lounge 212

Lounge 212 is regarded by locals as one of the best restaurants in Mansfield. Combining luxury with comfort for a memorable dining experience, this bar, lounge, and grill-house is the perfect place for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Specialising in an interesting fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean food, Lounge 212’s dishes are mouth-watering flavour explosions that tingle the taste buds. Many options are even grilled on hot charcoals, following Turkish tradition and creating the iconic smoky flavour found in authentic cuisine.

The bar boasts a full cocktail menu for anyone wanting a treat and includes the classics like mojitos and daiquiris along with some exciting Lounge 212 creations. And don’t worry if you prefer alcohol-free, as there are plenty of mocktails and soft drinks to choose from, too! 

2. Ciao Bella

If you dream of indulging in hearty bowls of pasta and traditional Italian pizza, Ciao Bella is the place for you. As one of a small number of Italian restaurants in Mansfield, it’s a favourite among locals and is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.  

Understanding that great food is only part of a memorable evening out, Ciao Bella gives diners the choice between a luxurious setting in the main restaurant or a more laid-back atmosphere in the Mediterranean garden, dining al fresco.

Whichever you choose, the focus remains the same: delicious, authentic Italian food, made using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with pasta prepared on-site and pizzas hand-stretched and stone-baked. 

Their stylish lounge bar also offers a wide selection of cocktails, spirits and soft drinks from across the globe, and caters perfectly to small get-togethers or catching up with loved ones.

3. Il Rosso

Another of Mansfield’s best restaurants is Il Rosso, the second Italian on our list, with its comforting and welcoming atmosphere. They’ve created an enticing Italian-inspired menu that boasts sophisticated flavours and packs a punch. Not only does this include a variety of delicious classics like pasta and risotto, but for those who enjoy a more varied dining experience, they also serve tapas.

For something a little different, Il Rosso also hosts a monthly tasting menu, welcoming guest chefs to create a set menu influenced by flavours from around the world. This intimate dining event gives you the chance to enjoy a more refined, immersive evening.

Beyond the menu, Il Rosso’s Terrace offers a thoughtfully designed courtyard that embodies the essence of Italy in both atmosphere and design. Surrounded by olive trees and full of Italian charm, it provides an elegant setting for everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.

4. The Lansbury

Set in a stunningly restored 16th century cottage is The Lansbury, a restaurant that marries modern culinary techniques with classic British cuisine for a familiar yet intriguing menu. 

Nestled in the heart of Edwinstowe, just outside of Mansfield, its historic character, charm, and delightful dishes make The Lansbury a top choice among locals. Guided by their philosophy of ‘heritage on every plate’, this restaurant takes pride in showcasing some of the best ingredients in the region. Firm favourites of regulars include the Sunday lunch roast dinner and the steak, with both praised for being delicious and cooked to perfection. 

In the winter months, a crackling log fire adds to the ambience, and in summer, the patio and beer garden provide the perfect home for relaxed outdoor dining. 

5. Red Gate Inn and Best Side Restaurant 

The Red Gate Inn and Best Side Restaurant is one of the more interesting Mansfield restaurants on our list, as it’s both a pub and a restaurant rolled into one. On one side is the Red Gate Inn: a family-run pub with a great bar, pool table and darts board, and live sports. On the other is the Best Side Restaurant: a cosy room with the sole purpose of giving you an evening that’s all about the food.

Like with many of the eateries on our list, Best Side strives to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Their menu includes mouthwatering pub classics like scampi and hunters’ chicken, along with more adventurous options like garlic baked hake and beef bourguignon, all crafted by their talented in-house chef. 

The best part? If you feel like polishing off the evening with a nightcap after your meal, you can step over to the Red Gate Inn side and treat yourself to a tasty tipple. 

6. Olive Branch

If you love the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean, Olive Branch is a must-visit. Known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly hospitality, it’s the perfect spot for a variety of occasions. 

Olive Branch’s menu celebrates traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with many recipes having been passed down from generations. Each dish is made using long-established methods with fresh ingredients that enable natural flavours to shine. From succulent herb-infused kebabs to layers of creamy and comforting moussaka, there are plenty of options to suit all palettes. 

With quality being at the forefront of Olive Branch’s philosophy, their menu constantly evolves to reflect the best seasonal, local produce from butchers, farmers, and green grocers. 

As one of the top restaurants in Mansfield, this is a standout choice if you want authentic Mediterranean food in a welcoming setting. 

7. The Red Bar and Grill

The Red Bar and Grill is a popular family-friendly Mansfield restaurant option if a fun, laid back dining spot is more your style. As the name suggests, this restaurant is hard to miss thanks to its bold red exterior, while the inside takes a simpler approach offering rustic charm. Wooden furnishings spanning different levels create a space that’s cosy and inviting, and its simplicity means you can focus firmly on the best part: good, hearty meals.

American-inspired comfort food is the menu theme, with favourites such as chicken wings, chimichangas, brisket, and loaded fries, all served fresh and bursting with flavour. There’s also a great selection of cocktails, beers, and soft drinks that can be enjoyed with your meal, or at the bar while enjoying live sports. 

For sunnier days, The Pier, The Red Bar and Grill’s outdoor space, is packed with beach huts for a quirkier dining experience. 

8. Blue Chilli

Craving bold, warming flavours that come to life with every bite? Blue Chilli Thai Restaurant, situated in the heart of Mansfield, is a family-run eatery with a reputation for fresh ingredients and authentic taste.

Their menu showcases a wide variety of Thai dishes, lovingly prepared to bring out the rich, aromatic flavours the cuisine is known for. Guests praise favourites such as crispy roasted duck curry, coconut chicken soup, and plenty of other options. 

To complement the food, the fully stocked bar offers a great selection of drinks, while the gentle traditional Thai music playing throughout the restaurant adds to the ambience. 

9. Refined Dining

Rounding off our list of the best restaurants in Mansfield is Refined Dining; one of the more unique dining choices. This restaurant is run entirely by students, from the kitchen to the front of house, creating a genuine working environment while serving guests with great food. 

Students take on roles depending on their culinary education level, with more advanced students leading the service, and others gaining hands-on work experience as a part of their training. It’s this structure that helps them grow in confidence and ability, with many going on to secure permanent roles and apprenticeships in the hospitality industry. 

Menus are updated regularly and explore different cuisines, and there are usually plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, too. So, if you’re looking to enjoy good food while supporting future talent, Refined Dining is well worth the visit.