10 Best Restaurants in St Albans

St Albans is host to a range of brilliant eateries, from Italians and Indians to Greek and classic pub grub. Beyond the standard franchises, there are plenty of options when it comes to independent and other must-try restaurants.

Here are some of the best restaurants in St Albans that are worth a try:

1. Lussmanns

Nestled away in the shadow of St Albans Cathedral, Lussmanns is a self-proclaimed sustainable kitchen, sourcing produce from farms in the UK (their mutton comes from a farm just down the road in Harpenden).

With other locations in Berkhamsted, Harpenden, Hertford, and Hitchen, Lussmanns is very much a local restaurant. Whether it’s Cornish sole, Shepherd’s pie, or any of their other dishes, you can be sure that the ingredients are fresh.

With its varied menu and focus on sustainability, Lussmanns is a one-of-a-kind place to eat out in St Albans. It’ll cost a bit more than many other options, but it’s a treat worth trying.

https://www.lussmanns.com/

2. Tabure

As one of the best Turkish restaurants in St Albans, Tabure is situated on a quiet side street near the city centre and it’s a location that should be at the top of your list to visit.

With its welcoming atmosphere and a menu designed around sharing, Tabure is the perfect option if you’re looking for somewhere that will deliver a memorable meal and experience that you can have with friends and family.

With a husband and wife team running it, this modern Turkish restaurant brings tastes and aromas unlike any other in St Albans. Any food lover shouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to eat at Tabure.

https://tabure.co.uk/

3. Little Marrakech

It’s easy to walk past this Moroccan restaurant on the high street if you don’t know to look for it, but Little Marrakech is a secret worth discovering.

When you step inside it’s like being whisked away to an exotic Moroccan bazaar; the English streets outside feel like a distant memory.

Eating here is like a feast. Dishes are full of flavour and portions are generous – you won’t go home feeling hungry. If you’re unsure of what to try, their tagines are especially rich and delicious.

https://www.littlemarrakech.co.uk/

4. La Cosa Nostra

Outside of the city centre, La Cosa Nostra offers one of the best Italian restaurants in St Albans. Plus, if you’re not looking to eat out you can also call ahead to take away.

The restaurant is warm and welcoming, and being only small it’s always full of life and chatter. You may also notice that it’s often occupied by regulars, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Boasting the only wood-fueled oven in the city, La Cosa Nostra is especially strong when it comes to pizzas. The dough is never overly filling, and the ingredients are always tasty and fresh. Try the Napoletana if you like tuna on your pizza – it’s a personal favourite.

Take a look at their menu here.

5. Chilli Raj

St Albans lacks many options in the city centre when it comes to curry houses, but take a look slightly further out and you’ll find one of the best Indian restaurants in the city.

Located across from Clarence Park and opposite The Crown pub, Chilli Raj is everything you need from an Indian: there’s a big variety of dishes, beers are on tap, and the onion bhajis are perfectly crispy.

When your food comes, it’s served on a trolley with sizzling dishes and hotplates that will leave you eager to get dug in. They also do delivery too, if you fancy a delicious night in.

https://chilliraj.com/

6. Bar Meze

Good Greek restaurants can be hard to come by, but Bar Meze is among the best. Tucked away just off the high street, you’d think it might not be a popular choice. But it’s always busy.

Whether you go for starters and dips – like tzatziki and taramasalata – or mains – such as souvlaki and kleftiko – every dish is a deliciously great choice.

http://www.barmeze.co.uk/ 

7. The White Lion

There are many many pubs in St Albans, and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t serve at least some serviceable food. One of the best things to do in St Albans is try out a few. However, if you only have time for one, The White Lion stands out from the crowd.

With beers from the Surrey-based brewery Big Smoke Brew, the options are there for a great pint, but the food is fantastic too. A selection of starters is great for sharing (with the brisket croquettes a highlight), and the mains include the staples of pub food. On Sundays, a roast is also a perfect option.

Located in the small terraced roads south of the city centre, The White Lion feels more like a village local than an inner-city pub, and it’s one of the best options in St Albans whether you’re just looking to quench your thirst or sit down for a satisfying meal.

https://www.thewhitelionstalbans.co.uk/

8. Hatch

Just down Holywell Hill, Hatch is arguably the best location for brunch in St Albans. Have a look on a Sunday morning and you’ll often see a small crowd hanging around outside at the off chance of a free table, so make sure you book well ahead.

From their brunch bun to the avocado toast, there are plenty of options on the menu for a tasty meal. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the hash brown bites – they’re incredibly moreish and you’ll be tempted to order a second serving!

On Fridays and Saturdays, Hatch is also open in the evening for burger nights. With cocktails available too, it’s worth hanging around.

https://www.hatchstalbans.com/

9. The Waffle House

Located in a secluded spot by the River Ver, The Waffle House has been in business since 1978, providing the city with a range of amazing Belgian waffles for decades.

Not only is it one of the best places for dessert in St Albans, it also sells savoury waffles that make for an amazingly tasty breakfast or lunch.

If you want to try it out yourself, note that they don’t take reservations so you may have to queue for a table if it’s busy.

https://wafflehouse.co.uk/

10. The Six Bells

As another option for pub grub in St Albans, The Six Bells is a traditional freehouse located in St Michaels village with some of the best food in the city.

Inside, the pub feels slightly cramped but very cosy, with black timber frames giving it a quaint and authentic feel.

Along with serving local beers, their food is home-cooked and delicious. If you ever visit, make sure to try out the pie of the day – it’s one of the best!

Read our review of The Six Bells to learn more.

https://the-six-bells.com/

Best brunch in St Albans

In addition to the range of restaurants, some of the best places to eat in St Albans specialise in breakfast and lunch – perfect if you’re looking to have an early yet leisurely start in the city!

We’ve written a blog about the best places for brunch in St Albans if you want a full list of ideas of where to try, but here are some of our favourites:

1. Hatch

Hatch, located on Holywell Hill, is one of the best brunch options in St Albans and amongst the most popular with locals, which you’ll see from how busy it can get on the weekends.

You can enjoy a range of delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, including a fantastic brunch bun, but you shouldn’t miss the chance to sample their incredible hash brown bites.

2. The Waffle House

While it’s also one of the best dessert places in St Albans, you can visit The Waffle House early in the day and try their amazing breakfast options.

From scrambled egg and smoked salmon to a full fry-up, there’s a range of toppings to try out on their tasty waffles. Just make sure to give plenty of time, as you can’t reserve tables and may need to queue.

3. The Breakfast Club

Head to The Breakfast Club for another delightful brunch option in St Albans, where they serve some classic breakfast dishes with a twist.

You can stick to a traditional option, like pancakes or French toast, or try out something a little different, such as their breakfast naan.

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