Best restaurants in Windsor

Prepare to be transported to Morocco on entering this family-run restaurant near the castle. The extensive menu covers most of the North African repertoire, so expect brochettes, couscous and a selection of eight tagine stews plus burgers and sandwiches at lunchtime.

Slightly off the beaten track this charming, family-run South African restaurant boasts views over the marina and Windsor racecourse. Expect a friendly welcome, great service, and a relaxed setting in which to drink and dine.

This independent North American restaurant is all about loaded burgers along with a handful of other US classics such as hotdogs and ribs. With plenty of variety and keen pricing, Flaming Cow is popular with youngsters, locals, and tourists.

The prices at this upmarket hotel reflect the historical backdrop and location, but for dishes such as venison and truffle pie or chicken wrapped in pancetta and served in a port wine jus, we think they’re probably justified. 

A spot for the unapologetically carnivorous if ever there was one, Cattle Grid Windsor serves up a meat feast from dry-aged steaks, to burgers, slow-cooked beef sandwiches and racks of ribs, plus a host of freshly made sauces and toppings.

The speciality here is steaks, but there are plenty of other meaty mains to choose from, including Iberico acorn-fed pork, crab from Devon and scallops from the west coast of Scotland, with price tags to match.

Surprisingly, The Boatman is Windsor’s only pub on the river so if it’s waterside views you’re after, this is the spot. Situated below Windsor Castle, overlooking Eton Bridge, the menu features quintessential pub grub.

It may be a chain, but Cote’s reliably good menu of classic French fare makes it hard to resist. This is also a particularly pretty outpost, complete with a light-filled conservatory and almost uninterrupted views of the water. 

This smart hotel offers fine dining in its beautifully appointed restaurant. The meat and fish on the menu is smoked in the hotel’s very own smokehouse, while fruit and vegetables travel just a short distance from the kitchen garden. 

Contemporary Thai-inspired interiors, elegantly clad staff and extravagant set menus characterise this restaurant chain, and the Windsor branch is no exception. Located just opposite the castle, Thai Square is ideal for a post-sightseeing bite.

Authentic Moroccan food is the last thing you’d expect in a town as thoroughly British as Windsor, but that’s exactly what Al Fassia delivers. Dishes are properly traditional and satisfying like fragrant tagines, sizzling grills and mezze.

If you've got a hankering for a veritable feast, you want to check out Bluegrass BBQ – an American restaurant committed to smoking meat properly. Open morning, noon and night, it’s a great spot for a hefty fix.

Patch on the Plaza is Windsor's only fully alfresco restaurant and bar, ideal for a leisurely meal on those balmy evenings. In partnership with Test Kitchen Food, the menu features seasonal small plates accompanied by a smashing cocktail list.

Despite being a 15 minute drive away from Windsor, The Waterside Inn has made our list because it is an absolute must visit. It’s even got stunning waterside views and three shiny Michelin stars to prove it.

Founded by husband and wife team, Wesley and Francesca Smalley, Seasonality started off delivering meal boxes to those in the community during lockdown. Today, it stands as a quintessential neighbourhood eatery, serving up European dishes with an Asian influence in this relaxed dining environment.

Ideally situated between Eton College and Windsor Castle, this wine bar is something of an institution. A carefully chosen wine list is complemented by bistro-style food with a noticeable French slant, so you can rest assured you won’t be disappointed.

Conveniently located right by Windsor Castle, Mango Lounge is somewhat of a hidden gem. The menu bypasses most of the curry-house clichés in favour of signature dishes, such as the truffle and rosemary naan bread. 

This traditional country pub might not have been what you'd expect from Adam Handling, but his first venture outside the capital has already made a name for itself. Luxurious cooking and a commitment to sustainability are still to be expected.