Amersham: Ultimate Culinary Escape From The Capital

As a French bistro restaurant in the heart of Amersham, DARMON deli was first opened in March 2020, just before the COVID restrictions came in. Still, even operating as a takeaway a few days a week, the new eatery managed to pull through to become one of the thriving dining venues of the town, offering an eclectic choice of classic dishes and authentic artisan patisseries.

Since June 2021, DARMON deli has been continuously working with inside seating, serving delectable options made with a touch of international cuisine at a rather democratic price. Among the starters, for instance, is caramelized onion stew with beef stock for £7.50, while a classic homemade quiche for a main course costs only £11.50. For brunch, you can order poached eggs served on slow cooked sweet peppers (£9.50) or delicious pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruits (£8.50). Just like its hearty comfort food, DARMON deli’s interior captivates with its warm cozy atmosphere: flowery tapestry on the walls, lovely bouquets on the wooden tables, and catchy tableware with bright blue ornaments.

Nestled in a 16th century red-brick building in the center of the fascinating old town of Amersham, the Artichoke is a multi-awarded restaurant renowned for its refined modern European cuisine skillfully developed by the chef-owner Patron Laurie Gear. Established 20 years ago, the most notable dining venue of the area focuses on upscale, exquisitely served dishes showcasing the best local and seasonal produce. Thus, the Artichoke three-course lunch for £80.00 features dishes made from locally reared lamb (roasted saddle of Berkshire Downs lamb) and seafood delivered from the coastal town Brixham (hand dived Dorset scallop with celeriac puree). For those who are on the vegetarian side, the restaurant introduces a special non-meat three-course lunch (£80.00) including pickled and roasted crapaudine beetroot or English Pecorino cheese with smoked toasted almonds.

Inspired by the historic setting of the venue, its welcoming interior designed in Scandinavian chic with soft muted tones and glass screens etched with branches creates an amazing laid-back ambiance, perfect for an unforgettable dining experience. Moreover, awarded with the coveted Michelin star, the Artichoke can boast an array of other prestigious accolades like the 13th place in the UK Top 100 Restaurants Squaremeal 2020 and a cooking score of 07/10 in the Top 50 UK Restaurants Good Food Guide since 2011.

A small bistro in Amersham Old Town, Twelve Twenty is another excellent venue to indulge in high quality food made from locally sourced ingredients and revolving around the concept of ‘sharing plates’. The latter is one of the largest macro trends in food service nowadays, which indicates a shareable menu with a selection of small plates designed to split up and share among a group of close friends or family gatherings. This way of food presentation is particularly common in some Mediterranean cultures and creates a sociable, intimate atmosphere, similar to the relaxed homely environment of Twelve Twenty.

Available from Tuesday to Saturday, the compact yet perfectly formed menu features savory options both for vegetarians and meat eaters as well as an extensive list of alcoholic drinks, including sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines, beers, and spirits like gin and whiskey. Among meatless dishes is glazed celeriac (£11), smoked pea mousse on toast (£8.75), or Romano pepper with brie and BBQ onion (£11.25), while tagliatelle beef ragout (£13.50) or buttermilk fried chicken (£12.50) will please even the pickiest carnivores. For dessert, the bistro offers mascarpone and blackberry baklava (£7) and luscious chocolate orange mousse (£7).

The only chef-owned restaurant on Amersham high street, Seven is a stylish venue, a favorite among locals for the vibrant combination of Mediterranean cuisine and rich flavors of the Philippines, created with the professional flair of head chef Allan Himowicz.

Opened in July 2007 by Allan and his wife Maria, the restaurant instantly gained popularity among Amersham foodies and still remains one of the top places to have delicious breakfast, light lunches, and palatable midday meals, with a comprehensive range of tapas dishes. Besides, Seven by Allan features a three-course menu for kids (£7.5), offering to pick between spaghetti, a beef burger, or grilled chicken breast. The breakfast and lunch options allow you to choose from poached egg with smoked salmon and chilli flakes (£9.5), a rice bowl with longanisa ‘Filipino Chorizo’ (£8.5), or chocolate and hazelnut flavored bread (£2.5) for a sweet bite. The light gray interior with brown leather chairs and a bright yellow touch adds a soothing vibe to the venue, available for private hire to deliciously celebrate any special occasion.

Notable for serving a wide range of authentic exotic dishes of Thai cuisine, Tom Yum welcomes its guests in a warm, friendly atmosphere from Tuesday to Sunday during lunch and dinner time.

Skillfully developed by experienced Thai chefs, the restaurant menu is loaded with diverse vegetarian, seafood, and curry options rich in vibrant colors, savory flavors, and mouth-watering aromas. Among grilled and spicy dishes ideal for a starter is Thai prawn tempura (£6) and chicken wings on fire (£6), while for a main course, you can try Kao Phad (£12.95) (fried rice with eggs, vegetables, and onions) or old-fashioned Thai hot soup savored with lemongrass and lime leaves, Tom Yum (£6), hence the restaurant’s name. Charming with its simplicity and coziness, the interior of the venue is decorated with painted brick arches and bright tablecloths with various floral prints and geometric patterns.

One of the most beautiful market towns in Buckinghamshire, Amersham is a charming suburb of London, fascinating by its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque walks, and stunning Georgian streets. The perfect choice for a day trip from the buzzing capital, the town boasts a wide array of excellent restaurants, pubs, and bistros. On our website, you can find all the essential information about dining venues in Amersham and choose the ones to please your tasting sense.