15 Best Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Town

Best Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells

From casual pub food to sophisticated fine dining experiences, there’s a huge variety of places to eat in Tunbridge Wells. A diverse range of restaurants, pubs, cafes and eateries cater to every taste, be it traditional British, authentic French, Spanish, Asian, or something else you’re looking for.

Without further ado, here’s our guide to the 15 best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells!

15 Best Places to Eat

Our comprehensive guide, which we’ve split into separate categories for easy reading, includes some of our favourites, from quaint cafes tucked away in charming corners to elegant restaurants and everything in between.

Best Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells Pantiles

The Pantiles is the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. Lined with charming independent boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars, the iconic colonnaded walkway is an ideal destination for shopping, eating, and drinking.

1. The Ragged Trousers

The Ragged Trousers is, in our opinion, the best place for lunch in Tunbridge Wells.

Easily one of the friendliest restaurants on The Pantiles (known for its remarkable atmosphere and friendly vibes), The Ragged Trousers is a charming local favourite offering a menu with brasserie-inspired authentic French food and traditional British pub classics.

This “brasserie-by-day, bar-by-night” boasts an extensive array of craft beer and ale and an impressive wine list. It’s a fantastic choice for food on the Pantiles, whether you’re stopping for a quick drink, a snack, or a large meal. For an extra treat, check out their specials board, which the chef updates regularly!

2. The Philanthropist cafe

The Philanthropist is a brand new coffee shop right next to The Ragged Trousers. The Ragged’s “little brother” serves a wonderful selection of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries!

3. Kumquat

The Michelin-trained head chef at Kumquat Restaurant in the Pantiles creates vibrant and colourful Asian fusion dishes inspired by Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. Their menu consists of traditional Asian cuisine with a modern twist, each presented beautifully and served in a “casual yet upscale” atmosphere.

4. Tunbridge Wells Hotel

The Eating House restaurant in The Tunbridge Wells Hotel is the place for fine dining on the Pantiles. They provide breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, and their menu items range from classics like burgers and fries to delectable options including pheasant, venison, and steak.

5. Pantiles Café

The Pantiles Café serves breakfast and brunch during the day, with options ranging from pancakes and French toast to full English breakfasts. In the evening, they serve an array of delicious tapas! They also serve hot drinks, smoothies, beer, wine, and cocktails.

6. Eggs Eleven

Eggs Eleven is the place to go if you’re looking for the ultimate fry-up on the Pantiles. They also do a range of sandwiches, pancakes, burgers, omelettes, and more. Eggs Eleven offers a great kids’ menu and a wide range of coffees. They don’t serve beer, but you can always pop in here (The Sussex Arms) or The Ragged (just a few doors down). 

Check out our guide to the best Cafés in Tunbridge Wells for coffee shops, breakfast cafés, tea rooms, and more.

best pizza in tunbridge wells

7. rascal’s pizza at the Sussex arms

Rascal’s pizzas are without a doubt the best in Tunbridge Wells. Their fresh sourdough pizzas and sides go excellently with a pint or two of beer! Throughout February, Rascal’s will be taking over our kitchen. Rascal’s pizza will be available to eat in right here in the Sussex Arms every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm.

Best Pub Food in Tunbridge Wells

8. The George Pub & Brewery

Based on Mt Ephraim, our sister pub, The George, serves traditional pub food cooked using local, fresh produce. They offer a special Sunday menu, including a delicious roast in autumn and winter and a delightful Sunday brunch during spring and summer.

The food at The George ranges from light bites to large meals, with vegan and vegetarian options available. While there, you can also check out the brewery taproom and explore one of the nicest cocktail bars in Tunbridge Wells!

9. The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak offer a menu of pub classics ranging from exotic curries to traditional burgers. They serve roast on Sundays and often run themed menu nights. Where possible, The Royal Oak use fresh, locally sourced produce. Keep an eye on their social media for updates on themed menus.

Best Seafood Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

10. Sankey’s

Sankey’s Seafood Kitchen and Bar is the best place to go for seafood in Tunbridge Wells. Based in a Victorian manor house on Mt Ephraim, Sankey’s offers lobsters, shellfish, seafood paellas, and more in a relaxed pub setting. They also do a great kids’ menu. Finally, if you’re not a seafood fan, that’s okay too – their menu includes beef burgers, chicken burgers, and vegan options too.  

Best Burgers in Town

11. Roddy Burger

If it’s burgers you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with Roddy Burger. They offer a large selection, including extra cheesy burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, and a Korean-style crispy chicken thigh burger with sticky, sweet and spicy sauce.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Tunbridge Wells

12. Thackeray’s

For fine dining in Tunbridge Wells, Thackeray’s offers a sophisticated experience in a unique setting – the former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray is more than 300 years old and overlooks the open grassy common.

Thackeray’s was awarded a Michelin star and the AAs Rosette Award for culinary excellence in 2022. Their menu is regularly updated and can be found on their website.

13. Poet at Matfield

The Poet at Matfield offers a refined dining experience in a rustic pub setting. Where possible, they cook using fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. As well as their usual menu, they do a seafood night every Wednesday, a steak night every Tuesday, and a roast on Sundays.

Places to Eat on Tunbridge Wells High Street

14. The Warren

Based on Tunbridge Wells High Street, The Warren prides itself on offering a contemporary British fine dining experience. The restaurant is set in an extension of the Crowborough Warren Estate, where they source much of their supply of local and natural produce, including seasonal game and wild mushrooms.

15. Sopranos Tapas & Wine Bar

Sopranos Tapas & Wine Bar on Tunbridge Wells High Street is a great place to go if you’re looking for modern Spanish dishes. They offer a wide range of tapas, including vegetarian, fish, and meat options, a comprehensive wine list, and cocktails. Guests love the trendy, lively atmosphere of this restaurant.

A Night Out in Tunbridge Wells

We’re lucky to have an abundance of places to eat in Tunbridge Wells, from restaurants and pubs to tapas bars and cafes – and there’s more to come. Twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar is set to open Essence, a new Indian restaurant on the Pantiles, in February 2024.

We hope our guide helps you find new and wonderful places to eat. If you’re heading to the Pantiles, drop by the Sussex for a drink or two! Our pub in Tunbridge Wells is ideal for catching up with friends: we’re open until late on weekends, and you can enjoy Rascal’s Pizzas right here in the pub.

If you’re looking for entertainment, we run regular gigs, open mic nights, pub quizzes, comedy nights, and more! Keep an eye on our Instagram for updates.