Barnes Village is one of our favourite places to spend a weekend afternoon or weekday evening. Situated on the bank of the Thames, it’s hard to believe this pretty location is just a stone’s throw from central London.It’s a popular destination that boasts riverside walks and boutiques – plus you are never far away from several great places to eat in Barnes. Read on to discover the best Barnes restaurants as chosen by our Secret Spa team.

1. The Red Lion

The Red Lion is a lively family pub that attracts diners all year round. While the log fires might not be roaring inside during the summer, there is a large beer garden where drinkers can sit and watch the world go by. The garden boasts plenty of seating, a ping-pong table to keep the kids – and adults – entertained, and fantastic views of the river. Choose from a varied menu of nibbles, snacks, and a host of daily specials, including ox tongue croquettes served with nduja mayo.

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Top Tip: Keep your eye out for special events at The Red Lion. This September, the beer garden plays host to an interactive performance of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors – best enjoyed with a glass of fizz in hand!

2. Church Road

One of the best restaurants in Barnes is Church Road, where the vibe is relaxed and welcoming – and the food is cooked using the absolute best seasonal ingredients. Church Road describes itself as ‘a proper old-fashioned neighbourhood restaurant’, with a range of classic cocktails to enjoy in elegant surroundings.The menu changes with the season, but by booking a table right now, you can sample grilled Cornish mullet, or a navarin of spring lamb, followed by an indulgent bitter chocolate fondant.

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Top Tip: Want to treat a friend to a meal in one of the best restaurants in Barnes? Grab them a gift voucher and let them explore the divine menu.

3. Awesome Thai

The hallmark of Awesome Thai is their beautifully executed modern Thai cooking. The food and service are both top-notch, with all dishes cooked to a medium-hot spice as standard. If you prefer a milder dish – just ask as the chefs are happy to cater to your tastes. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are also included on the menu, which boasts classics such as Thai satay, as well as specials such as Pu Nim Tod, a deep-fried soft-shell crab with sticky chilli sauce, and a sharing platter of starters that allows you to sample a delicious selection of dishes.Top Tip: Like it hot? Ask the chef to prepare your meal as ‘Thai hot’. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you like your food on the spicy side, then this is the best restaurant in Barnes to experience authentic Thai heat!

4. Oka

This bijou Japanese restaurant serves some of the best sushi in London, all hand-prepared using traditional methods by a team of experienced chefs.Step right off the bustling Church Road and intro Oka’s simple, yet elegant décor to enjoy a variety of pan-Asian dishes all made to order. From classic Nigiri sushi served with wasabi and ginger, to salmon and tuna sashimi – and the devilishly hot dragon roll (prawn tempura with one hell of a kick) there is something to suit all fish fans.

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Top Tip: If you have little sushi lovers in your family, Oka welcomes children and even offers a sushi menu just for kids.

5. Sam’s Riverside

As the name suggests, Sam’s Riverside is located on the bank of the Thames and enjoys some of the best views over London. With a modern British menu, this Barnes restaurant is firmly on the map as one of the coolest places to be seen in.Combine a trip to see a show with a pre-theatre dinner at Sam’s Riverside. The two-course theatre menu is served Monday to Thursday at lunchtime and between 5PM and 7PM in the evening, leaving you plenty of time to head over to the nearby Eventim Apollo or Lyric Theatre.

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Top Tip: Sam’s Riverside recommends a different wine every week designed to perfectly complement the dishes on the varied menu. So, if you are not sure what wine to choose to go with your meal – Sam and his team have done the hard work for you.

6. Rick Stein

It’s not Cornwall, but you can be forgiven for thinking it is with the sublime views over the Thames. Sitting on the bank, the famous Rick Stein seafood restaurant overlooks the river and feels somewhat nautical. It’s a haven away from the hubbub of busy London life.There is a wonderful array of fish and seafood dishes, with ingredients largely coming from Cornwall itself. Worth trying are the Indonesian seafood curry and the beautifully simple Dover sole. 

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Top Tip: Stop by on a weekend morning, request a window seat, and enjoy breakfast with a difference. 

7. The Brown Dog

Tucked away on Cross Street, The Brown Dog is (naturally) a dog-friendly Victorian pub and restaurant, making it the perfect destination after a stroll along the Thames with your pooch.This is also one of the best restaurants in Barnes to enjoy Sunday lunch. Choose from a traditional roast beef dinner, served with a Yorkshire pud and all the trimmings, or try something a little more unconventional with a confit duck salad with radish, chilli, oranges, and candied pecans. 

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Top Tip: The Brown Dog also serves fabulous pizzas from its Pizza Shack in the beer garden. Enjoy your favourite topping on a crisp base in the beer garden – or as a takeaway treat instead.

Get ready for your day out in Barnes

Whether you are planning a family meal, a lazy Sunday lunch or a big night out with the girls, you want to look and feel your best. Our mobile beauty therapists cover the Barnes area and will visit you in your home, allowing you to enjoy your favourite treatments and some pampering without having to visit the salon.From relaxing at-home massages and facials to spray tans and waxing, we’re here to help you feel fabulous before you enjoy all Barnes has to offer.

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