Eating out in Surrey - restaurant reviews

Whether you're looking for fine dining, pub grub or exotic dishes, eating out in Surrey has something for everyone. Here's our guide to some of the best restaurants in Surrey...

 

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Michelin star restaurants in Surrey

Michelin stars have long been the jewel in the crown for any ambitious restaurateur. Here are Surrey's starred restaurants; perfect for an evening of fine dining.

Drake's Restaurant, The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6AQ: 01483 224777
Reviewed: May 2008

The Glasshouse, 14 Station Parade, Kew, Surrey TW9 3PZ: 020 8940 6777
Reviewed: October 2008

The Latymer, Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU: 01276 471774
Reviewed: January 2008

Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AG. Tel: 0208 940 5230
Featured: August 2009

 

Other great Surrey restaurants

As featured in Surrey Life restaurant reviews each month over the past few years

 

Al Boccon Di’Vino, 14 Red Lion Street, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW9 1RW: 0208 940 9060
Reviewed: March 2011 

'For the adventurous diner, Al Boccon Di’Vino is a not-to-be-missed experience.'

 

Albert’s Table, 49 South End, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1BF: 0208 680 2010
Reviewed: November 2009

'However, clearly a cut above the average, apparent from the tasteful facade alone, is Albert’s Table, a stylish restaurant serving modern British food using quality, seasonal ingredients.'

 

La Barbe, Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7AN Tel: 01737 241966
Reviewed: January 2009

'Is it my imagination or is there a dearth of real French restaurants in Surrey? Certainly, La Barbe is one of the few, and a splendid flagship of the genre, having served fine French cuisine in Reigate's Bell Street for 25 years.'

 

The Bell, Bell Lane, Fetcham, Surrey KT22 9ND: 01372 372624
Reviewed: March 2012

"Recently voted Surrey’s best winter pub in our poll at surrey.greatbritishlife.co.uk, it’s not only film stars who have been appreciating the changes that have been taking place at this rather grand hostelry of late."

 

The Bingham Hotel, 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UT: 020 8940 0902
Reviewed: July 2010

"Sitting inconspicuously on a narrow and busy road out of Richmond, the Bingham has been receiving rave reviews far and wide"

 

Brasserie Vacherin, 12 High Street, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1HN Tel: 0208 722 0180~
Reviewed: January 2011

'Despite receiving plaudits in its first year, Brasserie Vacherin had an awful lot to live up to in order to meet this particular day’s expectations. It did.'

 

Brouge, 5 Hill Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SX Tel: 0208 332 0055
Reviewed: July 2009

'What does 'Belgium' conjure up for you - waffles, chocolate, Tintin, Hercule Poirot? Well, now add to that list Brouge - a fun bar and bistro right in the heart of Richmond.'

 

La Buvette, Church Lane, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SN: 0208 940 6264
Reviewed: February 2012

'When other local restaurants start recommending that you try out a competitor, you know you have a treat on your hands.'

 

Cambio at the Castle, 2-4 South Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3SY: 01483 577702 
Reviewed: November 2011

'Set in the shadow of Guildford Castle, and very picturesque with it, this particular Italian restaurant is located in a quaint, inviting looking, 19th century building.'

 

143 The Canopy, 143 High Street, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8EH Tel: 01372 745330
Reviewed: October 2010

'While contemplating coffees, I noticed an interesting side-note to The Canopy. They do a traditional afternoon tea – finger sandwiches, scones, the works. What a brilliant idea, and fitting for a restaurant that even this early on in its life is showing so much potential.'

  

Carlo's Trattoria, Shere Road, Newlands Corner, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8SE: 01483 224180
Reviewed: August 2011

'Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with the now 60-year-old Carlo Crosta leading the kitchen for the duration, it has established a reputation as a fun and friendly place that takes its food seriously.'

 

Le Cassoulet, 18 Selsdon Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6PA: 020 8633 1818
Reviewed: May 2009

'Then, in February 2008, enter Malcolm John's Le Cassoulet, a cut above the rest. A stylish, predominantly French country bistro that has already earned Croydon its one and only Michelin award - not a star, but a Bib Gourmand (the next best thing).'

Cloisters Restaurant at Nutfield Priory, Nutfield Road, Redhill, Surrey. Tel: 01737 824 400
Reviewed: February 2008

'On entering the Cloisters Restaurant dining hall at Nutfield Priory, you could be forgiven for speaking in a hushed tone and assuming the religious reverie that comes with a visit to an historic abbey.'

 

The Dining Room, 10 Queens Road, Village Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 5LS  Tel: 01932 231686

'Serving up portions that would satisfy a marathon runner, iron man or lycra-clad Olympian who’d just tackled a few laps of the official cycle route on Box Hill, since 1984.'

 

The Dining Room, 59a High Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9AE: 01737 226650
Reviewed: September 2011

"Perched above Reigate High Street, it has been a mainstay of the area’s dining scene since the Ready, Steady, Cook regular became head chef there in 1993."  

 

El meson de Los Hermanos, 20 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AU: 01932 851333
Reviewed: October 2011

"It’s the kind of place where any stresses and strains melt away and brings back memories of one of my favourite Spanish phrases: mañana. With food this good, frankly anything else can wait."

 

The Emlyn Restaurant at the Burford Bridge Hotel, At the foot of Box Hill, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BX Tel: 01306 884561
Reviewed: June 2009

'The Emlyn restaurant was a delightful find - moderately priced and well worth a visit, especially if you're tiring of the main eateries in the Mole Valley and are looking for somewhere new.'

 

Fetcham Tandoori, 248 Cobham Road, Fetcham, Surrey KT22 9JF Tel: 01372 374927
Reviewed: January 2010

'The quality of the food was complemented by equally fine service and a warm, relaxing environment. All in all a great evening out, especially for the more discerning curry fans.'

 

Frascati, London Road, Mickleham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6EH Tel: 01372 373950
Reviewed: September 2008

'Almost everyone I know has dined at Frascati at one time or another and I've lost count of the recommendations I've received.'

 

The French Table, 85 Maple Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4AW: 020 8399 2365
Reviewed: May 2008

'The French Table is a great find and has now been promoted into my top three favourite places to eat in Surrey - a delightful, relaxed and satisfying dining experience.'

 

Glo, The Heart, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 1GH: 01932 222004
Reviewed: August 2009

'The balance between traditional and contemporary is just right, and I liked the informal atmosphere very much - and all at a price that won't break the bank. Glo - sorry, go - and experience it for yourself!'

 

The Good Earth, 14–18 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9RT Tel: 01372 462 489
Reviewed: August 2010

'Even The Times’ esteemed food critic Giles Coren told me I’d enjoy it; but then he did also ask me to plug his latest book...'

 

The Grumpy Mole, Brockham, Surrey RH3 7JS: 01737 845101
Reviewed: December 2011

'Sitting at our table overlooking the recently named Surrey village of the year’s green, our waitress approaches apologetically: “We’ve had a call from one of your party and, well, they’ve gone to Tadworth instead…"'

 

The Grumpy Mole, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5RX: 01737 353529
Reviewed: March 2008

'On two separate occasions within the space of a week, I was confronted with virtually the same question: "Have you tried The Grumpy Mole at Tadworth? It's wonderful."'

 

The Jolly Farmers Food Emporium, Reigate Road, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7BG.Tel: 01737 221355

'All in all, dining at the Jolly Farmers gives a taste, quality and presentation of food generally seen in much higher end restaurants while maintaining a relaxed, diverse and intimate ambience – oh, and don’t forget local! All exactly how a pub should be in the 21st century.'

 

The Joshua Tree, 30 Common Road, Earlswood Common, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6HG
Reviewed: June 2010

'Now then, a new experience for me for the main course – grilled kangaroo fillet, served with double cooked potatoes, caramelised onion and garlic leaf hollandaise, and tomato chutney.'

 

Jamie's Italian, 19-23 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1LL: 0208 912 0110
Reviewed: February 2009

'For a neighbourhood Italian, Jamie's is everything it sets out to be and more: authentic, simple food, brilliantly done and all at fair prices. It's like a trip to Italy - well worth the ten-minute wait in the rain.'

 

Kinghams, Gomshall Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9HE: 01483 202168
Reviewed: March 2010

'The dining room has it all – low ceilings, oak beams and a roaring fire – and, although hardly a large area, the tables are somehow well-spaced enough to maintain a sense of privacy.'

 

La Lanterna, 73 Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7AN: 01737 245113
Reviewed: February 2010

'La Lanterna is your classic Italian restaurant – family-run, long-established, with all the key dishes you would expect, a wine list to match, plus a few surprises.'

 

Layla Restaurant, 110 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QL: 01372 462333
Reviewed: December 2008

'Best of all, the lighting is perfect - subtle and warm and a model that other restaurants could learn from.'

 

Little Dudley House, 77 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2EU Tel: 01306 885550
Reviewed: May 2010

'The word is out, and I foresee a long and prosperous future for them.'

 

The Lock, runnymede-on-thames hotel, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AG Tel: 01784 220 960
Reviewed: September 2010

'While a map on the wall acts as a reminder of just how much there is to do in the area, with Windsor Castle, Legoland etc all on the doorstep, there is no doubt that these days the hotel is aiming to be a destination in its own right.'

 

La Luna, 10-14 Wharf Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1NN Tel: 01483 414155
Reviewed: November 2010

'I suppose there’s no need for wallpaper when you can deck the walls with a hand-picked selection of some 150 Italian wines.'

 

Martellos Kitchen, Dorking Road, Abinger Hammer, Surrey RH5 6SA: 01306 731174
Reviewed: January 2012

"Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere; admired the owners’ gung-ho spirit; and look forward to returning soon to see how things have developed at this new Italian eatery."

 

McDermott's Fish and Chips, 5/7 Forestdale Centre, Featherbed Lane, Addington CR0 9AS Tel: 020 8651 1440
Reviewed: November 2009

'It may be common knowledge that Surrey has three Michelin-starred restaurants to its credit, but it's probably a lesser known fact that we can also boast one of the best fish and chips shops in the country.'

 

Mulberry Restaurant, Langshott Manor, near Gatwick, Horley, Surrey RH6 9LN: 01293 786680
Reviewed: April 2012

'A grand old 16th century building that has counted a Governor of the Bank of England among its owners, Langshott Manor is surprisingly serene considering its proximity to Gatwick...'

 

The Oak Room at Great Fosters, Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR Tel: 01784 433822
Reviewed: July 2011

"A memorable evening in gorgeous surroundings; now we just need the Aston Martin..."

 

The Petersham, Nightingale Lane, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UZ Tel: 020 8940 7471
Reviewed: August 2008

'It was a glorious picture of the hotel, perched high on Richmond Hill with lush meadows stretching down to the banks of the Thames, that brought The Petersham to our attention.'

 

Le Raj, 211 Fir Tree Road, Epsom Downs, Surrey KT17 3LB Tel: 01737 371371
Reviewed: May 2011

'The reputation of Le Raj precedes it; stretching not just across Surrey, but right across the world'

 

Red Chilli Restaurant, Horsham Road, Mid Holmwood, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4EH
01306 644816
Reviewed: September 2009

'I recently spied an advertisement on a billboard in Dorking that read: 'Red Chilli - the best restaurant in Surrey'. Hmm, a claim that should be investigated, I thought.'

 

Rock & Rose Restaurant, 106-108 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PQ: 0208 948 8008
Reviewed: October 2009

'The strapline of the glitzy Richmond eatery Rock & Rose is 'food, passion and glamour' - and as soon as you walk in the door, you can see why.'

 

Royal Garden Restaurant, Shirley Hills Road, Shirley Hills, Surrey CR0 5HQ Tel: 0208 654 6491
Reviewed: April 2010

'I have to confess that one of the selling points for choosing the Royal Garden online had been the impressive list of famous names who have dined there... and best of all... Star Wars’ R2-D2 and C-3PO.'

 

Rumwong, 18-20 London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AF: 01483 456768
Reviewed: December 2009

'Unlike most people, I’ve never really rated Thai food that much – it just doesn’t wow me in the same way that great Indian or Chinese meals have done on numerous occasions. But that all changed the other night when I visited Rumwong in Guildford.'

 

Squires Holt, Hogs Back, Seale, Farnham GU10 1HE: 01483 810272
Reviewed: September 2008

'Blink and you'll miss the Squires Holt as you whiz along the Hogs Back, tucked away as it is behind trees and bushes on a fast stretch of the road.'

 

Thai Terrace, 7th Floor, Castle Car Park, Sydenham Road, Guildford, GU1 3RT Tel: 01483 503350
Reviewed: July 2008

'The address of the Thai Terrace sounds like a bit of a joke - 7th Floor, Castle Car Park - but in fact it massively undersells what turns out to be a stunning venue.'

 

The William Bray, Shere Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9HS Tel: 01483 202044
Reviewed: December 2010

'Chef Mark Routledge's presentation is effortlessly impressive and while keeping things simple, the flavours he conjures up would leave any reviewer clutching for the superlatives.'

 

 

 

Is your favourite Surrey restaurant not featured? Have you recently discovered a dining gem? Well, we're always looking for new great places to eat out in Surrey, so get in touch on our readers' review page or by e-mailing matthew.williams@surreylife.co.uk.

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