The best restaurants in Richmond

At Swagat you can enjoy Indian cooking in a smart and simple dining space. There's a warm atmosphere here, and the classic dishes on the menu are prepared by expert chefs. Try out dishes like samosas, chicken tikka, and biryani, plus curries ranging from the mildest to the extra hot.

Eat like an Argentinian with the fine steak available at Gaucho. This steakhouse chain has eco-conscious credentials, taking a responsible approach to sourcing the finest steak. The Richmond restaurant is a modern riverside destination with an idyllic outdoor terrace. Even sitting indoors, the glass-fronted restaurant gives you great views of the water.

Taste traditional flavours from Italy at Sebastian's Italian. This local restaurant is family-friendly, with a laid-back atmosphere, indoor dining room, and a covered and heated terrace for al fresco meals. Dishes on the menu are prepared with fresh ingredients and include wood-fired pizza, pasta, antipasti, and meat and fish dishes.

Make like you're at an Italian wedding feast with a visit to Al Boccon Di’vino. This intimate and in-demand restaurant doesn't have a menu - instead you're presented with multiple courses of authentic Italian dishes. Expect fresh pasta, fine cheeses, fresh meat and fish, plus Italian wines at this traditionally-styled venue.

Award-winning bar and restaurant The Watermans is a refined venue for drinks or a meal. There are various spaces, including the outdoor terrace, and all have an elegant and intimate feel. All-day dining menus feature sophisticated options like oysters, chicken liver parfait, and ox cheek pie. There's an extensive wine collection too.

Matsuba opened in 2004 and is a modern venue for Japanese food in Richmond. There's a contemporary interior and a menu showcasing classic dishes. Try sushi and sashimi or go for hot food like teriyaki or noodles. Bento boxes are served at lunchtime and you can also choose a tasting menu.

Explore upscale riverside dining in a smart Art Deco environment at The Ivy. Fitted out with a brass bar and banquette seating, you can sample lighter café-style dishes like sandwiches and salads, plus British classics like shepherd's pie, fish cakes, or a traditional afternoon tea for a real treat.

Steak fans can visit Buenos Aires Argentine Steakhouse for quality meat from Argentina. The striking interior is full of natural light and neutral tones. Steak is a big part of the menu but you'll also uncover pasta dishes, chicken, burgers, and vegetarian meals. There's also a lengthy wine list of Argentinian bottles.

Check out Hanana if you're craving sushi. This cute and colourful restaurant specialises in the stuff and has tons of options on the menu. As well as the classics, there's sashimi, veggie-friendly rolls, temaki, donburi, and mixed sushi platters. You can also order large quantities of sushi for events catering.

Taste classic Breton recipes at Chez Lindsay. This local French restaurant is cosy and sophisticated, with private dining facilities available. The Breton speciality galettes are a big part of the menu but you'll also see other favourite French dishes like escargots and ratatouille. French cider and wine are served too.

Expect seafood and glamour at Scott’s, an offshoot of the original Mayfair restaurant. The dining room is dominated by a luxe marble-topped champagne and oyster bar. There’s also a river terrace where you can savour the upscale seafood and fish dishes served here like lobster, caviar, and fried fish fillets.

Rock & Rose is richly-decorated and full of personality, with Instagrammable styling that'll leave you impressed. This bar and restaurant is an award-winner, and has private spaces for special occasions too. Try internationally-inspired dishes like crispy duck and watermelon salad or a classic Sunday roast. Eye-popping cocktails are also on the menu.

Petersham Nurseries is a million miles away from your average garden centre café. In fact, the food at this lush and cosy eatery has received wide acclaim. Set menus for lunch and dinner are on offer, with Italian wines to complement the food. Dishes include scallops, mushroom risotto, and stuffed aubergine.

Settle in for sunshine and fun at Stein’s. This is a Bavarian-style beer garden and restaurant in an attractive area next to the river. Perch at one of the wooden tables to admire the view and discover proper German cuisine. Naturally there’s beer, plus hearty food ranging from soup to bratwurst and schnitzel.

Enjoy classic Italian dishes at Bacco, a cosy and modern restaurant with a vibrant terrace and a private dining space with no hire fee. The food menu showcases traditional recipes like ox cheek, sea bass, and fresh pasta. There's also a lengthy selection of Italian wines, sourced directly from small producers.

For a casual meal, Beirut Street Kitchen is a popular option in Richmond. This informal place does Lebanese street food, with plenty of outdoor seating available. The menu is simple - wraps and bowls with chicken, falafel, or lamb kofta, plus sides like halloumi fries. It's a laid-back place with a friendly feel.

Have a meal on board a barge at Peggy Jean. This historic venue is moored on the Thames, housing an intimate bar plus an airy dining room. There’s a sunny terrace but seating depends on the weather. Sample freshly-made pizzas with imaginative toppings, plus grilled dishes and a weekend bottomless brunch.

Opened in 1990, Four Regions has become a Richmond favourite for Chinese cuisine. This family restaurant serves dishes from across the four regions of China, offering a huge choice of tempting options, plus wine and cocktails. There's a terrace that's open during the warmer months plus private spaces equipped with karaoke set-ups.

Try Persian food at Diba, surrounded by stone walls, hanging lights, and decorative murals. There's a warm ambience here and the menu is full of classic dishes from the region. Expect traditional breads, salads, and soup, plus grilled meat and seafood, wraps, and meals for children. Cocktails and wine are served too.

The award-winning restaurant at The Petersham, a four-star Victorian hotel on Richmond Hill, is open for breakfast and lunch. The venue boasts fabulous views of the Thames and the surrounding meadows, a sight that has inspired even artists such as JMW Turner. Diners can enjoy the panorama through the floor-to-ceiling windows while indulging in delicious European fare, with a well-stocked wine cellar providing the perfect pairing.

Drawing on the rich heritage of India's renowned spice markets, the Richmond branch of celebrated chef Vivek Singh's Cinnamon Collection encapsulates a fusion of both classic and modern tastes in its Anglo-Indian culinary creations. The experience begins with a selection of beloved Indian street food snacks, including chaat, samosas, and pressed watermelon, and progresses to an array of substantial dishes, including a shepherd's pie that has earned accolades as one of the city's best.