When hunger strikes and the main course feels a bit too far away, a well-made starter can be just the thing to take the edge off. Across the UK, restaurant chains have stepped up their game with starters that go far beyond a simple soup or bread basket.
From spicy wings to generous sharing plates, these eight spots offer starters that set the tone for a great meal, whether you're after something light to nibble or hearty enough to stand on its own.
This article is for general information only. Menu items, pricing, and availability may vary by location. Always check with the restaurant for dietary and allergen information. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect exact presentation.
1. Nando's
Most people think Nando's is all about the whole chicken, but their butterfly chicken wings are secretly the star of the show. These flame-grilled beauties come slathered in your choice of PERi-PERi sauce, from mild lemon and herb to the eye-watering extra hot that'll have you reaching for the nearest pint.
Perfect for sharing (though you probably won't want to), they arrive with that signature Portuguese flair and a side of addictive chips for good measure.
2. PizzaExpress
Before PizzaExpress made dough balls famous, who knew that simple bread could cause such excitement? These warm, pillowy spheres of joy arrive with garlic butter that's so moreish, you'll find yourself scraping every last drop from the bowl.
They've become such a British institution that people genuinely get excited about them on social media. Honestly, it's just bread and butter, but somehow PizzaExpress has cracked the code to making it absolutely irresistible.
3. Wahaca
Forget everything you think you know about chain restaurant Mexican food because Wahaca's street food plates are the real deal. Their taquitos arrive crispy and golden, stuffed with properly seasoned meat and served with zingy salsas that pack a proper punch.
Founded by a MasterChef winner who actually travelled Mexico extensively, these small plates capture that authentic street market vibe. Each bite delivers layers of flavour that'll transport you straight to a bustling Mexican marketplace.
4. Wagamama
Asian cuisine newcomers often eye dumplings with suspicion, but Wagamama's pork and prawn gyoza are the perfect gateway to Japanese flavours. These pan-fried parcels arrive with crispy bottoms and tender tops, accompanied by a soy-based dipping sauce that hits all the right notes.
What makes them special is the perfect balance of textures and that satisfying pop when you bite through the wrapper. Even your most unadventurous mates will be converted after just one taste.
5. Mowgli Street Food
Indian street food done properly is an art form, and Mowgli's chat bombs are basically edible fireworks for your taste buds. These crispy spheres filled with spiced potatoes, chutneys, and yoghurt create an explosion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours that'll make your eyes water with joy.
The theatrical element of cracking them open adds to the experience, making them perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something genuinely exciting and different.
6. Honest Burgers
Sometimes the supporting act steals the show, and Honest Burgers' rosemary salted chips are proof that simplicity done brilliantly beats complexity every time. These hand-cut beauties arrive golden and crispy, dusted with fresh rosemary and sea salt that makes each bite utterly addictive.
They're so good that regulars often order them as a starter before their burger arrives. The herb-infused aroma hits you before the taste, creating anticipation that's completely worth the wait.
7. Zizzi
Italian restaurants often serve forgettable bread baskets, but Zizzi's rustica bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is in a league of its own. This warm, crusty sourdough arrives with proper Italian extra virgin olive oil that's so good you'll want to drink it straight.
The combination of textures and flavours creates that perfect Mediterranean moment. It's the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you why Italians have been perfecting bread for centuries.
8. BrewDog
Vegetarian pub food used to mean sad salads and disappointing nut roasts, but BrewDog's buffalo cauliflower has completely changed the game. These crispy florets come doused in proper buffalo sauce with blue cheese dip, delivering all the satisfaction of traditional wings without any guilt.
Even the most dedicated carnivores find themselves ordering seconds. It's proof that when vegetables are treated with respect and proper seasoning, they can be absolutely spectacular rather than just healthy afterthoughts.
