Berkhamsted Restaurant Guide

Set in a “lovely building” with tables under a 200-year-old olive tree, this restaurant – one of eight in a local chain – is frequently packed with regulars, who come back for its “good honest Italian fare at a reasonable price”. There’s “something for everyone on the menu”.

2021 Review: “Well cooked and presented meals” – and “good value”, too – are served at this unusual venue in the foyer of the beautifully preserved 1930s Rex cinema. There’s also a cocktail bar with live pianist – and a particularly strong lunch and pre-film menu.

This “genuine country pub”, surprisingly close to London in a beautiful Chilterns village, wins consistently solid ratings for its “good food, indoors and outside”, and “excellent local Tring Brewery beer”.

Eating at Scott Barnard’s chef’s table (max 15 diners) is a “real indulgence” for its “delicious and generous tasting menu, displaying wonderful seasonal produce and the skill of the team”. It was “perfect for the first meal out after lockdown, and fabulous as ever”. There’s also a “secret Cellar Bar” and dining room, and a spin-off Crocker’s in Henley.

This “fantastic gastropub in the middle of nowhere” – if that’s possible in the thickly populated Chilterns, just a few miles from the M25 – was built 300 years ago, became a pub 190 years ago, and is approaching 20 years under the ownership of Sally & Alvin Michaels. The food – courtesy of chef Claude Paillet – is “always reliably good” and “full of flavour”. There are beams, log fires, ivy-clad walls and “plenty of outside seating” – not to mention the “lovely countryside”.

“As good as ever” by all accounts, this low-key Thai remains a top draw locally for its “good-value” and “authentic” noodles, curries and so on… at least “if you can get in” (booking being a must on weekend nights).

2018 Review: Limited but very positive feedback on this lovingly restored, thatched traditional pub, not far from the Grand Union Canal, which wins all-round high scores for its superior pub grub.

“Gorgeous food, cosy atmosphere and great service” help make this 32-year-old bistro in Old Amersham a “firm favourite” to many long-time regulars. Owner Michael Gilbey, from the gin dynasty, is a wine fanatic, which informs the “interesting” list; he owns another bistro in Eton.

The Grocer at 91 pivoted to being a food shop during the pandemic and all the eating now happens at this intimate sibling café, whose 24 covers are expanded by three tables outside, and where the mostly vegan menu spans satisfying, well-priced salads, toasties and locally made cakes. Their Gerrards Cross branch is now under new management, operating as Huddle.

2019 Review: “A modern interior, with views of the golf course” sets the scene at this Galvin Brothers yearling, which on most – if not quite all – accounts provides “a good welcome”, “high quality” cooking and a “relaxing” atmosphere. It’s a popular haunt for business entertaining, for which “there’s a perfect setting alongside the 18th fairway and a delightful lounge that feeds into the restaurant, where you can talk shop pre-, post- or during lunch”.

Bringing a “breath of fresh air to Old Amersham dining”, a “stylish, friendly, buzzing” newcomer where “you could almost think you were in London”. It's run by husband-and-wife team Charlie (ex-of Heston B’s Hind’s Head restaurant) and Arantxa, who specialise in “superb” Spanish tapas, and have built up a solid following since opening in 2020.