Best restaurants in Hitchin

The market town of Hitchin in North Hertfordshire has everything you could possibly wish for when it comes to great places to eat. Many of Hitchin’s best restaurants are independently run, and - given the impressive history of the town - occupy medieval and Tudor-era buildings. But you’ll also find more modern haunts serving everything from Mediterranean grills and aromatic Thai food to lazy brunches and all-day vegetarian cafe grub. There are many great options to choose from. We’ve done the hard work and sniffed out the most incredible options in town with our list of the best restaurants in Hitchin.

Updated on 14 June 2024

With a long list of restaurants in Hitchin, many feel as though they could be better placed in the capital’s city centre. But thankfully for us, they’re not. You’ll find that some of the best restaurants in Hitchin included on this list cater to diverse dining requirements. Whether you’re searching for a lively spot to enjoy small plates (and plenty of cocktails) with friends, a traditional pub inn serving an unmatched Sunday roast, or fresh stone-baked pizzas this list includes all the restaurants in Hitchin that are the best at what they do. As such, you’ll find that many of them aren’t considered to be stuffy fine dining spots, but instead offer a great atmosphere and great food.

With a history dating back to the seventh century - as the home of the Hicce (‘horse people’) Tribe, Hitchin’s cobbled streets offer much to do. Recorded as a royal manor by the 11th-century Domesday Book, Hitchin developed into a wool trading town, and - after the Corn Exchange - became a major centre for grain trading in the 1800s. Plus, the thousand-year-old church, independent boutiques and cafes have featured in various films and programmes; including Dr Foster, My Policeman and The World's End.

Little Monkey Kitchen

23 Bancroft, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1JW

While it may be little by name, this lovely Thai restaurant in the centre of Hitchin is certainly not little by nature. The team creates delicious food inspired by recipes passed down through the generations.

£30 - £49

Thai

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Radcliffe Arms

31 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9ST

The Radcliffe Arms is a popular pub known for its craft beer and fresh stone-baked pizzas. If you’re after an evening quiz night, signature pizzas, and a pint (or three), this is the spot for you.

British

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The Groundworks

1 Churchyard, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG51 HR

Modern cafe The Groundworks serves up stellar cups of coffee and next-level brunch dishes seven days a week. Better yet, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for people to enjoy.

Under £30

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Los Reyes

16 Bucklersbury, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BB

An on trend, bare-brick restaurant in Hitchin centre, Los Reyes has made its home in the old Kings Arms pub, but don’t expect pub grub. This is a popular destination for authentic Spanish tapas formed with local produce.

£30 - £49

Tapas

Spanish

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Cinnabar Hitchin

8 High Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BH

All-day dining spot Cinnabar Hitchin serves everything from lazy breakfasts to stone-baked pizzas, burgers and tapas in the evening. Everything is made fresh in-house, and there’s a daily happy hour deal to wash it all down with.

£30 - £49

Modern European

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The Farmhouse at Redcoats

The Farmhouse at Redcoats, Hitchin, SG4 7JR

Found within a quirky but deeply stylish 15th-century farmhouse hotel, The Farmhouse restaurant is an award-winning spot for creative dishes. Each plate is devised with produce from the restaurant's own no-dig garden, local suppliers, and foraging efforts.

£50 - £79

British

Gastropub

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Bar Azita Hitchin

35 Bucklersbury, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BG

This gorgeous little Mediterranean grill and tapas bar in Hitchin boasts tasty small plates, Spanish craft beer, and a huge array of signature and classic cocktails. The exposed-brick restaurant covers two floors which are connected by a spiral staircase.

£30 - £49

Mediterranean

Spanish

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Hermitage Rd

20 - 21, Hermitage Rd, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BT

Found within a renovated ballroom on Hermitage Road, this is a restaurant and bar known for elegant, bespoke cocktails, fine wines and glorious seasonal dishes. Expect perfect steaks cooked over charcoal, gastropub-style mains, and a warm ambience.

£30 - £49

British

Bars

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While there’s much to explore within Hitchin, given it’s less than an hour away by train, why not take the opportunity to explore some of the best brunches in Cambridge? Alternatively, if you’re planning a special occasion and searching for a restaurant that can make more of an impact - consider our carefully assessed collection of the best restaurants in Cambridge.

However, sometimes even the fanciest of restaurants just won’t cut the mustard when it comes to those once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. To help in that respect, we’ve put together all the private dining rooms near Hitchin along with some helpful filters.