The Chiltern Hills is one of England’s most beautiful countryside destinations, famous for rolling hills, woodland walks, charming villages, and historic market towns, but it’s also become one of the South East’s top foodie escapes. Often referred to as the “larder of London,” the Chilterns is packed with cosy country pubs, stylish gastropubs, artisan cafés, fine dining restaurants, and hidden culinary gems tucked away in picturesque villages and countryside settings.
One of the best things about dining in the Chilterns is the atmosphere. Many restaurants are set inside centuries-old inns with wooden beams, roaring fireplaces, beer gardens, and stunning countryside views. Whether you’re looking for relaxed Sunday lunches after a countryside walk, romantic fine dining, rustic pub classics, or artisan coffee and farm-shop lunches, the Chilterns offers something for every type of foodie traveller.
The region is also well known for its local produce, breweries, vineyards, and independent food culture. Market towns like Amersham, Marlow, Wendover, and Princes Risborough are filled with excellent eateries, while the surrounding villages hide some of the area’s most memorable dining experiences. Michelin-starred restaurants, riverside dining, country inns, and modern British gastropubs all combine to make the Chilterns a fantastic destination for weekend getaways and foodie breaks.
Here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants, pubs, and dining experiences across the Chilterns.
Hampden Arms
Where
Located in the village of Great Hampden near Great Missenden, surrounded by rolling Chiltern countryside.
Why It’s Quirky
This traditional country pub combines rustic charm with one of the most picturesque countryside settings in the Chilterns. The historic interiors, wooden beams, and relaxed village atmosphere make it feel like a classic English countryside escape.
What to Expect
Expect seasonal British dishes, Sunday roasts, local ales, cosy interiors, and outdoor dining with countryside views. It’s particularly popular after walks through the surrounding hills.
Nags Head - Great Missenden
Where
Situated in Little Kingshill near Great Missenden.
Why It’s Quirky
The Nags Head blends the atmosphere of a traditional countryside inn with modern gastropub dining. It’s well known locally for combining relaxed pub culture with elevated food.
What to Expect
Expect hearty British classics, brunches, steaks, Sunday lunches, cocktails, and a lively but relaxed atmosphere suitable for couples, families, and groups.
The Boot
Where
Located in Bledlow Ridge in the heart of the Chiltern Hills.
Why It’s Quirky
The Boot is one of the Chilterns’ standout gastropubs, combining countryside charm with stylish interiors and a strong focus on modern British cuisine.
What to Expect
Expect elevated pub food, seasonal menus, local produce, craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for long countryside lunches and cosy evening dining.
The Royal Standard of England
Where
Located in Forty Green near Beaconsfield.
Why It’s Quirky
Often described as one of England’s oldest pubs, The Royal Standard of England is packed with historic charm, low ceilings, open fires, and centuries of history. It’s one of the most iconic dining pubs in the Chilterns.
What to Expect
Expect traditional British pub classics, Sunday roasts, local ales, historic interiors, and a cosy countryside atmosphere perfect for winter dining.
Villa Bianca
Where
Situated in the market town of Princes Risborough.
Why It’s Quirky
Villa Bianca brings authentic Italian dining to the Chilterns, combining intimate interiors with a relaxed family-run atmosphere.
What to Expect
Expect pasta dishes, pizzas, seafood, Italian wines, and warm hospitality in a welcoming town-centre setting.
@ThirtyNine
Where
Located on the High Street in Princes Risborough.
Why It’s Quirky
This stylish modern venue combines contemporary dining with cocktails and social dining energy, offering a more modern contrast to the Chilterns’ traditional pub scene.
What to Expect
Expect brunches, cocktails, modern British dishes, social dining, and lively evening atmospheres.
The Grange Restaurant at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Where
Located in Saunderton within the beautiful Chiltern countryside.
Why It’s Quirky
This unique café and restaurant experience combines excellent food with a charitable setting connected to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The countryside surroundings make it especially relaxing.
What to Expect
Expect homemade cakes, lunches, afternoon tea, coffee, and peaceful countryside dining ideal for daytime visits.
The Red Lion
Where
Located in Whiteleaf near Princes Risborough.
Why It’s Quirky
The Red Lion is a quintessential countryside pub surrounded by walking routes and scenic Chiltern views. It’s the type of traditional village pub visitors hope to discover during a countryside getaway.
What to Expect
Expect classic pub food, beers, cosy interiors, relaxed service, and an authentic village atmosphere.
Moc and more princes Risborough
Where
Situated on the High Street in Princes Risborough.
Why It’s Quirky
This independent café has become a local favourite for speciality coffee, homemade bakes, and relaxed brunches in a cosy setting.
What to Expect
Expect artisan coffee, cakes, sandwiches, brunch dishes, and a welcoming community feel.
Orchard View Farm Cafe
Where
Located near Aylesbury in the Chiltern countryside.
Why It’s Quirky
Orchard View Farm Café combines farm-shop charm with fresh local produce and countryside dining. It’s ideal for relaxed daytime food experiences.
What to Expect
Expect breakfasts, lunches, cakes, fresh produce, farm-shop goods, and scenic rural surroundings.
Hidden Gems & Local Favourites
The Chilterns is full of small villages and hidden foodie spots worth exploring beyond the main towns.
- The Artichoke - One of the Chilterns’ best-known fine dining restaurants with Michelin recognition.
- The Hand & Flowers - Tom Kerridge’s famous gastropub destination in Marlow.
- The Coach - Relaxed Michelin-starred dining with small plates and gastropub charm.
- The Crooked Billet - A beautiful countryside inn tucked away in the hills near Henley.
- Bel & The Dragon - A historic coaching inn popular for countryside dining and weekend escapes.
Why the Chilterns Is Perfect for Food Lovers
The Chilterns offers a completely different dining experience compared to larger cities. Here, the focus is on relaxed countryside hospitality, locally sourced produce, seasonal cooking, and atmospheric village settings. Many visitors combine food experiences with walking trails, brewery visits, vineyard tours, and countryside stays, making the region perfect for weekend breaks and slower travel.
Whether you’re looking for cosy pubs with roaring fires, elegant countryside dining, artisan coffee shops, or hidden village restaurants, the Chilterns delivers one of the UK’s most charming foodie experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in the Chilterns
What food is the Chilterns known for?
The Chilterns is known for gastropubs, traditional British cuisine, local ales, artisan produce, countryside dining, and fine dining restaurants using seasonal ingredients.
What are the best foodie towns in the Chilterns?
Popular foodie destinations include Marlow, Amersham, Henley-on-Thames, Wendover, Great Missenden, and Princes Risborough.
Are there good pubs in the Chilterns?
Yes, the Chilterns is famous for traditional countryside pubs, many with historic interiors, fireplaces, beer gardens, and gastropub-style menus.
Is the Chilterns good for weekend food trips?
Absolutely. The combination of countryside scenery, walking routes, boutique hotels, and excellent dining makes the Chilterns ideal for foodie weekend escapes.
Are there Michelin restaurants in the Chilterns?
Yes, the Chilterns and surrounding areas are home to several Michelin-recognised restaurants including The Hand & Flowers, The Coach, and The Artichoke.
Stay in the Heart of the Chilterns
After exploring the Chilterns’ cosy pubs, countryside restaurants, and hidden foodie gems, staying in a comfortable countryside property makes the experience even more memorable. Whether you’re planning a walking weekend, romantic escape, or foodie getaway, the Chilterns offers the perfect balance of relaxation, scenery, and exceptional dining.
For travellers looking for stylish and flexible accommodation, Pass the Keys offers professionally managed stays across the region, giving guests more space, comfort, and convenience while exploring the Chiltern Hills.