Top Surrey Restaurants Named by Leading Food Guides
1. The Latymer — Michelin‑Starred Fine Dining in Bagshot
The Latymer Web Address: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot, GU19 5EU, United Kingdom Phone: +441276486150
Recognition:
• Named with a Michelin star in the 2025 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland — a hallmark of high‑quality, creative cuisine. (MICHELIN Guide)
Why it’s a standout:
The Latymer, located within the Pennyhill Park Hotel, consistently earns praise for its elegant tasting menus and refined modern British cooking. The Michelin Guide highlights its balance of flavours, seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation, making it one of Surrey’s most prestigious dining experiences. (MICHELIN Guide)
Commentary:
This award underlines how country fine dining can rival big city tables — blending a luxury hotel setting with inventive culinary sophistication.
2. Starling Bistro — Michelin‑Starred Bistro in Esher
Starling Bistro Web Address: 3 High St, Esher, KT10 9RL, United Kingdom Phone: +441372650015
Recognition:
• Also listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide with a one‑star rating. (MICHELIN Guide)
Why it’s a standout:
Starling is the successful solo venture of chef Nick Beardshaw (formerly of Hand & Flowers), paired with high‑quality British cuisine executed in a neighbourhood bistro setting. It’s recognised for pushing fine dining standards beyond London’s core. (Visit Surrey)
Chef & Concept Notes:
Nick Beardshaw’s creative influence and seasonal menus helped this restaurant ascend quickly in the Michelin rankings, confirming Surrey’s status as a destination for serious food lovers. (Visit Surrey)
3. Sorrel Restaurant — Michelin‑Listed Innovative Cuisine in Dorking
Sorrel Restaurant Web Address: 77 South St, Dorking, RH4 2JU, United Kingdom Phone: +441306889414
Recognition:
• Recognised in Michelin’s 2025 listings (often as part of the region’s Michelin‑listed restaurants) alongside other top Surrey venues. (MICHELIN Guide)
Why it’s a standout:
Sorrel delivers creative British cuisine with seasonal focus in a historic market town setting. This blend of modern innovation and local character has helped it stand out in the competitive British dining scene. (MICHELIN Guide)
Commentary:
Its inclusion alongside other Michelin entries showcases the diversity of Surrey’s food scene — from country‑house refinement to inventive modern dining.
4. The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters — Classic Fine Dining in Egham
The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters Web Address: Stroude Rd, Egham, TW20 9UR, United Kingdom Phone: +441784433822
Recognition:
• Listed among Surrey’s high‑end restaurants in guides that combine Michelin and AA Rosette data. (Leading Restaurants)
Why it’s a standout:
Located in the historic Great Fosters hotel, Tudor Pass excels in elegant traditional and contemporary cuisine, often celebrated for its tasting menus and approachable sophistication. (Leading Restaurants)
Commentary:
This venue blends heritage with high culinary standards, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience.
5. Other Highly Rated Surrey Restaurants
While not Michelin‑starred, these venues frequently appear in leading restaurant guides and local lists for excellence, quality and popularity:
- Kinghams Restaurant – Modern British in Guildford, widely praised for creative seasonal dishes. (Leading Restaurants)
- Clava Restaurant – Top‑rated Italian in West Byfleet, showing the county’s international flavours. (Leading Restaurants)
- Acorn Restaurant – Mediterranean favourite in Godalming. (Leading Restaurants)
- Positano – Highly reviewed Italian choice in Guildford. (Leading Restaurants)
- Theion – Greek cuisine standout in Guildford. (Leading Restaurants)
- Golden Bull Steakhouse – Popular steakhouse in Camberley with excellent reviews. (Leading Restaurants)
- The Ivy Cobham Garden – Part of a respected British restaurant group, combining classic and modern dishes. (Leading Restaurants)
- The Garden House – Stylish dining spot in Beaverbrook, Leatherhead. (Leading Restaurants)
These places often appear on AA Rosette lists and LeadingRestaurants.com rankings — respected standards that guide food lovers to great dining experiences beyond the Michelin sphere. (Britain’s Finest)
Industry & Guide Commentary
Michelin Guide — Surrey’s Growing Prestige
Surrey’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2025 demonstrates its rising culinary profile outside traditional metropolitan centres. In this year’s guide:
‑ Latymer, Starling and Sorrel are among the county’s standout venues with Michelin recognition. (MICHELIN Guide)
Food critics note that Michelin’s recognition of these restaurants reflects:
- High technical skill and creativity
- Seasonal, locally responsive menus
- Fine dining quality in a countryside context
This trend echoes a broader UK pattern where regional destinations are gaining top culinary status alongside London. (Visit Surrey)
What This Means for Surrey’s Dining Scene
Rising Culinary Reputation
Surrey is increasingly seen as a destination for serious food lovers, offering experiences that range from world‑class Michelin‑starred tasting menus to loved local favourites praised in national guides. (Leading Restaurants)
Local Tourism & Economy
Recognition by guides like Michelin and broader award lists boosts tourism, reservations and local economy, encouraging food lovers from London and beyond to explore Surrey’s gastronomic offerings. (Visit Surrey)
Diversity & Accessibility
From high‑end tasting menus at Latymer to vibrant casual dining at other independent venues across the county, Surrey’s food scene caters to a wide range of tastes and occasions. (Leading Restaurants)
Summary — Surrey’s Best Recognised Restaurants
Michelin‑Starred & Guide Recognised:
- Latymer – Michelin star, luxury tasting experience. (MICHELIN Guide)
- Starling Bistro – Michelin‑listed modern British excellence. (MICHELIN Guide)
- Sorrel Restaurant – Creative cuisine earning guide praise. (MICHELIN Guide)
- The Tudor Pass – Classic fine dining with heritage appeal. (Leading Restaurants)
Highly Rated Local & Guide‑Listed Restaurants:
- Kinghams Restaurant, Clava Restaurant, Acorn Restaurant, Positano, Theion, Golden Bull Steakhouse, The Ivy Cobham Garden, The Garden House and more — all featured in respected UK restaurant guides and local rankings. (Leading Restaurants)
Here’s a detailed case-study and commentary overview of Surrey restaurants recently recognised among the UK’s best by leading food guides, including Michelin and AA‑recognized venues:
Case Study 1 — The Latymer, Bagshot
- Recognition: Michelin star (2025 Michelin Guide)
- Location: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot, GU19 5EU
- Why it stands out:
• Known for refined modern British cuisine with seasonal tasting menus.
• Praised for artful presentation, balanced flavours, and innovative techniques. - Comments: Michelin highlights the ability of country‑house fine dining to rival London restaurants. Food critics commend its luxury and consistency, making it a destination restaurant for Surrey.
Case Study 2 — Starling Bistro, Esher
- Recognition: Michelin-listed (one star)
- Location: 3 High St, Esher, KT10 9RL
- Why it stands out:
• Chef Nick Beardshaw brings creativity from Hand & Flowers.
• Focuses on modern British dishes in a bistro setting, combining accessibility with high standards. - Comments: Seen as a success in bringing fine dining outside London, highlighting Surrey’s growing culinary reputation.
Case Study 3 — Sorrel Restaurant, Dorking
- Recognition: Michelin-listed/guide-recognized
- Location: 77 South St, Dorking, RH4 2JU
- Why it stands out:
• Emphasises seasonal, innovative British cuisine.
• Historic market town location adds charm and local character. - Comments: Sorrel demonstrates how Surrey restaurants can blend modern innovation with traditional settings, appealing to both local and visiting food enthusiasts.
Case Study 4 — The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters, Egham
- Recognition: Listed in AA Rosette and leading restaurant guides
- Location: Stroude Rd, Egham, TW20 9UR
- Why it stands out:
• Combines heritage with contemporary cuisine, offering tasting menus with classic and modern influences. - Comments: Praised for bringing historic elegance into fine dining, catering to both hotel guests and independent diners.
Other Highly Rated Surrey Venues
These restaurants frequently appear in guides like LeadingRestaurants.co.uk or AA Rosette rankings:
- Kinghams Restaurant – Modern British, Guildford
- Clava Restaurant – Italian, West Byfleet
- Acorn Restaurant – Mediterranean, Godalming
- Positano – Italian, Guildford
- Theion – Greek, Guildford
- Golden Bull Steakhouse – Steakhouse, Camberley
- The Ivy Cobham Garden – Classic & modern dishes, Cobham
- The Garden House – Stylish contemporary, Beaverbrook, Leatherhead
Comments: These venues show Surrey’s diverse food scene, offering high-quality options for different tastes, from casual to Michelin-starred dining.
Key Insights & Industry Commentary
- Rising reputation: Surrey is increasingly a destination for fine dining outside London.
- Diversity: Michelin stars and AA Rosettes highlight a mix of luxury, seasonal innovation, and approachable dining.
- Economic impact: Recognition in food guides helps local tourism and hospitality, boosting reservations and attracting visitors from London and beyond.