From award-winning restaurants to cosy local pubs, these are the best restaurants in Windsor right now
Windsor is, as we well know, a destination totally steeped in history (hello, royal weddings, and hello to the late Queen’s favourite weekend castle). And while that means this Berkshire town is bursting with excellent things to do, it also means you can bank on eating well.
Sure, it’s easy enough to dine like royalty in the bounty of award-winning establishments on the swankier end of the spectrum, but what might surprise you is the variety on offer. From Michelin-starred spots to humble, hearty cafés and local taverns, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice. Here are the very best restaurants in Windsor.
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What is it? A seriously swanky French restaurant with outstanding cooking. Ooh, la la.
Why go? The Waterside Inn is in Bray, a thirteen-minute drive from the heart of Windsor, but its dreamy Thameside views and three Michelin stars make it worth the trip. Expect a decadently French menu in comfortingly cosy English surroundings. Foie gras is a speciality.
Price: Blowout
What is it? A Moroccan restaurant dishing up a mean tagine.
Why go? Adding a much-needed Moroccan edge to this royally British town, Meimo is decorated with luscious red curtains and sofas. Expect excellent tagine served in clay dishes and a selection of well-priced mezze, including pastilla, prawn pil pil and aubergine zaalouk. Your mouth is watering already, isn't it?
Price: Mid-range
What is it? An upmarket country inn, part of a mini-chain across South England.
Why go? Bel and the Dragon is the perfect blend of luxurious and cosy. The succulent saddle of lamb to share is a star dish but don’t leave without trying the pink peppercorn squid or the killer clam-infused Bloody Mary. Besides, the staff here will treat you like royalty and let's be honest, you deserve it.
Price: High-end
What is it? The Windsor outpost of this trusty brasserie chain.
Why go? Sit in the beautiful, light-filled conservatory and eat steak tartare and moules frites. Okay, okay – we know Côte’s a chain, but since it’s situated on the river with almost 360-degree views of the water, that'll hardly cross your mind.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? An intimate olde worlde pub dishing up excellent pub grub.
Why go? Baskets of flowers garland the front of this eighteenth-century local, Two Brewers is set outside the gates of Windsor Great Park. Nab a table inside the lovely, low-beamed space and enjoy English beer and a menu of poshed-up pub food; think fillet steak and chargrilled asparagus wrapped in parma ham. It's the perfect spot for a snug pint.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? A gastropub with river views like no other.
Why go? A boozer since 1829, The Boatman is decorated with helms and nautical clocks. Drink in leafy, riverside views over Eton and enjoy beer-battered fish and chips, sea bass and yellowfin seared tuna. Not a fish fan? Not to worry – there are burgers, pasta and plenty of other pub classics on offer, too.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? A local pub with one of the best beer gardens around.
Why go? The huge, heaving beer garden is the main attraction at The George, which is owned by Windsor & Eton Brewery. If you’re looking for a pint on a sunny day, The George should be your first stop. Roasts are a feature, too: try the lovely pink beef piled high with crispy roast potatoes, cabbage and Yorkshire pudding.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? A trendy, black-fronted Japanese joint with a reasonably priced menu.
Why go? Need a sushi fix? Head to Misugo. Settle on one of their simple wooden stools and indulge in soft-shell crab rolls, bento boxes and quality sashimi.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? A branch of the UK Thai restaurant chain right opposite Windsor Castle.
Why go? Take your spring rolls to the outdoor patio and dine at Thai Square with Windsor Castle in the distance. Massaman curry is a signature dish here but don’t miss the zingy green papaya salad too.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? An unassuming little coffee shop with a large comfy sofa perfect for kicking back on.
Why go? First off: the coffee is excellent. There’s also a tempting selection of salads and cakes, along with inventive veggie bites like sweet potato and chickpea parcels. Lilly’s is quaint, cosy and charmingly delicious.
Price: Budget
What is it? A dependable British bistro in the heart of Eton-land.
Why go? Situated on the High Street of Eton (in term time, expect the strange sight of crowds of teenage boys in tails), Gilbey’s has a nice courtyard garden for soaking up the ray and a menu of updated Brit dishes. Look out for the lightly curried smoked haddock arancini served with pickled egg.
Price: Mid-range
What is it? A family-run Italian with a cosy vibe.
Why go? If you’re after a homely Italian restaurant, Enzo’s is your best bet. Creamy tiramisu is a sweet little crowd-pleaser, and if you’re in the market for savouries, there’s a nice selection of pasta and pizza (some arrive baked in a heart shape. Aww.)
Price: Budget
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