It's been a week of celebrating the finest Michelin rated food in Nottingham. Restaurant Sat Bains retained two stars and Alchemilla held on to the star it was first awarded in 2020.
Laid-back Japanese-inspired skewer house Kushi-ya was awarded a Bib Gourmand for quality food at a reasonable price. It's the only restaurant in Nottingham to have the honour alongside Iberico World Tapas.
But we also want to put the spotlight on the diversity of our city's amazing food scene, places which don't have a star, and are never really likely to. But just because the Michelin inspectors don't rate them it doesn't mean they're not brilliant places to dine.
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Let's take a look at some of our favourite spots that would win a Nottinghamshire Live star, if such a thing existed.
Sosu
Blink and you could miss the Japanese takeaway on the outskirts of Nottingham, which has just eight seats inside. Anyone who has ever visited has been blown away by the exquisite flavours... in fact a certain restaurateur, who visited twice in one week, said the quality left him speechless.
The ramen is stunning, the sushi is beautiful and fresh, and the gyozas some of the best you'll ever eat with a soft, slightly chewy but crispy wrapper and a satisfying filling of minced chicken.
A lunchtime bento costs just £8.50 and you'll be stuffed afterwards - it's unbeatable value for money and an absolute gem.
Location: 195 Carlton Road, Nottingham NG3 2FX
Big Melt
If ever there was a Michelin star for toasties, this is the one. What's not to love about warm, gooey cheese? The street food vendor can be found at events such as Ruddington's monthly market, the Garage in Chilwell and Trent Bridge cricket matches.
It's comfort food at its best. The freshly baked sourdough is filled with not one, not two, but three cheeses - Raclette, Red Leicester and vintage mature Cheddar. And that's just for starters. Additions of ham, caramelised onion or chilli jam make them even better.
The toasties have had the royal seal of approval from Princess Anne's daughter Zara, who bought one from the Big Melt's stand at horse trials and England international cricketer Jonny Bairstow was bowled over by a ham and cheese toastie during a Test match break.
With a gluten-free offering, and vegan-friendly cheese also available it's something everyone can enjoy. Look out for the black and yellow stall.
Location: Various
Vi-Va
London's Mayfair has an exceptional number of Michelin-starred Indian restaurants. Jamavar, Benares, and Gymkhana are all worthy winners.
But when it comes to flavour bombs, this little street food restaurant in Hockley is a dream. The tapas-style menu is different from the typical curry house offering.
The samosa chaat, chilli paneer rolls and bang bang cauliflower pack a punch. The authentic railway curry is a potato-based dish enjoyed by millions of Indian commuters, while the Goan fish curry has vibes of the exotic coastal area.
With 18 seats downstairs and 16 upstairs, it doesn't take a lot for the small venue to be buzzing and in summer you can sit outside.
Location: 6 Goose Gate, Hockley, Nottingham NG1 1FF
Yamas
If public support had anything to do with it this Mediterranean oasis in the centre of Nottingham would have all the stars in the world. The restaurant is loved by many for its succulent meaty Greek dishes accompanied by fresh salads and dips.
The authentic flavours, served in relaxed surroundings, bring back memories of holidays in the sun. Amazing, super-friendly, and gorgeous are some of the words used by those who have stepped through the door.
Tzatziki and hummus are a must, scooped up by pitta bread. As well as the usual Greek salad with olives, dakos is on the menu, a Cretan salad with barley rusks, tomatoes, capers and feta.
Whether you're a carnivore, pescatarian or vegetarian, there are plenty of dishes to keep you happy. Highlights include seabass with aioli, saltimbocca, pork wrapped in prosciutto with sage, and spanakopitta, a crispy filo pastry with feta and spinach.
Location: 5 Thurland Street, Nottingham NG1 3DR
Pieminister
Pie and gravy is unlikely to win a coveted Michelin star but we'd happily give one for some of the best comfort food served up in Nottingham at Pieminister.
Here you'll always find a proper pie, one encased in pastry, not just topped off with a puff pastry lid. Light, crisp golden casings are filled with delicious fillings from the classic beef to the slightly more off-piste goat's cheese, sweet potato and spinach.
Although there's a choice of sides, for me it has to be mash and peas - and of course lashings of rich, glossy gravy. Talking of which, the gravy fondue should be highly commended for making the underdog, the star of the show.
Served in quirky rustic surroundings by friendly staff, this is one plateful that really hits the spot and leaves you feeling deliciously full.
Location: 57 Long Row West, Nottingham NG1 6JB
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