Reading's top restaurants offer diverse culinary experiences, from Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse's chargrilled meats to London Street Brasserie's French-British fusion by the River Kennet. Thames Lido serves Mediterranean cuisine in a historic poolside setting, while Sweeney & Todd's crafts traditional British pies. The Secret Garden provides elegant afternoon tea, Market House offers rooftop dining, and Coconut Bar & Kitchen delivers Pan-Asian flavors. These establishments showcase the city's evolving gastronomic environment.

Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse: A Taste of South America

Located in The Oracle Shopping Centre's Lower Mall, Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse brings an authentic taste of South America to Reading's dining scene.

The restaurant, open daily from noon, specializes in chargrilled steaks cooked on a traditional parrilla grill and served with an array of sauces, including chimichurri and Malbec.

The establishment maintains high standards, evident in its 4.8 Tripadvisor rating from over 1,700 reviews and Travelers' Choice recognition.

Beyond its signature steaks, Buenasado offers vegetarian and vegan options, complemented by Argentine wines. Their plant-based menu includes the popular Beyond Meat burger served with fries or mixed green salad.

The venue features wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, and a dedicated children's menu.

Customers particularly praise the attentive service, vibrant atmosphere, and extensive menu that includes traditional South American desserts like Dulce de Leche Cheesecake.

As one of Reading's diverse dining options, the steakhouse exemplifies the city's growing culinary scene that caters to various tastes and preferences.

London Street Brasserie's Riverside Fine Dining

A riverside gem in Reading's culinary environment, The London Street Brasserie has delighted diners since its opening in 2000 along the picturesque River Kennet.

The restaurant, affectionately known as LSB by locals, offers French, European, and British cuisines under the ownership of acclaimed restaurateur Paul Clerehugh.

Similar to Windsor's top dining destinations, LSB delivers a diverse range of exceptional dining experiences in a sophisticated setting.

The establishment features diverse menu options, including à la carte selections, set lunch menus, and Sunday roasts, while accommodating various dietary preferences.

Their commitment to using local seasonal produce, combined with an extensive wine list featuring organic and biodynamic options, has earned them Michelin recognition.

The restaurant offers a popular fixed price lunch menu of two courses for £29, available daily between 12pm and 6pm.

The restaurant's front-of-house manager, Jason, leads a service team that consistently receives positive reviews.

With over 2,100 Tripadvisor reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, LSB maintains its position as a cornerstone of Reading's fine dining scene.

Thames Lido: Mediterranean Magic by the Pool

The historic Thames Lido, originally built in 1902, brings Mediterranean flair to Reading's dining scene from its Grade 2 listed building alongside the pool.

The restaurant features an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven and charcoal grill, while retaining architectural elements like vaulted beams from its original construction. Breakfast service starts at 9am, offering early risers a chance to dine poolside.

The menu combines Mediterranean, European, and British influences, offering both small plates and à la carte options. Diners can choose from tapas selections, vegan dishes, and mains priced between £25-30. The restaurant's commitment to local ingredients showcases the best of Berkshire's produce.

The establishment, rated 4.2 on TripAdvisor, provides full bar service and accepts reservations. Special promotions include BYO Tuesdays and Twilight Spa packages.

The venue's facilities include outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and parking, though stays over three hours incur a £6 charge.

Sweeney & Todd's Award-Winning Pies

Moving from Mediterranean cuisine to traditional British fare, Sweeney & Todd's has earned its place as Reading's premier destination for handcrafted pies over the past 46 years.

Located at 10 Castle Street, the establishment offers more than 20 standard pie varieties, alongside seasonal specials, pasties, and scotch eggs.

The restaurant accommodates up to 100 diners in its cozy setting of cubicles and alcoves, providing a traditional table service experience.

Since established in 1978, this beloved pie shop has been serving the Reading community with warm, friendly service that encourages customer loyalty.

Sweeney & Todd's maintains its independent status amid chain restaurant competition and ranks #37 among Reading's 499 restaurants.

The establishment serves lunch, dinner, and late-night meals, with vegetarian options available.

For those seeking Chinese cuisine alternatives, Reading offers numerous highly-rated takeaway options throughout the city.

Their shop section allows customers to purchase pies and other products for takeaway, while the full bar service complements the dining experience.

The Secret Garden's Enchanting Afternoon Tea

Situated within The Roseate Hotel's grounds, The Secret Garden offers an enchanting afternoon tea experience featuring cascading waterfalls, pomegranate trees, and a serene outdoor setting.

The daily service, available from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, presents a refined selection of house-baked sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream, and artisanal pastries. The venue has earned recognition as the best afternoon tea in the Reading area.

Indulge in refined house-baked delicacies and fresh-baked scones during our elegant afternoon service, served daily from midday through late afternoon.

For early risers, the hotel's fresh pastries are also available during their popular breakfast service.

The menu showcases local ingredients through signature items like Strawberry Mousse and Dark Chocolate Tart, while maintaining traditional afternoon tea elements.

Guests can elevate their experience with a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne or select from international first-flush teas.

The venue accommodates dietary preferences with vegan options and offers customizable menus for special occasions.

Advance reservations are recommended through the hotel's dedicated booking line.

Market House: Rooftop Views and Market-Fresh Food

Market House stands as an architectural marvel in Reading's lively town centre, combining historic charm with contemporary dining experiences.

The venue, set in a former Lloyds Bank building, features multiple dining spaces, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

The establishment offers diverse culinary options, from authentic sourdough pizzas to brunch selections, complemented by craft beers and seasonal cocktails. The menu emphasizes quality ingredients throughout their dishes. Similar to popular Wokingham eateries, Market House focuses on creating a vibrant dining atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy entertainment facilities, including shuffleboard, ping-pong, and a karaoke room, while sports enthusiasts can watch live screenings throughout the venue.

The property also houses 24 boutique hotel rooms with modern amenities and provides extensive event spaces, including the converted bank vault, which accommodates up to 400 guests for corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings.

Coconut Bar & Kitchen's Pan-Asian Fusion

Every culinary enthusiast in Reading should know about Coconut Bar & Kitchen, a vibrant Pan-Asian fusion restaurant located at 62-63 St. Mary's Butts.

The establishment combines flavors from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea in an industrial chic setting with galvanized metal surfaces and warm lighting. Expert mixologists craft signature cocktails with precision and flair, making it one of Reading's premier drink destinations.

The menu features standout dishes including Japanese Katsu Curry, Malaysian Rice Noodles, and Korean Bibimbap, with options available for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners.

Like many local dining spots in the region, the restaurant takes pride in offering a carefully curated selection that caters to various tastes and preferences.

Beyond its diverse culinary offerings, the venue maintains an active social calendar with live DJs Thursday through Saturday nights and various promotional events throughout the week.

The restaurant demonstrates community engagement through its Sunday brunch program, which includes charitable donations to Berkshire Vision.

Modern amenities include outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessibility.

Most-Asked Questions FAQ

Which Reading Restaurants Are Best for Large Group Bookings?

Miller and Carter, Las Iguanas, and Quattro excel at accommodating large groups in Reading. The Slug & Lettuce and Walkabout Reading likewise offer spacious venues with group-friendly dining options.

Do Reading Restaurants Typically Require Advance Reservations for Weekend Dining?

Most Reading restaurants require advance reservations for weekend dining, especially popular establishments. Walk-in availability is limited, and booking ahead is strongly recommended to secure tables during peak times.

Which Restaurants in Reading Offer Dedicated Vegetarian and Vegan Menus?

Coconut Bar & Kitchen and Vegivores offer fully dedicated vegan menus in Reading. Las Iguanas, Bhel Puri, and C.U.P. provide extensive vegetarian options alongside their regular offerings.

Are There Any Restaurants in Reading With Private Dining Rooms?

Several Reading restaurants offer private dining rooms, including Miller And Carter, Bill's Reading Restaurant seating 56 guests, The Cellar at The Roseate accommodating 14, and Whittington's Tea Barge for unique experiences.

Which Reading Restaurants Are Open for Late-Night Dining After 10 PM?

Several Indian restaurants including Gulab Dining, Deccan House, and Curry Rasoi serve late-night meals after 10 PM. Fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald's, and Burger King likewise remain open.