23 Reading restaurants you must visit in 2023

Over the past year, Reading has proven to be the foodie capital of Berkshire, with a bustling Blue Collar food market celebrating independent businesses and tonnes of restaurants around the town centre.

Whether it's a cheeky Nandos next to the riverside or a tasty Thai dish in St Mary's Butts, there's so many great places to try in 2023.

Here are 23 ideas for places to dine in '23 - some are new, some are old favourites and some may have gone under your radar.

Read more: The Reading pubs we've loved and lost in 2022

7Bone Burger Co

A restaurant serving the most extravagant burgers you could ever imagine. Think dirty fries, cheesy sauce and a meat patty packed with flavour and texture.

This restaurant located in St Mary's Butts has lots of tasty burgers on the menu, so it's well worth a visit in the New Year.

Big Jack's Peri Peri 

Just outside of the town centre and you'll find this hidden gem. It's a little peri peri takeaway but according to our readers, it's worth a try.

Flavour of Mauritius

A couple whose mobile catering business collapsed during the pandemic has seen their Caversham restaurant thrive since opening in August 2021.

Flavour of Mauritius, which used to serve food at 40 festivals a year until Covid-19 struck, serves authentic Mauritian cuisine in Caversham Road.

Pho

Keeping on the theme of Asian food is Pho, tucked away at the bottom of King Street.

The restaruant offers tasty and healthy Vietnamese noodle soups and street food dishes.

Pho was opened by British husband and wife team Stephen and Juliette Wall in Clerkenwell in London. The idea came after they travelled the world and found themselves inspired by the street food in Vietnam – primarily the country’s national dish, pho.

Tasty Greek Souvlaki

Luftar Rusta,the owner of Tasty Greek Souvlaki in Market Place, Reading town centre. (Image: Newsquest)

Another restaurant tucked away in Reading town centre is Tasty Greek Souvlaki in Market Place.

They serve traditional pita wraps with your choice of chicken, pork, sausage or lamb. It's worth a visit if you love Greek food! 

Bakery House

Bakery House is an independent family owned restaurant in Broad Street, serving Lebanese food.

The chefs use authentic Lebanese spices to transport diners to the Middle East. It's worth a visit in the New Year!

The Moderation

More of a pub kind of person, then why not try The Moderation over in Caversham where you can get British food and real ales in a candlelit pub with modern, comfy furniture and a garden.

Coconut Tree

We can vouch for this Sri Lankan restaurant in Reading located in King's Road opposite Abbey Gardens.

It has a welcoming feel with comfy cushions on small wooden benches - no faff, just easy and relaxed dining aimed at attracting students and younger diners.

Food is ordered tapas-style in small dishes, although be prepared as the portions are generous. Dishes cost anywhere between £4 and £7 and a meal can be as cheap or expensive as you like.

What makes the restaurant even quirkier is their 'cant decide?' menu. If you're indecisive, then one of the waiters will choose their favourite dishes along with a hopper as a set menu for £20 per person, and if you didn't like one of the meals they will replace it with a different one on the house!

Bill's 

Nestled in the heart of Reading town centre is Bill's where you're always guaranteed a superb brunch.

They do delicious full english breakfasts with a variety of items, including smashed avocado, sausage, eggs, halloumi and more.

Here are some more suggested restaurants you should visit, tried and tested by our Chronicle readers: 

Bridge Street Brassiere

Miller and Carter

Cosmos (value for money)

Outlook pub

Botanist 

Jollibee

Thai Table in Caversham

Clays

Pepe Salle

Spice Oven

Coconut bar and Kitchen

Asian Spice Tilehurst

Royal Tandoori Reading

Osaka