Cobham prides itself on offering countryside living with a rather cosmopolitan edge. Restaurants in this part of the world understand that Surrey residents may well be used to dining in some of the greatest places in London and would expect a similar standard of food, service and experience from their evenings out.
It appears that the dining scene here is starting to achieve exactly that, with the ultimate accreditation being when bookings are taken from people inside the capital making the short journey out to Cobham to take in the wonderful surroundings and delicious food. As a result, there is now a great menu of locations to choose from that include familiar gastro pubs with refined versions of English cuisine through to places with a much more global outlook, and lots in between.
For those uninitiated in the delights of Cobham, we have created a handy guide of the best places to eat. This reference can be used to start your own journey here, and we are convinced that you will not be disappointed when you do.
The Bear
In the Home Counties, it always feels like a safe choice to go for a classic English restaurant done extremely well with excellent levels of modern quality. The Bear on Riverhill in Cobham fulfils this brief to the letter. This is an idyllic country pub with an impressive history dating back to the 1700s, that now serves the Cobham Oxshott and Leatherhead communities with a sophisticated menu of local produce. The décor of exposed looming wooden beams and rustic finishes are wholly suited to the hearty and unfussy seasonal menus that are carefully crafted with local meat and vegetables from farms in the area. Expect to see Cyder Battered Haddock with chips and crushed peas or Sunday Dinners with delightful West Country Beef accompanied by the classic trimmings. There are some excellent views of the River Mole to be had too, with two well-manicured gardens offering the opportunity for a little stroll with a post-dinner drink when the rain stays away.
The Ivy Cobham Garden
Transporting the familiar refined luxury from one of the world’s most respected Brasseries into an English countryside setting is a great idea. The Ivy Cobham Garden is an art deco marvel with burnt orange banquettes and high-end finishes that deliver a softer luxury to proceedings. With a stunning garden that makes the whole place feel like it’s in a hidden oasis, it has an ambiance that is more contemporary than cosy, giving it a unique selling point against much of the competition in Cobham. Mediterranean dishes such as Lobster Linguine and Chicken Milanese sit amongst the English classics such as Shepherd's Pie to indicate a sense of place without compromising choice. Interestingly, The Ivy at Cobham has introduced a selection of premium non-alcoholic wines to cater for the growing sober scene amongst Surrey residents. The Hand on Heart Cabernet Sauvignon from this range is a particular highlight and well worth trying.
Kinjo
Kinjo opened its doors in June 2024 to bring an incredible modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine to the ever-developing night time offerings of Cobham. This is the result of a collaboration between Graham Ford, Purna Gurung and the executive chef Nabin Ghale. With Ghale’s experience from training in Japan and cooking in New York City, there is plenty to admire and enjoy from Donbata Rice bowls topped with sashimi or grilled meats, and the Yakitori and Kushiyaki skewers. This versatility suits every dining occasion from quick lunches to larger and more formal gatherings and reinforces the Kinjo philosophy of becoming Cobham’s go- to local Japanese restaurant in the bustling area of Oakdene Parade. All dishes are created from sustainable sources and lovingly prepared on the handmade, traditional Japanese Robata Grill for an authentic taste. With speciality drinks such as the striking Lychee Martini or the hot and cold sakes here to try, it offers a wonderful change of pace for the Cobham eating scene.
The Old Plough
The Old Plough on Station Road in Cobham is an institution of eating and drinking that stretches back over 300 years from this elegant Grade 2 listed building. The owners of this place are dedicated to making it a pillar of the local community with an inclusive philosophy that recognises the need for quality and a sense of occasion too. Their tagline of ‘Casual enough to be comfortable, smart enough to feel special’ could also work as a guiding reference for the whole area and its residents. The menu attends to this idea in the same way through dishes such as Keralan Roasted Vegetable & Coconut Curry and Pan Fried Seabass Fillet with herb linguine and lobster bisque sauce adding an alternative to the ubiquitous fish and chips, delightful as they are. The food is well-sourced and well-made in this establishment that has an enviable location as a gateway to some fantastic Surrey attractions, all within easy reach. Wisley RHS Gardens and Painshill Park are both just a post-lunch trot away from The Old Plough.
Grappelli
Grappelli on Cobham High Street brings a remarkable and unfussy Italian eating experience into Surrey where the food and drink are the real stars. The Adamas Italian Caviar served with crème fraiche and blinis is the obvious way to begin for those of a discerning palate that can appreciate that unique taste of Oscietra or Imperial Beluga. Fish courses of Squid Ink Tortelli stuffed with prawns and lime, and Sea Bass Ravioli are made with ingredients direct from the Mediterranean Sea, carefully created in the English countryside. This Roman-inspired restaurant is chic and engaging with attentive staff that are always happy to talk through a carefully curated wine list that changes weekly. The Antinori Conte Della Vipera is delightful as a pairing with the Spaghetti Cacio Pepe and Black Truffle.
It feels like the streets of Cobham are certain to continue their development with new and exciting places to eat over the coming months and years. 2024 has shown that the town has an appetite for more, and with this list of notable picks already thriving, all new arrivals will have to demonstrate the highest quality of cuisine and service to live amongst them.
