The 5 Best Places to Eat Near Kew Gardens (2026 Guide)
Kew Gardens is one of London's most visited attractions — but where do you eat after a morning among the palms and rose gardens? We've put together an honest guide to the five best places within walking distance of the gates, covering everything from gastropub Sunday lunches to neighbourhood French bistros.
1. The Greyhound Kew
Gastropub · Kew Green, TW9 3AP · 2 min walk from main gate
We will be upfront: this is our pub. But the reason The Greyhound tops this list is not because we wrote it — it is because of where we sit and what we do. We are on Kew Green, two minutes from the main gate of Kew Gardens and right on the Thames towpath. After a morning in the gardens, there is no closer or more natural stopping point.
The Greyhound is an independent, family-run gastropub. We serve seasonal British food and what our regulars describe as the best Sunday roast in Kew — slow-roasted meats, proper gravy, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding — every Sunday from 12pm. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub and in the garden, which makes us a particular favourite for anyone arriving via the towpath.
We are not a chain. The menu changes with the seasons, the wines are chosen with care and the bar pours properly. Whether you want a pint after a long walk or a proper sit-down lunch, both are equally welcome here.
Best for: Sunday lunch, post-gardens pints, dog walkers, families, groups. Booking recommended for Sunday roast.
Book a table at The Greyhound Kew
2. Ma Cuisine
French Bistro · Station Approach, Kew · 5 min walk
Ma Cuisine is a Kew institution. Tucked into a former post office near Kew Gardens station, this 1950s-style French bistro has been serving classic regional French food to the neighbourhood for years. The black and white tiled floor, gingham tablecloths and French Impressionist posters set the tone immediately — this is somewhere that takes its food seriously and cheerfully ignores food trends.
The menu covers the classics well: escargots, coq au vin, duck confit, tarte tatin. The wine list is excellent and focused on French producers at sensible prices. It is the kind of place you go for a long, unhurried lunch — not a quick bite. Booking is essentially required.
Best for: A proper French lunch or dinner. Date nights and special occasions. Not suitable for dogs or large groups.
3. Q Verde
Italian · Sandycombe Road, Richmond · 6 min walk
Q Verde sits on Sandycombe Road, a short walk from the gardens, and has built a loyal following since opening in 2006. It is a family-run Italian restaurant with terracotta walls, chalkboard menus and an atmosphere that feels genuinely village-like rather than London-generic. The kitchen imports ingredients directly from Italy and the pasta is made in-house.
Expect dishes like black truffle ravioli, vitello saltimbocca and proper tiramisu. The service is attentive and the room is small, which means it can fill up quickly. It is consistently rated among the best restaurants in the Kew and Richmond area, and with good reason.
Best for: Dinner for two or a small group. Italian food done properly. Book ahead — it fills up fast.
4. Palmyra
Lebanese · Sandycombe Road, Kew · 6 min walk
Palmyra is a warmly run Lebanese neighbourhood restaurant on Sandycombe Road with a loyal local following. The interior is comfortable and unpretentious — leather seating, soft lighting — and the food is the real reason people keep coming back. The mezze selection is strong: stuffed vine leaves, hummus, batata harrah, kibbeh. Set menus from around £20 per head make it excellent value for the quality on offer.
The owners are genuinely hospitable and the kitchen is consistent. It is the kind of restaurant that rewards repeat visits — there is always something new to try on the menu, and the familiar dishes never disappoint.
Best for: Relaxed lunch or dinner. Good for groups who want to share. Excellent value set menus.
5. The Botanical Brasserie
Modern British · Inside Kew Gardens · Entry ticket required
The Botanical Brasserie sits inside Kew Gardens overlooking the Palm House pond, making it one of the most scenically located restaurants in London. The menu features modern British food built around seasonal and locally sourced produce — brunch, lunch and afternoon tea are all served, with menus changing regularly.
The caveat is an important one: you need a valid Kew Gardens entry ticket to eat here. If you are spending the day in the gardens, it makes for a lovely lunch stop. If you are just looking for somewhere to eat nearby without paying garden entry, the other options on this list — particularly The Greyhound just outside the gates — are the better choice.
Best for: Lunch or afternoon tea as part of a full day at the gardens. Not accessible without an entry ticket.
How to get from Kew Gardens to The Greyhound
Leave via the Elizabeth Gate (the main gate on Kew Green). Turn left out of the gate. The Greyhound is directly on Kew Green — you will see us in under two minutes on foot.
Arriving by tube? Kew Gardens station (District line) is a 3-minute walk from the pub. Free parking is available on Kew Green on Sundays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best place to eat near Kew Gardens?
The Greyhound Kew is widely considered the best pub and restaurant near Kew Gardens. Located on Kew Green, it is a 2-minute walk from the main gate and serves seasonal British food, Sunday roasts and a full bar. Dogs are welcome.
Are there restaurants within walking distance of Kew Gardens?
Yes. Several excellent restaurants are within a 5-minute walk of Kew Gardens, including The Greyhound Kew on Kew Green, Ma Cuisine French bistro, Q Verde Italian restaurant and Palmyra Lebanese restaurant, all on or near Sandycombe Road.
Can you eat inside Kew Gardens?
Yes, Kew Gardens has its own cafes and the Botanical Brasserie inside the gardens. However, you need a valid entry ticket to access these. For dining without a ticket, The Greyhound Kew on Kew Green is the closest option just outside the gates.