Looking for the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells? Here are some of our favourites…
We are so lucky in Tunbridge Wells that we are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to great food. From high-end restaurant and independent cafes, to some of the best chain restaurants, and fantastic pubs – there are decent places for everyone. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells.
It’s quite an epic task rounding up the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells, so we’ve split it into easy-to-use groupings. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for date night, live music, afternoon tea, a Sunday roast, meals with kids or meals with friends – we’ve got you covered. Read on for more…
Best places for dates in Tunbridge Wells
You might be looking for something really special, or going on a first date. Here are some of the best places to make sure you have a really lovely evening together…
Sankey’s Old Fishmarket
This beautiful seafood restaurant is located in the heart of The Pantiles, offering up sophisticated dining in the most historic part of our town. This is an exclusive seafood and sparkling wine bar, with wines from around the world and the freshest, most delicious seafood in Tunbridge Wells. Think oysters, lobster, crab… romance… it’s, well, *chef’s kiss*.
19 The Upper, The Pantiles TN2 5TN
Kiko Sushi & Yakatori is a cute little restaurant close to the historic Pantiles. They serve the best sushi in Tunbridge Wells, and the restaurant has a really intimate feel. If you feel a little out of your depth, the chef’s platters are a great option, and their special rolls are absolutely delicious. There’s a really lovely atmosphere at Kiko. We recommend booking ahead at this restaurant.
5 London Road TN1 1DN
The Warren sits on the first floor above The High Street in Tunbridge Wells, with gorgeous arched windows that overlook the prettiest street in town. The restaurant is a foodie heaven, with much of the menu based on hyper local produce caught on The Crowborough Estate. The food is modern European, with plenty of rich dishes and a decent wine list. If you’re coming from London, this restaurant is close to the train station.
5A High Street TN1 1UL
Tallow is one of the hottest tables in town, and has got amazing reviews in the national press. It’s even in the Michelin Guide. The expert team have created food alchemy at Tallow – except, perhaps, the ingredients are anything but ordinary to begin with. Head chef Rob Taylor creates modern British dishes, with an ever changing menu. Expect delicious, rich plates of food, great service and a very sophisticated night out. The informal dining room creates a lovely relaxed and modern vibe.
15A Church Road TN4 0RX
Cantuccio is a fab neighbourhood restaurant on Camden Road. They cook authentic sourdough pizzas in their ovens, and use only locally sourced produce. They even make their tomato sauce themselves, fresh, every single day. We can attest to how good the pizzas are, and with candlelight, a wall of windows and a friendly atmosphere, this is a cute low-key option that’s good value.
42 Camden Road TN1 2QD
Thackeray’s is a gorgeous modern European restaurant and the flagship of Richard Phillips. Expect a great time, excellent food and seasonal menus in one of the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells. There’s also a great atmosphere. It’s long been the venue of choice for those who want outstanding gourmet menus in Tunbridge Wells.
85 London Rd TN1 1EA
Best places to eat with kids in Tunbridge Wells
The Poacher and Partridge is an incredibly family-friendly pub. Situated just outside Tonbridge in Tudeley, we find it’s a great pub to meet friends coming down from London at, as it’s not too far from the A21. There’s a really good, lengthy menu with lots of variety – it’s a bit more modern than traditional pub fare, but you can still find a burger or two on there. Plus a great kids’ menu. The best thing is that the kids can run free in the garden, there’s a play area and a bar you can order from outside.
Hartlake Road TN11 0PH
The Vineyard in Lamberhurst is one of our go tos with the kids on sunny days. There’s a lovely big garden with some play equipment, and the garden is fenced off so the kids are contained. The menu is huge, with wood-fired pizzas, light lunches and plenty of other choices too, plus a really decent kids’ menu. The added bonus is there’s a “beach bar” outside, so you can order food from the grill while keeping an eye on the kids. There are reasonable prices here too.
The Down TN3 8EU
Wagamama is always a hit with our kids. Their children’s menu offers a really nice introduction to Asian flavours without being too “out there”. Our kids love the long tables and all the attention from the lovely, friendly staff. It’s also always a quick meal meaning no one gets bored and starts wanting to wander around or moan. It’s right in the town centre just next to Tunbridge Wells station.
54 Mount Pleasant TN1 1RB
Kingdom is and ideal place at the weekend with the kids. There’s plenty of grounds to walk around to build up an appetite, and then some yummy food back at the main lodge. The restaurant is run by the same folk who own The Beacon, so expect a changing, exciting menu with some classics such as bacon baps, granola and more adventurous dishes too. They also serve excellent fresh coffee from Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery, and their own kombucha.
Grove Road TN11 8DU
Best Sunday roasts in Tunbridge Wells
The George & Dragon at Speldhurst is one of our favourites for a relaxed yet grown-up meal out. Their food is always spot on, with modern British food their speciality. In the summer the garden is lovely, while in Winter the pub is super cosy. The Sunday menu offers up a brilliant range of roasts, veggie options and burgers too.
3 Speldhurst Hill TN3 0NN
The George Pub in Tunbridge Wells is a great, buzzy option that’s child friendly, too. There’s a bit of a courtyard outside on warmer days (you have to take a flight of stairs down there, or go via the side gate), and some tables out the front too. Their Sunday roast options always includes beef, plus a “guest” roast and a vegan and veggie option too.
29 Mt Ephraim TN4 8AA
The Ragged Trousers – often lovingly shortened to just “The Ragged” – is a cute little pub on The Pantiles. This offers up some great food options, which is quite international and there’s often a pint of prawns as an option too. The portions are always hearty and the team here are so friendly. In the summer you can sit outside and watch the world go by in the historic quarter of Tunbridge Wells.
44 The Pantiles TN2 5TN
Abergavenny Arms always comes up with locals when discussing the best roasts in Tunbridge Wells. Served from midday to 4.45pm, their roasts include mixed roast, pork chop, spatchcock chicken, sea bream, sirloin of beef or mixed beef. What a range! Why not opt for one of their delicious cocktails to go with your roast too?
Frant Road TN3 9DB
The Kentish Hare serves incredible food all week long, and Sundays are no exception. Run by the Tanner brothers, The Kentish Hare is an award-winning pub in Bidborough. On Sundays, lunch is served from 12-4pm, and we strongly advise booking ahead. At time of writing, their Sunday lunch menu sets you back £30 for two courses or £35 for three. The menu is seasonal, with the very best produce selected to create mouthwateringly delicious plates of food. Expect plenty of roast meat options with all the trimmings, as well as some veggie and fish options too.
95 Bidborough Ridge TN3 0XB
The Beacon is one of Tunbridge Wells’ best-loved pubs. It’s perched high on the valley overlooking the fields across to the Ashdown Forest just uphill from High Rocks. As well as mega views, The Beacon does some of the best food in town and is great for a special occasion. They run a Sunday menu in their main restaurant – called The Hearth, where their three-course set menu is £45. This includes one choice of roast or the veggie option. The Garden Bar is slightly more relaxed (and kid friendly), but doesn’t offer traditional roasts on a Sunday. Think steak and frites, or pan-fried fish instead.
Tea Garden Lane TN3 9JH
The George at Frant is such a brilliant traditional village pub. There’s a huge garden in warmer months, and a cosy bar you can lose hours of your life to on colder Sundays. Their food is incredibly tasty, and their roasts are some of the best pub roasts around.
36 High Street TN3 9DU
Best nights out with friends in Tunbridge Wells
Sip & Slide is a brilliant addition to Camden Road, serving up grass-fed beef burgers, craft beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly setting. Founded by hospitality veterans Dan and Phil, the focus here is on simple food done exceptionally well, with stacked burgers, flavour-packed wings and a rotating selection of local beers. We love the smash burgers, but the lemon pepper wings and loaded fries are well worth ordering too. Oh and homemade donuts too!
11 Camden Road TN1 2PS
Fuggles Pub & Bar is a brilliant independent spot on Grosvenor Road that’s all about great drinks and good vibes. Expect a constantly rotating craft beer list, a brilliant wine selection, 40+ gins, and the dreamiest charcuterie and cheese boards (plus toasties that hit the spot every time). It’s buzzy but chilled, with genuinely friendly staff and a lovely community feel – and if you’re skipping the booze, their alcohol-free options are top notch too. Also Fuggles is due to expand shortly to watch this space.
28 Grosvenor Rd TN1 2AP
The Ivy on the High Street is always a reliable bet for a bit of a special occasion. The dining room is inspired on the original Ivy in Covent Garden, with an Art Deco bar with mixologists constantly making drinks, long booth seating and tucked away tables. The place is always buzzy, from their breakfast service, through lunch and afternoon tea to dinner. We love the cocktails here, and the arancini is not to be missed – or those truffle and parmesan fries.
46-50 High St TN1 1XF
Zorba is one of our all-time favourite Turkish restaurants in Tunbridge Wells. The staff are incredibly welcoming and easy going, and the food is absolutely delicious. Choose from a wide selection of hot or cold meze, and then move on to the grill for some of the best kebabs in the South East.
4 Upper Grosvenor Road TN1 2EN
Saint John’s Yard serves up some seriously indulgent burgers in a pub/restaurant vibe. In the summer there’s a decent-sized garden that’s full of people enjoying the buzz. There’s also a bar out there so you don’t have to keep schleping back and forth all night.
66 St Johns Road TN4 9PE
We hope you found this post about the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells useful? Have we missed any? Let us know!
Are you a fan of cocktails? Then check out our post about the top cocktail bars in Tunbridge Wells!
