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Best Local Restaurant
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Fancett’s Bistro

Cambridgeshire, Cambridge - Modern European - Restaurant - £££

Excellent-value bistro on Cambridge's lively Mill Road

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

‘The equivalent of being wrapped in a big hug,’ writes an ardent fan, adding that 'we always walk in feeling happy, and come out feeling even happier!’ This warm-hearted spot has been flying the flag for ‘delicious feel-good’ bistro food since Dan Fancett opened the place in 2021, and it scores in departments: the menu is stuffed with extremely well-balanced and superbly executed dishes, while the superb front of house team exude good cheer and do a consistently great job. A set menu is tweaked daily and served in its simplest form at lunch (two choices per course), with a few more options for dinner. It fits the bistro vibe, though the repertoire strays deliciously beyond predictability – from a bowl of local asparagus soup with smoked chalk stream trout to hand-rolled cavatelli with Parmesan emulsion, spring vegetables and basil pistou. In the evening, the kitchen ups its ambition a notch or two, so you might find ceviche of sea bream with chilli ...

‘The equivalent of being wrapped in a big hug,’ writes an ardent fan, adding that 'we always walk in feeling happy, and come out feeling even happier!’ This warm-hearted spot has been flying the flag for ‘delicious feel-good’ bistro food since Dan Fancett opened the place in 2021, and it scores in departments: the menu is stuffed with extremely well-balanced and superbly executed dishes, while the superb front of house team exude good cheer and do a consistently great job.

A set menu is tweaked daily and served in its simplest form at lunch (two choices per course), with a few more options for dinner. It fits the bistro vibe, though the repertoire strays deliciously beyond predictability – from a bowl of local asparagus soup with smoked chalk stream trout to hand-rolled cavatelli with Parmesan emulsion, spring vegetables and basil pistou. In the evening, the kitchen ups its ambition a notch or two, so you might find ceviche of sea bream with chilli and blood orange followed by calf’s liver with pancetta or a thoroughly Gallic combo of French guinea fowl breast with young leeks, white asparagus (French, of course) and a morel/vin jaune sauce. Finish perhaps with dark chocolate and hazelnut tart with pistachio ice cream – we’re in bistro territory, remember – or a sublime panna cotta with ginger and rhubarb.

Restaurant manager Theo Armyras is an engaging enthusiast of all things drinkable and will steer you towards such delicious offerings as a Spanish rosado from Rioja’s family-owned Bodegas Perica (at £11.50 a glass). Selections by the 500ml carafe keep proceedings true to bistro-dom, although there's always plenty to explore – from minerally Chablis Premier Cru, Thomas Labille ‘Montmains’ 2020 to big hitters from Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.

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S Keynton

20 March 2025

We decided to wander along Mill Road, as we had not done this before, to find somewhere to go for lunch. We had heard about Fancett’s Bistro and when we looked at the menu we thought we would give it a try. It was only...
We decided to wander along Mill Road, as we had not done this before, to find somewhere to go for lunch. We had heard about Fancett’s Bistro and when we looked at the menu we thought we would give it a try. It was only just after 12 noon but we were lucky to get a table because every other table was booked.

There was a warm welcome and we ordered drinks and looked at the menu. From this short set menu we both ordered the same. We had Pork Rillete on sourdough toast with cornichons...
We decided to wander along Mill Road, as we had not done this before, to find somewhere to go for lunch. We had heard about Fancett’s Bistro and when we looked at the menu we thought we would give it a try. It was only just after 12 noon but we were lucky to get a table because every other table was booked.

There was a warm welcome and we ordered drinks and looked at the menu. From this short set menu we both ordered the same. We had Pork Rillete on sourdough toast with cornichons and mustard frills which was very good, crispy and well seasoned. To follow we both had the Double baked cave aged cheddar and Gruyère soufflé with melted leeks and flaked smoked haddock. The soufflé was risen well, soft and very tasty with the leeks and beautiful smoked haddock and buttery juices adding to a great tasting experience.

Dessert and cheese followed.One chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and one Delice de Bourgogne with truffle honey and crackers. We shared these between us. Both very good.

For drinks we had 1 Botivo and soda, 1 Carafe of Lavi Carricante plus 1 extra 175ml glass. and 2 coffees.
The set 3 course lunch was £36
Wine £32+£11.50 and coffee £5 each. Botivo £9
Total bill £134.50 including service.

We really enjoyed our lunch and we will definitely go back. It was good to find somewhere new that we had not been before. We did not realise it was in the GFG. Next time we will book and claim our Members Perk.
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VENUE DETAILS

96a Mill Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB1 2BDGB

01223 354093

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Wheelchair access, Credit card required

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