Looking for the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells? Whether you’re after fine dining, gastropubs, or casual bistros, this guide covers the top places to eat in 2025. From Michelin-recommended gems to cosy pub dining, here’s your ultimate guide to Tunbridge Wells restaurants.
19 Best Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells
1. Thackeray’s
Michelin Recommended
- Location: 85 London Rd, TN1 1EA
- Price guide: ££££
- Cuisine: Modern European
Housed in a 17th-century building, Thackeray’s offers Michelin-recommended fine dining with a seasonal tasting menu. Perfect for special occasions.
👉 Must-try: Tasting menu with wine pairings.
2. The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells
Elegant & Stylish
- Location: 46-50 High St, TN1 1XF
- Price guide: £££
- Cuisine: British, Contemporary
A chic dining spot with art-deco interiors and a menu featuring British classics with a modern twist.
👉 Must-try: Truffle arancini & crispy duck salad.
3. Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket
Best Seafood
- Location: The Pantiles, TN2 5TN
- Price guide: £££
- Cuisine: Seafood, Oysters
A Pantiles favourite for seafood lovers, featuring fresh oysters, crab, and lobster.
👉 Must-try: Mussel linguine.
4. The Warren
Farm-to-Table Dining
- Location: 5a High St, TN1 1UL
- Price guide: £££
- Cuisine: British, Game
A farm-to-table gem, specialising in wild game and local produce.
👉 Must-try: Venison steak and foraged mushrooms.
5. The Beacon
Best Views & Outdoor Dining
- Location: Tea Garden Ln, TN3 9JH
- Price guide: £££
- Cuisine: British, Modern
Nestled in the countryside, The Beacon offers breathtaking views & Sunday roasts.
👉 Must-try: Longhorn sirloin and braised short rib
6. Essence by Atul Kochhar
Pan-Indian
- Location: 62-64 The Pantiles, TN2 5TN
- Price guide: £££
- Cuisine: Pan-Indian
Opened in 2004 by award-winning celebrity chef Atul Kochhar, Essence provides a modern, fine-dining experience and cocktails.
👉 Must-try: Tasting menu and wine pairings
Hidden Gems & Pub Dining
7. The Ragged Trousers
Authentic French & Traditional British Pub Food
- Location: The Pantiles, TN2 5TN
- Price guide: ££
- Cuisine: British, French Brasserie, Pub Food
A local favourite! Our pub in Tunbridge Wells offers great food and outdoor seating on The Pantiles. Known for our huge array of craft beers, a fine selection of tasty wines, burgers, authentic French brasserie dishes, and friendly-atmosphere.
👉 Must-try: Moules Mariniere with a pint of local craft beer or authentic French Cassoulet with a red wine
8. The George
Historic Pub & Brewery
- Location: Mount Ephraim, TN4 8AU
- Price guide: ££
- Cuisine: British, Pub Food
The George is a beloved, fiercely independent pub in Tunbridge Wells, currently hosting Odey’s pop up kitchen, which provides a casual dining menu of tasty bar snacks and burgers to enjoy. Cooked using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, The George also offer their famous house Roast served every Sunday during the colder months.
If you like outdoor seating, check out the sunny patio and fantastic secret beer garden. While here, you may also have the opportunity to visit the Fonthill taproom and sample Fonthill beer (crafted on the premises) straight from the tap.
👉 Must-try: The George’s famous Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
9. Sopranos Italian
Family-Run Italian Restaurant
- Location: 49 Mount Ephraim, TN4 8AU
- Price guide: ££
- Cuisine: Italian
A family restaurant serving authentic homemade Italian cuisine in a cosy setting.
👉 Must-try: Handmade ravioli & tiramisu
More Great Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells
10. The Small Holding
- A Michelin-Green Star, farm-to-table restaurant.
11. St Kilda Cafe
(The Black Dog Cafe)
- Brunch and casual dining with an Australian touch.
12. Coco Retro
- French bistro-style dining.
13. Kitsu
- Authentic Japanese sushi.
14. Tallow
- Innovative fine dining near Tunbridge Wells.
15. Juliet’s Café
- Famous for breakfast, brunch, and cakes.
16. The Brasserie
(One Warwick Park)
- Classic European dishes.
17. The George & Dragon
- Historic gastropub set in a mediaeval building.
18. Kumquat Restaurant
- Elegant modern Asian dining and cocktails.
19. Zorba Meze & Grill
- Popular Turkish restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes, wine, and beer.
FAQs: Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells
What are the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells for fine dining?
Thackeray’s, The Small Holding, and Tallow are top fine dining choices, featuring Michelin-level tasting menus.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in Tunbridge Wells?
Most of the restaurants in Tunbridge Wells are family-friendly, while some, including The Ragged Trousers, The George, Sankey’s, and Eggs Eleven offer dedicated kids menus.
Where can I find the best Sunday roast in Tunbridge Wells?
The Ragged Trousers and The George are both known for serving up a delicious Sunday roast. If you’re looking for a country pub for Sunday roast, the George & Dragon in Speldhurst
Which restaurants in Tunbridge Wells have outdoor seating?
The Ragged Trousers, Sankey’s, and The George offer fantastic outdoor seating.
What’s the best seafood restaurant in Tunbridge Wells?
Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket is the go-to spot for fresh oysters, lobster, and seafood platters.