From traditional meat pies to contemporary hipster brunches, there are plenty of fantastic places to eat in Reading. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Where to eat in Reading if you love a good pie
Named after the one of the most notorious figures in English legend, Sweeney and Todd’s produces excellent pies that aren’t cannibalistic in the least.
This pie shop – one of the oldest restaurants in Reading – is simple and brilliant. More than 20 award winning pie flavours are on sale at affordable prices. Sit in and eat them hot in the cosy restaurant interior or wrap them up and take them away.
Traditionalists will be delighted by classic fillings such as steak and kidney, lamb and mint and chicken and leek and vegetarian choices such as cheese and vegetable are equally mouthwatering.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of modern innovations such as cajun or chicken, chilli and chorizo for the adventurous. Those with truly traditional tastes will no doubt love the Victorian-inspired steak and oyster or the hearty flavours of venison and boar.
The menu also includes a pie called Sweeney’s…the ingredients of which are not disclosed!
Where to eat in Reading if you fancy a curry
If you love the tastes of South-East Asia, don’t miss a trip to COSMO Authentic World Kitchen.
COSMO elevate the all you can eat world buffet concept – they serve expertly-cooked food from all around the globe from Neapolitan wood fired pizza to Japanese Teppanyaki, but their House of Spice section is truly unmissable.
Taste a fragrant curry made with the freshest of ingredients, enjoy side dishes fragrant with saffron, turmeric and cumin and dip fluffy naans into delicate sauces, pickles and chutneys.
Where to eat in Reading if you’re a coffee lover
Workhouse was declared one of the best national caffeine destinations by both the Guardian and the Telegraph – and it’s no wonder. This independent cafe, run by expert Greg Costello, is a haven for bean fiends and the hub of Reading’s thriving speciality coffee scene.
The jewel in Workhouse’s caffeine crown is their sweet, strong and full-bodied Guatemalans – the first coffee they sourced and specially recommended by the Guardian Less than 2% of soil on the planet has the correct profile to grow Workhouse Guatemala and the coffee, perfumed by just the right amount of vegetation and volcanic silt, is truly exceptional.
And Workhouse isn’t let down by its menu. Their exquisite coffees are complemented by a range of sandwiches and cakes. Make sure you try the sausage rolls.
Where to eat in Reading for brunch
Wholesome, locally sourced food and a comforting atmosphere make Cafe Yolk the ideal pit stop, offering simple, good quality meals for brunch or lunch. Their speciality, toasted sourdough with smashed avocado and salsa with – you guessed it! – a poached egg is delicious.
Those with a sweet tooth also have plenty of treats to enjoy. Cafe Yolk serve French toast with a wealth of toppings, from indulgent bacon and maple to the banoffee-inspired banana and salted caramel.
There are few better ways to spend a cold winter’s day in Reading than a trip to Cafe Yolk, keeping cosy with a hot caramelised apple and cinnamon waffle and a cup of their excellent coffee.
Where to eat in Reading if you love pubs
Located in Reading town centre, The Greyfriar of Reading is unmissable for pub lovers. Traditionalists will be delighted by the quintessential English pub atmosphere and the exciting range of classic ales, lager and cider.
While The Greyfriar sources its beer from all over the world it’s also the perfect place to drink a local brew, with plenty of independent Berkshire breweries represented on the menu.
The Greyfriar is also at the forefront of the gin renaissance and juniper lovers will be truly delighted by the extensive menu. With 35 types of gin permanently in stock and 5 rotating ‘guest’ gins, whether you love perfumed florals, tart citrus or aromatic spice, there’s something here for every palate.
Food is served Monday to Friday from midday until 3, making this charming pub the perfect place for a weekday lunch.