Most people hop off the train at St Albans ready for a day exploring Roman ruins, museums, and an impressive cathedral. And hey, history is great, but you can’t eat a mosaic. What many visitors don't realise is that our beautifully historic city has a vibrant and trendy food scene to rival that of London or Cambridge.
Having called St Albans home for years, I’ve done the hard, selfless work of eating my way through the city to separate the hype from the homegrown heroes. Whether I’m playing tour guide for first-timers or looking for a Friday night vibe, these are the absolute must-visit places to eat in St Albans.
Read more: A great day out in the bustling city of St Albans
Won
Best for: Finding out what the hype is about.
Menu highlights: Crispy Korean fried chicken, sizzling bibimbap, and legendary bulgogi.
If there’s one restaurant that has stolen the spotlight for places to eat in St Albans this year, it’s Won. Tucked away on London Road, this place is so popular they don’t even take bookings. Show up on a Friday or Saturday night and you will see a queue, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Cosy Club
Best for: Hot dates, cool cocktails, and retro vibes.
Menu highlights: Chorizo hash, Spanish chicken, smash burgers, cocktails from margaritas to martinis
Step inside Cosy Club and you’re transported out of modern day and into a glamorous, retro wonderland. We're talking mirrored bars, shaggy carpets, and enough 60s and 70s décor to make Austin Powers jealous. Unsurprisingly, whenever I pass by on a weekend, it’s packed with couples gazing into each other's eyes. Because the menu flips effortlessly from brunch and burgers to steaks and small plates, it’s also the ultimate crowd-pleaser if you’re dining with a group.
Thai Rack
Best for: Al fresco summer dining and a secret garden.
Menu highlights: Weeping Tiger, fiery Pad Thai, and punchy Jungle Curry.
I would happily shout from the rooftops about how much I love the food at Thai Rack, but their real secret is out back. Head through the restaurant and you’re in a gorgeous outdoor garden overlooking the Cathedral grounds. It’s a total hidden gem, and I’m always amazed by how many locals don’t even know it exists. On a warm summer evening, sipping a drink here feels like a total cheat code. It's just as perfect for a casual Tuesday night as it is for a weekend celebration.
George Street Canteen
Best for: The morning-after-the-night-before.
Menu highlights: Breakfast burrito, English breakfast, Goodness bowl, poached eggs and toast.
If Saturday night got away from you (no judgment), George Street Canteen is your Sunday morning sanctuary. Around brunch time, this place is buzzing with locals catching up over artisanal coffee and ordering substantial plates before tackling a walk around the city. I love that their menu shifts with the seasons and champions local producers. If the British weather is playing nice, snag a table outside and watch the world go by at a wonderfully lazy pace.
The Waffle House
Best for: An iconic St Albans rite of passage.
Menu highlights: BBQ pulled pork, baked cheese and garlic butter, banana flapjack, blueberry and cream stack
Some places are such institutions they barely need an introduction, and The Waffle House is definitely one of them. Housed inside the stunning Kingsbury Watermill, it’s been a staple of the city for decades. Novices assume it’s a strictly sweet affair, but their savoury menu is an absolute game-changer (the buttermilk fried chicken waffle with sriracha mayo is a must). Whenever I’m showing people around, this is usually our final stop. It’s great food, a gorgeous setting, and a true piece of St Albans soul.
