Where to eat out in Godalming

OK, so I know this blog is not going to be relevant to all my readers, but since I can never decide where in Godalming to go when we want to eat out (we are spoilt for choice really), here’s my attempt at a guide to help any fellow indecisive people.

I like to cook (and I love to eat dinner in front of the TV) so most of the time my husband and I cook a proper meal and eat at home.  However, when there’s something to celebrate, when we want to treat ourselves, when we’re meeting friends or when we just plain can’t be bothered to cook, we go out.  Usually we eat out in Godalming as there is a lot of choice for us close to home.  So over the years we’ve built up some extensive knowledge of the options in Godalming.  Below you’ll find my “Eating Out Awards” for where to go depending on what you want…

Best Brunch

We don’t eat breakfast out, but we do eat brunch occasionally at the weekend.  When we’re “brunching” there is a clear winner: Grills and Greens (they’re going to feature heavily on this post).  We used to have brunch at Wetherspoons, but migrated to Grills and Greens several years ago when we discovered it was a) much, much nicer and b) not much more expensive.  The options are varied (full English, any combo of eggs on bread, pancakes, French toast, pastries, etc.).  All choices are good ones here, but the French toast with bacon and maple syrup is our favourite.  Grills and Greens is a family friendly restaurant, without feeling overwhelmingly full of kids.  It’s relaxed and its main focus seems to be really good food.

Our other best brunch spot is probably Bel and the Dragon – the atmosphere is wonderful, the food is excellent and the hot chocolate is the best I’ve tasted, but it all comes with a hefty price tag!

Best Lunch

This is their only other award, I promise, but there is a clear winner for lunch as well: Grills and Greens.  Once 12pm has gone and they’re no longer serving brunch, they’re still the best place to go.  For all the same reasons as above.  It’s rare that my husband and I can agree on what food we feel like for lunch, so somewhere that has lots of options is a good choice.  Grills and Greens do sandwiches, soup, pasta, pizzas, pub classics, salads, omelettes, grills and usually some interesting specials.  All of it is delicious.  The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, the experience is pleasant.

The other place we go to from time to time for lunch is Café Mila.  The smoothies are excellent and food is good (although sandwiches aren’t very big), but it can be tricky to get a table.  The yoga is supposed to be good there too (although I’ve not tried it)!

Best Pizza

There are a few options here: Piazza Firenze, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Grills and Greens.  And actually, they’re all good options.  I love the variety at Grills and Greens (basically, choose your favourite toppings and they’ll make it – you can’t beat goat’s cheese, bacon and caramelised pear).  Prezzo is reliable and always decent quality, as is Pizza Express (although the aircon is often blasting out artic air and the place can be full of kids).

But if you simply want a really good pizza, Piazza Firenze is going to be your best bet.  It doesn’t feel like a chain restaurant, has some standard and some interesting pizza options, and basically just does delicious pizzas.  Their Tarte Tatin is well worth saving some room for as well.

Best Thai food

Two options here: Pandan Leaf or Thai Bite.  And I’m afraid on this one it’s a tie (get it?).  The food at Thai Bite is truly excellent.  As in stop talking and just enjoy the flavours.  But the restaurant itself is cramped, and the décor leaves a bit to be desired.  Pandan Leaf has a little more space and provides better atmosphere.  The food is very good, and the staff are lovely.  It’s probably the more comforting of the two.  So in this instance, take your pick…

Best Indian food

Three options: The Wharf, Thani Moon and Godalming Tandoori.  A year ago I’d have given that award to Godalming Tandoori.  Anwar, who runs it, does delicious food with a smile, and it’s great for eating out or getting a take-away.  But a few months ago I tried The Wharf and I think they are the winners (just).  I’ve not sampled much of their extensive menu, but what I have tried is really quite special.  I’d recommend their salmon.  Having said that, amongst our house group no one can agree on the best place to go for Indian food in Godalming, so I think you’ll need to make your own mind up on this one!

Best Date Night

This one depends rather on how much money you’ve got to play with.  If you don’t mind spending a small fortune on dinner, go to Bel and the Dragon.  The atmosphere has to be, hands down, the best in Godalming.  It is so calm and relaxing.  The tables are big and well-spaced out.  The ceiling is high (it’s a converted church) and the lighting is mellow.  The food is superb.  It’s one of those places where you can order anything, even things you don’t usually like, and you’ll enjoy it.  The wine list is extensive and will have something you enjoy.  And there are plenty of cocktails to choose from as well.  Just make sure you walk there so that you can weave back up the hill after drinking far too much with your meal!

There are other good date night options in Godalming.  We’ve only been to Cote in Godalming once, but it was a lovely evening – good service, nice food, pleasant atmosphere.  Prezzo isn’t bad for a date either, especially if you can get one of the booths so that it is a little more private.  And if you don’t mind making it to Milford, you can go to The Refectory.  I talk about this more below, but it is a really excellent place!

Best for a big group

There are three contenders for this award in my mind – The Inn on the Lake, Grills and Greens, Prezzo.  The advantage of Prezzo is that most people are comfortable with it (you know what to expect), there are often discount vouchers available and there is a private room at the back that seats circa 10 people (probably more but don’t take my word for it!).  Grills and Greens are accommodating, with cheerful staff who won’t make you feel bad for turning up with a huge group even when you haven’t booked…  We’ve also been there with our house group for our Christmas meal and they gave us a lovely evening.

The Inn on the Lake is going to have to be the winner however – it is a great option if you want plenty of choice and an evening that feels special.  It’s a pub as well as a restaurant and so there is a wide range of drinks available, which is great if not everyone is eating.  Definitely better to book for The Inn on the Lake however as they don’t love it when you take a big group in without a reservation.

Best gastro-pub

The Inn on the Lake is good, but for a truly great gastro-pub, I would venture very slightly outside Godalming.  Head to Milford and go to The Refectory.  The service is excellent, the building is beautiful and the food is delicious.  I’m not a fan of their Sunday lunch, but their dinner menu is wonderful.  And you should definitely go with enough space for 3 courses.  My husband and I have had some really lovely, chilled out evenings there – definitely worth a visit!

Best Afternoon Tea

I wasn’t going to include this category, but when I started thinking about Milford, I couldn’t ignore it – Eliza’s Tea Room.  This is part of the farm shop at Secretts.  They’re actually a really good place to go for lunch, but their speciality is afternoon tea.  They do a wonderful variety of mouth-wateringly good cakes, scones and lots of different teas and coffees.  A meander through the farm shop is a pleasant way to end a visit there.

So there you have it, my guide to eating out in Godalming.  If you’ve not tried some of the places I’ve mentioned, head over there.  And if I’ve missed off somewhere you love, let me know because I probably need to give it a try!