Richmond Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “A super-pretty location” helps make the dining room of this Richmond boutique hotel – rebranded last year as the Bingham Riverhouse – “unbeatable for a special meal”. To accompany the “lovely ambience”, and “great views over the Thames”, the food is an attraction in itself: “the menu reflects the seasons well and is always delivered to a high standard”.

2021 Review: “One of the mainstays of Richmond over many years” – this “lovely little bistro” near the bridge provides “a touch of Brittany with its galettes (savoury and sweet) and cidre bouche (though they also do offer a wider menu as well”); added marks for the “river view (if you ask for it)”.

2021 Review: “An excellently seasoned burger” is typical of the “big portions of rather tasty” food at this popular, “friendly and pleasantly appointed”, all-day modern bistro in Richmond. There are also (less commented-on) branches in Kew, Putney and Notting Hill.

2021 Review: “Always a surprise” – you get what you’re given (there’s no menu choice) at chef Riccardo Grigolo’s set-price Venetian feast in Richmond: an unqualified delight, with multiple courses of “amazing, delicious food” and “excellent service”, creating “an atmosphere rarely found elsewhere”.

2021 Review: “Lovely, tiny Japanese café run by a friendly family” (who are in fact Korean) on the edge of Richmond town-centre’s one-way system – “never lets you down” (sushi is the highlight).

2021 Review: “When all you want is an old-school burger”, these US-based arrivals of recent years really “hit the spot” – you can “build your own”, with “tons of accessories”; plus “seriously addictive fries”, “thick milkshakes”, and “more soda flavours than is reasonable”. “The eat-in experience is as depressing as McDonald’s”, though, in fact perhaps more so – “some branches have a strangely gloomy ambience” – but fans feel that “if you don’t mind 1980s-rock, a trip can still be surprisingly fun”.

2021 Review: “Trading on The Ivy’s name, but nothing like the real thing”: outlets of Richard Caring’s sub-sub-brand are “squarely bistro in nature” and proving less successful than their brasserie namesakes in capturing diners’ affections. True, some do tout them as a “dependable if unexciting” choice, but – lacking the pizzazz which carries the experience at their grander cousins – the focus falls more on the “bland, by-numbers” food and service that’s “neither here nor there”. Top Tip – “Prefer breakfast to the expensive lunch and dinner options”.

2021 Review: Upmarket local in St Margaret’s – close enough to Twickers for a meal before or after the rugby – that earns solid ratings for its “great Italian cooking” and “very friendly service”. New owner chef Tom Rowlandson has introduced weekend brunches.

2021 Review: “Brilliant views over the Thames at the window tables”, from a “unique” vantagepoint overlooking Petersham Meadows, add to the “tranquil” atmosphere at this impressive-looking hotel (built in 1865 by the same architect as Portland Place’s Langham Hotel). On most accounts, “decent” cooking creates “a real experience” (if in a rather old-fashioned mould), but there’s also the odd report of “perfunctory” standards. Top Tip – “a fantastic location for a relaxed afternoon tea”.

A fifth site from the Gladwin Bros (Rabbit, Nutbourne, etc).

Review: “Authentic and delicious tapas… if you can get a table” has made the bustling, original branch of this Hispanic food importer’s chain a well-known feature of Borough Market, and “at busy times, it feels rushed”. It has spawned a number of spin-offs over the years, which are generally high quality, if not as vibey as the original: most recently opening a ‘Brindisa Kitchen Bar’ at Jubilee Place.