Savour the Flavour: 15 Best Restaurants in Hertfordshire

Let’s discover the culinary delights of Hertfordshire with our guide to the 15 best fine-dining and casual restaurants in the region.

The Greyhound is a traditional village pub in the heart of Wigginton. Traditional with hints of a contemporary touch, the restaurant is known for its pub classics like Steak Burgers and battered or breaded Fish and Chips. They also offer interesting gluten-free and vegan options like Plant-Based Sausages and Naked Bangkok Bean Burger. Their Sunday Roast menu boasts of classics like Roast British Beef, Grass Reared Roast Pork, and the very modern Vegan Mushroom, spinach and cauliflower Wellington. With its cosy atmosphere, hearty meals, and a good selection of ales, it has been a favourite with the locals since it opened.

 Set in the heart of Hertfordshire’s beautiful countryside, The Farmhouse at Redcoats offers a fantastic fine-dining experience with contemporary British cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. From a hearty English breakfast to impressive menu items like Rock Oysters, Chicken and Parma Ham Ballotine, as well as plant-based dishes, the menu offers a diverse and satisfying selection.

The plant-based menu has garnered some attention for its Red lentil & courgette Nut Roast and Broad Bean & “Delikett” pea strozzapreti. They are members of The Sustainable Restaurant Association and have been recognised with 2 AA Rosettes. In addition to the main dining room, The Farmhouse boasts several charming private dining rooms, making it a must-visit place to eat in Stevenage. 

The Tilbury is a British Gastropub in the charming village of Datchworth and one of the best Stevenage restaurants. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to British Cuisine, with frequently changing menus and an exclusive selection of high-end wines and spirits. A few examples of their ingenuity are the Beer Battered Halloumi as a twist to the classic fish n chips or elevating the mundane Mac n Cheese with Truffles and Cajun Beef. From gourmet Burgers to Wagyu steaks, they offer exquisite food choices. The restaurant has a large garden seating, a separate bar, and an indoor seating area. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for contemporary fine dining in Hertfordshire with exceptional food and service.

Established in 2005, The Prince of Bengal, known as The POB, is a famous Indian restaurant in Watford known for its classical dishes. The menu centres mainly around North Indian and Bangladeshi flair, offering a range of vegetarian and vegan options along with the usual non-vegetarian. Some eye-catching dishes from their Vegan section are Chana Saag and Begon Peas Bhajee. The curry section and Chef speciality gravies like Pasanda and Shatkora are available in both meat and vegetarian options. 

The restaurant’s stylish and elegant interior, with pristine white tablecloths, upholstered chairs and ambient lighting, makes it an excellent choice for family outings and business meals. They are known for their generous portion sizes and friendly service, making it a trendy spot for dine-in and takeaway. They are also listed among the certified halal places to eat in Watford.

M Bar & Kitchen is a modern-day casual dining bistro that combines British Cuisine with international flavours. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, whether you fancy chicken schnitzel, Thai crab cakes, or the classic beer-battered fish and chips. It is popular for its breakfast and brunch spread, which includes items like Egg-Bacon Sausage Baps and Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs on Toast. 

The menu also offers Vegan variations of Thai curry and sandwiches like Red Pepper and Hummus on Pita. To complement the food, the bar section has an extensive selection of beverages. The stylish and spacious interiors, with sleek wooden tables and large glass windows, make the atmosphere very elegant and inviting. 

Bombay Spice Lounge, established in 2008, is a top-rated Indian restaurant in Hemel Hempstead. The menu features classic Indian dishes, from Lamb Roganjosh to Chicken Tikka Masala and the ever-popular Naan. The restaurant is known for its high-quality clay oven starters and kebabs, like Tandori King Prawn and Chicken Shashlik.

The Restaurant is known to run special offers for delivery and dine-ins. Their Banquet Night offer for dine-in is top-rated and includes a full meal of starter, main course, side dish and rice or plain Naan for £14.95 per person. With tastefully decorated walls and booth seating arrangements, the restaurant creates a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere for dining.

The Bell Inn is a historic family-run pub and restaurant in Bovingdon’s charming village. It is a dog-friendly establishment with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is classic British, with some of the best pub food in Hertfordshire and a great selection of Drafts. The famous Hanging Chicken Kebab and Luxury Fish Pie are a must-try. 

They also have a Sunday roast menu featuring items like Roast Beef and Slow-roasted lamb shank. Classic sides of Roast potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Baked Cauliflower Cheese, Veggies and Roast Gravy accompany the roast items. The pub also has an outdoor seating area with a friendly vibe, perfect for the summer months. The atmosphere is further enhance by special events like Live Music, Open Mike and Tapas Night every once in a while.

Established in 2017, The Cochin is a regional restaurant in Hertfordshire that specialises in Southern Indian cuisine, specifically from the state of Kerala. The restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach, partnering with local farmers and vendors. Many of their traditional spices are sourced directly from the villages of Kerala itself. Among the many delights is a small selection of Dosas and popular seafood dishes from the coastal region of Kerala. The steamed Fish in Banan Leaf and Cassava Fish Curry must be on your list of things to try.

Another concept that The Cochin executes perfectly is the service of a set meal called a Thali. A Thali is a meal for one that includes small portions of seven dishes served with steamed rice and Malabari Parotta. The restaurant is also a popular destination for takeaways. The Cochin is a great place to eat in Hemel Hempstead if you are looking for Indian food that is different from the regular run-of-the-mill dishes. 

El Bar de Tapas, established in 2010, offers a fantastic selection of authentic tapas and classic dishes like paella. Meat lovers can enjoy slow-cooked Baby Back Ribs and steamed Mussels, while vegetarians can savour preparations like Hummus with Spanish sweet peppers and Wild Mushrooms with garlic, chilli, and tarragon. The Sangrias, Spanish Ales, and cocktails from the beverage menu are a perfect complement to the exemplary food. Although the restaurant is considered a bit expensive, the generous portion sizes of the dishes make up for it.

They are one of the few restaurants offering a lunchtime tasting menu in Hertfordshire. The tasting menu allows you to have three authentic tapas, freshly baked bread, and house-made aioli under £12. If you are looking for an authentic taste of Spanish tapas in Stevenage, El Bar de Tapas is the place for you.

Old Siam, a top-rated Thai restaurant in Hertford, offers an extensive menu featuring traditional favourites like Sprinrolls, Pad Thai, Satays and numerous vegetarian and vegan options. While meat lovers can savour Pork Spare Ribs, Crispy Duck and Mussels, vegans can go for dishes like Deep Fried Bean Curd, Tofu Curries and Sweetcorn Pancakes. The restaurant is quite famous for its seafood starters like Thai fish cakes, Salt and Pepper Squid, and Prawn toast.

The restaurant also has an amazing wine selection to complement the food. The teak wood furniture and fittings, sourced from Thailand, recreate a traditional Thai atmosphere, adding to the dining experience.

Thompson, in the heart of St Albans, is a fine-dining restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes, making it the best restaurant in St Albans and all of Hertfordshire. The ever-changing and seasonal tasting menus are based on sourcing fresh local ingredients and are offered with wine pairings at an additional charge. 

The tasting, which starts with House Cured Meats, includes exotic preparations of Tamworth Pork Fillet and Roast Loin of Herdwick Lamb. The dinner ends with the Chef’s special touch to the classic Mille-Feuille. Apart from this, the restaurant also has an a la carte menu with dishes like Seared Yellow Fin Tuna and Noisette Roast Herb Gnocchi. A seasonal cocktail menu with creations like Apple Strudel on the Rocks, Pear and Elderflower Martini, and an impressive Wine List from around the world add to the dining experience.

 The restaurant has multiple dining spaces, both indoor and outdoor. They also offer catering for private and corporate events. The Thompson’s stellar reputation for delivering exceptional food and impeccable service makes it a top dining choice in ST. Albans. 

Saffron House is a popular Indian restaurant in Watford’s heart that serves regional Indian dishes alongside classic curries. In addition to the Goan-style spicy Vindaloo and mild and sweet Southern Korma, the restaurant is a hit for its well-spiced tandoori items like Sheekh Kebab and Achari Paneer Shashlik. In addition to its food menu, it offers a small selection of wine and beer.

The unconventional decor, with its crisp white tablecloths, dark wooden chairs, and mocha-coloured walls decorated with Indian wooden carvings and artwork, creates a uniquely inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s proximity to Warner Brothers Harry Potter Museum makes it a popular destination for a large group of tourists.

Nestled in the stunning village of Ayot Green, The Waggoners is a country pub rich in historical charm. With over 400 years of history, the building exudes a rustic, old-world atmosphere that remains timeless. For those seeking a fine dining experience, the pub offers a five-course tasting menu comprising Venison Terrine, French Onion Soup, Apple Sorbet, Loin of Cod and mini Baba au Rum. The classic Beef Bourguignon and the 8oz Sirloin of beef stand out on the à la carte menu.

The restaurant boasts a beautiful outdoor area and a spacious dining room, ideal for private events. Its prime location near numerous nature walks and the picturesque Brocket Hall adds to its appeal as a delightful dining destination.

Pepe Rosso is an unpretentious cafe and cocktail bar serving traditional Italian fare in Watford. Famous for its portion sizes, Pepe Rosso is renowned for its stone-baked pizzas and made-to-order pasta sauces. The Angus Beef Burger and Surf n Turf of RibEye and Tiger Prawns are other notable items on the menu. Trendy cocktails and beers in the beverage section complement the menu, which centres around comfort food. 

Pepe Rosso is also open for breakfast, serving a full English spread, a variety of omelettes, and Panini sandwiches. Located close to the shopping hub, the cafe is quite popular and one of the best restaurants in Watford.

Established in 1997 and nestled in the heart of Bushey, St James Restaurant is a hidden gem known for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. The menu is a blend of modern English cuisine with European influences, featuring beautifully presented and flavorful dishes like Lamb croquettes, Pan-Fried Haddock, and Beef Medallions. The Vegan section offers innovative dishes like Aubergine Stew, Sicilian Couscous, and Mediterranean Tart.

St James is also famous for its Afternoon Tea service, which offers a variety of scones and sandwiches. Some noteworthy ones are Smoked haddock on a brioche bun and English extra mature cheddar and tomato relish on white bread. With its exceptional cuisine, top-notch service, and equally impressive wine list, St.James Restaurant is celebrated as one of the finest places to eat in Hertfordshire.

A list of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire makes it easier to choose where to dine out. However, the county does not provide much diversity when it comes to authentic ethnic cuisines. While the culinary scene in Hertfordshire is improving, there is still some catching up to do.

Enjoying a Fish and Chips at a British pub or a Tikka at an Indian joint sounds great. But it can get a bit boring and monotonous at times. Being so close to London and not having access to a good Sushi bar or a Korean barbeque can be disappointing.

With platforms like Yhangry, this disappointment can easily turn into joy and satisfaction. Hiring a private Chef from Yhangry gives you access to qualified chefs who are trained in various ethnic cuisines, from Korean to Caribbean. All you have to do is communicate your preferences, and you will have restaurant-quality gourmet food at any location.