We all miss it: being shown to our own candlelit table, chatting over the clink of other people’s wine glasses, and never having to do the washing up… No matter how good a cook you are, nothing beats going out to eat. And while that’s not an option, chefs and restaurants across the country are finding clever ways to deliver their delicious menus to our doorsteps.
Whether you’re going all out for a date night at home, sending a surprise to a loved one or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet evening in, there are now plenty of brilliant dine-in restaurant boxes to choose from — so we’ve whittled them down. From Michelin-starred menus to perfect pasta, here’s our pick of the kits to try at home.
THE ANGEL AT HETTON
These kits from Skipton’s Michelin starred restaurant The Angel at Hetton are a personal favourite of Toolally’s founder Mags, and we can see why. Chef Michael Wignall’s At Home tasting menu boxes only use the finest local ingredients — all you need to do is prep and plate up. Each comes with seven courses, and there’s a vegetarian option too.
From £110, The Angel at Hetton
STEIN’S AT HOME
If you love great seafood and watching Rick Stein’s travel cooking shows aren’t quite hitting the spot, try his Stein’s at Home box instead. Each is designed for two people and doesn’t just include mains; you’ll get a starter and dessert, too. And the best bit? All the prep is done already, so it’s just a case of cooking, plating, and eating. Plus, there are several boxes to choose from — including lobster, steak and even Indonesian curry.
PETERSHAM NURSERIES
Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond specialises in a provenance led menu that changes with the seasons. The four course at-home boxes, which can be delivered nationwide, follow the same considered approach to their ingredients — but the team have also thought about the other details, too. Each box comes with two rustic candles and the option to add a potted terracotta pot, just like you’ll find in the restaurant. And if you want to add wine, or a couple of premium pre-mixed cocktails to your order, you can do that too.
From £135, Petersham Nurseries
LYLE’S PROVISIONS
Ethical and sustainable London restaurant Lyle’s has just added a mid-week meal kit to its already popular Lyle’s Provisions. Which means that alongside their Game, Goose or classic boxes (which deliver nationwide), those within the M25 can also order an ever-changing, seasonal menu for a special weekday dinner.
PASTA EVANGELISTS
Ok, it’s not a restaurant box exactly — but this artisan pasta delivery service is so popular for good reason: it’s ridiculously easy to order, there’s something for every taste (as long as you love pasta, that is) and you can choose between a one-off delivery or a subscription. And a monthly date with a bowl of tortellini sounds pretty good to us.
Prices vary, Pasta Evangelists
NB: Ordering cut-off times and delivery details vary from box to box.
