There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering a restaurant where you can enjoy genuinely good food without the guilt of an expensive bill. In Melton Mowbray, we’re spoiled with options—from Italian fine dining to cosy village pubs—and many of them understand that lunch should be about value without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a local looking for a midweek treat or a visitor wanting to experience Melton’s food scene on a budget, we’ve rounded up five fantastic lunch set menus that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.
1. Bellini: Italian Excellence at £11.95
Location: St Mary’s Way, Melton Mowbray
Lunch Menu Price: £11.95 (including soft drink)
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Website: https://bellinimelton.co.uk/
Bellini is proof that authentic Italian dining doesn’t have to be expensive. For just £11.95—including a soft drink—you get a proper lunch that transports you straight to Italy. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, and the lunch menu showcases their best work without the premium evening pricing.
The standout dish? The linguine alla polpettini—delicate pasta with tender meatballs in a silky sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder how they’re offering it at this price. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting what’s at its best, and there’s always a vegetarian option available. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it perfect for a solo lunch, a business meeting, or catching up with friends.
Pro tip: Book ahead during peak lunch times, especially on Saturdays. And if you’re a wine enthusiast, ask about their wine selection—Bellini takes their drinks seriously.
2. The Harboro Hotel: Maximum Value, Maximum Flavour
Location: Burton Street, Melton Mowbray
Meal Deal Offers:
•Starters & Desserts: £4.95
•Selected Main Meals: £8.00
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Website: https://www.harborohotel.co.uk/
If you’re looking for the best value proposition in Melton, The Harboro Hotel’s meal deal is genuinely hard to beat. For £4.95, you can start with a proper starter or finish with a dessert. For £8.00, you get a main course. The genius here is the flexibility—you could do a starter and main for £12.95, or splash out on a three-course experience for around £17.90. That’s restaurant dining at pub prices.
3. Noel’s Arms: The New Kid On The Block
Location: 31 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray
Menus: À La Carte, Sunday Lunch, and Prix-Fixe Lunch
Hours: Lunch available (specific times on website )
Website: https://noelsarms.co.uk/menus/
Contact: 01664 793324
Noel’s Arms takes a different approach to lunch—they focus on seasonal British cooking using ingredients from trusted local suppliers. Their Prix-Fixe Lunch menu is designed for those who want to experience proper restaurant cooking without the evening price tag.
4. The Bell Inn, Frisby: Community Pub Dining at Its Best
Location: Frisby on the Wreake (just outside Melton )
Lunch Menu: Available Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 2:30pm
Website: https://www.thebellfrisby.com/
The Bell is a community-owned pub, and that spirit of belonging extends to everyone who walks through the door. Their lunch menu showcases British cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and the prices are genuinely affordable. The menu changes seasonally, and they’re particularly proud of their Sunday roasts (though these fall outside lunch hours ).
What makes The Bell special is the atmosphere. The food is hearty and well-executed, the kind of cooking that makes you feel nourished rather than just fed.
5. The Flying Childers: Pub Food
Location: Kirby Bellers (near Melton)
Lunch Menu: Available with pricing from £5.99 to £14.50
Website: https://www.flyingchilderspub.co.uk/menus
The Flying Childers proves that pub food doesn’t have to be predictable. Their lunch menu offers a range of options at various price points, so whether you’re after a light bite or something more substantial, there’s something for you. The kitchen clearly takes pride in what they’re serving—it’s quality pub food, not just standard fare.
The pub itself has a warm, welcoming vibe, and the menu offers something for everyone. Whether you’re after the classic bangers and mash or something completely different, they’ve got you covered.
Quick Reference Guide
| Restaurant | Location | Price | Hours | Cuisine |
| Bellini | St Mary’s Way | £11.95 (incl. drink) | Tue-Sat 12-2pm | Italian |
| The Harboro Hotel | Burton Street | £4.95-£8.00 | Mon-Sat 12-2pm | British Contemporary |
| Noel’s Arms | Burton Street | Prix-Fixe (varies) | Lunch available | British Seasonal |
| The Bell Inn | Frisby | Menu varies | Wed-Sat 12-2:30pm | British Local |
| The Flying Childers | Kirby Bellers | £5.99-£14.50 | Lunch available | Pub Food |
Get in Touch
Have a favourite lunch spot in Melton that I’ve missed? Know a hidden gem that deserves a mention? Drop us a comment below or tag MyMelton on social media—I’d love to hear about your lunch discoveries.
Follow My Melton for more local food recommendations, hidden gems, and community stories.
Make your day better without breaking the bank. Melton’s lunch set menus prove that great food doesn’t have to be expensive.
Love and virtual hugs,
Kelly