Hertfordshire is home to some of the finest restaurants in England. Whether you’re looking for a casual dining experience or something more upscale, there are plenty of options.

Fine dining in Hertfordshire is wide-ranging and diverse, catering to all tastes. If you’re looking for classic pub food in a picturesque village, Hertfordshire has that. If you’re looking for some of the best Indian establishments in the country? Hertfordshire has that too. Fancy Spanish tapas? Then Hertfordshire again has you covered.

Whether visiting for business or pleasure, you’ll find excellent restaurants throughout the county. So let’s run down the 15 best places to eat in Hertfordshire and give you a head-start on choosing your next memorable dining experience.

Yhangry: Connecting You to the Best Catering in Hertfordshire

While you may have some of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire close to hand, there are times when going out isn’t an option. Perhaps you have a major event that can’t happen in the confined space of a restaurant; perhaps you want the more personal touch or don’t have the time or energy to commit to catering yourself.

Whatever the reason, sometimes you need to hire catering to ensure your event runs smoothly. Hiring private catering has many benefits. Not only does it take away a lot of the stress from hosting an event, but it’s guaranteed to leave a positive impression on your guests. This can’t be vital for corporate events, business meetings or even if you’re trying to impress a loved one.

Here at yhangry, we connect you with top-quality catering in your local area. Our private chefs have created amazing menus, and you can choose exactly what you want them to cook from within their speciality. Fancy Mediterranean cuisine? No problem. More of a traditionalist and want good British grub? Then you can choose that menu too. There are over twenty categories of menus for you to choose from, covering the entire world of cuisine.

Yhangry makes it easy to book catering in Hertfordshire and easy to ensure your event goes as smoothly as possible. So why not get a quote today, and make your food the star of your next event?

Best Restaurants in Hertfordshire

You’ll find some amazing fine food dining experiences in Hertfordshire. From top Indian restaurants to classic British pub fare, there’s no shortage of excellent places to eat in Hertfordshire. So let’s list fifteen of the best, dividing our list into some of the major locations throughout the county.

Nice Restaurants in Watford

Where else would we begin our list except Watford? The biggest town in the county, Watford is home to some of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire, catering to every taste. Here are our top three:

The Prince of Bengal (The POB)

51 Langley Way, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3EA

The Prince of Bengal, also known as The POB, is a popular Indian restaurant that has received positive reviews for its delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. They offer a range of classic and contemporary Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the portions can be quite generous. The restaurant’s stylish and elegant interior makes it a great choice for a nice meal with family or friends. The Prince of Bengal is often cited as one of the best restaurants in Watford, if not the whole of Hertfordshire.

Saffron

113 Courtlands Drive, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 4HZ

Saffron is an award-winning Indian restaurant located in the heart of Watford that also features Nepalese specialities. They offer a wide range of dishes, from traditional curries to contemporary Indian cuisine, with customers raving about the restaurant’s flavourful curries and well-spiced tandoori dishes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a group celebration, Saffron should be near the top of any list of places to visit.

M Bar & Kitchen

Heron Place, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0LQ

M Bar & Kitchen is a stylish and contemporary restaurant with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and chic decor. M Bar & Kitchen is a great place to visit for a fine dining experience, whether you fancy the chicken schnitzel, vegetable curry or classic beer battered fish and chips. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of beers, wines and cocktails, making it a great choice for a night out with friends.

Fine Food Dining in Hemel Hempstead

If you’re looking for fine dining in Hertfordshire, you’ll certainly find it in Hemel Hempstead. From more top-level Indian establishments to picturesque village pubs, the town boasts some of the best fancy restaurants across the county.

Bombay Spice Lounge

5 Bridge Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1EG

Bombay Spice Lounge is a highly-rated Indian restaurant in Hemel Hempstead. The menu features some classic Indian dishes, and the lamb rogan josh, the chicken tikka masala and the naan bread are highly praised. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options, which have been well-received by diners. All dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients and spices, resulting in delicious and flavourful cuisine. Bombay Spice Lounge is an excellent choice, whether you’re looking for a nice restaurant for a night out or catering for a special occasion.

The Bell Inn

79 High Street, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 0HP

The Bell Inn is a historic pub and restaurant located in the charming village of Bovingdon. This family-run pub has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere dating back to the 18th century and is a Grade II listed building. The menu features classic pub fare and more refined dishes, all made fresh to order. The pub also has an outdoor seating area, perfect for the summer months. The Bell Inn is a great option if you’re looking for a nice restaurant with a friendly vibe.

The Cochin

61 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3AF

The Cochin is a fine dining restaurant that specialises in Indian cuisine. The menu features a range of traditional Cochin, Malabar and Travancore dishes, all done in the authentic Keralian tradition. All these dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients and spices, resulting in flavourful and aromatic cuisine. Among the many delights are nadan chicken curry, biryani and lamb ularthiyathu. So, if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant for a special occasion or a fine dining experience, The Cochin is an excellent choice.

Fancy Restaurants in Stevenage

Stevenage may not be the biggest place in Hertfordshire, but a strong argument can be made that it boasts the county’s best fine food dining experiences. From country farmhouse locations to Spanish tapas, fine dining in Hertfordshire is rarely as diverse as in Stevenage.

The Farmhouse at Redcoats

Redcoats Green, Hitchin, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG4 7JR

The Farmhouse at Redcoats is a fine dining restaurant in a beautiful, historic farmhouse in a picturesque countryside setting in the heart of Hertfordshire. They offer a fantastic fine food dining experience, serving British cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. With attentive service and a warm atmosphere, The Farmhouse at Redcoats is the perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire set in a charming, rustic setting, The Farmhouse at Redcoats is worth a visit.

The Tilbury

1 Watton Road, Datchworth, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG3 6TB

The Tilbury is a nice restaurant in the charming village of Datchworth, just a short drive from Stevenage. The restaurant is owned by brothers Tom and James Bainbridge, who wanted to bring great British dining into the classic British pub. The restaurant has a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, and the service is professional and knowledgeable. The Tilbury is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a contemporary dining experience with exceptional food and service.

El Bar de Tapas

5 Middle Row, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3AN

If you’re looking for a taste of Spain in Stevenage, El Bar de Tapas is the place to go. El Bar de Tapas is a small, authentic Spanish tapas bar offering a fantastic selection of dishes, including gambas al ajillo, albondigas and classic favourites like paella. The restaurant has a lively ambience, and the service is friendly and informal, adding to the relaxed vibe. El Bar de Tapas is a must-visit if you’re looking for continental places to eat in Hertfordshire.

Fine Dining Experiences in St Albans

If location is important to you when looking for fine dining in Hertfordshire, then St Albans might be for you. The town boasts some truly fancy restaurant locations. Abbot’s Kitchen, set in the grounds of the town’s stunning cathedral, is perhaps the most notable. Here are our top three:

St. Michael’s Manor Hotel

Fishpool Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4RY

St Michael’s Manor Hotel is a luxurious hotel and fancy restaurant set in beautiful grounds just outside St Albans. The restaurant serves fine dining in a grand setting, with elegant decor, views over the picturesque setting and stunning gardens. The menu offers a modern British menu with beautifully presented dishes packed with flavour. The ambience is romantic, and the service is excellent. St. Michaels Manor Hotel is one of the best fancy restaurants in Hertfordshire, offering a truly special fine dining experience, perfect for a night out with your special someone.

Thompson

2-8 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3RP

Thompson is a popular fine dining restaurant in the heart of St Albans, known for its contemporary cuisine. The restaurant has three AA Rosettes, marking it as one of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire. Thompson offers a variety of tasting menus and à la carte options, and the wine list is carefully curated to complement the food. Thompson also offers a lounge bar and cocktails for those looking for something different. With its sophisticated atmosphere and top-notch cuisine, Thompson is one of Hertfordshire’s best places to eat.

Abbot’s Kitchen

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY

Abbot’s Kitchen is a unique restaurant located within the grounds of St Albans Cathedral, and the historic setting and modern decor create a charming atmosphere for diners. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, with the ingredients being fresh, seasonal, healthy and sustainable. Abbot’s Kitchen says that its food philosophy is based on provenance, craft and quality principles, and its reputation suggests they live up to them. Abbot’s Kitchen is a nice restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.

Elsewhere in Hertfordshire

Of course, fine dining in Hertfordshire isn’t limited to the bigger locations in the county. Many notable restaurants are located everywhere, catering to an eclectic range of tastes. Here are three more of the best places to eat in Hertfordshire:

The Greyhound

Chesham Road, Wigginton, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6EH

The Greyhound is one of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire, known for its pleasant beer garden and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers pub classics and daily specials, all made with its selection of seasonally available ingredients. The Greyhound offers a children’s menu and gluten-free options and is the perfect location for a family roast on a Sunday.

St James Restaurant

30 High Street, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 3HL

The St James Restaurant is a hidden gem located in Bushey, serving some of the finest food in Hertfordshire. The fancy restaurant offers a stylish and intimate setting, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The menu is a creative blend of modern British mixed with European inspired. Each dish is beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, with the mackerel fillet, calves liver and tiramisu being particularly recommended. St James is noted for its good service and elegance. It is one of the best places to eat in Hertfordshire.

The Waggoners

Brickwall Close, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9AA

Set in the stunningly beautiful village of Ayot Green, the Waggoners is a country pub bursting with historical charm. The building dates back over 400 years, and the interior retains the rustic, old-world feeling while never seeming outdated. A five-course tasting menu is on offer for those seeking some fine dining experience, and the striploin of beef is a highlight. The Waggoners is available for private dining in a prime location close to many nature walks and the picturesque Brocket Hall.

FAQs

What is the best restaurant is, of course, subjective. Food is often to personal taste, and what one diner will love in terms of location or decor, another will dislike. However, with three AA Rosettes, Thompson in St Albans has the awards to back up its claim for being one of the very best restaurants in Hertfordshire. As far as fine food dining goes, Thompson is hard to beat.

Yes, some restaurants offer delivery options – be sure to check beforehand on the restaurant’s websites for availability and fees. Additionally, some restaurants are available on popular food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Again, this goes on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, and you should check their websites for information on private hire. Alongside your location, you’ll also want to look into catering, and here at yhangry, we can help. Let us connect you with the best available catering in Hertfordshire. Why not explore the rest of our website or get a quote to see what we can do for you?