Thames Ditton Restaurant Guide

A “buzzy” atmosphere and “welcoming service” are the strong suits of this “expanding group”, with 16 branches in London and another handful nearby. While nobody disputes that they’re “lovely to sit in” and offer “value for money”, the “Middle-Eastern-inspired cooking” divides opinion, with some reporters “pleasantly surprised by the tasty food” and others bemoaning “underwhelming” dishes that “sound better than they taste”.

There’s “always a cheery welcome and super-courteous service at this distinctive and cut-above restaurant” from ex-Oberoi/Cinnamon Club chef-patron Awanish Roy – the first in a now two-strong chain, with a younger spin-off in Reigate. Its “sophisticated and delicate culinary style” is “superior to any other Indian restaurants in the area”, showcased in everything from the “tiny” and “delicious” poppadoms to “tender and flavoursome” chef’s specials, which feature on a menu spanning street food, British favourites and far more exotic fare (grilled guinea fowl, say, or wild boar vindaloo).

“Better-than-average Chinese” cuisine (“not cheap though”) and a “lovely atmosphere” ensure that this upscale Oriental remains “a local favourite”. The original branch of the now eight-strong (otherwise London-based) chain opened on the King’s Road in 1979, with this Esher spin-off opening just a little later – and, while the menu hasn’t changed much since that era, absolutely no one seems to mind.

“Yes, just a local pub – but owned by José Pizarro”, godfather of Spanish cuisine in the UK. Unsurprisingly, the maestro’s first gastroboozer-with-rooms (and first venture outside the Big Smoke) is “mainly tapas” and by most reports it’s “well worth a detour” to the Surrey ‘burbs, with “very good outdoor spaces” a further boon. Top Menu Tip – “especially good pork rib paella”.

Lovely river views are a big draw to this bar and brasserie, whose glass-walled dining room and (above all) coveted terrace enjoy a “great” setting on the Thames near Teddington Lock. The modern European cooking (more “competent” than it is exciting, perhaps) nods to the location with plenty of fish and shellfish alongside afternoon teas – and, given the superb location and “friendly” staff (they also lay on regular jazz nights) it’s a decidedly useful sort of space.

“Newly reopened after an extensive refurbishment” (to the tune of £2m) in December 2023, this 140-year-old pub in a “lovely setting overlooking the West End green” now boasts a glamorous 48-seat orangery, outdoor bar, firepit and heated terrace amongst the gardens. The “interesting and varied” cuisine focuses on sharing-style plates (but not just), and there’s a “buzzy but not noisy atmosphere” that adds to the fun of a visit.

“Great dim sum” and “fast and efficient service” ensure this Oriental spot is “always packed” – “I’m of Chinese descent and this is the best and most authentic Cantonese restaurant in SW London. My family love their crispy noodles and won’t eat anywhere else” (although a more jaded view puts its popularity down to “a lack of local competition”).

“Breathtakingly outstanding dishes” have put this “top-notch Indian” in the outer southwestern ’burbs firmly on every curry-hound’s map over the past nine years – it justifies a “long drive”, or “makes a bumpy ride on the 406 bus worthwhile”. Ignore the modest Ewell shop front off the A3 Tolworth turn-off, you’ll find cooking of “the highest standard” that rivals the best in the West End – and “at a truly affordable price”.

“Not your typical Indian restaurant” – this inviting colonial-style villa is a beacon of the outer southwest ’burbs sitting just back from the Thames. The “lovely food” from a menu offering a “good range of choices” wins a very positive thumbs-up in this year’s survey. It was founded by owner Bhanu Pratap 16 years ago.

“This local gem has an unchanging but always consistent Japanese menu”, including “great sushi”. “The delightful Bobby on front of house” earns repeated mentions in feedback for “making Umi exceptional”: “nothing is too much”, and he “remembers his regulars and treats everyone like family”.

“The plant-filled terrace was magical… it could be the wine, but I can’t remember anything standing out foodwise…” – this garden centre café just outside Richmond Park became an unlikely hit under chef Skye Gyngell 20 years ago, and – with its shabby-chic greenhouse setting remains “a lovely place for a meal on a nice day”, even if the food is nowadays undistinguished and “the prices definitely on the high side”. In summer 2024 it finally prevailed after an astonishing 18-year standoff with Richmond council over evening opening, which had threatened its survival as a restaurant.

This “restrained and rather old-school” Richmond gem “was always good but has improved in the last few years” to become a major culinary destination. Kenneth Culhane’s “refined” dishes are “cooked to perfection and beautifully presented” in the “lovely setting” of an Arts & Crafts house next to glorious Richmond Park. “Unobtrusive, efficient and friendly service” and an “interesting selection of wine” make every meal here “a very special experience”.

Taken over by Simon King and Matt Larcombe, ex-head chef of The Crown at Bray, three years back, this smart red-brick former beer house in the Surrey ‘burbs enjoys a “lovely setting” (“the opening of the beautiful garden last year is a lovely addition for warm summer evenings”). At the pass, “new chef Dan (Lee) has done brilliantly to retain the standards of this ‘fine-dining’ pub”, turning out “outstanding” and modern takes on British pub grub – though a visit can get “pricey” (especially if you avail yourself of the rarer vintages on the wine list).

Quaint, old-fashioned decor lends a “special” atmosphere to this “small neighbourhood restaurant” in St Margaret’s. It’s resolutely French in style, providing “good portions of excellent food” from a traditional menu, whose top features are a Plat de Fruits de Mer and 28-day aged Châteaubriand, both for £80. Be warned, though, “it gets extremely busy around rugby matches at Twickenham”.

South African chef, Vanessa Marx has taken the reins (from Steven Edwards) at this attractive dining room – part of a boutique hotel, beautifully situated with a riverside garden in Richmond. Her menu is eclectic with a selection of small and larger plates. But while the reception to it has been a little up-and-down (“exceptional food, let down by a few off-kilter moments…”; “less cohesive than the previous dining experience…”; “expensive…”) its ratings overall are still pretty good all-round.

“Very good food” – but “no pizzas!”, the menu is more ambitious – has been served for more than 20 years at this “friendly local Italian” near Richmond Bridge in St Margaret’s – the last five under owner Tom Rowlandson, who trained with Skye Gyngell at Petersham Nurseries and has pushed standards ever higher.