I don’t know about you, but food plays a huge part in my relationship. Dan is as passionate as I am in supporting local businesses and visiting independent restaurants, which made creating this MK food guide very easy indeed. In this guide, you will find some of our favourite local spots for a date night in Milton Keynes. From fine dining to something a little more casual, there are eateries in this guide that suit all budgets. I’ve chosen these restaurants because they offer great value, have a cosy, intimate atmosphere and are a little different.
Where to go for date night in Milton Keynes
- Akasaka, Wolverton & Central Milton Keynes
- The Carrington Arms, Moulsoe
- Cross Keys, Woolstone
- Fratelli Italian Restaurant, Woburn
- French Affaire, Stony Stratford
- The Greedy Italian, Fenny Stratford
- Nonna’s, Woburn Sands
- Olé Tapas Bar, Wolverton
- Paris House, Woburn
Every effort has been taken to ensure the information in this blog post is correct, however, I advise referring directly to the vendor websites and social media pages for the most up to date information. If you see an error or something is incorrect, please email blog@sophieetc.com.
Akasaka, Wolverton & Central Milton Keynes
Akasaka is a Japanese restaurant and is one of our favourite places to eat in Milton Keynes. Along with a handful of other indies, it might be the place that I have visited the most! There are two Akasaka restaurants in Milton Keynes, but the petite location on Stratford Road in Wolverton remains my favourite as it has a cosier atmosphere. The Central Milton Keynes location perhaps remains the most convenient one if you want to head to The Hub for cocktails afterwards.
We always order sushi and it’s certainly some of the best in the area. We like to order small plates to share including: edamame, salmon and avocado roll, prawn tempura and
Website: www.akasaka.co.uk
Location: Akasaka Wolverton, 24 Stratford Rd, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5LW / Akasaka Central Milton Keynes – Exchange House, 466 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 2EA
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
Price range: From £2.50 – £15 for individual dishes.
Dietaries: Akasaka caters for vegan and vegetarian options. These items are clearly marked on the menu.
The Carrington Arms, Moulsoe
If you are looking for some of the best steak you can find in Milton Keynes, look no further than The Carrington Arms in Moulsoe. Not only is the building itself beautiful, but the food is amazing and nearly all locally sourced. The meat is from Woburn Country Food and they have the added novely of a steak counter, where you can choose your cut of meat, cooking preference and order your sides. It’s cooked to perfection there and then.
It is a 10 minute cab ride from Central Milton Keynes, or you could stay over in their B&B and enjoy their amazing brunch menu too!
Website: www.thecarringtonarms.co.uk
Opening Hours: Open daily, 12pm – 11pm (Last orders 10pm)
Location: Cranfield Rd, Moulsoe, Newport Pagnell MK16 0HB
Price Range: Average cost of a main is between £10 and £20. The steak price depends on the cut but includes three sides and a sauce.
Dietaries: Caters for gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free. For other allergen information please contact The Carrington Arms directly.
The Cross Keys, Woolstone
I think we have visited The Cross Keys in Woolstone the most out of everywhere in this list. It’s our nearest (good) pub within walking distance and every time we have a wonderful experience. It’s a great destination for any kind of date, day or night. In the summer, the garden is lovely to sit in and they have an outdoor menu. If you sit inside, it’s clean and cosy and you can sit in the restaurant or bar, depending on what vibe you’re after. It is truly a wonderful pub and one we will continue to visit time and time again.
Food wise, I recommend ordering a selection of small plates to start. The burgers are excellent, as is the steak. Everything is well-priced and is accompanied by excellent service.
Website: www.crosskeysmiltonkeynes.co.uk
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am – 10pm.
Location: 34 Newport Rd, Woolstone, Milton Keynes MK15 0AA
Price range: Main courses are £10 – £30 per person.
Dietaries: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available. For other allergies, please contact The Cross Keys directly.
Fratelli Italian Restaurant, Woburn
Fratelli in Woburn is one of my favourite destinations in the area and a worth addition to this guide to date night! This family-run Italian restaurant source their ingredients directly from Italy and you can taste the difference. The food is very homely, well-priced and served in a cosy restaurant, which was formerly a pub. I would recommend the pappardelle manzo which features a gorgeous rich, slow-cooked ragu. They also have a beautiful outside area where you can dine during the summer.
Website: www.fratelli-italian.co.uk
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 1:30pm and 5:30pm – 9pm 12pm – 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. 12pm – 3pm on Sundays.
Location: Royal Oak, 40 George St, Woburn, Milton Keynes MK17 9PY
Price Range: Average main course is £10 – £15.
Dietaries: Caters for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.
French Affaire, Stony Stratford
French Affaire has fast gained a reputation for being one of the best food spots in Milton Keynes. Not only does it serve a delicious brunch menu (perfect for weekends with the girls!) but the evening menu is delicious too. They offer a small but delicious traditional French and European menu which features delicious, seasonal dishes. The combination of excellent food and beautiful interiors make French Affaire a great destination for a special occasion. I really like the daytime menu too, and I’d definitely recommend the Lobster Croque!
Website: french-affaire.co.uk
Location: 5 Odell’s Yard, High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1FA
Opening hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11am – 4pm, Thursdays and Fridays 11am – 9:30pm, Saturday 10am – 1pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Price range: Daytime menu dishes range from £4 – £11. Evening meal dishes range from £5.00 – £30.
Dietaries: French Affaire caters for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Some of these are marked on the menu, but you may need to pre-order depending on your requirements.
The Greedy Italian, Fenny Stratford
The Greedy Italian is a hidden gem nestled in Fenny Stratford. If you want a fuss-free meal and great service in a cosy setting, this is the place! The restaurant itself is very small and is the perfect hideaway for an intimate date night over a bowl of spaghetti, Lady & the Tramp style. The Greedy Italian produce amazing specials are very good at decorating the venue depending on the occasion. Make sure you book in plenty of time – this is a popular spot and it’s not surprising to see why.
Website: www.greedy-italian.co.uk
Location: 79 Victoria Rd, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2NZ
Opening hours: Wednesday – Friday 5pm – 9:30pm. Saturday 9am–11:30am, 12pm–9:30pm and Sunday 9am–11:30am, 12:15–3pm.
Price range: Mains range from £16.50 – £32.
Dietaries: Caters for gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free. They advise speaking to staff before you order your food if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Nonna’s, Woburn Sands
Nonna’s is a go-to for a special meal and we’ve hosted many a family birthday and date night there! Not only is the interior of the restaurant absolutely beautiful, but the food is excellent. They are constantly innovating their menu and bring casual fine dining to MK. They do great pizzas and pastas, and their Sunday Mega Roast is exactly that – Mega! The terrace is really beautiful to sit in at any time of year so whatever the occasion, Nonna’s is always a great choice.
Website: nonnaswoburnsands.co.uk
Location: The Square, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8SY
Opening hours: Monday: 09:30am – 4:30pm; Tuesday – Friday: 9:30am – 11:00pm; Saturday: 9:30am – 11:00 pm; Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:30pm.
Price range: Prices of starters and mains range from £6.95 – £24.95.
Dietaries: Vegan menu available. Vegetarian options are available. For other requirements, please contact Nonna’s directly.
Olé Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Wolverton
I truly believe that Olé Tapas Bar is the best restaurant in Milton Keynes at the moment. Since it opened nearly four years ago, Olé has gone from stength to strength. Juan and his wife Beatriz are at the helm and are both from Spain’s culinary capital, San Sebastian. You won’t find better tapas in MK!
It’s the perfect spot for date night as you can pick lots of small plates to share – or not! I would recommend the Crujiente de queso, boquerones, pulpo (octopus) and the Iberico pork. Oh, and the langoustines if they’re on the menu! If you are looking for an understated location, amazing food and friendly service, Olé Tapas Bar is the one. And don’t forget the sangria!
Website: oletapasbar.co.uk
Location: Number 60 The Triangle, Wolverton Park Road, Wolverton Park, Milton Keynes, MK12 5FJ
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 10pm, Saturday 12pm – 10pm and Sundays 12pm – 4:30pm.
Price range: Tapas dishes range from £2 – £12. Sharing platters are £16.50 – £18.50 and paella from £13.50 per person. Prices vary depending on specials available.
Dietaries: Olé Tapas Bar can cater for most requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. For specific allergies, please contact Olé directly.
Read more: Sophie’s Supper Club at Olé Tapas Bar
Paris House, Woburn
Paris House is definitely the place to go if you really want to push the boat out. It’s one of the only fine dining destinations in the MK area and it’s got a special place in my heart. Located in the breathtaking grounds of Woburn Abbey the location is as special as the food.
We have had several wonderful experiences at Paris House. Phil Fanning is an extraordinary chef with a penchant for eastern flavours so you can expect to see some inspired dishes on the menu.
Website: www.parishouse.co.uk
Location: Woburn Park, Woburn, Bedford MK17 9QP
Opening hours: Lunch is served Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 1:30pm and 12pm – 2pm on Sundays. Dinner is served on Thursdays 7pm – 8:30pm and 6:45pm – 9pm Friday and Saturday. Paris House is closed Monday – Wednesday.
Price range: The 6 course tasting menu is £89 per person. Add £69 per person for wine pairings.
Dietaries: Paris House can cater for nearly all allergies and dietary requirements. Just let them know when you book. Full vegetarian and vegan tasting menu available.
Read more: Returning to Paris House, Woburn
I hope you found this food guide useful and it gives you some inspiration for your next date night. I’d love to know if you pay any of these restaurants a visit, so don’t forget to join my free community group, Eat & Explore MK and share your foodie finds on Instagram with my hashtag, #EatandExploreMiltonKeynes.
What is your favourite restaurant for date night Milton Keynes?
You might enjoy these guides to eating out in Milton Keynes…
MK Food Map
Explore the independent food and drink scene in Milton Keynes from your pocket. Simply ‘save’ this map to your places on Google.
