Updated on 08 July 2026
Farnham's restaurant scene is more varied than its size might suggest, taking in everything from relaxed gastropubs in Farnham to destination dining rooms with ever-changing menus and dry-aged steaks. You'll find French brasserie classics, Thai sharing plates, and modern British menus built around hyper-seasonal, zero-waste cooking, often served in the same handsome Georgian buildings that give the town its character. Several venues also hold private dining rooms, making Farnham a strong choice for everything from an intimate anniversary dinner to a corporate lunch.
Set in the Surrey countryside between Basingstoke and Guildford, Farnham sits just over 35 miles from London, making it an easy escape from the city without sacrificing the quality of the food. Beyond its restaurants, the town has plenty to fill a day out: Farnham Castle, with 900 years of history, and Waverley Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian ruin, are both popular attractions. The town also sits on the River Wey at the western edge of the North Downs, so many of Farnham's best restaurants are well placed for walkers exploring the surrounding countryside.
What makes a great restaurant? There's no simple formula, but a standout menu worth travelling for, glowing reviews from our in-house critics and diners, impressive decor and style, and incredible service can all push a restaurant into "best" territory.
Whatever the occasion, there's a Farnham restaurant built for it:
Riverdale, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4PS
At Wrecclesham House, Maison is an intimate, Michelin-selected chef's table experience with just five tables, including Ben's Table inside the kitchen itself.
Evenings begin with a welcome drink before an eight-course, blind-tasting journey where dishes stay a surprise.
46 South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RP
Led by Executive Chef Adam Fisher, The Third Monkey is a new independently-owned gastropub in Farnham championing hyper-seasonal British produce, sustainability, and zero-waste cooking.
Its menu blends refined comfort with bold flavour-driven creativity, from hearty breakfasts to indulgent treats, in a warm, welcoming setting.
Lower Hale, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9RP
A family-run Sicilian and Italian restaurant in Lower Hale, Daniele serves authentic cooking from its wood-fired pizzeria in an intimate, rustic setting with a buzzing atmosphere and warm service.
There's ample al fresco dining and free parking, though tables inside are something of a hot commodity.
Jumps Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2LD
Settled in the Surrey Hills just outside Farnham, Bel and The Dragon is a boutique country inn with a spacious dining room, garden and terrace.
Its open kitchen serves elevated British classics from local, sustainable ingredients, with a reputation for one of the area's best Sunday roasts.
Station Hill, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8AD
A family-run bar and restaurant near Farnham station, The Mulberry is known for casual pub fare and moreish bar food, from gourmet burgers to bangers and mash, camembert and chicken wings.
Its beer garden, the largest in central Farnham, hosts live music and a kids' menu.
The Borough, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7NN
With a restaurant legacy dating back to 1618, The Bush Hotel's Garden Restaurant and Oak Lounge pair historic pedigree with modern flair.
Expect elevated classics like Sunday roasts, fish and chips and afternoon tea, served amid roaring fires, ivy-clad walls and a peaceful cobbled courtyard.
26 Lion and Lamb Yard, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7LL
Just off the high street on Lion and Lamb Yard, Cote Farnham serves approachable modern French brasserie dishes, from rustic onion soup to a shareable Cote de Boeuf rib-eye.
The cobbled terrace is a summer favourite, while a children's menu and accessible bathrooms suit families well.
15 Bat and Ball Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4SA
On the edge of Bourne Woods, The Bat and Ball Freehouse is a storybook country pub with a genuinely enormous beer garden, complete with a children's playground.
The kitchen serves elevated pub classics and a standout Sunday roast, with unlimited Yorkshire puddings, while dogs are welcome throughout.
67-68 Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7LN
Set in a characterful old building with bare brick walls below Farnham Castle, Giggling Squid brings a delectable taste of Thailand to town, from Salt and Pepper Squid to Sticky Chicken.
It's family-friendly, with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options marked, and al fresco dining in warmer months.
3 Bourne Grove, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3QT
Hidden within a four-acre wooded garden at Lower Bourne, The Spotted Cow is a tranquil, secluded country inn on the edge of Farnham.
Expect home-made pub food, real ales and a well-chosen wine list, in a genuinely child- and dog-friendly setting away from the town centre bustle.
121 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7HH
Tucked away on West Street, Megan's brings Mediterranean and Turkish flavours to Farnham, from Chef Sercan's iskender kebab to a signature shakshouka credited with kickstarting the UK's brunch trend in 2014.
Fairy-lit and sociable, it suits lazy brunches, sharing mezze, or celebrations fuelled by espresso martinis.
7 The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NA
Serina, on The Borough, pairs a menu of grills, stone-baked pizzas, burgers and sharing plates with an extensive wine list and cocktails.
Beyond the main restaurant, a hidden garden at the back offers a peaceful, plant-filled spot for lunch, dinner or drinks with friends.
3 Downing Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7NX
In a Grade II-listed Georgian building on Downing Street, The Lost Boy takes its name from J.M. Barrie's local ties to Peter Pan.
Wood-fired Esposito pizzas and Josper grill dishes lead the menu, with a garden by an RHS Chelsea Gold medallist stretching toward the river.
62A East Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7TJ
On East Street, Heaven's Kitchen is an independent Mediterranean steakhouse pairing expertly grilled steaks with vibrant Mediterranean dishes.
A weekday lunch set menu and Tuesday steak night offer good value, while its Sunday roast and attentive service suit family gatherings, romantic dinners and celebrations alike.
5 Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7HR
Set within a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse on Castle Street, The Castle serves seasonal pub favourites and daily-changing specials alongside a curated drinks list, with sustainable, locally sourced produce.
Don't miss the peaceful courtyard garden, or the bottomless Yorkshire puddings that come with Sunday lunch.
Farnham packs a genuinely varied dining scene into a small market town, whether you're after a special-occasion dinner, a family Sunday roast, or a casual catch-up with friends. Most of these restaurants sit within easy walking distance of the high street and Farnham station, making it simple to combine dinner with a wander round the town's independent shops.
Still searching? If you're planning around little ones, explore our guide to family-friendly restaurants in Surrey. For something more refined, take a look at special occasion restaurants in Surrey, or for a slower start to the day, see our guide to brunch in Farnham.
Yes. Farnham sits just over 35 miles from London with direct train links from London Waterloo, and the town is well connected by road via the A31 and A3. Farnham train station is within easy walking distance of most restaurants in the town centre.
Yes, Farnham has several central car parks within a short walk of the main restaurant streets, making it straightforward to park and explore the town centre on foot.
Farnham's restaurant terraces, courtyards and beer gardens come into their own in the warmer months, while cosy fireside dining is a highlight in winter. Weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter than weekend evenings, particularly for Sunday roast bookings.
Yes, most restaurants in Farnham clearly mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on their menus, making it easy to dine out with dietary requirements without needing to call ahead.
It's recommended, particularly for weekend dinners and Sunday lunch, when the town's most popular restaurants can fill up quickly. Booking ahead is especially worthwhile if you want a table on a terrace or in a garden during good weather.
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