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The best restaurants in Reading

Reading is the largest town in the United Kingdom, a fact that creates as much pride as it does frustration with the inhabitants. Besides that, it is famous for its good shopping areas, the annual festival that draws world famous stars and travellers from across the globe, the birthplace of Ricky Gervais, and the place of imprisonment for Oscar Wilde. But the reputation for restaurants and food is not as strong as it should be. So, we here at SquareMeal have comprised a list of restaurants that should set the record straight on this matter, proving a love of good food stretched this far up the Thames.

Updated on 11 October 2023

In the town centre there is a large collection of Reading restaurants that aim to service the great number of shoppers throughout the week, plenty of chains and fast-food joints amongst a growing number of restaurants with culinary aspirations and established renowned restaurants with reputations spanning much further than places with an RG postcode.

Outside the town centre, getting into the suburbs, there are restaurants and cafes that have become family favourites down the years, and not just because of their easiness and cheap prices. No, some of these places feature on this list because they are genuinely great places to eat, and not necessarily with a big bill at the end.

At the boundaries of the town, there are plenty of old pubs, inns, and gastropubs that have been transformed into venues of excellent gastronomic experiences. These places may be a drive away from the town centre, but that drive will definitely be worth it after consideration of the meal had. Traditions hold their value in Reading and the surrounding areas, and the footprint they leave can be found in the quality of the produce grown and reared by local farmers and growers, aiding the excellent quality of the ingredients used by many of these restaurants.

Coppa Club Sonning

Coppa Club Sonning

The Great House, Thames Street, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6UT

Providing a relaxed and stylish atmosphere in well to do Sonning, the Thames-side Coppa Club is a brilliant location to visit for a catch up with friends or a nice meal out with the family.

£30 - £49
Italian
International
The Old Boot Inn

The Old Boot Inn

Stanford Dingley, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 6LT

The Old Boot Inn, located in Stanford Bingley, just west of Reading, offers a homely experience with good food and drink alongside it. It has plenty of events on regularly and a reputation for shawarma.

£30 - £49
Gastropub
Buenasado Reading

Buenasado Reading

Buenasado Reading Unit 28 Lower Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Buenasado promises an authentic Argentinian experience in the centre of Reading. With plenty of steaks, burgers, chargrilled meats, and hearty salads, this promise is delivered upon primarily by the food on offer and the atmosphere.

£30 - £49
Argentinian
The French Horn - Reading

The French Horn - Reading

Sonning-On-Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6TN

An experience of the old life, the grounds spill out past the restaurant, a decadent sweep of green next to a gently pond and beneath the tresses of trees, the French Horn sits in idyll.

Over £80
French
Caprice at Crowne Plaza Reading East

Caprice at Crowne Plaza Reading East

Wharfedale Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Caprice at Crowne Plaza is tucked away in a business park on the southern outskirts of Reading, where no one would expect to find a restaurant of this quality. Make the journey to see for yourself.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Vegetarian
Vegan
Burgers
British
Afternoon tea
Indian
Ice Cream
Hotel Bars
London Street Brasserie Reading

London Street Brasserie Reading

The Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PN

London Street Brasserie is situated pride of place between two bridges over the Kennet, just on the boundary of the Riverside. Ideal for a lunch break from shopping, or a nice dinner with the family

£30 - £49
International
The Reading Room at The Roseate Reading

The Reading Room at The Roseate Reading

The Roseate Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

The Roseate is an exclusive hotel that is known for its prestige, as well as its resident restaurant, the Reading Room. Dine here if you’re desirous of fine French style dining with fine ingredients.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Hotel Bars
The Shurlock Inn Reading

The Shurlock Inn Reading

The Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0PS

A delightful pub that has seen new life in the last few years. Specialising in meat, particularly steak, the Shurlock Inn is perfect to fill a stomach. Also regularly hosting singers, it’s a great time.

£30 - £49
Steak
British
Thames Lido

Thames Lido

Napier Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8FR

Not just a spot to grab a quick bite after a swim, the restaurant at Thames Lido is a much-loved dining destination. Sip summer cocktails on the terrace or enjoy cosy Spanish dishes in the winter, all while overlooking the historic landmark.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Tapas
Spanish
Orwells

Orwells

Shiplake Row, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4DP

Located in Binfield Heath, just between Reading and Henley-on-Thames, Orwells considers itself within a rural environment and has adopted a philosophy to match. It only uses seasonal produce, much home-grown, and mainly from the UK.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Gastropub
Bladebone Inn

Bladebone Inn

Chapel Row, Bucklebury, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG7 6PD

Bladebone Inn offers a gastronomic experience characterised by a respect for beef, specifically steaks. A philosophy that food and drink should coexist in harmony, not just perpendicular prevails. Enjoy a good dinner, lunch, or breakfast.

£30 - £49
Gastropub
The Bull Inn, Stanford Dingley

The Bull Inn, Stanford Dingley

Stanford Dingley, Reading , Berkshire, RG7 6LS

If you plan on heading a little further from Reading's town centre, The Bull Inn is a short drive away in Stanford Dingley. A cosy pub setting with a menu of classic dishes, plus their much-celebrated Italian nights every Wednesday, it's an ideal spot for dinner with the famaily.

£30 - £49
Pubs
Burgers
Italian
Gastropub

Planning on heading a little further afield? Check out our selection of the best restaurants in Henley on Thames.

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