It’s definitely safe to say that the food scene in North East Lincolnshire has had some fantastic fresh additions within the last couple of years, undergoing somewhat of a transformation.
From city-style fine dining and bistro-style pub food to exotic cuisine from other parts of the world, there is a wide range of eateries in the area to suit an array of tastes and preferences.
I was lucky enough to eat out at a variety of spots in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and beyond throughout 2024 to review – and I’ve compiled together a list of some of my favourites that I’ll definitely be visiting again in 2025.
Five restaurants in North East Lincolnshire to try in 2025
Nasturtium, Cleethorpes
This year, chef Jack Phillips and his team relocated from their first premises on Abbeygate – which opened in 2022 – to Kingsway in Cleethorpes. Being a massive fan of the food there, I visited both for breakfast in the summer, and to try the delicious new lunch menu a few weeks back. Needless to say, I was very impressed.
My review reads: “I ordered the smoked mackerel chowder with herb oil and sourdough bread for my starter, and my partner went for the mushroom gyoza with wild mushroom and ponzu broth – but we decided to share both of them between us. In true Nasturtium fashion, the dishes were, as always, presented immaculately, resembling culinary works of art.
“The taste of the chowder was just mouth-watering, and fully celebrated the rich and vibrant flavour of the mackerel. Mopping up the thick sauce with the sourdough bread just made it the perfect winter warmer dish, and I’m still craving it now.
The Smoked Mackerel Chowder starter
(Image: Nasturtium)
“The mushroom gyoza dish was equally as delicious, with the citrus flavour of the ponzu combined with rich and salty soy sauce acting as the perfect dip for the gyozas.
“For our main courses, I chose the braised lamb ragu with parpardelle pasta and chive oil and my partner ordered the squash tortellini with lemon pesto, tenderstem broccoli, amaretti crumb and squash puree.
The Squash Tortellini main dish
(Image: Nasturtium)
“The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender and moreish, and the pasta was cooked to the perfect consistency. As for the squash tortellini, this was one of my favourite vegetarian dishes I’ve had in a long time.
“If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to eat that resembles a fine dining restaurant in a big city – but without the hefty price tag and “pretentious” feeling inside – then Nasturtium is the spot for you.”
To read the full review, click here.
The Ship Inn, Barnoldby-le-Beck
I visited longstanding pub and restaurant The Ship Inn in Barnoldby-le-Beck in the summer to try its revamped menu, and I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is that of a cosy but high-end English country pub, and all options on the menu sounded delicious.
My review reads: “We fancied the Mushroom Stroganoff (£15), which was described on the menu as mushrooms in a creamy mustard sauce with mash and vegetables. I’ve always been a massive fan of stroganoff, with and without meat, so I was pleased to see this on the menu.
“The dishes were served within about 15 minutes, and before I even started eating mine, I knew I’d love it because of how well it was presented. Everything on there looked delicious, and the portions were very generous which was a bonus.
The Mushroom Stroganoff at The Ship Inn
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“The button mushrooms were drenched in the stroganoff sauce, which was just out of this world. It was creamy and peppery with that unique ‘kick’ you can only get from mustard, all at the same time, and seasoned to perfection. It was definitely up there with some of the best stroganoff I’ve ever had – and it’s one of my favourite meals, so I’ve had quite a few!
“I’ll definitely be coming to The Ship Inn again. It’s clear to see that the quality of food has drastically improved, and I’m keen to try some of the other choices on the menu. Whether it’s for a date night, special occasion or just a quick bite to eat while passing through Barnoldby-le-Beck – it’s a lovely place to eat, with an atmosphere to match.”
To read the full review, click here.
Desi Kitchen & Grill, Immingham
I visited Desi Kitchen & Grill in Immingham for the first time earlier this year, and have been back a few times since. It’s without a doubt my favourite Indian restaurant in the area, and staff are some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered.
My review reads: “For starters, we both went for the Onion Bhaji, which came as four onion bhajis on a small plate with a side salad and a generous scattering of coriander on top. I have found with other Indian meals that onion bhajis can often be a bit on the oily side, but these were absolutely perfect – not too dry and not too oily, and they tasted absolutely divine.
“For my main, I went for the Chicken Tikka Pasanda – described on the menu as being cooked with fresh cream, almonds and coconut – with boiled rice on the side and a cheese naan bread. My partner opted for the Korai Mixed Grill, which incorporated chicken tikka, lamb tikka, tandoori chicken, sheek kebab, onions, green peppers and fresh garlic.
The Korai Mixed Grill at Desi Kitchen & Grill
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“I always aim to be as honest as possible in my reviews, and I can’t fault either of these dishes at all. Both were absolutely delicious. The creaminess of the Pasanda sauce was perfectly complemented by the tender chicken, and each component of the Mixed Grill was packed full of flavour and spice, which for us, wasn’t too overpowering and was just right.
“The meal at Desi Kitchen & Grill in Immingham was without a doubt the best Indian food I’ve eaten in a long time. The restaurant itself was lovely inside and the waiter couldn’t have done enough for us – it was true service with a smile from beginning to end.”
To read the full review, click here.
BARE Street Kitchen, Grimsby
This one-of-a-kind restaurant in Abbeygate opened earlier this year and offers a fusion of Asian and Latin American cuisine in the form of delicious tacos and bao buns. From the start of 2025, owners Natalie and Dale will begin a themed cuisine week for one week per month, with a Japanese week planned for February.
My review reads: “The first thing I noticed about the food menu was the creativity of the name of each dish, and the huge variety of options available. I’d recommend choosing four to six options to share between two people, and maybe a couple more if you’re absolutely ravenous.
“We went for ‘No You’re Wrong Colonel Sanders!’ which was described on the menu as Korean style double fried chicken, roast chilli and honey jam, pickled red onions and soy BBQ sauce and ‘Red Belly, Yellow Belly’, which was described as Hong Kong sticky red belly pork, chillis, toasted peanuts and sour mustard greens.
The food was delicious
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“When you order, you’re given the option of each filling being served in either a bao bun, soft flour tortilla or taco. For these two, we chose the bao buns – which I’d absolutely recommend if you order these.
“We also went for ‘Moqueca Mo’ Problems’ (chilli and lime marinated King prawns, coriander and coconut pesto with crispy onions and roast tomato jam) and ‘Can’t Get No Satay-sfaction’ (Satay style tofu burnt ends, peanut sauce, toasted peanuts, caramelised onions and house pickles). We chose the soft flour tortilla for these two.
“The food arrived quickly, and we dug in. Each dish was packed full of flavour, from the spicy kick of the belly pork and smokiness of the double fried chicken to the more subtle taste of the King prawns and Satay style tofu. Trying the food for the first time just reaffirmed for me how much work has gone into the restaurant – each dish had so many different elements, flavours and textures and it was clear that so much planning went into coming up with them, even down to the names.
“My favourites were definitely ‘No You’re Wrong Colonel Sanders!’ and ‘Red Belly, Yellow Belly’, with the latter probably taking the top spot of them all. I could have eaten about ten of them.”
To read the full review, click here.
The Kingsway, Cleethorpes
Taking pride of place on Cleethorpes seafront for many years, The Kingsway is probably one of the more luxurious options when it comes to restaurants in the area. I visited in May after learning about the reasonably priced weekly set menu, and absolutely loved it.
My review reads: “We both went for the Prawn Cocktail to start, followed by the Flat Iron Steak Frites with peppercorn sauce and grilled flat mushrooms on the side for my main.
“My partner went for the Kingsway Burger, which was described on the menu as an open burger in the French ‘hache’ style, topped with caramelised onions, fried egg, French fries and Bearnaise sauce.
The Prawn Cocktail starter
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“Our starters arrived within about five minutes, and were delicious. A generous helping of prawns in a thick Marie Rose sauce was served on a bed of iceberg lettuce, with slices of cucumber and cherry tomatoes, accompanied by a lemon wedge. Both of us do love a good Prawn Cocktail as a starter choice, and we couldn’t fault this one at all. It was presented beautifully, and the crispy French toast was perfect for mopping up the sauce. Yum.
“Our mains were served promptly, and both looked absolutely immaculate. I do think the way dishes are presented makes such a huge difference to the overall experience – and this is something The Kingsway has got down to a T.
“The steak was thick and juicy – albeit a little bit too well-done for my liking – but I still polished off the lot. The peppercorn sauce was rich and bold in flavour with a lovely, spicy kick, and the fries and mushrooms were the perfect sides for dipping.
The Steak Frites main
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“A lot of fancy restaurants can be guilty of serving ultra small portions, especially when it’s a dish from the set menu, but I don’t think this is the case at The Kingsway at all. In fact, I was really impressed with the portion sizes, and thought you got loads for your money.
“I was completely stuffed after finishing my main, but somehow I found room to squeeze in a dessert – The Kingsway Creme Brulée with a toasted tuille and seasonal fruits. Creme Brulée is my absolute favourite dessert, and this may just be the best one I’ve ever had.”
To read the full review, click here.