‘I’m hungry for something decadent!’: readers on 11 restaurants they have missed most

‘Mimi E Coco’s fries are to die for!’

There is an Italian restaurant in Cheam, Surrey, called Mimi E Coco. It’s not fancy, but it’s not quite a 90s trattoria; there’s no sweet trolley, but they do like to brown off the creme brulee in front of you. Any night of the week you will see regulars and it’s perfect for family celebrations, a romantic meal or just pasta and a bottle of red when the trains have been delayed on the homeward commute. The food is consistent, no fancy tricks and always a good portion. I’ll be ordering the gambas alla Coco: massive butterflied prawns swimming in butter sauce, served up with a rice bombe. I will also order a portion of fries, which are to die for. A soft creamy burrata to start, a slice of cassata to finish and a bottle of nero d’avola. Anne-Marie Warwick, accountant, Surrey

‘Indian Tiffin Room’s gobi manchurian is possibly the best thing I’ve ever eaten’

I cannot wait to return to Indian Tiffin Room in Manchester. The dish I will order is the gobi manchurian (wok-fried cauliflower); it is quite possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I love how friendly and approachable the restaurant staff are, the atmosphere is great, and they are always very accommodating of me and my guide dog. They make us feel welcome. Lora Fachie, paralympic champion cyclist, Altrincham

‘I’m salivating at the thought of Bombay to Mumbai’s tandoori prawns’

Bombay to Mumbai is a treasure in the suburbs of Stockport. The restaurant has an enticing range of street food dishes; we have visited on many occasions and celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary there. I am salivating at the thought of returning and ordering their jhinga koliwada (piquant tandoori prawns) followed by their spicy lamb staff curry with bharli vangi (baby aubergines in peppery peanut sauce). And roti – I’m greedy! Karen Knowles, retired, Stockport

‘It’s everything I deserve after lockdown beans on toast!’

I’m counting the days to return to The Gate (various London locations) for their wild mushroom risotto cake. I spend ages poring over their varied menu on every visit, but I inevitably choose this standout dish for my main. Fresh, flavourful and decadent – everything I deserve after lockdown beans on toast. Suki Gohel, programme coordinator, London

‘I miss the Clock’s fish and chips’

I miss the Clock Cafe in Scarborough – I miss eating their fish and chips, but most of all I miss the ritual of getting there. You have to walk – you can’t get there by car – down the cliff, past the seafront and up to the cafe. You can smell the sea on the breeze and hear the gulls cry. Once you arrive, the panorama is spectacular. You can sit and dream, chat with friends, or pretend it’s 1880 and you are wearing your new straw boater. It’s fabulous and I miss it. Anonymous, Scarborough

‘When we were last in Glasgow, we ate at the Eusebi Deli twice it was so good’

Lockdown has meant that we haven’t been able to make our planned return trip to Scotland. When we were last there, we found the best restaurant: Eusebi Deli in Glasgow. On our last trip, we ate there twice it was so good. The people are fantastic and the food is awesome. We will be ordering Yesterday’s Lasagne and the nduja ravioli. Nicole Broadhurst, community coordinator, Penzance

‘Joplins’ decor hasn’t changed in 35 years – nor the menu’

When we were first house-hunting in Great Ayton, we ate at Joplins fish restaurant – I remember my starter was dressed Whitby crab. Thirty-five years later, the restaurant is still owned by the same couple, the decor remains unchanged and I’m sure the menu is the same, too. Dressed crab is the kind of dish it is almost impossible to make at home and its simplicity and flavour delight me every time we eat here. Looking forward to going back. Iain Noble, retired, Yorkshire

‘Crocus’s hangover-busting breakfast has made many Sundays bearable’

Crocus Cafe in Lenton, Nottingham, is a small community place with a really cosy atmosphere, serving incredible small plates on a theme during weekend evenings. Our favourite is Middle Eastern: think smoky aubergines, lentil pilafs and rich tomato sauces. It’s imaginative vegan cooking and the staff and volunteers are lovely. They also serve a huge, hangover-busting breakfast, which has made many a Sunday bearable. I can’t wait to eat food we haven’t cooked, and to eat with friends in a lively little cafe seems like a dreamy way to spend an evening. Sarah-Joe Taylor, management information system consultant, Nottingham

‘Pasta Loca’s carbonara is out of this world’

In January 2020, my husband and I tried Pasta Loca in Bristol. There was a three-month wait for a table and I remember thinking there was no way it could be worth it. Their carbonara was out of this world, with lard-wrapped poached egg and pork belly. In the taxi home, I made another reservation for August but, due to the pandemic, this was cancelled. I’ve since become a vegetarian, and Pasta Loca’s carbonara is the only dish that makes me question that decision. I will be rebooking as soon as we are able and tucking into one of their fab veg-friendly pasta dishes. Carrie, Bristol

‘The Oven does a mean tiramisu’

Award-winning pizzeria The Oven in Bath will transport you to the streets of Rome or Sicily with their totally delicious, slightly charred, pillowy pizzas made from beautiful ingredients. You can sit at a counter overlooking the tiny central kitchen and watch the team stretching dough, spreading toppings and shovelling pizzas in and out of the wood oven. They also do a mean tiramisu if you have the space. Anna O’Callaghan, theatre marketing manager, Bradford-on-Avon

‘Everything on Arnero’s menu is superb’

At Arnero, an Indian in the centre of Manchester, I always order the achari prawns and the salmon tulsi mirch (go for a large, not the side dish), with a mango lassi – but everything on the menu is superb, and the owner is so attentive. My husband and I adore this place and miss it terribly. Kristen Hamilton-McGregor, carer, Nantwich