Places to eat in Chessington

So close that you could walk there and back from our Chessington hotel in just a few minutes, the Zafari Bar & Grill is a laid-back, colourful African-themed restaurant with an impressive range of burgers, salads and items from the grill including their baby back pork ribs with a bourbon glaze. Meat lovers should definitely make this place their first port of call.

Heading north into Chessington town on Hook Road, you’ll find the Red Rose, one of the leading Indian restaurants in the region – and thanks to the classy interior and the contemporary artworks that line the walls – one of the most stylish. The food doesn’t disappoint either, with a menu spanning classics such as Rogan Josh and chef specialities such as Sagoti chicken.

Or, for a modern take on Indian classics, including street food tapas and Indo-Chinese influences, head to Saffron Summer at the top of Hook Road and try their seasonal menu. Rounding out our Indian selection is Dastaan, a Michelin-guide recommended restaurant. The food is excellent, and well-priced considering the awards the restaurant has won, with a wide range of vegetarian options and an above-average wine list.

If you’re craving a Chinese feast, head to La Orient near to Sandown Park. The south Asian restaurant has been cooking the best prawn toast, soft shell crab and crispy duck for over 25 years and is a bright and airy split-level restaurant. Just next door is Red Peppers, a lively and bright restaurant that covers most bases including burgers, pizzas, salads, curries and steaks.

Another strong all-rounder is Bill’s in Epsom, a short drive from Chessington. Originally launched in 2001, the popular chain restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, and you can either grab a booth inside or head to their wood-decked terrace which comes alive during the summer.

Check out our hotels in Epsom.

Several miles north from Chessington, WagsnTales in Surbiton is well worth the journey. But only if you like pancakes as big as your head, a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu and an excellent coffee and cocktails menu, it’s a cool café by day and a bustling bar by night.

Head up the main street in Surbiton and you’ll find the Pickled Pantry, a homely and welcoming café opened in 2012. Using locally-sourced ingredients, they have a delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch menu as well as offering a kids’ menu and a mean cream tea.

Over in Epsom, you can tell what sort of café the June 8 Cafe & Bistro is just from the exterior, thanks to its vintage parasol, turquoise walls and fairy light interior. Open for breakfast and lunch, the licensed bistro offers a wide range of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks and gets busy at the weekend thanks to their excellent brunch menu.

Heading back towards Chessington, Rhona’s Cafe is a no-frills eatery known for its high quality, affordable food – if it’s an all-day breakfast, old-fashioned mixed grill or ice cream you’re after, it’s all there on their expansive laminated menu.

At the end of the road you’ll Hook Fish and Chips, another simple but very effective venue that serves up high-quality fish and chips as well as calamari, scampi, grilled chicken, burgers and more.