Piccalilli Nottingham

First visit to this restaurant and what an enjoyable evening we had. A small plates menu provided a really interesting tasting experience, starting with the soda bread- very good, and ending a a cheese and homemade malt loaf everyone on the table wanted. Staff were very good, keeping things moving nicely but leaving us to enjoy the meal. We had a snack, 3 plates and a pudding per person.

Intimate and cosy restaurant, perfect for our valentines meal. Service was brilliant, all staff very friendly and food and drinks were served promptly. The food was excellent, it was nice to try things we wouldn’t usually order and we were pleasantly surprised with the quality. We will definitely be returning!

Piccalilli sits quietly within a narrow lane in city centre, its interior defined by exposed brick, timber beams and a softened industrial aesthetic. Dried flowers and greenery add warmth, while low evening lighting gives the space a calm, understated feel. It is a room designed for slow, relaxed dining rather than drama. That restraint carries through to the food. The menu is built around seasonal, local produce, drawing on British cooking with subtle European influences. Dishes are served as small plates, moving from snacks to vegetables, meat and fish, encouraging sharing and a measured progression through the meal. At its best, the cooking is thoughtful and controlled. Devilled eggs, paprika mayonnaise & anchovies A familiar idea, executed with clarity. Smoky paprika and anchovies bring savoury depth, while the yolk remains smooth and rich. Simple, direct and effective. Treacle baked ham & Piccalilli The ham is lean, with a mild meat flavour that is quickly overtaken by salt. Although the piccalilli has a well judged sweet and sour balance, it too leans salty, and together the seasoning becomes heavy. Diced carrot and cauliflower add crunch, but their firmness contrasts awkwardly with the softness of the room temperature ham, leaving the dish feeling disjointed. Roast wild mushrooms, Jerusalem artichokes, coddled egg & tarragon Mushroom flavour is subtle, with the focus placed on a smooth mushroom emulsion that sits between gel and cream. The mushrooms themselves are lightly caramelised and soft, adding warmth. Jerusalem artichoke brings crisp sweetness, though the similar softness of the emulsion and egg yolk makes the finish slightly repetitive. Clean and restrained overall. Ratte potatoes, shallots, buttermilk, dill & mustard seeds One of the strongest plates of the evening. Lightly crisp outside, soft and silky within. Mustard seeds add earthy bite, dill brings freshness, and gentle buttermilk acidity keeps everything balanced and lively. Scallops, parsley velouté & fried soda bread Lightly seared, tender and juicy, with clear natural sweetness. The accompaniments are kept in check, allowing the scallops to remain the focus. Calm and precise. House soda bread, salted Jersey butter Dense but moist, with a pronounced alkaline note. The Jersey butter, served at room temperature, is soft and rich, pairing naturally with the bread’s weight. Halibut, Cornish potatoes, samphire & hollandaise The halibut is slightly overcooked, resulting in a drier texture and muted flavour. Seasoning is assertive, masking the fish’s natural sweetness. Crisp skin adds contrast, but the dish struggles to find balance. Roast venison, beetroot, pickled blackberries & juniper The venison is firm but not tough, with a concentrated flavour and a light metallic note typical of game. A deep red wine sauce grounds the dish, while pickled blackberries add brightness. The beetroot, roasted until sweet and caramelised, is particularly strong and occasionally close to dominating. Slightly past ideal doneness, but still a solid plate. Overall, Piccalilli shows a clear respect for ingredients and restraint. Its vegetable dishes are the most assured, while heavier seasoning occasionally disrupts balance.

We went for Sunday lunch and the whole experience was fabulous. The staff were young but excellent and it was a really welcoming visit. Starters were high quality and generous for the price & the lunches were superb. More than enough for us all & incredibly tasty. We had a glass of red & white wine to accompany and both were excellent. Would definitely visit again

Absolutely phenomenal. We had the most incredible evening. Every single dish we chose was created and plated to perfection. We loved the atmosphere in here too, it’s a small plate Michelin guide restaurant, but doesn’t feel pretentious at all. I can believe it’s taken me so long to visit. I’ll most definitely be returning again

I recently dined at a restaurant in Nottingham featured in the Michelin Guide, and naturally, my expectations were quite high. Being listed in the guide usually suggests a certain level of culinary distinction and overall excellence. I really want to know the Michelin standard between UK and Hong Kong. The restaurant itself was pleasant — the interior was clean and tastefully designed, and the service was polite. However, when it came to the food, the experience felt somewhat underwhelming. The appetizer was properly presented, but the flavors lacked depth and complexity. The main course was competently executed, with proper cooking technique, yet the seasoning felt conservative and failed to highlight the ingredients in a memorable way. Perhaps the sense of disappointment stems partly from heightened expectations. The meal was by no means bad — it was decent and adequately prepared — but it did not quite deliver the level of surprise or refinement one might anticipate from a Michelin-recommended establishment. Overall, it was a satisfactory dining experience, though not particularly memorable. With adjusted expectations, it may be more enjoyable, but compared to other options in a similar price range, it might not be your first choice.

Gorgeous restaurant with helpful and attentive staff. Food was faultless and there was a really good variety when it came to drinks too. Stand out dish was the cod - absolutely stunning dish. One of the best meals I’ve ever had in Notts and I will definitely be back!

I was looking for an independent restaurant for pre theatre lunch to celebrate a friends birthday. Piccalilli did not disappoint. We were met with a smile. Service was attentive with all questions answered and appropriate advice given. The food was delicious, the restaurant was quiet but to be expected for a 12 noon booking on a Wednesday. The brown butter Madeline's were divine and a lovely end to our meal. I'll definitely be recommending the restaurant to friends and family and will be returning.