Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Northampton/Northamptonshire

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Northampton/Northamptonshire? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ember

4.9

4.9 (843)

£26 to £40

British

Wellingborough

About the restaurant

TASTING MENU UP THE CHEF’S TABLE (HIGH STOOL)

SAT ON SUMPTUOUS BAR STOOLS UP ON THE CHEFS COUNTER, YOU WILL GET TO SEE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF OUR FULL MENUS AS OUR TEAM OF CHEF’S CREATE YOUR DISH RIGHT IN-FRONT OF YOUR EYES. THE CHEF’S TABLE SEATS 12 MAX, AND OUR BIGGEST PARTY IS 4 PEOPLE, THIS IS A 7 COURSE TASTING MENU ONLY.

SMALL PLATE DINING

FOR THOSE WANTING MORE PRIVACY, WE HAVE A SUITE OF DINING TABLES ON THE MAIN FLOOR, WITH EACH TABLE IN EYESHOT OF THE KITCHEN. THIS IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE BECAUSE YOU CAN STILL SEE ALL THE ACTION AND FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SOUNDS AND SMELLS OF THE KITCHEN.

Top review

Judy

Dined 4 days ago

Just marvellous. Open fire cooking. Inventive dishes. Excellent people. We usually order almost everything on the menu and share - it's such a brilliant way of dining. I've been many times and hope to go many more times.

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Experience

SMALL PLATES DINING

Experience

TASTING MENU (MAIN FLOOR) £70pp

Experience

TASTING MENU UP THE CHEF'S TABLE £70pp

Staci's

4.9

4.9 (163)

£41 and over

Italian

Kettering

About the restaurant

A little taste of Italy. A whole lot of heart.

Staci’s began as a dream shared over dinner. A family vision brought to life in the heart
of Rothwell - not with grand plans, but with a simple promise: to serve honest, beautiful
Italian food, in a place where everyone feels at home.

Our menu celebrates the best of the seasons, using fresh local produce alongside hand
picked Italian imports to create bold, vibrant dishes you’ll want to come back for.

We work closely with local producers to bring in the best seasonal ingredients, paired
with specialist imports from trusted Italian suppliers - the kind that make a difference
with every bite. It’s food that’s rooted in tradition, but never stuck in the past.

Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a working lunch, or a big family celebration,
the atmosphere always hits the right note - lively, welcoming, and full of heart

Top review

Dined 4 days ago

A thoroughly enjoyable evening at Staci's Restaurant Rothwell to celebrate my birthday Greeting professional andvl welcoming... Menu choice excellent, service 2nd to none and food quality 1st class... Just keep doing what you are doing *****

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Popular dish

Lasagne

The Thornhill arms

4.8

4.8 (34)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Kettering

About the restaurant

The Thornhill Arms is a premium gastro pub offering elevated British dining in a relaxed, countryside setting.
Rooted in classic pub tradition but driven by modern culinary ambition, it delivers restaurant-quality food without formality, where every detail is considered and every visit feels special.
The kitchen champions seasonal, locally sourced produce, transforming familiar British dishes into refined, beautifully presented plates that balance comfort with creativity. Menus evolve with the seasons, showcasing craftsmanship, flavour, and a clear respect for ingredients.
At the bar, guests can enjoy immaculately kept cask ales, premium draught beers, and a thoughtfully curated wine list, selected to complement the food as much as to stand on its own. Knowledgeable service ensures pairings and recommendations feel natural, never intimidating.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 5 days ago

Such a nice setting. Everything was just great for my birthday. I even received a birthday card from The New Thornhill Arms. The banana cheesecake is to die for.

Red Lion

4.7

4.7 (1425)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Kettering

About the restaurant

The Greedy Gordons Pub Company welcomes you to The Red Lion, Cranford. Managed by Ashley Headland, Ashley leads a skilled team committed to consistency, service and a warm welcome.
Situated in the heart of Cranford, near Kettering, the pub has been a village mainstay since the 1700s. Head Chefs James and Vince bring years of experience and a real passion for bringing people together over great food and drink.
We’re proud to be eco-local — sourcing locally, recycling and upcycling where possible, and diverting kitchen waste for biofuel to reduce our carbon footprint. Everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs.
#EcoLocalRedLion

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 1 day ago

Couldn't fault anything! Staff knowledgeable about the whole menu, extremely helpful and the food was awesome!

The Snooty Fox Lowick

4.7

4.7 (799)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Kettering

About the restaurant

The Snooty Fox is a pub with a difference — Northamptonshire’s finest freehouse. There’s so much to sample you’ll want to come back again and again, and you’ll always receive a warm Snooty Fox welcome when you do.
Housed in a truly charming building in the heart of Lowick, the pub sits at the centre of a village with wonderful community spirit.
Greedy Gordons were thrilled to take over The Snooty Fox in 2020, and since then we’ve created an unusual, quirky venue with food and drink to match — honest cooking, interesting drinks and a friendly atmosphere.
We’re proud to be Northamptonshire’s answer to seafood, steak and lobster — fresh, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, expertly cooked steaks and indulgent lobster dishes, all prepared with flair and care.

Top review

irene

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent, one of my favourite restaurants in the Northants area!

Amarone Italian Restaurant - Towcester

4.7

4.7 (269)

£25 and under

Italian

Towcester

About the restaurant

AMARONE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Welcome to Amarone Italian Restaurant.

Amarone Restaurant is a modern Italian family run restaurant, serving traditional and authentic Italian flavours in Towcester.

Our goal is to offer you a warm welcoming experience, of exceptional quality, traditional snd authentic Italian dishes.

In our restaurant, in a friendly and family atmosphere we are looking forward to share with you all your upcoming memories. Whether you are visiting us for a romantic night out, large party or corporate event we guarantee that you will be looked after by our friendly and attentive staff.

Using only the finest ingredients the menu is inspired by dishes from every region of Italy whilst remaining harmoniously in tune with the seasons.

Top review

Justin

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding value for money in a romantic setting with delicious homemade food using quality produce. Polite staff and perfect ambiance for any occasion. I look forward to returning

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Experience

Set Lunch Menu

Cartel Brasserie & Grill

4.5

4.5 (279)

£26 to £40

Fusion / Eclectic

Northampton

About the restaurant

Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience at CARTEL, located in the heart of Northamptonshire. Immerse yourself in a world where tradition intertwines with innovation, creating a symphony of flavours that tantalize the senses. Discover a culinary haven split over two floors and an impressive garden, each offering a unique ambience. We invite you on a journey of gastronomic exploration, where every dish is meticulously crafted to celebrate global cuisines while honoring local ingredients. Our menu caters to every palate, including steak aficionados, pan-Asian enthusiasts, and vegetarians alike. Indulge in perfectly grilled steaks or savour slow-cooked meats that melt in your mouth. Enjoy an elegant and vibrant atmosphere at CARTEL, great live music, eclectic wines and handcrafted cocktails. We are committed to delivering an unforgettable dining experience with impeccable service. We offer Stunning Indoor Dining & Heated Outdoor Patios, as well as, Private Rooms.

Top review

Galina

Dined 4 days ago

Thank you so much! Everything was delicious and beautifully presented, and the staff were very friendly We had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed our visit. Highly recommended!

The Realm

4.4

4.4 (28)

£25 and under

Pan-Asian

Northampton

About the restaurant

The Realm is a lively new Pan-Asian restaurant and grill in the heart of Northampton with a car park located at the rear on the Wellingborough Road, bringing an elevated dining experience to Wellingborough Road. Defined by its energetic atmosphere and contemporary elegance, The Realm blends bold Asian flavours with modern culinary flair to create a destination that is as vibrant as it is refined.

Our menu showcases a dynamic fusion of Pan-Asian cuisine — from expertly crafted sushi and delicate small plates to premium grilled dishes prepared with precision and creativity. Every element is designed to deliver both visual theatre and exceptional taste, celebrating the diversity of Asian gastronomy.

With striking interiors, a buzzing ambience, and warm, attentive service, The Realm offers more than just a meal — it delivers an immersive social dining experience. The Realm stands as a bold new landmark for contemporary Asian dining in Northampton.

Top review

Zara

Dined 1 day ago

I had an amazing time celebrating my best friend’s birthday at The Realm. The staff were lovely, the service was super quick, and the food came out really fast too. The manager was an absolute gem, so sweet and accommodating, and she happily let us customise our food by making dishes spicier and adjusting the dumplings to our liking. The food was a solid 8/10, and the live DJ playing great music made the atmosphere even better. Overall, I had such a great time and will definitely be visiting again!

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Experience

Sunday Roast + Sunday Bento Box

70 One Restaurant&Lounge

4.2

4.2 (41)

£26 to £40

Indian

Northampton

About the restaurant

At 70 ONE we blend the rich traditions of South Asian culture with a Western contemporary dining experience creating a vibrant fusion. Situated along the riverside, our restaurant offers the perfect setting for unforgettable meals, whether you're celebrating with loved ones or indulging in an intimate evening out. A truly picturesque spot for all your social media photos.

Our carefully curated menu showcases the finest Asian-inspired dishes, infused with a modern flair to create flavours that excite and delight. Whether you are looking for meat on the grill or a traditional house special we have got you covered. To compliment the high quality food we have an array of refreshing mocktails to satisfy the senses.

Spread across two areas, a luxuriously furnished restaurant and our alfresco lounge with its retractable roof which offers an open air oasis for those sunny days and heated retreat winter evenings. Discover a fusion of flavours, ambience and hospitality like no other.

Top review

Duncan

Dined on Apr 4, 2026

Food is delicious and something for everyone. We booked a pod. Despite the weather being a bit wild it was quiet and warm inside and a great way to dine. Set your own music off and enjoy the meal with minimal interruption.

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Experience

Pods Area Booking

Opium Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (74)

£26 to £40

Fusion / Eclectic

Northampton

About the restaurant

Opium Offers Live Entertainment on most Fridays.

Opium Northampton offers an elevated dining experience showcasing innovative Indo‑fusion cuisine crafted with bold flavours and modern flair. Pair your meal with our expertly curated selection of signature cocktails, fine wines, champagnes, and refreshing mocktails, all designed to complement our unique dishes. where Indo-fusion flavours meet premium grill and steak selections. From vibrant plates of chilli-garlic chicken and lamb shish to gourmet burgers and succulent steaks, every dish is designed to spark conversation and delight the palate. With its luxe décor, global vibe and inventive drinks list, Opium delivers an upscale, yet welcoming experience for discerning diners.

Top review

Aneta

Dined 1 day ago

First visit to Opium for my birthday with friends — and honestly, we were absolutely blown away! Beautiful, stylish place with an amazing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaged, which made the whole evening feel extra special. The food was fantastically presented and absolutely delicious, and the drinks were just as impressive. Everything felt thoughtfully done and high quality. We had such a wonderful experience and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!

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