Reading may be famous for its music festival but this town surprises everyone with the quality and diversity of its restaurants. Whether you’re searching for a quick bite or fine dining, authentic Asian food or traditional British pub grub, Reading has it all. Here are just some of CrossCountry’s favourite restaurants in Berkshire’s biggest town.
Before you get tucked in, don’t forget to book a train to Reading with CrossCountry to ensure you don’t miss out on some of the best food the UK has to offer.
Best brunch in Reading – Café YOLK
Despite the name, there’s much more to Café YOLK than just great eggs. This award-winning café serves a comprehensive breakfast menu all day, every day, made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re searching for that calorific hangover cure or a bowl of wholesome goodness, Café YOLK has just the brunch you need to get you ready for the rest of the day. With outstanding food that’s always served with a smile, it’s no wonder this place is a favourite with locals.
How to get there: Take the number 4 bus to Cemetery Junction.
What to order: Unbutton your belt and go all-out with The Canadian. Two eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausages, tomato, mushrooms, beans, and herby potatoes. Oh, and don’t forget the side of two pancakes with maple syrup and fruit.
Best Chinese restaurant in Reading – Kei’s Peking Restaurant
Kei’s Peking Restaurant serves up some of the best Chinese cuisine in Berkshire. As a family-owned establishment that’s been around for over 20 years, - it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular hit with locals. The food is made with the finest ingredients, but the restaurant still retains its homely feel. The Peking-style menu features some of the UK’s favourite Chinese dishes – crispy beef, crispy duck, pepper squid – at an affordable price, making it well worth the journey.
How to get there: From the train station, take the 21 bus to Chilcombe Way. Or hop on the train to Earley.
What to order: The menu is vast, but locals believe Kei’s crispy duck is the best they’ve ever had.
Best Mexican restaurant in Reading – Las Iguanas
Sitting next to the River Kennet, Las Iguanas is the perfect place to eat, drink, and relax after an afternoon of shopping in Broad Street Mall. At CrossCountry, we tend to recommend as many local, independent eateries as possible. The convenient location of this popular chain makes it a must for fans of Mexican food. Inspired by Latin American food, this is the ideal spot for laid-back casual dining.
How to get there: It’s a nine-minute walk from the train station.
What to order: Fully loaded nachos to start are a must. The tough choice is what to load them with: shredded chipotle beef, smoked chipotle chicken, or refried black beans?
Best Indian restaurant in Reading – House of Flavours
House of Flavours’ bold approach to Indian cuisine shook up Reading’s culinary scene when it opened in 2013. Serving authentic Indian cuisine at an affordable price, it has quickly become one of the hotspots in town to grab a curry. While the interior is what you’d expect from a reasonably priced Indian restaurant, the food is anything but. The only issue is, with such a big menu on offer, what will you choose?
How to get there: It’s just a seven-minute walk from the station.
What to order: Try one of the varieties of Tak-a-Tak: a traditional dish served fresh on a tawa.
Best vegan restaurant in Reading – Vegivores
Vegivores is the best vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Reading and also a brilliant success story. The company launched in July 2017 as a street food business, only to launch a restaurant just over two years later. It’s credit to the incredible food on offer which seamlessly fuses plant-based food with international cuisine. Whether it be a jackfruit Caribbean curry, roasted vegetable burrito or an Asian-style burger, there’s something on the menu for everyone – including non-vegans.
How to get there: It’s a nine-minute walk from the train station.
What to order: The burger. Tofu. Satay. Kimchi. Enough said.
Best Sunday lunch in Reading – London Street Brasserie
Sunday lunches. The quintessentially British weekend meal that can either make or break the final day of the week. Luckily for Reading locals, they have one of the best in Berkshire on their doorstep. Situated along the River Kennet – the opposite side to Las Iguanas – this modern-style brasserie offers all the meats you’d expect with all the trimmings you want. If you’re spending a weekend away, make sure to end it here on a high.
How to get there: It’s a seven-minute walk from the train station.
What to order: The roast beef with all accompaniments will be the highlight of your Sunday.
Best steak restaurant in Reading – Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse
A recent addition to Reading’s culinary scene, Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse brings Buenos Aires to Berkshire with some of the best steak in the county. They only use beef from grass-fed cattle from the home of steak itself – Argentina – so you can taste the quality in every bite. With four cuts to choose from and a wide range of award-winning Argentinian wines, Buenasado will send you to the Latin American country – for a few hours at least.
How to get there: It’s a seven-minute walk from the train station.
What to order: The chorizo – sirloin – offers the highest quality for a reasonable price.
Are you planning a trip to Reading? Be sure to check out our Reading guide for tips on the town, including the best places to shop and must-visit locations. Don’t forget to book a ticket in advance via our website or Cross Country app and take a look at the best ways to save money on your train ticket costs.
Written by Abby