Dec 18, 2025
Preston's food scene has grown into something special over the past few years. From cosy cafés serving proper brunch to restaurants dishing up international flavours, there's plenty to explore. Whether you're a local looking for your next favourite spot or visiting for the day, this guide covers where to eat in Preston across different times and tastes.
Located on South Meadow Lane, The Continental brings European dining to Preston with a menu that changes seasonally. Their small plates work well for sharing, featuring dishes like pan-fried sea bass and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. The wine list focuses on independent vineyards, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and refined.
What to order: Try the charcuterie board paired with their house red.
Getting there: If you're planning a meal out and want to enjoy a drink or two, South Ribble Taxis can drop you off and pick you up safely from anywhere in the South Ribble area.
This restaurant on Lancaster Road has built a reputation for modern British cooking. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood taking centre stage. The interior mixes industrial touches with warm lighting, creating a comfortable setting for everything from date nights to family meals.
Price range: Mains typically run £15-£28.
Situated near the Charter Theatre, this spot works well for pre-show dining or casual evenings out. The menu covers classic grills, burgers, and vegetarian options. Sunday roasts here are particularly popular, with generous portions and all the trimmings.
For authentic Indian cuisine, Aroma on Church Street delivers. The restaurant serves traditional dishes alongside contemporary takes on classics. Their tandoori selection stands out, and the staff genuinely help guide you through the menu if you're unsure what to order.
Vegetarian options: The paneer dishes receive consistent praise.
Caribbean flavours arrive in Preston through Turtle Bay on Fishergate. Jerk chicken, curried goat, and plantain feature heavily on the menu. The cocktail list runs deep, with two-for-one offers during happy hour making it a popular after-work destination.
This Fishergate restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean food in a lively atmosphere. Mezze platters, souvlaki, and fresh fish dishes dominate the menu. The outdoor seating area fills up quickly during warmer months.
Tucked near the canal, this café offers a quieter alternative to the city centre bustle. Breakfast runs all day, featuring everything from full English plates to lighter options like smashed avocado on sourdough. The coffee comes from a local roastery, and the pastries are baked fresh daily.
Weekend tip: Arrive before 11am on Saturdays to avoid the brunch rush.
This independent café on Fylde Road specialises in Spanish and Portuguese treats. Custard tarts, churros, and proper espresso make it worth the visit. The space feels cosy, with just a handful of tables, so it's often a takeaway situation during peak times.
Found in the historic Miller Arcade, Exchange Coffee serves quality coffee alongside sandwiches, salads, and homemade cakes. The building itself adds character, with Victorian architecture surrounding you as you eat. It's become a go-to spot for freelancers and students who appreciate the free wifi and relaxed atmosphere.
Finding food late in Preston means knowing which spots stay open beyond typical restaurant hours.
This Friargate chippy stays open until midnight on weekends. Fish and chips here follow traditional methods, with hand-cut chips and beer-battered fish. The portions are generous, and locals rate it as one of the better fish and chip shops in the area.
Open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, this Turkish grill on Church Street serves kebabs, pides, and grilled meats. The late opening makes it a natural endpoint for nights out. Portions are filling, and prices remain reasonable even at those hours.
Another late-night option on Lancaster Road, Spicy Nights offers Indian and Pakistani dishes until 3am on weekends. Their naan breads come fresh from the tandoor, and the curry selection covers mild to properly spicy options.
Travel note: After a late meal in the city centre, getting home safely matters. South Ribble Taxis operates throughout the night, covering the entire South Ribble area with reliable pick-ups.
The covered market on Market Street has operated since 1875. Food stalls here sell everything from fresh produce to hot meals. Caribbean takeaways, pie stalls, and international food vendors set up throughout the week. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday see the most traders.
Budget eating: Market stalls generally offer better value than sit-down restaurants.
The outdoor Flag Market hosts various events throughout the year, including food festivals and street food gatherings. Check the Preston City Council website for upcoming dates. Past events have featured wood-fired pizza, Asian street food, and artisan bakers.
This steakhouse chain on Riversway has a children's menu that goes beyond the usual nuggets and chips. The riverside location provides views while you eat, and the staff accommodate families well. High chairs and changing facilities are available.
The Deepdale Retail Park location offers the full Peri-Peri chicken experience with ample parking. The casual setup works for families, and children's meals come with a side and drink included.
Earlier in the evening, before the bar atmosphere takes over, Turtle Bay welcomes families. The children's menu features smaller portions of main menu items, introducing kids to Caribbean flavours without overwhelming them.
When you need something fast during a busy day, these spots deliver.
This café on Friargate serves South Asian street food in a quick-service format. Samosas, pakoras, and wraps provide filling lunch options at reasonable prices. The mango lassi here is particularly good.
This Wetherspoon pub on Lune Street offers the chain's standard menu with breakfast served until noon. The building itself, a converted Victorian exchange hall, adds architectural interest. Prices stay consistently low, making it popular with students and budget-conscious diners.
Located in the city centre, Pret provides grab-and-go options for those short on time. Sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes rotate regularly, and their coffee subscription offers value for regular visitors.
Preston's food scene has expanded to include more plant-based choices.
This Church Street restaurant serves authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine with extensive vegetarian and vegan sections on the menu. Dishes like dal bhat and vegetable momos showcase the kitchen's understanding of plant-based cooking.
This Wetherspoon pub in a converted bank building offers the chain's vegetarian and vegan menu. While not specialist, the options cover breakfast through dinner and provide reliable, affordable choices.
A separate vegan menu runs alongside the main offerings, featuring curries, burgers, and Caribbean-inspired dishes without animal products.
Preston's dining spots spread across the city centre and into surrounding areas. While many restaurants cluster around Fishergate and Friargate, some of the best cafés and late-night spots require a short journey.
Walking works well for city centre venues, but venturing to places like Turtle Bay at Deepdale or The Lamb & Packet near the canal might need transport. South Ribble Taxis covers the entire South Ribble area, making it simple to reach any restaurant or café without worrying about parking or driving after drinks.
Here's how to make the most of eating out in Preston:
Preston's dining scene continues to develop, with new restaurants opening alongside established favourites. Whether you're after a proper sit-down meal, quick café lunch, or late-night bite, the options cover most tastes and budgets. The mix of independent venues and reliable chains means you'll find something suitable whatever the occasion.
Next time you're planning where to eat in Preston, try somewhere new. The city's food offering might surprise you, and discovering your next regular spot makes exploring worthwhile.
What are the best restaurants to eat in Preston city centre?
The Continental offers European small plates with seasonal menus, while Pig & Peel focuses on modern British cooking with locally sourced ingredients. Theatre Street Bar & Grill provides reliable pre-show dining near the Charter Theatre. For international options, Aroma serves authentic Indian cuisine and Turtle Bay brings Caribbean flavours to Fishergate.
Where can I find late-night food in Preston?
Istanbul Grill on Church Street opens until 4am on weekends, serving Turkish kebabs and grilled meats. Spicy Nights operates until 3am offering Indian and Pakistani dishes, while Shan's Fish & Chips on Friargate closes at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. These spots provide proper meals rather than just fast food after nights out.
Which Preston cafés serve the best breakfast and brunch?
The Lamb & Packet near the canal serves all-day breakfast in a relaxed setting away from city centre crowds. Exchange Coffee Company in Miller Arcade combines quality coffee with breakfast options in Victorian surroundings. Casa de Azúcar on Fylde Road specialises in Spanish and Portuguese pastries alongside excellent espresso for lighter morning options.
Are there good vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Preston?
Namaste Nepal on Church Street provides extensive vegetarian and vegan sections featuring authentic Nepalese dishes like dal bhat and vegetable momos. Turtle Bay offers a separate plant-based menu with Caribbean-inspired vegan dishes. The Twelve Tellers includes Wetherspoon's vegetarian and vegan options across breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable prices.
How do I get to restaurants outside Preston city centre?
Many quality dining spots sit beyond walking distance from the main centre. Public transport serves major areas, but taxis provide direct routes to any restaurant. Local taxi services cover the South Ribble area comprehensively, allowing you to enjoy drinks without driving concerns or navigate to harder-to-reach cafés and restaurants comfortably.
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