Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Hertfordshire

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Hertfordshire? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nonna’s Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (192)

£25 and under

Italian

Broxbourne

About the restaurant

Founded by Joe Ricotta in 2012, NONNA’S KITCHEN began with an idea that would bring generations of families together to enjoy traditional Sicilian food in the heart of our home town in the UK. Nonna’s is a family run business which prides itself on sourcing the highest quality ingredients to ensure the best flavours for our customers. As you may know Nonna’s Kitchen translated means Grandmother’s Kitchen. As a Sicilian family we wanted to create a little bit of Sicily right here in the UK by bringing together all of our Nonna’s traditional Sicilian recipes.

Top review

bich

Dined 4 days ago

Went on Saturday night with a group of friends which was busy so advise people to book. Even though it was busy, and we wanted to add another to the booking, the restaurant accommodated and the service was excellent, they came regularly to check if we needed anything and the food and drinks were served promptly. The food and drink was good value and the portion size was rather large and the range was rather large and did to high standard. Would definitely come back, possibly for a special night

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Experience

2 Course Lunch Set Menu - £16.50pp

Experience

SPURS LEGENDS NIGHT - 3 Course Meal £44.95

Experience

Magic Mike @ Xmas - 3 Course Meal £54.95pp

Lavish Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1583)

£26 to £40

Mediterranean

Stevenage

About the restaurant

We are a mediterranean inspired grill in the heart of Stevenage Old Town, serving the very best steaks, grills and fresh fish alongside some amazing cocktails.
Our steaks are our signature dish, these are very carefully sourced and cooked by our master grill chefs on the word renowned Josper grill.

Our restaurant is rated no 1 on trip advisor.

We have live music every Friday.

We look forward to welcoming you, please call our reservations team for any further information.

Top review

Angela

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely outstanding experience! Our second time here at Lavish and we were all blown away by the quality of the food and tremendous service. Treated my Dad for his birthday, he had the chicken thighs which he said were delicious followed by the crème brûlée equally amazing. The service was second to none my dad was spoiled and he loved it! I had the fillet steak which was the best I have ever tasted and the biscoff cheesecake was to die for. The portions are huge and great value for money but we didn’t waste anything as took doggy bags home! Will definitely be going back!

Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2775)

£26 to £40

British

Hitchin

About the restaurant

Before reading about our fabulous restaurant please note that our loyalty app provides customers with 5% cashback so be sure to search 'ACI loyalty' in your app store before visiting.

Set in the former 1930s Hitchin ballroom, on the first floor, Hermitage Rd restaurant & bar boasts a seasonal, award winning and sustainable premium food offer, and a bar renowned for it's bespoke cocktails, quality wine and beer range. Award-winning food - Best Premium Food, Good Food Guide, Food Made Good sustainability status.

Additionally we also have a street-level Nyetimber collaboration wine bar, which can be hired exclusively, open Friday & Saturdays only from 5pm.

Our coffee shop has also expanded and offers an amazing space to socialise and/or work, open 7 days a week, offering dine-in or take-away bagels and PACT Coffee, plus various size meeting rooms for hire. The coffee shop is also available for evening hire as a venue for private parties, corporate bashes, book launches etc.

Top review

Sandra

Dined 6 days ago

The venue, the food, the service all very good. Would definitely recommend.

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Experience

Chef Series - Chef Fran Hartshorne

Experience

Brunch

Experience

Espresso Lounge @ Hermitage Rd Coffee

Craft & Cleaver

4.5

4.5 (1801)

£26 to £40

Barbecue

St Albans

About the restaurant

An independent Restaurant & Bar serving up authentic wood-fired American Barbecue, Southern-inspired dishes, craft beer and cocktails, all in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Welcome to Craft & Cleaver St Albans!

Whether it's a laid-back lunch, date night, dinner & drinks with friends or a big celebration, there's always a reason to join us. Settle into one of our cosy booths, grab a seat at the bar or soak up the atmosphere over great food, good drinks and even better company.

Right in the heart of St Albans, just a short stroll from the Cathedral, bustling city centre and historic streets, we're perfectly placed for everything from a spontaneous lunchtime bite or a few after-work drinks to an evening worth making plans for.

Proudly independent, open 7 days a week and bringing Barbecue & Good Times to St Albans since 2015.

Top review

Tayla

Dined 4 days ago

It was our first time at Craft & Cleaver and we can’t believe how we haven’t been here sooner! The food was amazing and I highly recommend the Texas Tray to share. The staff were friendly and always around to help. We can’t wait to come back and try other items off the menu.

Kite at The Red Hart

4.5

4.5 (784)

£26 to £40

British

Hitchin

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kite at The Red Hart, we are looking forward to serving you! All reservations will be sat indoors unless by request and each booking is for 1hr 45 mins.

Please note we are a cashless venue. Card and contactless payments only.

Top review

robertGold

Dined on 18 Oct 2026

We had the beef and the pork. The pork was excellent, top notch ingredients and presented well. The beef again was excellent although it was let down by the fact that the whole roast was swimming in gravy. Not sure why this was needed as the beef was of superior quality. Will be back again but with the gravy on the side!

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Experience

Beaujolais Nouveau

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie

4.5

4.5 (6545)

£25 and under

British

St Albans

About the restaurant

Just moments from some of St Albans’ best-known landmarks, The Ivy St Albans Brasserie brings relaxed all-day dining to Verulam Road, just a stone’s throw from St Albans Cathedral, the Town Hall, Market and Museum + Gallery. It’s an inviting St Albans restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, whether you’re exploring the city or celebrating something special. Step inside to discover sophisticated interiors and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, with live jazz adding an extra touch of occasion every other Wednesday. The menu brings together much-loved Ivy classics, modern British dishes and seasonal favourites, alongside expertly made cocktails and an extensive wine list. Whether you’re visiting the market, meeting friends for a leisurely meal or looking for somewhere special for dinner in St Albans, The Ivy St Albans Brasserie offers a memorable setting from morning until late.

Top review

Karen

Dined 2 days ago

Always excellent food and service, can’t fault it and highly recommend!

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Popular dish

Graduation Chocolate Bombe

4.5

4.5 (1023)

£25 and under

Pub

Hitchin

About the restaurant

Before reading about our fabulous pub please note that our loyalty app provides customers with 5% cashback so be sure to search 'ACI loyalty' in your app store before visiting.
A gem of a village pub serving pizzas, artisan burgers, pub classics with great pints and playgrounds. Set in the North Herts village of Weston. Acres of beer garden, kids play areas, families, muddy boots and dogs very welcome. Our Pavilion restaurant is open all day for reservations Mondays to Sunday.

The pub is multi-award winning - Best Premium Food on 3 occasions in 4 years at the Publican Awards, Good Food Guide, Food Made Good sustainability status. What's not to like. The perfect countryside family pub. Great for exploring local market towns like Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Knebworth. The pub nearest to the Groundswell Agricultural Festival.

Top review

Jane

Dined on 20 Oct 2026

Excellent service from Evie, we were 4 ladies of a certain age who were dithering as to what to order, Evie recommended things and she was right !! Lovely evening.

Craft & Cleaver

4.4

4.4 (458)

£26 to £40

Barbecue

Hitchin

About the restaurant

We're an independent Restaurant, Bar & Pub serving up authentic wood-fired American Barbecue, Southern-inspired dishes, craft beer and cocktails, all in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Welcome to Craft & Cleaver Hitchin!

Whether it's a laid-back lunch, date night, dinner & drinks with friends or a big celebration, there's a spot for everyone. Settle into one of our cosy booths for dinner or grab a seat at the bar and take in our great range of cocktails and craft beer.

In the Summer months, soak up the sun in our sun-trap garden with some BBQ and a Spritz or get competitive year-round with a game on Hitchin's only Shuffleboard before or after your meal. Our Shuffleboard Alley is available for hire on our website.

Set in an imposing Grade II listed building, with lots of original features, we're perfectly placed for everything from a spontaneous drink to an evening worth making plans for.

Proudly independent, open 7 days a week and always up for a good time.

Top review

Tim

Dined on 2 Oct 2026

Myself and my fiancé had the loveliest time! We were asked if we were celebrating, which we were and were given glasses of fizz! The food was out of this world! And the service was brilliant!

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Popular dish

Corn Ribs

BHAGEECHA

4.4

4.4 (891)

£26 to £40

Indian

Radlett

About the restaurant

SHARED PASSION
For owners Mishal and Sundeep, food has always been a way to bring families, friends and communities together, a way to celebrate life and share stories.
Mishal vividly remembers fragrant aromas and laughter filling the air at garden parties as her father cooked in huge pots over a coal stove. It was here that her passion for food began, inspired by her father’s experimental and creative dishes.
For Sundeep, it’s the childhood trips back to India and memories of eating fresh dhal and fluffy rotis at roadside cafes in Punjab that he savours most. The atmosphere, the aromas and the flavours all evoke a delightful sense of coming home.
And it is his innate understanding of the link between food and celebration that helped Sundeep build a successful banqueting business in the heart of North West London.
It’s this passion, this emotional connection and joy for eating that the couple now bring to Bhageecha.
Friday and Saturday after 7pm, kids under the age of 10 aren't allowed

Top review

beverley

Dined on 19 Sept 2026

Serving staff are extremely friendly and helpful and the food is incredible

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Experience

Christmas Day Buffet Extravaganza!

Harleys Lounge

4.1

4.1 (132)

£26 to £40

Bistro

Hertford

About the restaurant

Enjoy the charming atmosphere, whether you're catching up with friends or simply relaxing. With a focus on friendly service and high-quality food, Harleys Lounge provides a cozy and enjoyable escape in the heart of Hertford.
Known for a menu that blends bistro classics with contemporary flair, Harleys Lounge is the perfect spot for everything from a hearty all-day breakfast to an satisfying dinner. Indulge in grilled specialities like Chicken Skew and Lamb Chops, or explore a great selection of gourmet burgers and fresh salads. Whether you're craving a classic 6oz Prime Beef Burger or a Grilled Salmon Salad, there is something to suit every taste.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 4 days ago

Had a lovely afternoon spent with a friend. Arrived at 4:30 and it was quite empty but there was some lovely background music which made it feel warm and inviting. We left just after 9pm after a couple of bottles of wine, some lovely food (we chose a mixture of small plates rather than a large meal each). The restaurant was full and there was a lovely atmosphere. The food was incredible, the staff were attentive and friendly and the ambience was lovely. A great addition to Hertford.

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