While Blackburn may be best known for its industries, football club, and cathedral, it is also a fantastic place to dine out. Dining options range from some of the top fine-dining establishments in the country to international cuisines you can enjoy in relaxed surroundings. Regardless of your tastes and budget, you will find somewhere highly rated to eat in the city. So, which are Blackburn’s best restaurants? Here are our recommendations for some of the best restaurants in Blackburn.
Northcote: The Best Restaurant in Blackburn Overall
The Blackburn area is lucky enough to have a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is one of the best restaurants in Blackburn overall. Northcote is a restaurant at Northcote Manor, one of Blackburn’s best hotels, and you will find it just outside the city in the pretty village of Langho. There are various dining options, including an a la carte dinner menu, set seasonal lunch menus, and tasting menus. The restaurant, which acclaimed chef Lisa Allen-Goodwin runs, hosts various food events throughout the year, including Obsession, which takes place annually between January and February. It is one of the pricier places to eat due to the standard of food and because it is a fine dining establishment. Reservations are essential.
- Examples from the menu: Marrowbone-crusted salt-aged beef fillet, Scottish venison with whisky maple celeriac and green apple
- Address: Northcote Hotel, Northcote Road, Langho, Lancashire, BB6 8BE
- Telephone: 01254 240555
- Website: https://www.northcote.com/dining-at-northcote/the-restaurant/
- Opening hours: Lunch service from 12 noon to 2 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 2.30 pm Sunday, and dinner service from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Sunday to Thursday and 6.30 pm to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday
Artisan Ribble Valley- Foxfields Country Hotel
Although Foxfields Country Hotel has always had a restaurant, it underwent a multimillion-pound renovation in 2017 to create a space for 200 diners with visually appealing décor. Along with the updates to the aesthetics, the menu was reimagined to make the most of seasonal, local ingredients. It is now one of the best restaurants in Blackburn and the surrounding area. The restaurant is open to the public, although it is worth considering staying at the venue if you are only visiting the area, as it is one of Blackburn’s best hotels.
- Examples from the menu: Slow-cooked pig cheeks, chargrilled fillet steak, Cajun salmon, confit duck leg
- Address: Whalley Road, Billington, Clitheroe, BB7 9HY
- Telephone: 01254 822556
- Website: http://www.foxfieldshotel.com/
Scholars Restaurant
If you want to enjoy a fine dining experience without the need to remortgage your home, then the top option in Blackburn is Scholars. The restaurant is a training establishment that is part of the Blackburn campus. It offers everything you would usually find in a fine dining restaurant, such as beautiful dishes prepared with fresh ingredients that are presented in a visually appealing manner. The service at this restaurant is also top-notch. Scholars is only open for lunch service four days a week.
- Examples from the menu: Constantly changing four-course set menu
- Address: Feilden Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1LN
- Telephone: 01254 292155
- Website: http://scholars.blackburn.ac.uk/
- Opening hours: Open from 12 noon to 2 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Franco’s Ristorante Pizzeria: One of the Best Restaurants in Blackburn for Italian Food
Franco’s Ristorante Pizzeria is arguably the best Italian restaurant in Blackburn. It is a family-run restaurant with traditional décor that specialises in Sardinian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas. Diners love the food quality and the friendly, relaxed vibe.
- Examples from the menu: Wood-fired pizzas with various toppings, squid with tartare sauce, deep-fried brie, penne arrabbiata, tagliatelle con pollo
- Address: 236-238 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Blackburn
- Telephone: 01254 236618
- Website: https://francos.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 5 pm to 9 pm Wednesday and Thursday, 5 pm to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, and 4 pm to 9 pm on Sunday
Turtle Bay Blackburn
Fans of Caribbean food should try the Blackburn outlet of the Turtle Bay chain restaurant. If you have never tried Caribbean food before, it is a fantastic place to gain your first experience. The Caribbean experience extends beyond the food, as the restaurants have a funky Caribbean style, and they serve fun cocktails and mocktails. Diners can eat in the dining room or the outdoor seating area. It is also worth noting that Turtle Bay’s menu has plenty of options for vegetarians.
- Examples from the menu: Goat curry, brown chicken, rum BBQ ribs, sweetcorn fritters
- Address: Premier Inn Hotel, One Cathedral Square, 3 Cathedral Quarter, Blackburn, BB1 1FB
- Telephone: 01254 265222
- Website: https://turtlebay.co.uk/menu/blackburn
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 12 noon to 10 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 am to midnight on Friday, 10 am to midnight on Saturday, and 11 am to 10 pm on Sunday
Great Village: One of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Blackburn
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Blackburn overall is Great Village, a family-run Cantonese restaurant. When the new owners took over in 2021, they gave the restaurant a full facelift and modernised the menu. There is a good selection of traditional Cantonese dishes on the menu, along with some options from other Chinese regions. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of dishes suitable for them, and there is a separate children’s menu. Great Village also stands out from other Blackburn Chinese restaurants because of its excellent selection of milkshakes and desserts.
- Examples from the menu: Dim sum, curries, satay chicken skewers, roast duck with ginger & spring onions, beef in kung po sauce
- Address: 2 Pinewood, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 5AD
- Telephone: 01254 208633
- Website: https://www.thegreatvillage.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 5 pm to 10 pm Wednesday to Sunday
La Morocaine
La Moracaine is a hidden jewel that you could easily miss if you did not know it was there. Despite the seemingly uninviting exterior of the venue, the interior takes you straight to Morocco. The family-run establishment serves authentic Moroccan cuisine, with options for vegetarians and a separate children’s menu.
- Examples from the menu: Koftas, chicken tagine, waffles
- Address: 76 Walter Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 1SX
- Telephone: 07946804556
- Website: https://instagram.com/la_marocaine_blackburn?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Opening hours: Closed on Sunday and Monday, open from 12 noon to 8 pm Tuesday to Friday and 1 pm to 8p on Saturday.
Lahori Tawa and Grill Restaurant: One of the Best Indian Restaurants in Blackburn Overall
Lahori Tawa and Grill Restaurant is one of the best Indian restaurants in Blackburn and one of the best restaurants in Blackburn overall due to the consistently high ratings, yet visitors to the city are often unaware that the venue even exists. The locals describe it as a hidden gem that serves delicious, authentic curries. They also say that the service is always excellent.
- Examples from the menu: Authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine
- Address: 459 Whalley New Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 9SP
- Telephone: 01254 490647
- Website: http://lahoritawaandgrill.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Open from 3 pm to 11 pm, seven days a week
Toro’s Steakhouse Blackburn: One of the Best Restaurants in Blackburn for a Steak
For some people, including us, there is nothing like a steakhouse for a great meal out. The best option in the city is Toro’s Steakhouse, which is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Blackburn. It offers a menu of steak dishes, along with chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. The burgers are also a popular choice. It is important to note that Toro’s Steakhouse is a cash-only restaurant.
- Examples from the menu: Standard steak varieties, short ribs, burgers, chicken wings, prawn sizzler
- Address: 108 Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1AA
- Telephone: 01254 940940
- Website: https://www.torosuk.com/
- Opening hours: 5 pm to 10.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 11 pm on Friday, 4 pm to 11 pm on Saturday, and 4 pm to 10.30 pm on Sunday
Holy Cannoli: The Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Blackburn, Lancashire
Holy Cannoli is the best vegan restaurant in Blackburn. It is a café and bakery that opened in 2021. Not only is the menu fully vegan, but the owners also use sustainable ingredients and only use products in compostable packaging.
- Examples from the menu: Light meals with an Italian flare, pastries, cakes, and cookies
- Address: 7 Palatine Buildings, Great Harwood, Blackburn, BB6 7HG
- Telephone: 01254 882203
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Friday and from 9 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday
The Clog & Billycock
Those who enjoy a gastropub dining experience should consider a meal at The Clog & Billycock. It has the warm and welcoming feel of a country pub and a menu of hearty dishes to match the surroundings. The dishes use locally sourced ingredients where possible. On warmer days, diners can eat in the elegant beer garden.
- Examples from the menu: Fish pie, game suet pudding, roast pheasant salad, braised shoulder of lamb
- Address: Billinage End Road, Blackburn, BB2 6QB
- Telephone: 01254 201163
- Website: https://www.clogandbillycock.co.uk/
- Opening hours: 12 noon to 11 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 10.30 pm on Sundays
Spread Eagle Blackburn
You will find Spread Eagle Blackburn just outside the city in the picturesque village of Mellor. It is part of the Chef & Brewer pub restaurant chain. If the weather is warm, sit outside for a drink or to enjoy your meal, as there are views across the Ribble Valley. It is one of the top places to take a drive out and enjoy a Sunday roast.
- Examples from the menu: Mixed grill, steaks, chicken & ham hock pie, battered cod, sea bass with seared scallops
- Address: Mellor Lane, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7EG
- Telephone: 01254 813528
- Website: https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/lancashire/spread-eagle/
- Opening hours: 11 am to 10.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 11 pm on Friday, 9.30 am to 11 pm on Saturday, and 9.30 am to 10.30 pm on Sunday
You should also read our article about the best things to do in Blackburn.
Do you agree with our choices of the best restaurants in Blackburn? Let us know your thoughts or suggestions in the comments below.