Cheltenham leads South West with three top Indian restaurant rankings

Cheltenham secured the largest share of regional recognition in the 2026 British Indian Good Food Guide, with three of its restaurants appearing in the top 100 rankings. Prithvi, The Mahal, and Bhoomi Kitchen all received listings, making the Gloucestershire town the most represented location in the South West for this annual assessment.

The guide evaluates Indian restaurants based on cooking, flavor, consistency, hospitality, and the overall dining experience. Nine establishments in the South West made the cut. Bristol claimed three spots, Bath took two, and Bishop's Cleeve in Gloucestershire secured one.

Prithvi was voted the regional champion for the year. The Cheltenham venue is described as merging contemporary Indian dining with fine dining elements. The guide notes that the restaurant uses an intimate setting to handle spice with restraint, aiming to build warmth and aroma while keeping seasonal produce clearly expressed.

Two other new entries in Cheltenham joined Prithvi on the list. The Mahal, a name that translates to palace, was recognized for its sophisticated surroundings and hospitality. The guide states that its refined cooking and elegant atmosphere give it a distinctive identity within the local dining scene. Bhoomi Kitchen also made the list as a new entry, drawing on Kerala traditions to bring flavors from the South West coast to the city.

Bristol’s three listed venues reflect a mix of styles and locations. Urban Tandoor, which operates sites in the city center and Clifton, was selected for its lively and contemporary approach to Indian dining. The guide describes the restaurant as informal and characterful. Nutmeg, located on St Augustine’s Parade, returned to the list after being featured last year. It is recognized for a diverse menu that includes tandoor-cooked meats, seafood, curries, and biryanis, using regional spices to differentiate dishes.

Bombil, found on East Street in South Bristol, is one of 27 new entries added for the 2027 guide. The restaurant focuses on street food and small plates, bringing an energy described as Bombay-inspired. The guide notes that Bombay-style snacks are served alongside substantial dishes from western and central Indian traditions, with spice, texture, and acidity providing character throughout the meal.

Bath’s listings include The Mint Room and Sarthi. The Mint Room was noted for combining regional flavors with a modern, refined approach. The guide describes the restaurant as polished yet approachable, offering a confident expression of modern Indian dining. Sarthi provides an entirely vegetarian and vegan menu featuring South Indian and Gujarati dishes. The listing states that the restaurant gives meat-free Indian cooking a clear and distinctive identity by presenting traditional recipes in a contemporary setting.

Jai Ho in Bishop’s Cleeve is another new addition to the 2027 list. The venue offers an informal menu centered on sharing and charcoal cooking. The guide describes Jai Ho as relaxed in style but confident in its cooking, combining Bombay-inspired flavors with live-fire technique in a contemporary Gloucestershire neighborhood setting.