The best restaurants in Henley-on-Thames

The Argyll has been around for 250 years, serving traditional ales and pub food. The menu is varied, so expect anything from crispy gyozas to BBQ baby back ribs, as well as a selection of roasts every Sunday. Plus, if you’re after a claim to fame, it was also used as a location for Midsomer Murders.

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate, then head to Orwells for a truly special experience. There’s an a la carte option on offer, as well as a tasting menu which you can pair with a wine flight if you’re really looking to push the boat out.

Hotel Du Vin is proof that chain restaurants can be just as good as the rest of them. It’s known for its classic French menu, and effortlessly chic interior, and is a foolproof option for date nights in the town.

It’s always a good time for cheese, charcuterie and fine wines, and there’s no better place to go for it than The Cheesy Grape. If you want to really indulge, then go for the fondue made with gruyere, comte, emmental and wine.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get your seafood fix in Henley, then Shellfish Cow is a no brainer. Expect Cornish crab, Devon scallops, and Fowey mussels, all best washed down with some English sparkling wine.

The Square is a traditional Portuguese restaurant bringing a slice of the Algarve to Henley. Located just a stone's throw from the Town Hall, it’s a great spot to refuel after a day of strolling along the river.

Al Forno is a family run restaurant that serves traditional Italian food cooked in a wood burning oven. You can tuck into anything from spaghetti vongole to veal escalope with butter and lemon, but we’d recommend trying one of the freshly baked pizzas on offer.

Hart Street Tavern is a quintessentially British gastropub in the heart of Henley, serving a selection of salads, pizzas, steaks, snacks and more. All of the food is top quality, but don’t leave without trying one of the flatbreads cooked in the wood fired oven.

The Clipper Restaurant at The Relais Hotel is an elegant, all day dining restaurant that gives the feel of an English country house. Expect to find plenty of classic dishes on the menu such as steak tartare, confit duck croquettes and poached crusted pavé of salmon.

Bistro at the Boathouse is a small family run restaurant with a big reputation. Known for its riverside terrace and quality food, it’s a go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop by for breakfast to beat the crowds, and soak up Henley at its best.

Villa Marina is a small, independant Italian in the heart of Henley. It’s been serving food to locals for 25 years, and has gained a loyal following during its time there. On the menu, you can expect to find dishes like seafood spaghetti in a garlic and tomato sauce, cacio e pepe, and lemon sole in a lobster bisque.

The Little Angel is a charming pub that sits just back from the River Thames, and is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Inside you’ll find a cosy space with log burners and chesterfield sofas, then to the back of the restaurant there’s both a conservatory boasting lots of natural light, and a garden for when the weather permits.

This iconic pub sits right on the River Thames, and dates all the way back to 1728. Even if you’ve never been, the chances are you’ve seen it, as it’s one of the most painted and photographed pubs in England. Perfect for tucking into some classic pub grub whilst you watch the boats go by.

It’s not often that a railway cafe makes it into our list of best restaurants, but Buddy’s breakfast & burgers has such a great reputation that it was impossible not to include it. Expect sizable Full English’s, loaded baps, and a selection of hearty burgers. Our favourite is the pork belly burger with a honey, apricot and mustard glaze.

Coppa Club is dotted around the UK, offering an all day dining restaurant with stylish interiors and an impressive cocktail list. The site in Henley is the most intimate of the lot, and is offering up dishes like salmon carpaccio, baked spiced aubergine and fennel sausage ragu.