City dining guide

Best restaurants in Cookham

5 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 1

The Coach

★ Michelin£££Modern British

The Hand and Flowers' reputation goes before it, but not quite as many people are familiar with its younger sister, The Coach, despite 2025 having marked its 10th successful year. A cosy, compact pub it has a relaxed, informal vibe – and the sharing of dishes is positively encouraged. Lunchtime sees a set-priced menu, while dinner offers an extensive à la carte that includes everything from deep-fried cod with pease pudding or their ‘rotisserie of the day’ to sticky toffee pudding with beef suet. Cooking is of the highest order and the hugely satisfying dishes burst with punchy flavours.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 101 reviews

The Coach in Marlow offers Modern British cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 3.5/5. Positive reviews highlight welcoming service, a relaxed atmosphere, and standout dishes like cauliflower soup, black pudding scotch eggs, and banana custard. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and fresh ingredients. Conversely, negative feedback frequently cites inconsistent food quality, excessive saltiness, and small portion sizes that leave diners unsatisfied. Some reviewers feel the dining experience does not justify the Michelin star status, citing issues with meal pacing and perceived poor value. While many enjoyed their lunch menus and savory plates, others found the execution lacking refinement.

Suitable for diners seeking a relaxed atmosphere and unique Modern British dishes, though reasonable expectations regarding portion sizes are advised.

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Bib Gourmand 1

The Oarsman

Bib Gourmand££British Contemporary

Spend an hour or two at this lovely pub and you'll leave feeling a good deal happier than when you entered. The impressive kitchen and service teams will ensure you are looked-after and well-fed, inside the charming surroundings of their part-red-brick, part-timbered pub – which also boasts a lovely enclosed terrace. The cooking puts naturally delicious ingredients at the forefront and doesn't shy away from big flavours, like warming nudja with roasted poussin. Look out for the 'Steak Frites Night' and come midweek to make the most of the wallet-friendly pricing.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews

The Oarsman, a contemporary British restaurant in Marlow, holds a 4.1/5 average rating on TripAdvisor. Food quality receives mixed feedback; while many praise the perfectly cooked sirloin, Sunday roast, and fish soup, others report undercooked fish, poor vegetable preparation, and issues with beef texture. Service is generally described as friendly and efficient, though occasional delays in taking orders and seating disputes occur. The ambiance features a highly rated, shaded outdoor garden ideal for relaxation, whereas some guests find the interior gloomy or the venue too loud during busy lunch hours. Perceptions of value vary significantly, with some finding the pricing reasonable and others considering it overpriced relative to portion sizes and quality.

Suitable for diners seeking a comfortable outdoor setting and classic British fare, though visiting during off-peak hours is advisable.

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Other guide picks 3

Roux at Skindles

£££French

You can't keep Alain Roux away from the banks of the Thames. Up the road from his famous Waterside Inn, he owns this contemporary brasserie and cocktail bar in a similarly pleasant riverside setting. The skill and confidence of the chefs is evident across the menu of traditional French and other European dishes, particularly in classical elements like the rich, meaty sauces. If you're lucky, there might be a fruits de mer chalked up on the blackboard specials. Arrive early for drinks on the terrace or in the cocktail bar.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Located on the Thames, Roux at Skindles offers a modern, relaxed atmosphere with lovely river views and a sunny terrace. Food quality is generally praised, with highlights including French onion soup, roasts, and seafood specials, though some guests noted issues with temperature or presentation. Service receives mixed feedback; while many find it friendly and efficient, others report patronizing attitudes, impatience, and pacing problems. Value is considered average by some, particularly outside happy hours, given the premium pricing. The venue suits those seeking scenic dining and classic French cuisine, but visitors should be aware of potential service inconsistencies.

Suitable for diners prioritizing river views and classic French cuisine, with advance booking recommended.

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Seasonality

£££Modern Cuisine

What started out as a produce shop has morphed into a bright and airy restaurant, which is run with a lovely personal touch by Wesley Smalley as he cooks at an on-view island kitchen. As its name and history suggests, seasonal ingredients are the foundation of the cooking, put front and centre in assured, colourful dishes that carry an appealing clarity of flavour. Regular supper evenings offer tasting menus inspired by the produce of the moment, while they still offer the 'dine at home' boxes they've done since day one.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 77 reviews

Located in Maidenhead’s commercial district, Seasonality specializes in modern cuisine using seasonal, local ingredients. Analysis of 77 reviews reveals a high average rating of 4.8/5. Food quality is the standout feature, praised for being flavorful, meticulously prepared, and innovative, with specific mentions of oysters, cured trout, and guinea fowl. Service is consistently described as perfect, comfortable, and attentive, with the owner occasionally explaining dishes. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, offering welcome air conditioning during hot weather. While a minority noted issues with meal pacing or blandness, the overall consensus highlights a delightful dining experience driven by excellent food and hospitality.

Ideal for diners seeking high-quality seasonal cuisine in a tranquil setting.

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The Butcher's Tap and Grill

££Meats and Grills

A part of the ever-evolving Tom Kerridge stable, this is one of his busiest spots and it's easy to see why. Friendly and laid-back, it's a 'does what it says on the tin' kind of place where meats of undeniable quality are given pride of place on the menu and on the butcher's shop counter. There are some well-made snacks to whet the appetite, but really this is all about the main event: pop in for a quick burger or stay a while and enjoy the premium cuts cooked to your liking, which might include Aberdeen Angus beef, Blythburgh pork or Suffolk Texel lamb.

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