The best restaurants in Wells, Somerset offer a harmonious blend of culinary expertise, a welcoming ambience, and a commitment to showcasing the finest local ingredients.

Over the last few weeks, I've visited and reviewed some of the best restaurants and pubs in Somerset, detailing the experiences in my free email newsletter, Somerset Dining Experiences.

In this article, I'm going to tell you about my recent experiences at two Wells restaurants:

• Root
• The Sheep & Penguin

For weekly Somerset restaurant reviews, subscribe to my free email newsletter, which has more than 1,200 local readers. I'm their eyes and ears on the ground, visiting a new restaurant every week.

Finding The Best Restaurants in Wells, Somerset: My 2 Recent Picks

Root in Wells, Somerset

I recently dined at Root, a modern restaurant in Wells, Somerset, known for its creative focus on vegetable-led sharing plates. It received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in March 2023, emphasizing its commitment to quality food at reasonable prices.

Root in Wells celebrates seasonal, local produce with a menu that highlights fresh vegetables alongside meats and fish from Somerset and the South West.

Here's a snapshot of my experience:

• The scallop with anchovy and caper butter was a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours.
• The dish with warm spices, lemon yogurt, and salsa macha provided a satisfying and flavourful experience.
• The mushrooms with peanut sauce offered earthy richness and a hint of nuttiness.

You can view Root's menu on their website. Reservations are recommended, even on weekdays.

Note that there's a £20 per person cancellation fee if you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation or don't show up.

For parking, Union Street Car Park near Sadler Street is a convenient option in Wells.

The Sheep & Penguin in Wells, Somerset

Stepping into The Sheep & Penguin, we were greeted by the lively atmosphere of a classic English pub, setting the stage for a delightful evening.

The menu showcases the pub's commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with dishes influenced by global flavours, each crafted with care and creativity.

I chose the marmalade and brown sugar glazed ham with hens' eggs, triple-cooked chips, and piccalilli.

My brother enjoyed the 8oz beef burger with smoked bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, mustard mayo, relish, and fries—a juicy delight.

For dessert, I opted for the apple and berry crumble with homemade vanilla ice cream, a perfect blend of warmth and creaminess.

The Sheep & Penguin offers a warm ambiance, attentive service, and an inspired menu, ideal for leisurely lunches or indulgent dinners in Wells.

You can view The Sheep & Penguin's menu here.

You can find some on-street parking on Tucker Street, or alternatively, the Prince Road Car Park is just a short walking distance from the pub.

Best Wells Restaurants: My Closing Thoughts

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants and pubs in Wells and the surrounding area. Where should I visit next?

Over the next few months, I'm looking to visit as many Somerset restaurants and pubs as possible - and I will detail the experiences in my free weekly email newsletter. But I need you to help steer me in the right direction.

If you've recently had an incredible experience at a Somerset restaurant or pub, please share your thoughts with me.

Reviewed by Adam Crookes