Like the rest of the nation’s diners, people in Swindon have taken no time at all getting back into the culinary swing of things now that COVID restrictions on eating out at restaurants have been lifted.
Punters are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in the Swindon area. Luckily for the indecisive among us, the revered local newspaper, the Swindon Advertiser, has compiled a list of the town’s top five restaurants, based on Tripadvisor reviews.
Visit Swindon has done its own digging and here is a sample of the reviews.
1. The Jewel In The Crown (Indian), 14-16 Victoria Road, Swindon
“Great restaurant with an amazing atmosphere. Clean. Covid safe whilst still being warm and welcoming. Friendly and very helpful staff on hand with a legendary owner who just sprinkles that level of hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve just eaten at your own family’s house. Recommend very highly!”
“Absolutely love this restaurant. We always celebrate family birthdays and always enjoy a date night here. Aziz and Bosco are so friendly and always there to give food advice or just have a chat and a giggle. The food is always hot and plentiful. The restaurant is spotlessly clean. It's nice to see the owner Ali walking around and he always stops to say hello and ask how we are.”
2. Ruchi (India), 89 Victoria Road, Swindon
“Great restaurant and great service, very clean and Covid safe. This is our first time back here since covid lockdown and it's still number 1. The onion bhajis here are the best we have ever had and have always been our top choice of starter, they were followed tonight by chicken tikka biryani, chicken tikka malayan and vegetable fried rice, everything cooked to perfection and served hot. It was great to be back here and already looking forward to our next visit.”
“Ruchi dishes up some of the best sitdown Indian cuisine you will find anywhere, and the service is also on point. Faultless service and food and definitely my first choice for an Indian restaurant.
3. Greek Olive (Mediterranean), 141 Faringdon Road, Swindon
“There’s no mistaking that the food served here is top notch. I had lamb souvlaki and my partner had the mixed grill - everything was cooked to perfection and the portions are enormous. I loved the aubergine dip and pitta for starter and the complimentary dessert and shot was very welcome! I can’t fault the ambience or service.”
“Amazing restaurant with one of the best Greek gyros in the UK. Very welcoming staff and amazing service. Highly recommend it!”
4. Jicsaw Thai Restaurant (Thai), 32 High Street, Cricklade
“Visited for midweek dinner. Staff were friendly and always wore face masks. Hand gel was provided on the table for us to use. Food was very good and fresh, authentic and good size portions. I really enjoyed the Thai green chicken curry. Would recommend a visit.”
“First time eating there since the lockdown eased. Lots of tables out at the front of the restaurant, lovely service and delicious food as always."
5. Rios Brazil Churrascaria, (Brazilian), 16 Bridge St, Swindon
“Visiting Swindon for the weekend and found this restaurant on Trip Advisor. We have eaten at many a Brazilian steakhouse and this exceeds all of them. The service and welcome was fab, and the Covid precautions were first class. The food was excellent. Buffet was really varied and the meat was sublime. Good quality, well-seasoned, well cooked and hot and fresh. It was also great to be in a restaurant with a buzz. Wished we lived nearer so it could be a regular haunt.”
“Go hungry! The meat keeps coming... Great service, lovely side dishes and salads and a selection of really well cooked and delicious meat brought to the table. My wife and I were very impressed and our fussy kids also found plenty to like. Will recommend.”