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Best restaurants in Guildford

This popular Surrey town is full of great restaurants and pubs so we’ve compiled this handy list of the best. Whether you’re looking for a quaint pub that serves hearty British fare, a restaurant with views or somewhere quick for a bite to eat after hitting the shops, we’ve got you covered.

Updated on 16 April 2024

With its excellent transport links to nearby London and easy access to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Guildford is a des res in the heart of Surrey that’s full of charm. Named one of the most expensive places to live outside London, it’s naturally an affluent area, but that doesn’t mean those who can’t afford a million pound townhouse can’t visit of a weekend, and that’s exactly what plenty choose to do. Attractions include Guildford Castle, Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Museum, though plenty come for the excellent shopping and abundance of restaurants in Guildford, of which we’ve rounded up the best below for you.

Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it at one of these Guildford restaurants. Many major restaurant chains can be found within a stone’s throw of the town centre, but Guildford also boasts plenty of independent restaurants too. With culinary offerings from around the globe, including Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, Japanese, and of course, British, residents of and visitors to this historic Surrey town are spoilt for choice.

Likewise, if you’re looking for a special spot for a romantic meal or a place that’s geared towards families, we think you'll find the perfect dining destination in our round-up of the best restaurants Guildford has to offer. If any of the restaurants below take your fancy – and we’re sure they will as they’re what we consider to be the best restaurants in Guildford, after all – just click through to find out further details including opening hours, full address and how to book.

La Casita

La Casita

La Casita 4-5 Chapel Street, Guildford, GU1 3UH

Guildford’s ‘little house’ offers an authentic flavour of the Mediterranean, from Spanish tapas to paella, fresh fish, meat and salad. The set lunch offers particularly good value and the almond cake is a must for afters.

£30 - £49
Spanish
Onslow Arms Inn

Onslow Arms Inn

The Street, West Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7TE

Old features like the inglenoook fireplace and ceiling beams gives this 17th-Century coaching inn plenty of charm, while a menu full of light bites, hearty mains and homemade puds keep visitors well fed.

Under £30
Modern European
Burgers
British
Gastropub
Kinghams Restaurant

Kinghams Restaurant

Gomshall Lane, Shere, Shere, Surrey, GU5 9HE

Kinghams is tucked away in the beautiful Surrey countryside just outside of Guildford, in a building that dates back to the 1600s. Elegant seasonal British cooking is the name of the game here, but Kinghams is particularly wonderful in the summer when you can dine alfresco on the patio.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Olivo - Guildford

Olivo - Guildford

53 Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UA

Housed in a late Elizabethan timber-framed house, this traditional Italian restaurant welcomes all-comers, from couples on dates to families. Carefully-selected Italian wines complement classic dishes such as bruschetta and spaghetti, plus Olivo’s vegan menu.

£30 - £49
Italian
Franco Manca Guildford

Franco Manca Guildford

Unit 24 Friary Street, , Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4EH

You can’t go wrong with a pizza from Franco Manca, the original sourdough pizza experts, particularly at this location – the chain’s first outside of London. Classy décor and friendly service make it a top choice.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
The Ivy Castle View

The Ivy Castle View

Tunsgate Square, 98-100 High Street, Guildford , Surrey, GU1 3HE

Based just off the High Street, this branch of The Ivy has an air of sophistication. The all-day menu spans breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and is full of crowd-pleasing dishes to suit all tastes.

Under £30
Modern European
British
Brasserie
Afternoon tea
The Restaurant at the Mandolay

The Restaurant at the Mandolay

36-40 London Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 2AE

The grill at this boutique hotel majors in locally-sourced and responsibly farmed food. The menu is driven by the seasons and the surroundings lend themselves to both business lunches and casual dining.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Positano Restaurant

Positano Restaurant

124 High Street Tunsgate, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3HQ

Charming panelled walls, old beams and an open fire place give this authentic Italian restaurant a romantic feel. Menus include classic favourites, including pizza, pasta and some nice Italian wines. The alfresco area is ideal for summer.

£30 - £49
Italian
The Kings Head - Guildford

The Kings Head - Guildford

27 King's Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4JW

This traditional English pub is known locally for its friendly service and excellent pub grub. There's a fantastic array of Fuller's ales here too, and a lovely outside area to enjoy them in.

Under £30
Pubs
British

Prefer to dine in? Check out our guide to the best recipe boxes on the market right now. Or, take a look through our list of the 100 best restaurants in the UK, including plenty of options in Surrey and the south east. 

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