Location: Berkhamsted
Top Restaurants in Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted (/ˈbɜːrkəmstɛd/ BUR-kəm-sted) is a historic market town close to the western boundary of Hertfordshire, England. The affluent commuter town is located in the small Bulbourne valley in the Chiltern Hills, 26 miles (42 km) northwest of London. Berkhamsted is a civil parish, with a town council within the larger borough of Dacorum. Berkhamsted and the adjoining village of Northchurch are separated from other towns and villages by countryside that is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and much of it classified as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(AONB).
Things to do in Berkhamsted
1. The Alford Arms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
A warm and welcoming country dining pub with open fire and muddy boots and dog friendly. People often describe the Alford as a gastro-pub, but we're not really comfortable with that tag. The term sounds too restauranty and cheffy. We've always wanted the Alford to be a great pub, where you just happen to be able to get great food. So tables in the dining room are available to book, but there's also the bar for drinkers with tables available on a first come, first served basis. The seasonal menu and daily specials balance originality with more traditional fare and we are firm believers in using local produce wherever possible. Hanging baskets and window boxes adorn the Terrace and provide an alfresco dining area. Alongside is the village green and historic Ashridge Estate is right on our doorstep. Ramblers, dog walkers, bluebell admirers, mushroom foragers and cyclists regularly emerge from the surrounding countryside ready to combine their activity with a refreshing stop at the Alford Arms.
Reviewed By Pilgrimgreen - Harpenden, United Kingdom
An enjoyable family lunch. The Alford Arms has a good reputation for food, and it didn’t disappoint. The food was excellent and the staff were friendly. The service was occasionally a little slow, but it wasn’t too bad. Our two kids enjoyed the colouring (many thanks) but would have appreciated some more kid-friendly dessert options. Again, a minor point. Certainly won’t be our last visit.
2. Martins Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Iain, Chris and the team warmly welcome you to Martins Pond. As valued guests to our lovely country pub,we aim to exceed your expectations from the moment you enter,delivering the friendliest service possible within a relaxed & cozy atmosphere. Being passionate about our business we endeavour to provide the best quality produce and have selected local suppliers to ensure outstanding results. We have extensively refurbished the pub to create a wonderful space for any ocassion, whether it be a leisurely lunch, family dinner, or just a few cheeky drinks!
Reviewed By Chris W
Went here for a birthday meal. First the positives, the serving staff were all faultlessly polite and friendly especially the younger lad who served us. Most in our group had Sunday roasts which were excellent, decent quality food and very generous portion sizes even considering the price.
It was a very long wait for the food which to be fair the serving staff apologised for. When it came out it was clear I had the dud meal. Burger - well, the burger was absolutely charred. As in, crumbling like a piece of cake, not well done (I had asked for it to be rarer if possible). I sent it back and was told that that was the least they could cook it! There was almost no blue cheese topping and the "good" salad from the menu was some romaine lettuce and tomato in salad cream.
They did offer to swap it but of course by that time everyone else in the group had their meals so it's a bit awkward to sit there with nothing whilst everyone is eating. On the plus side the chips were amazing, some of the best I have had.
Weirdly at the end of the meal we weren't offered a dessert menu and when we did order teas and coffees at the bar they forgot the order until prompted 10 minutes later.
It did feel a bit like a day when the manager was off and so everything is a bit less polished. Amusingly enough you can hear everything they are saying in the kitchen from the toilets, none of which was particularly complimentary about the orders which perhaps explains the intransigence about my meal.
Overall four stars because the staff were so nice and also on the basis of everyone else's meal. Would have been five stars if the server had just said "we absolutely cremate the burger, is that okay?" when I ordered so I could have chosen something else.
3. The Gatsby
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By Claire D - Basel, Switzerland
We had cocktails in the bar and then a meal in the restaurant with family. The food was excellent as were the drinks. The service as fantastic and all staff were happy and attentive. The piano player was a bonus. I would definitely go back for more meals. Thank you for a wonderful evening
4. Thai Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By mia c - Dunstable, United Kingdom
Decided to try this Thai due to the reviews on TA and was pleased we did. Décor was fab, very authentic and nicely done and the service was great all staff very attentive, friendly and smiling. Food was great quality and very tasty. Would recommend Butterfly king prawns to start or honey ribs and thai red curry or if you like it hot weeping tiger steak lovely. If I had one small piece of feedback to give it would be more honey sauce on the banana fritters please. Will definitely be back
5. Brownlow Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By 342SteveO - Princes Risborough, United Kingdom
If I was reviewing just the scones it would be a 4 star review for these massive fluffy beauties filled with cream and jam! However, the actual overall selection in the cafe is a a bit limited
The location though, in Ashridge Estate, overlooking the monument is great.
6. Berkhamsted Fish Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Ian L - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom
It isn't always easy to satisfy peoples views on fish and chips but these guys do a good job. Portions are big so think before you buy.
Fish is tasty and fresh, service is fast and friendly and there is a small parking area outside which is fine for the short term while you wait for your order. You can eat in but we prefer the tried and tested takeaway approach.
7. The Highwayman
Overall Ratings
4 based on 354 reviews
Located in an old Georgian building this brasserie boasts a wonderful interior with several levels providing different dining environments overlooking an open, mezzanine kitchen. On arrival you will be greeted by our friendly, knowledgeable team and the lively ambience is complemented by a menu inspired by the simple, hearty dishes of M. Blanc's childhood. Alongside an appetising a la carte menu and carefully selected wine list we offer an excellent value set menu and on Sundays we serve a classic roast with all the trimmings. Younger diners can choose from a special children's menu or order a half sized portion of many of the a la carte dishes on offer.For summer dining our secluded Terrace is the ideal escape.
Reviewed By stevehutch - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom
What is the difference between a restaurant/gastro pub/pub. The Highwayman is now a pub although 60% of the floor space is still the restaurant. Interesting change of decor and although a reduction in food options still plenty to satisfy most palates.
The pub section was full and noisy when we arrived but I guess that is a positive. The restaurant was quieter although quite busy.
Great service and hospitality, good food.
8. Zaza Berkhamsted
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 711 reviews
Reviewed By Stewart C - London, England, United Kingdom
lovely place to eat and it serves food all day which is good for me as it fit's around work. If you sit upstairs there is a tree with lights which looks great, and adds to the lovely food that is served
9. The Olive Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 470 reviews
We are a family owned restaurant serving you delectable Hellenic Mezethes from recipes handed down through generations of home cooking! Kali Orexi!
Reviewed By Emyr1 - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom
Greek food makes a nice change in the Berkhamsted area, and The Olive Tree provides the right ingredients for a pleasant occasion. The food is good straight-down-the-middle quality without being exceptional at all.
10. I Love Food
Overall Ratings
4 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By laura b - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom
No acknowledgement on arrival, made our own way to our table. Waited 40 minutes to be acknowledged. 2 rounds of drinks - both incorrrect. Very small food portions. 2 waiters- 1 couldn't speak english, the other avoided any eye contact. Asked to speak to the...MoreYour recollection of the night is very different from the CCTV recording. You have also failed to mention the racial remarks your group made? We have contacted the authorities and discussing with our solicitor how to move further with this.
