Best Restaurants in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Nestled in the heart of England, the historic counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire form a rich tapestry of culinary tradition and dining excellence. This gastronomic landscape, veined with the River Thames and dotted with stately homes and ancient market towns, offers a feast for the senses where the eateries are as diverse as the scenery itself. Berkshire, often referred to as the 'Royal County' due to its home to Windsor Castle, brings to the table a regal dining experience with restaurants that boast Michelin stars and menus replete with locally sourced produce. The Fat Duck in Bray, helmed by the culinary alchemist Heston Blumenthal, has single-handedly turned this quiet village into a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts from around the globe. Traveling northward into Buckinghamshire reveals hidden culinary gems set amidst the rolling Chiltern Hills and quaint villages like Marlow and Amersham. Here, historic coaching inns have evolved into gastropubs, embracing modern British cuisine while still maintaining the charm and warmth of yesteryear. Meanwhile, Oxfordshire, with its dreamy spires and scholarly prestige, counterbalances its rich educational heritage with a thriving food scene. Oxford's covered market, with its origins dating back to the 1770s, continues to serve as a buzzing nucleus of fresh, quality ingredients that feed into the creativity of the city's eateries. The county has also seen a surge in artisanal food production, from fine cheeses to craft ales, that amplify the menus of the local bistros and fine dining establishments, inviting a well-rounded exploration of rural British fare steeped in history and innovation.