City dining guide

Best restaurants in Marlow

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 2

Hand and Flowers

★★ Michelin££££Modern British

This flagship operation from Tom Kerridge – the king of British pub dining – provides exactly what you'd expect: classic dishes executed with such skill and precision that they soar to rarely seen heights. The menu is not overly long but it still proves hard to choose, as every dish sounds so appealing. The ingredients are exemplary, presentation is first-rate and the bold, natural flavours are given room to shine, resulting in memorable dishes like an outstanding banana soufflé. The beams add character to the room, while the friendly staff keep the atmosphere light and convivial.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 101 reviews

Based on 80 TripAdvisor reviews, Hand and Flowers in Marlow holds an average rating of 3.8/5. Positive feedback highlights food quality, service, and atmosphere, with guests praising delicious meals and friendly staff. However, negative reviews are significant, citing issues with food quality, ambiance, service, and value. Specific complaints include mains being overshadowed by starters, overly salty or tough dishes, slow pacing, and inconvenient iPad-only menus. While some visitors enjoyed memorable celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, others reported inedible food and poor experiences relative to the cost. The establishment receives mixed opinions, balancing high praise with notable criticisms regarding consistency and service execution.

Suitable for diners seeking the Tom Kerridge experience who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies, with advice to check recent reviews beforehand.

Website

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.

Website

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.

Website

Other guide picks 2

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.

Website

The Crown at Burchetts Green

£Modern British

Experienced and capable Chef-Owner Dominic Chapman is at the helm of this charming pub serving food that is befitting of the setting. The rewarding, flavoursome dishes – like the delicious chicken liver and duck parfait with fig chutney – are a perfect match for the warm and comforting surroundings, while the kitchen adopts a seasonal approach to the produce used. For a great value option, go for the fixed-price 'village menu'.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 79 reviews

The Crown at Burchetts Green offers modern British cuisine with generally high ratings. Reviewers frequently praise the food quality, highlighting flavorful dishes such as crab starters, venison, rabbit lasagna, and rib of beef. Service is often described as friendly and efficient, though isolated negative feedback mentions rude staff and slow meal pacing. The atmosphere is characterized as a charming village pub, suitable for weddings and celebrations. Opinions on value are mixed; while some guests find the set-price lunches excellent value, others consider the menu overpriced. Overall, the restaurant excels in culinary execution and ambiance, despite occasional inconsistencies in service and perceived cost.

Suitable for diners seeking authentic modern British cuisine and a village pub atmosphere, with attention to service consistency.

Website