Carriages

You'll find yourself in a converted Victorian building on Old Matford Lane, away from the city centre bustle but close enough that it doesn't feel out of the way. Carriages has that comfortable, lived-in feel of a neighbourhood restaurant that's earned its reputation rather than chased it—the kind of place where the kitchen clearly knows what it's doing. The menu leans French but stays grounded; expect classic bistro fare executed with real care, and you're looking at around £15-25 for mains. It's the sort of spot where regulars book months ahead and you'll wonder why you didn't come sooner.