Dining Al Fresco - photo by David Hodgkinson Dining Al Fresco - photo by David Hodgkinson Kiko Sushi and Yakitori Kiko Sushi and Yakitori La Casa Vecchia La Casa Vecchia Tunbridge Wells is a gastronomically fulfilling location Tunbridge Wells is a gastronomically fulfilling location

Right across the borough in our rural pockets and villages you will find some surprising foodie heaven across all types of cuisine.

Also famed for their family friendliness and for being easy on the pocket there is a rare choice of family owned Italian restaurants in Tunbridge Wells as well as the well known chains.

Local Produce, International Cuisine

Excellent quality food and drink is easily found thanks to the abundant nature of the region.

Sustainability and buying local are both high on chefs’ agendas round here.

Local lamb, beef, chicken and pork are popular and used in the variety of international cuisines. Regionally grown fruit and vegetables are of course a staple of the menus.

We’re not far from the coast, so Fish and Chips is readily and freshly available as are oysters and other delicious sea foods.

Look out too for divine wines made locally, sparkling or still, and the same goes for cider. Local gin and ale have become more and more popular.

The Best Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells

Many dining places in Tunbridge Wells are in glorious settings and ancient historic buildings with tales to tell.

The Poet at Matfield has a lovely story of its grade 2 listed building with highlighted “quirks” and is included in the 2020 Michelin Guide.

In this tiny village, made famous by Siegfried Sassoon, this is a staff “that cares” about the food they serve. Should we mention the chef has been on Masterchef:The Professionals?!  An eclectic British style with high standards, it’s worth the drive.

For fine cuisine, there is Thackeray’s Restaurant in Royal Tunbridge Wells which is in one of the most historic buildings in the town. Over 300 years old, this used to be the writer William Makepeace Thackeray’s home (he wrote Vanity Fair) and is also in a book! The Michelin Guide 2020 no less.

The Milk House in Sissinghurst is mentioned in the Condé Nast Traveller guide.  It is situated in a lovely little village nestled amongst cute white clapboard cottages.

Again conscious of sourcing supplies locally, this recently established venue has already made an impact on the food scene.

Cheap eats in Tunbridge Wells

It is said that great things come in small packages and family-run, independent restaurants here do exceedingly well, with their individual followings and regulars.

Il Vesuvio and Rendez Vous are hugely popular with locals, Italian and French cuisine respectively. Both are to be found on Camden Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Kai’s Kitchen, a Thai restaurant, and The Spice (Indian) have both been long stayers in various chart listings!

Tapas is available at Soprano’s, The Townhouse Wine Bar and Kitchen, and watch this space!

Unique places to eat out across the Tunbridge Wells Borough

Some of the best dining options are tucked away from the main thoroughfares so go on, be adventurous and get away from the crowds.

Stroll down Camden Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells as well as the villages of Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Lamberhurst….

The Old Fishmarket Champagne and Seafood Bar is in an ancient historic building in the Pantiles and rivals the top London restaurants.

First built in 1745 this is a unique place to dine out; it’s a tiny former market stall and right in the middle of the pedestrianised zone! Do browse our Restaurants in the Pantiles article for more juicy details.

The Warren on the High Street serves a lot of game and focuses on a small number of high quality dishes.  ‘Quirky décor’ is a description that pops up regularly in relation to this 2020 Michelin Guide restaurant.  Visit and see what you think.

Kitsu is one of two Japanese options selling sushi in the region.  A firm favourite of the local residents, and often difficult to get a seat. Bring your own bottle if you fancy a tipple.

Tunbridge Wells Restaurants with the Best Views

Just on the outskirts of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Beacon restaurant has views that will make you go “Wow!”

Overlooking beautiful woodland away from town, it is positioned high up on the edge of Rusthall Common facing the curiously named Happy Valley.

The Star and Eagle in Goudhurst is more of a hotel but you can’t beat Goudhurst for country Wealden views. Way above sea level this is the highest point for miles around in a downland setting.

Goudhurst can be taken in on a scenic tour or stay in this quintessential spot and lose yourself on vacation.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro is in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.  Relax with elegant views over their gardens and the historic Calverley Grounds. Award winning and sophisticated, this is one classy place!

Giuseppe’s at High Rocks is an unusual place to eat as it is opposite a gigantic mass of sandstone rocks or ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ and ‘Ancient Monument’.

The locale is lush and jungle-like owing to all the ferns and shrubbery that abound. Popular for weddings, you could get a steam train or vintage diesel there!

Top Tips for Restaurant Eating in Tunbridge Wells

It is advisable to book for peak times as eating out is so popular in this area, browse our venues in the right hand search box to find your choice of restaurant.

For family friendly restaurants use the drop down menus on the right to filter our list of almost 250 venues.

Final note: never fear to ask for dairy free, gluten free or vegan options, they are there.

Highlights