Heading To Henley Regatta This Summer? Here’s Where To Eat Nearby
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6 months ago
Foodie highlights in the riverside town
Whether you’re visiting Henley for its annual Royal Regatta or popping there for a quintessentially British staycation, there are plenty of restaurants worth checking out there. The pretty 13th century market town has a buzzing food and drink scene, with many cosy pubs, fine dining eateries and cafes dotted along its riverside. We highlight some of the best restaurants in Henley below.
Which Are The Best Restaurants In Henley?
- Orwells
- Bistro at the Boathouse
- Villa Marina
- The Clipper Restaurant
- Coppa Club
- Hof’s Bar
- The Square Henley
Orwells
Just five minutes from the town centre in Binfield Heath sits rural gem Orwells, an impressive restaurant housed within a historic pub. The popular Henley restaurant has garnered a whole host of awards since launching in 2010, including 4 AA Rosettes, a listing in the Michelin Guide, and 3 Gold Stars in the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Top-quality food is served amid relaxed surroundings, with a focus on seasonal, local produce – fruit, vegetables and honey comes from the restaurant’s own smallholding and apiary just down the road. A la carte dishes currently include Cotswold lamb rump with wild garlic and crispy potato rolls, and Cornish day boat John Dory, alongside a choice of three tasting menus (regular, veggie and vegan). On Sundays, there’s a slap-up roast too.
Shiplake Row, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4DP, orwellsrestaurant.com
Bistro at the Boathouse
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Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse relaunched as a bistro back in 2019. It’s still spearheaded by ex-Le Manoir chef Shaun and his wife Gemma, but in its new iteration the restaurant feels more relaxed. Pop in for a quick brunch of smoked salmon and sourdough or visit for a long lunch with friends – the menu includes dishes like battered fish and chips, braised chickpea curry, and Steamed St. Austell Bay mussels. Whether seated inside or on the terrace, diners will be treated to lovely riverside views.
The Boathouse, Station Rd, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AZ, bistroattheboathouse.co.uk
Villa Marina
For the best Italian in town head to family-run restaurant Villa Marina. Since being opened back in 1996 by Fabio Terrinoni and his wife Jennifer, the trattoria has been a firm favourite with locals – changing hands many times over the years, yet always keeping the same principles of simple, authentic Italian food. Begin with a primi dish of burrata and parma ham, seafood spaghetti or chilli prawns ahead of a second course such as steamed lemon sole, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Pair with wines from a predominantly Italian list, with a variety of both new and old world producers.
18 Thameside, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BH, villamarina-henley.com
Restaurant Dominic Champan
In 2021 The Red Lion pub on Hart Street was transformed into a new boutique hotel, The Relais Henley. At the heart of the waterside hotel is its the eponymous eatery from chef Dominic Chapman, whose CV includes prestigious spots like The Fat Duck in Berkshire. Open from breakfast through to dinner, the restaurant is centred around top-quality British ingredients, with an affordable lunch menu which offers three courses for just £25, with dishes including bavette steak and wild mushroom arancini.
The Relais Henley, Hart St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AR, therelaisretreats.com
Coppa Club
Crowd-pleaser Coppa Club has a branch in Henley, located in the town centre on Bell Street – just a few minutes walk from the river. The stylish all-day restaurant serves everything from small plates and salads to sourdough pizzas and fresh pasta, alongside an extensive list of cocktails, beers and wine. With plenty of different spaces to choose from, it works well for all sorts of occasion – whether you fancy a tipple on the terrace, a coffee and working spot in the lounge, or a fully blown dinner in the restaurant.
Boroma Way, Bell St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BG, coppaclub.co.uk
Hof’s Bar
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Oenophiles and wine novices alike will find much to enjoy at Hof’s, a wine bar and eatery from the eponymous Hof family. Split between a pub and a dining room, Hof’s Bar serves wines from all over the world alongside a unique menu of dishes inspired by South Africa, Germany and Switzerland. Think small plates of panko chicken wings, beef roulade, hake goujons and charcuterie ahead of mains of sirloin steak, slow braised pork, South African lamb stew and schnitzel. Perhaps not the best choice for veggies.
38 Market Pl, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AH, hofshenley.co.uk
The Square Henley
For a taste of Portugal on UK shores head to The Square, Nuno Rosado’s restaurant in Market Place. Nuno grew up in a fishing village in the Algarve, and learnt his skills from his father and grandfather, both of whom were fishermen. Naturally, fish is a big focus here, with staple dishes including the traditional dish of bacalhau, alongside grilled sardines, oven baked salted cod, seafood pasta and fish stew. There are also meat dishes such as grilled lamb chops and chicken skewers, plus a couple of veggie dishes like sauteed spaghetti and vegetable rice.
10 Market Pl, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AH, thesquarehenley.com
Featured image: Getty Images
