My favourite places to eat in Surrey
I’ve eaten in my fair share of “fancy” restaurants, but I’m not really a fine dining kind of guy. Relaxed and informal is much more my style - I prefer simple, uncomplicated food to elaborate dishes with countless ingredients.
I’ve had some of my most memorable meals in the most unassuming places. I’ll never forget eating the most delicious pasta at a tiny beach hut café in Tropea, Calabria, seated at a plastic table with my toes in the sand.
And some of the best seafood I’ve ever tasted was in Camariñas, in northwestern Spain, in a small, stone-walled restaurant just across the road from the harbour. The fish was so fresh – its supply being so close! – and served with just half a lemon and steamed potatoes (and an obligatory bottle of Albariño). Heaven!
So, on my rare days off, I tend to seek out restaurants that might not be the most obvious choices, but where I know the food won’t disappoint.
Beyond the many great cafés and pubs on my doorstep in Thames Ditton, here are my current top picks across Surrey.
Particella 107, Tolworth
I’ve waxed lyrical about this low-key Italian before. It’s opposite Marks & Spencer in Tolworth and has more of a relaxed café vibe than a restaurant, but the food is always on point. Vittorino makes the best cucina italiana this side of Napoli! If you ask him nicely, he’ll even cook something off the menu to order. Last year, for my birthday, he made lobster and paccheri pasta, which we washed down with a superb bottle of Greco di Tufo. However, it’s the pizza that keeps me coming back. The team also deserves a special mention. Giorgio and Elisa are always so welcoming – and Elisa’s Aperol Spritz is second to none. Follow Particella on Instagram here.
Cappadocia, Kingston
My wife Janine and I have been going to this buzzy Turkish restaurant for years. We first discovered it after a trip to the cinema just opposite and have been regulars ever since. I always look forward to the freshly baked bread, closely followed by the house white wine. The hardest decision is whether to share a selection of mezze dips and salads or opt for a main course. Dessert - always kunefe - is non-negotiable. I love watching the chefs at work in what must be one of the best-run kitchens in the area. The service strikes the right balance between friendly and efficient, and the food is consistently good. Visit the website here.
Cheeky Pea, Kingston
If I can find an excuse to go into Kingston during the week, this is my lunch spot of choice. It’s in Eden Walk shopping centre, which isn’t the most glamorous location, but it’s the best local place I know for Middle Eastern food. I tend to have a falafel bowl. They cook the falafel to order, and it comes with fresh pitta bread, hummus and a selection of salads and pickles. I have it on good authority that the halloumi bowl is just as delicious. When it comes to quality/ price, this place is hard to beat. Check out the website here.
The Ripley Anchor, Ripley
The Anchor in Ripley feels special in a relaxed, unpretentious way. The menu focuses on seasonal British produce and is refreshingly to the point. The wine list is equally thoughtful, offering an impressive selection by the glass. My only gripe is that it isn’t closer to home, so I could enjoy the full wine-paired experience more often!
The first time we discovered The Anchor, we were out for a walk and stopped for a quick lunch in the bar. My wife still raves about the parsnip soup with toasted almonds! We’ve been coming back ever since.
It’s one of those rare places where every course is first-rate. Their fish is particularly good – one of us always orders the scallops if they’re on the menu – and their desserts are something else. The bread is excellent too! Read more about them here.
Le Petit Nantais, East Molesey
Whenever my family visits from France, they insist on eating here. It’s not just the food and wine - it’s the convivial atmosphere that keeps them coming back. The fairy lights add a lovely touch, making it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
We had a particularly memorable evening here, celebrating my uncle and stepdad’s seventieth birthdays. Oysters, freshly caught fish from the Cornish coast and Armagnac featured prominently!
What I love about Le Petit Nantais is that it’s family-owned and run with genuine passion. And it’s very relaxed. JP is someone I respect and admire - he’s been incredibly supportive of the bakery, and running a successful restaurant on Bridge Road for almost 30 years says a lot about his dedication. If you’re looking for a French bistro experience without crossing the Channel, this is your place! Visit their website here to find out more.
These are my favourite spots in Surrey. What are yours? I’m always looking to discover new places. So, if you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
