19 Of The VERY BEST Cafes & Restaurants In Hertford (Tips From A Local)

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Hertford, you’ve come to the right place! 

For a small leafy town, the food scene in Hertford certainly packs a punch, and you’re quite spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisine options. 

If you’re craving a greasy burger, a comforting curry, or gourmet dishes, Hertford has something to offer. 

Whether it’s a casual lunch or a dressed-up dinner, splurging on a fancy meal or dining on a budget, you’ll find a restaurant in Hertford to suit your needs.

As a local who has been living between Hertford (and the neighbouring town of Ware) since 2006, it’s safe to say I have seen many restaurants come and go, and have tried and tested my fair share of the cafes and restaurants in Hertford. 

This means you can trust me when I say I have done my research when it comes to where to eat in Hertford. 

So, what are the best cafes and restaurants in Hertford?

Read on below to find out! 

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Prepare for your trip to Hertford 

The Best Cafes and Restaurants in Hertford 

The White Hart 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.3/5
?Cost: ££-£££

The White Hart has to be the best restaurant in Herford for American-style bar food (with a wide range of gluten-free options). 

If you’re looking for hearty burgers, mac and cheese bites, pizzas, or nachos then the White Hart is the best restaurant in Hertford for this kind of food. 

Oh, and if you are after some cocktails with the girls, the White Hart has a very fun cocktail menu too. 

I love dining at the White Hart because it offers a “junk food” fix that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty afterwards.

It’s also one of the best pubs in Hertford to watch live sports and is a very popular spot during big sporting events like the Euros or the World Cup. 

Something to also be aware of is that The White Hart often draws in a young crowd at the weekends, hosting music events every so often (so if you’re after a quiet dinner, double-check if they have any events going on first). 

Anexo 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.6/5
?Cost: ££-£££

Anexo is the best (and only) restaurant in Hertford where you can the ultimate Spanish Tapas fix.

Anexo serves small traditional Spanish plates with a modern twist, focusing on wood fire cooking.

You simply have to try their delicious Jamon Croquetas, Chorizo Picante, Grilled Octopus and Crispy Crushed Potatoes. 

Their food is so delicious and a great option if you’re looking for something a little different than the typical Italian or Indian options. 

Coffee Lab 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.5/5
?Cost: ££-£££

As a self-confessed Coffee Lab addict, I can confidently say it’s the best coffee shop in Hertford. 

You, don’t just have to take my word for it—check out the long queues spilling out of Coffee Lab’s doors on a Sunday morning.

Whether you are after a quick takeaway coffee and croissant or want to have a sit-down catch-up over coffee with friends Coffee Lab provides the perfect spot. 

You can also grab a bag of their coffee beans as Coffee Lab has its very own roastery. 

Lussmans 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.6/5
?Cost: £££

If you are looking for a fine-dining option whilst in Herford then Lussmans is the best choice.

Some of their top dishes include the Thyme-roasted beetroot, Whole Cornish sole and Onglet steak & chips

Lussmans have a fully sustainable ethos. Since 2002, they have led the way in sustainable dining by supporting local sourcing and promoting organic, humane farming (and have been awarded more than 5 times for their sustainable practices). 

Lussmans also has 6 other locations throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London.

The Practioner  

⭐Customer Rating: 4.1/5
?Cost: ££- £££

Looking for easy, filling bar food? The Practioner is the perfect option. 

Their menu includes delicious Flatbreads, Burgers, Sandwiches, and small plates for those seeking a quick snack.

It’s also one of the best brunch spots in Hertford and offers an extensive gluten-free menu.

My favourite dish on the menu here has to be both the steak and chicken sandwiches for a nice easy lunch option. 

On weekends, The Practitioner becomes one of the busiest bars in town, thanks to its extensive wine and cocktail menu.

Mudlarks

⭐Customer Rating: 4.8/5
?Cost: ££- £££

Mudlarks is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Hertford with a beautiful cause.

Mudlarks is a charity that provides support to adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Not only is the food delicious but the cafe provides work for those that the charity supports.

So not only will you be eating good food, but your custom is also going towards a great cause.

Peach 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.4/5
?Cost: ££- £££

For the best brunch in Hertford, you have to visit Peach. 

I am absolutely obsessed with everything on their brunch menu, but my favourites are the Ragout and Shakshuka.

And you simply cannot miss trying some of their famous hash browns which are essentially a large slab of potatoey goodness.

While Peach also offers a lunch and evening dinner menu, their brunch is most definitely the highlight here.

Also, If you’re in the mood for a drink why not head down to Peach for some bottomless brunch, or to sample their fantastic cocktail menu – you have to try the Lemon Sorbet Fizz.

You can also visit their flagship restaurant in Bishops Stortford.

This is one of my favourite places to eat in Hertford.

Turkish Kitchen 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.4/5
?Cost: ££- £££

Turkish Kitchen is one the best places to eat in Hertford for delicious and reasonably priced Turkish Food. 

Their menu consists of traditional Turkish favourites like Shish Kebabs, Beytis and Moussaka and lots of delicious hot and cold starters like Halloumi, Sucuk and Falafel. 

Turkish Kitchen is the perfect place for an evening meal at the weekend, it’s always busy so perfect if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of atmosphere (just make sure to reserve a table). 

It’s also a great takeaway option too. 

You can find 2 more branches of Turkish Kitchen in Hatfield and Brentwood. 

Brew Garden

⭐Customer Rating: 4.2/5
?Cost: ££-£££

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Hertford that will take you from day to night then Brew Garden is the place for you.

By day it’s one of the most popular coffee shops in town and by night it’s a cool beer and wine bar.

They also have some scrumptious bar snacks and pizzas on offer too.

Pickle and Slice 

⭐Customer Rating: 5/5
?Cost: £

Pickle and Slice isn’t exactly a restaurant but it is the best cafe in town to pick up some lunchtime grub and even some homemade cakes. 

There is a wide selection of made-to-order paninis and wraps, each generously filled and available for takeaway or dine-in. You can also enjoy a variety of coffees, teas, and cold drinks. 

While there are only a few tables inside and a couple outside, most customers opt for takeaway.

It’s a small shop run by 1-2 people, and lunchtimes can get extremely busy. If you’re hungry, try calling ahead to preorder your lunch.

My favourite (and the option I order every single time) has to be the #10 falafel wrap with mint sauce and a generous helping of cheese. 

Hertford House Hotel 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.1/5
?Cost: ££-£££

If you’re after an alternative brunch option in Hertford then Hertford House Hotel is a great option. 

If can get a fancy fry-up or some brunch classics like Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast. 

My personal favourite has to be the Mushroom Toast with Chili Butter. 

Similar to Peach. Hertford House also serves up an awesome homemade Hashbrown, so I highly recommend trying that too. 

In addition to brunch, Hertford House boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menu featuring beloved dishes like Fish and Chips, Pizza, Sandwiches, and Burgers.

Ruby’s 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.5/5
?Cost: ££-£££

For the best Authentic Indian curry in Hertford, you have to head to Ruby’s restaurant. 

They offer all of the classic Indian curries that you know and love and are best known for their delicious Lamb Chop Specials. 

Ruby’s is perfect for those wanting a nice evening meal at the weekend, or great if you just fancy a cheeky Indian takeaway in front of the tele. 

Old Siam 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.7/5
?Cost: ££-£££

Out of 4 main Thai restaurants in Hertford, Old Siam is the firm favourite in town. 

Old Siam serves up some of the most Authentic Thai food in town, with a Thai owner and their Head Chef originally from a multi-award winning Thai restaurant in Bangkok. 

At Old Siam you can find delicious Thai favourites like Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Sticky Rice and so much more! 

They also offer an incredible set lunch menu from just £13.50 for 2 courses. 

Il Vino Restaurant 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.4/5
?Cost: ££-£££

Il Vino is an authentic, family-run Italian restaurant that makes for the perfect date night. 

On their menu, you can find traditional Italian dishes, from Pizzas, and Pasta to Meat and Fish.

They also have 2 other branches on Hertford High Street, Il Vino Cafe which is a better option for lunchtime coffees and paninis and Market Bar for those wanting cocktails, wine and bar food. 

Proove Pizza 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.1/5
?Cost: ££-£££

Proove Pizza is one the best Italian restaurants in Hertford and provides a nice change from the classic chain restaurant of Pizza Express (which can also be found in Hertford). 

Prove is an award-winning restaurant serving up authentic pizza and small plates. 

Their dough slow-proved for 20 hours (hence the name) and some of their best pizzas include the Quattro Stagioni and Diavola. 

You can also head to Proove for an afternoon bottomless brunch which includes any pizza and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks for just £33.

Prove also has 2 other branches in Manchester and Sheffield. 

The Millstream 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.6/5
?Cost: ££-£££

If you’re looking for the perfect pub lunch option The Millstream has to be one of the best in Hertford. 

Set just a short walk from the central town you can get some delicious pub grub here like Fish and Chips and Sunday Roasts. 

On a sunny day, The Millstream is guaranteed to be packed with its quaint pub garden perfect for an afternoon of drinks, lunch and basking in the sun. 

Brad and Dills 

⭐Customer Rating: 4.7/5
?Cost: ££-£££

If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch option then Brad and Dills is the perfect choice. 

Their menu is simple (but effective) offering up just 8 bagels and a range of coffees and other hot drinks. 

The Pollo Picante bagel has to be the best one on their menu, so I highly recommend trying that. 

You can also find 2 other branches in St Albans and Harpenden. 

Tilly’s Gelato

⭐Customer Rating: 4.7/5
?Cost: £-££

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, Tilly’s Gelato has some of the best ice cream in Hertford and is a hot spot on a warm summer day.

All of the Gelato you can find here is absolutely delicious but my favourite has to be the Biscoff flavour.

Ruay Rot

⭐Customer Rating: 5/5
?Cost: ££-£££

Fancy a Thai takeaway evening? Then a trip to Ruay Rot is in order.

Rauy Rot means “Rich in flavour” and that it certainly is. They have some of the most drool-worthy Thai curries and dishes that are ready for collection or delivery.

My boyfriend (whose favourite cuisine is Thai) said that this was one of the best Thai curries he’s had in a long time, so make of that what you will.

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Happy Eating 

I hope this guide has helped you choose between all of the best restaurants in Hertford. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.