Best restaurants in Harpenden

Searching for the best restaurants in Harpenden? You’re in the right place. A charming town on the outskirts of St Albans, Harpenden has much to offer, particularly when it comes to great food. It’s a town with a rich history - though, as our round-up of the best restaurants in Harpenden demonstrates, it’s certainly not stuck in the past. Though a small town, there are plenty of options at your disposal, and our collection of Harpenden’s best restaurants and eateries is no different.

Updated on 03 July 2024

We’re particularly fond of the amount of lively and unique restaurants in Harpenden - which fills us with confidence that you’ll find something new and exciting each time you visit your favourite restaurant. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, scroll through the options from sustainable upmarket restaurants to independent pubs and Thai restaurants and simply follow the links to book and find out more.

Located between Luton and St Albans, Harpenden has grown into a reasonably affluent commuter town with a suburban living atmosphere. Originally an agricultural town named after ‘Herpe dene’ (meaning ‘military path through the valley’), Harpenden has retained its village-life feel. However, as restaurants in Harpenden demonstrate, the food scene is far more interesting than you might expect. There’s plenty to do in and around the town, from long walks amongst the bluebells in Rothamsted Park to farmers' markets and community events in Harpenden Public Halls.

If you've got children, why not take a day trip to Woodside Animal Farm, visit a ceramic studio or take on the adventure of a treasure trail. There's a skate park, plenty of museums, cinemas, grand gardens, a farm and not too far away is the Snow Centre and Harry Potter Studio Tour London made by Warner Brothers.

Dylans Kings Arms

7 George Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4ER

Housed within a stunning 15th-century Tudor building, Dylan’s is a well-loved award-winning gastropub specialising in elevated pub fare delivered without unnecessary pomp. The focus, instead, surrounds seasonal produce from small local suppliers. Think pearly Cornish cod with cuttlefish, nduja and monksbeard.

£30 - £49

Gastropub

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Zaza Harpenden

61 High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 25L

Beloved local spot Zaza serves the very best of Italian cuisine with a focus on friendly and attentive service. While foliage-filled interiors, comfortable leather booths and cosy lighting put it in special occasion territory.

£30 - £49

Modern European

Italian

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The Fox - Harpenden

469 Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3QE

Found on the outskirts, The Fox Harpenden is a red-brick inn and modern gastropub with a Mediterranean-leaning British menu. It makes an ideal spot for relaxed occasions and casual meet-ups over slow-cooked pork belly and Panzanella salad.

Under £30

Pubs

British

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Giggling Squid Harpenden

Amenbury Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2BT

Just a short walk from the train station, Thai chain Giggling Squid brings its crowd-pleasing dishes, pretty interiors and chilled atmosphere to the centre of Harpenden. With menus for all dietary requirements, this one’s always a reliable bet.

£30 - £49

Thai

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The Silver Cup

5 St Albans Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL 2JF

Located on the edge of Harpenden Common, The Silver Cup is a restaurant and pub serving modern British food, local ales and quality wines. Refined plates take this from local boozer to swish gastropub, while menus change regularly in line with the seasons.

Over £80

Modern European

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The White Horse

Redbourn Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JP

A classic country pub with a stylish timber-beamed dining room, The White Horse is a local favourite for quality seasonal food and cask ales. The Sunday roast comes highly regarded, as do helpful staff and a fine selection of cocktails perfect for semi-casual dining.

Under £30

British

Gastropub

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Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen Harpenden

20a Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU

Nestled inside an 18th-century coach house, Lussmanns serves high-calibre dishes with a focus on fresh fish and seafood. In the summer, guests can choose to dine in its stunning courtyard garden.

£30 - £49

Modern European

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Adam's Brasserie at Luton Hoo

Luton Hoo Hotel The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ

Settled behind the magnificent facade of The Luton Hoo Hotel, Adam’s Brasserie is an informal restaurant with a sophisticated feel that’s ideal for all manner of occasions. Serving up elevated British and modern European creations under portraits of stars who visited the hotel - it’s a real highlight.

£30 - £49

Modern European

British

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Still on the hunt for luxurious occasion dining? Check out our collection of the best restaurants in St Albans. Or, if you’re looking to make a statement, nothing screams celebration more than dining in the comfort and privacy of your own exclusive space. If that sounds like you, why not check out our interactive round-up of private dining rooms in Harpenden?

Alternatively, if you’re willing to travel the lush countryside of the county to find your perfect match, simply browse our ultimate directory of restaurants in Hertfordshire and select your preferred features and amenities to narrow down the search.