Food & Drink in the Windsor area

A Feast Fit for Royalty: Food & Drink in Windsor and the Royal Borough

When it comes to food and drink, Windsor and the wider Royal Borough – encompassing Maidenhead and Ascot – delivers a menu as diverse as it is delicious.  Whether you’re craving Michelin-starred elegance, a cosy café brunch or a family-friendly pub lunch, you’ll find something to savour in this vibrant corner of Berkshire.

Fine Dining & Michelin Stars

For serious foodies, the Royal Borough is a bucket-list destination.  Bray, a picturesque village on the River Thames, is home to some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world.  Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck is famous for its multi-sensory dining adventures, while Alain Roux’s Waterside Inn has held three Michelin stars for decades, making it a true institution of fine dining.  Add to that The Hind’s Head (a Michelin-starred gastropub with historic charm, also owned by Blumental) and Giancarlo Caldesi’s Caldesi in Campagna, and you’ll be entering a gourmet gateway unlike anywhere else!

Ascot also shines on the fine dining map.  At Coworth Park, Woven by Adam Smith earned its Michelin star by pairing elegant, contemporary menus with the natural beauty of its estate setting.  For visitors looking to celebrate in style, these restaurants promise an unforgettable evening.

Read more about award-winning fine dining in and around the Royal Borough.

Afternoon Tea, Fit for a Queen

No visit to the Windsor area would be complete without indulging in a traditional afternoon tea.  From the regal surroundings of The Castle Hotel Windsor to the historic Anne Boleyn Drawing Room at Great Fosters, expect towers of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. Many venues even offer champagne or gin pairings for a modern twist on this timeless ritual.

Hands-On Cookery Experiences

It’s not all about sitting back and being served; in the Royal Borough, you can roll up your sleeves too!  Local venues offer a range of cookery experiences, from pasta-making workshops to sushi-rolling masterclasses, perfect for visitors who want to leave with new skills as well as memories.  These experiences are ideal for couples, families or groups of friends looking to add something unique to their itinerary.

Al Fresco Dining & Riverside Charm

When the sun shines, dining outdoors is a must and we have lots of ideas for al fresco dining including gardens, covered terraces and dining pods!  Riverside restaurants and pubs along the Thames in Windsor and Maidenhead come alive in the warmer months, offering everything from casual pizza and sharing platters to refined fish and seafood menus.  Enjoy a chilled glass of wine as boats drift past; it’s the perfect way to soak up the local atmosphere.

Pubs, Bars & Nightlife

The Royal Borough boasts a lively pub and bar scene.  Traditional English pubs serve hearty fare and local ales, while chic cocktail bars mix creative concoctions for a night to remember.  Beer lovers will delight in a tour of Windsor & Eton Brewery or a visit to its Taproom.  Wine lovers will find contemporary wine bars, many championing biodynamic and local vintages.  For a post-dinner tipple, Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot have options to suit every mood, from buzzing high-street spots to tucked-away gems.

Cafés, Coffee Shops & Independent Eateries

Fuel your day of sightseeing with a stop at one of the borough’s many cafés and coffee shops, including a good sprinkling of independent eateries.  Think artisan coffee, locally-baked pastries and brunch menus that range from smashed avocado to fluffy pancakes drizzled with honey.  In Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot our independent places to eat bring creativity and heart to the table, many using seasonal produce from the local area.

Inclusive Dining: Vegan, Family Friendly & Dog-Friendly

Everyone is welcome at the Royal Borough’s tables.  Vegan dining has grown in popularity, with restaurants and cafés offering inventive plant-based dishes that rival their traditional counterparts.  Check out Other Space Arts, a vibrant grassroots venue bringing together original live music, contemporary arts and plant-based food in the heart of Windsor.  Families are spoilt for choice with welcoming family-friendly restaurants, while dog-friendly places to eat and drink mean even four-legged visitors can join the fun, often complete with water bowls and dog treats.

Sunday Roasts & Brunches

What better way to round off a weekend in Berkshire than with a classic Sunday roast? Local pubs and restaurants serve up everything from slow-roasted beef with Yorkshire puddings to vegetarian nut roasts.  For something lighter, brunch is a weekend institution, whether you fancy eggs Benedict, fresh smoothies or bottomless prosecco with friends.

Tasting the Local Difference

Many venues across the Royal Borough champion local produce, from locally-grown fruit and vegetables to beers brewed in central Windsor.   Our local and farmers’ markets and seasonal menus highlight this farm-to-fork ethos, ensuring every bite has a sense of place.  Keep an eye out for our regularly-updated food and drink special offers too, which make exploring this rich culinary landscape even more tempting.

Come Hungry, Leave Happy

With world-famous restaurants, riverside dining, creative independents and warm, welcoming pubs, Windsor and the Royal Borough offers a food and drink scene as rich as its royal heritage.  Whether you’re here for a Michelin-starred adventure, a leisurely afternoon tea or a relaxed family meal, you’ll leave with both your appetite and your heart full.

Top Tips for Visitors

Do make sure to book ahead for Michelin-starred restaurants and popular afternoon teas, especially at weekends.

Next time you're dining out or having a takeaway you'll be able to see the hygiene ratings of your local eatery – from fine restaurants to kebab vans – thanks to the Food Hygiene Rating System.  Places that prepare and serve food are now awarded up to five stars following a food hygiene inspection. 

Further Recommendations

If you are planning on visiting Windsor and Maidenhead, you really won't be disappointed with the level and creativity of the food and drink on offer in the Borough, however, if you are planning on visiting as part of a short break or shopping getaway, we have listed some additional resources below to help make your stay even more delightful and interesting.

If you are looking to book some accommodation then we highly recommend you visit our hotels, bed and breakfasts, self catering and camping pages where you can browse through a wealth of quality accommodation providers with many bookable online.

If you are wondering what to see and do, there are lots of different things to do such as visiting one of our many world-famous attractions (such as Windsor Castle, Legoland, Ascot Racecourse and Dorney Court) or checking our 'whats on' page for more information on the many excellent events (such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show) that are happening in the Borough.

If you are interested in a spot of retail therapy, Windsor and Maidenhead is blessed with amazing shopping and there is a variety of car parking options.