City dining guide

Best restaurants in Shepton Mallet

4 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 2

Root

Bib Gourmand££Vegetarian, Modern Cuisine

The views of Wells Cathedral alone are enough to attract anyone here, but add in an appealing veg-led menu of small plates, great prices and eager-to-please service, and you have a restaurant we’d all like to have on our doorstep. The chefs let the ingredients shine, showing just what wonderful flavours humble vegetables can achieve. While you decide what to order, ask for the fried cheese choux puffs – a smooth, utterly delicious treat.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Root in Wells offers modern vegetarian cuisine with mixed options, generally receiving high praise. The food, particularly small sharing plates, seasonal vegetables like cabbage and beetroot, and mushroom dishes, is noted for unique flavors and creativity. However, some recent reviews mention inconsistent seasoning or overcooked items. Service is described as friendly and attentive without being intrusive, set within a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Value is a mixed point; while some find the quality justifies the cost, others criticize the high prices, inappropriate cutlery, and undisclosed gratuities. It suits diners seeking innovative plant-based meals who are comfortable with variable pricing and portion sizes.

Suitable for diners seeking creative vegetarian small plates and a relaxed atmosphere who are flexible regarding price.

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Briar

Bib Gourmand££Contemporary, Sharing

Within the charming Georgian hotel that is Number One Bruton, sits this attractive restaurant which we’d all love to have at the end of our street. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart, run with a genuine friendliness and enthusiasm that’s mirrored by the bright, fresh cooking that can’t help but put a smile on your face. Order three to four of the sharing plates per person and you’ll be treated to great value dishes that burst with flavour – like the buttermilk fried partridge enlivened by pickled shallots and tarragon mayonnaise.

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Other guide picks 2

The Three Horseshoes

££Traditional British

Large fireplaces, stone floors and whitewashed walls feature inside this renovated 17C pub. The pared-back décor is joined by similarly straightforward and equally appealing cooking that includes hearty dishes like rabbit pie and mince on toast. This approach allows the ingredients to speak for themselves, with local Somerset produce a feature. Five bedrooms add to the inn’s appeal, as do an attractive terrace and small walled garden.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews

The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe offers traditional British cuisine with an average rating of 3.7/5. Guests frequently praise the picturesque garden, cozy atmosphere, and authentic interior, highlighting dishes like braised hogget, lamb and leek pie, and mussels. Conversely, negative reviews cite inconsistent food quality, such as cold steak or tough chops, alongside slow service and poor meal pacing. While the setting is described as calm and the rooms spacious, some visitors expressed disappointment with limited menu options and long wait times for drinks. The experience varies significantly depending on the specific visit.

Suitable for travelers seeking a quiet countryside atmosphere and authentic British flavors, but visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to ensure efficient service.

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DA COSTA

£££Italian

The stunning Art Farm development makes a fitting home for this equally gorgeous restaurant. As soon as you enter, you’re met with the enticing aroma of wood-fired cooking, emanating from the breathtakingly designed open kitchen. With pots, pans and even chairs hanging from the ceiling, plus an abundance of wooden furnishings, it’s like dining in a particularly chic country kitchen. The menu looks to all things Italian, with terrific hand-cut pasta and hearty, wholesome flavours across the board – bigoli with venison ragu is the epitome of the style.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 56 reviews

Da Costa in Wavehorne offers Italian cuisine with mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights delicious handmade pasta, perfectly grilled seafood like John Dory, and excellent tiramisu. Staff are often described as attentive and charming, notably enhancing celebrations with personalized touches. However, criticisms focus on inconsistent food quality, including bland dishes, raw mushrooms, overly dressed carpaccio, and lukewarm soups. Service pacing varies, with some noting delays in bread arrival. Value is debated; while portions are generous, some find prices high relative to quality, citing extra charges for vegetable sides and discretionary service fees. The atmosphere is generally appreciated, but the dining experience depends heavily on specific dish choices and timing.

Suitable for diners seeking handmade pasta and a warm atmosphere, but avoid risky dishes and clarify service details.

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