The best restaurants in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Be adventurous, explore Tunbridge Wells’ culinary delights.
Many dining places in Tunbridge Wells are in glorious settings and ancient historic buildings with tales to tell.
Thackeray’s Restaurant, nestled within the 300-year-old walls of William Makepeace Thackeray’s former home (he even wrote Vanity Fair there!), offers fine cuisine steeped in literary history.

Michelin Guide Restaurants
For the ultimate indulgence, why not try one of the four restaurants in and around Royal Tunbridge Wells featured in the Michelin Guide. The Counter by Robin Read offers five, seven and nine courses of exceptional food. A firm favourite in town is Thackeray’s, specialising in relaxed fine dining and applying classic European culinary philosophies to modern dishes.
Head a little further afield for the one green Michelin star restaurant, The Small Holding, or other nearby entries on the Michelin Guide: The Kentish Hare in Bidborough or Southborough’s highly-acclaimed Tallow.
Affordable treats.
Venture beyond the main streets and discover family-run havens like Il Vesuvio (Italian) and The TN1 Bar and Kitchen (Mediterranean), beloved by locals for their warm atmosphere and authentic flavours.
Discover spicy delights Kai’s Kitchen (Thai) and The Spice (Indian) offer vibrant curries and aromatic spices, sure to tantalize your taste buds and wallet.
If you can’t decide what you want to eat why not try some Tapas. Share a selection of flavourful small plates at Soprano’s , The Townhouse Wine Bar and Kitchen, or explore more options popping up on the scene.

Unique places to eat out across the Tunbridge Wells borough.
Ditch the bustling crowds and embark on a foodie adventure! Venture beyond the main streets of Royal Tunbridge Wells, stroll down the trendy Camden Road or explore the quaint villages of Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, or Lamberhurst for hidden culinary gems.
So, raise a glass – in Tunbridge Wells, a delicious bite comes with a side of captivating history.
The Poet at Matfield
The Michelin Guide acclaimed Poet at Matfield, housed in a quirky listed building and helmed by a Masterchef veteran, promises delectable British fare in a charming village.
The Milk House
Venture further to Sissinghurst, where the Condé Nast Traveller-approved Milk House awaits amidst quaint cottages, serving dishes as charming as their locale.
Tunbridge Wells restaurants with the best views.
Beyond the charming streets of Royal Tunbridge Wells lie culinary havens with unforgettable views. Perched high above the Happy Valley of the Rusthall Common, The Beacon wows with panoramic woodland vistas, offering newly decorated rooms for longer escapes. For country charm, The Star and Eagle in Goudhurst reigns supreme, perched atop the Wealden landscape. In Royal Tunbridge Wells, Hotel du Vin & Bistro delivers sophisticated elegance with garden and historic grounds views, while High Rocks Inn offers a unique jungle-like setting amidst ancient sandstone rocks – accessible by steam train or vintage diesel, no less!




























