Giggling Squid in East Hertfordshire

Served by Diogo and Faith and they were so friendly, helpful and professional.

Just wonderful. A consistently good choice.

We booked a weekday evening for my husband's birthday and everything was great. The service was warm and attentive, the food utterly delicious and, without being prompted, the server kindly prepared a complimentary birthday dessert and celebration. This was a lovely added touch. Thank you! We will definitely be back to Giggling Squid in Bishop Stortford.

Our first (and last) visit to a Giggling Squid restaurant while staying overnight in Bishop's Stortford. A busy Saturday night, they found a table for us, for which we were grateful, and we ordered our food and drinks within reasonable time. My partner had the papaya salad as a starter and we both thought it was very good - fresh, fairly spicy and a nicely balanced dressing. It was a promising start and we were looking forward to our main courses, only to be sorely disappointed. My Gra Pao Beef stir-fry was completely tasteless, there was no spice or garlic and if I closed my eyes I couldn't tell whether I was eating onion, yellow bell pepper or bamboo shoot. The beef was ok but there was absolutely no flavour in the rest of the dish or even in the jasmine rice. My partner's garlic hake was the same and apparently didn't even taste of fish. We were completely nonplussed as to how the kitchen could produce a pretty good papaya salad and then give us such tasteless mains. Unfortunately the worst part of the meal was the service. No one came to take the starter plate, offer us more drinks, ask us how the food was, offer us dessert or coffee. Despite sitting right next to the service pass, our sole contact with the waiting staff was when they took the order and brought the food to the table. It was absolutely appalling and when I saw that they had automatically added a service charge to the bill I'm afraid I told them exactly what I thought of the service and the meal. The waiter responded by dumping the new bill on the table with a "there you go luv". In short: inauthentic, pre prepared, reheated commercial rubbish, hopefully soon to go the same way as TFI Friday's.

For a Saturday night there wasn't much atmosphere in the restaurant. The service was pretty slow considering the place wasn't packed. The older Thai lady didn't seem to know what was going on most of the time and we had to reorder our drinks 3 times before they eventually arrived. In fact the only waiting staff who seemed remotely interested in us was the young man with ginger hair and a short beard. The rest didn't seem to care. My curry was nice but I thought the rice appearing in a plastic bag (inside a woven box) was a bit odd. My wife loves Thai food but thought everything just tasted sweet and didn't finish anything she ordered. There are better restaurants locally in BS, and if you want a decent Thai, try the Queen's Head in Church gate St. Won't be going back.

Really nice for lunch. Food was fresh and full of flavour!

We went today for the first time and what a time we had. We were greeted by a young manger man who was very friendly and helpful. Asked if we need help with anything to let me know and he would happily recommend items for us. Our drinks order were then taken by an slightly older Thai lady, we had ordered diet cokes but she brought us regular coke (not a massive issue) except my husband is diabetic so can't have it due to the high sugar. I always have the same as if he needs more drink ect we can share. We politely asked if it was possible to have them changed to diet and the lady looked as us and was like what both of them? She was a little frosty in her tone, another young lady brought the new drinks over and we felt the need to explain why we had asked for them to be changed (something we wouldn't normally do unless needed) she said it honestly wasn't an issue but I had felt bad as I don't want them to have to waste the other drinks. We were then severed our food between the young male manger and another young man. Both were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely come again and food was so so good. Highly recommend. We left fully and happy.

We just went here on our way back from Stansted airport, the food was delicious and the staff were very friendly xx

The giggling squid serves delicious Thai food. The service was quick and efficient. There is a good selection of food for vegetarians which was great for us.

Everytime I go here I love it. Great cocktails (yummy) and consistently delicious food.

Excellent food and the Chang lager was very nice too.

I ordered egg fried rice and chiken wings and they were delicious 🤤. The staff were really nice.

Decent food and decent service, although somewhat overpriced and service can be slow depending on time of visit.

Tiny portions of bang averages Thai food for a high price. Won't be going back.

Lovely food, great staff and beautifully decorated.

For a restaurant that was highly recommended for an authentic Thai meal, it fell well short of it being that! My wife ordered a Vegetable Red Curry and given this was in an authentic Thai restaurant, the vegetables were anything but, no Pak Choi at all, the sauce certainly was not at all silky and smooth - this comparison is being made with meals that we’ve had in the UK and around the world

Good food, friendly waiters, there is set lunch menu during weekdays, comfortable settings, one of the best Thai restaurants in Bishops Stortford.

Really impressed by the presentation of the restaurant and the dishes. Starters were really amazing we had the sharing platter and satay four ways. Mains weren’t as impressive but still really tasty.

Had lunch here early June with my partner and really found the experience average, the staff were friendly enough and we were greeted with a smile at the door. The food was ok for the price, I wouldn’t rush back, a decent enough venue for a spot of lunch

Lovely fresh food. Delicious pork dumplings and a very good New Zealand Sauvignon. Excellent service from the friendly waiter. Love that you can order mini desserts, my chocolate one was very tasty. Will definitely return.

lovely experience, food was amazing (as usual)🥰

Food OK, and came out quickly -- delicious and also Thai authentic in several respects. That said, the service was very poor. We sat for 45 minutes before the waiter finally came over and asked if we were ready to order. I looked back many times throughout that period, hoping to catch someone's glance but couldn't get anyone's attention unfortunately. Once I finally managed to place my order, there were several items on the menu which they didn't have, so that was also less than ideal. Definitely a better take away option, especially if you're in a rush for time.

I went to the restaurant with my son and wife.. The Giggling Squid is the best Thai restaurant I have ever been to. The food was wonderful and a special thank you to Aoi Aoi who was particularly helpful especially with my son who is autistic. We will definitely visit again the next time we are in Bishop Stortford

Great place. Very good service and delicious food

Ordered a takeaway from here via Deliveroo & the food went straight in the bin, a waste of £41. Took less than half hour to be ordered and delivered which was not a good sign, either frozen food deep fried or has been sat there on a hot plate for hours. The portion size was tiny & everything just seemed old. The egg rice was disgusting with shrivelled veg in it, sticky crispy chicken portion was probably just enough for a child, satay chicken & peanut sauce was so watery, duck spring rolls looked like 1 spring roll cut into 4 which was soooo soggy it just flopped apart when it was picked up & the watery hoisin sauce. Wouldn’t recommend at all 👎🏽 …I don’t know how these places get away with taking peoples money & then serving up disgusting food.

Delicious! Great resturant and the staff are so friendly and helpful. I would recommend.

Food excellent, loved it and definitely recommend. I was not happy with the reception when was straight away reminded of the time to leave because someone was parking and joining us in a few and having dessert delivered to our table the waitress looked at the watch reminding us of the time.

Will start off and say that the Food was lovely. As soon as we arrived we were told we needed to leave in an hour which was in fact more than enough time. Didn’t need to be said and came across very rude. The waitresses Seemed to be inexperienced. The kids food came at a completely different time and was the wrong food. Also had an issue with desert. All round a little disappointing as it was Mother’s Day. They did however given a big discount and the waiter was very apologetic.

A beautiful, cosy, elegant and family friendly restaurant. By far the best Thai food restaurant we have ever been to. The food is consistently absolutely delicious, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting and just when you thought they couldn’t impress me more, they added new cocktails and mouthwatering deserts. A place you can confidently meet friends and family to celebrate and impress them, and mine are hard to impress! Keep up the hard work! X

Had a lovely lunchtime Tapas meal. Lots of food to chose from which was great. Good value for money. Had not been to this particular restaurant before and was not disappointed. The decor is lovely as were the staff. Will definitely be going back even though its 23 miles from where we live. Definitely worth the journey.

Very good service and food was very nice. Highly recommended.

I had a paneang and jasmine rice and it was lovely, would recommend not having the vegetable paneang as my dad hate tofu lol other than that it was perfect

Very poor service, an hour an a half waiting for a below average food.

Very friendly staff, good food, will come back again.

Really lovely restaurant the decor is fantastic. The food was excellent and would really recommend the lunch sets great fun to share also. Will definitely go again

Visited Christmas Eve to celebrate son-in-laws 40th Birthday, lovely meal very attentive and charming Thai staff member catered for our every need……food exquisite and highly recommended by us all. Will most certainly return sooner rather than later. Thanks to all staff and chefs you did us proud👍🙏🏻🙏🏻

Had a lunch set menu which was nice but couldn't swap the rice it came with for a different option which I found strange. Also my glass of processo was of a decidely short measure - didn't even reach the top of the glass. Other than that still one of my favourite places to eat.

exquisite food, Beautiful surroundings.. and they made our joint birthdays so special! Thank you

Lovely ambience, had good experience previously in their West Bridgford branch but sadly on this occasion was let down. Pad thai and pad kee were far too sweet, even one of the Thai waiting staff agreed with me that’s it’s not authentic, but catered for the westerner’s palate. Oh well, looks like I won’t be a returning customer! Better off looking elsewhere.

Out for the day in Bishop's Stortford so visited their Giggling Squid restaurant. Three of us ate at lunchtime and had excellent, friendly service from Aoi Aoi. We all chose the same main dish which was so tasty and good value for money. Will definitely go there again on next visit but more pleased as they are to open a restaurant in our village in 2024.

Excellent cuisine paired with very friendly and attentive service. Our server was Aoi and she was, as always, warm, friendly, welcoming and most attentive! Thank you Aoi!

Great food and ambience. Recommend for any occasion. Nice decor and friendly staff, tapas menu for lunch gear for sharing.

We have just moved to the area and it was highly recommend by a number of people that we needed to visit Giggling Squid….well…..table booked at 730pm….we had to ask for our drinks to be ordered at 8pm….825pm we still had not received the drinks and we had to ask where they were! Then we needed to remind them that they hadn’t taken our food order! Eventually our starters came out at 9pm. Thankfully we were in no rush and it was worth the wait - good quality food. However, found it very cheeky that service charge had already been added onto the bill when we had been provided with inadequate service throughout the night. Very poor customer service and staff not attentive to customer needs.

Food was excellent, service was good, very clean. Nice atmosphere if you are in a group or just 2 people

We had an amazing dinner for my mum’s birthday, the food, service and atmosphere was perfect. I’d like to especially thank Aoi Aoi for her excellent service and for going above and beyond with setting up and bringing out my mum’s birthday cake. Thank you!

Stopped in when staying at the airport for an early morning flight. The service is attentive and professional. The food is sublime - balanced, fresh and delicious. Absolutely worth every penny

Incredible food and brilliant service. Thank you again, we will definitely be back!

Everyone needs to go here. Food and drink are amazing as is the service.

Tasty food, maybe a teensy bit short- staffed. Good acoustic, hey, we could actually talk to each other without shouting :-)

I had to go here for a birthday I do not eat Thai and felt uncomfortable as they never had anything I liked sorry found 7pound a pint extortionate to sorry to say never enjoyed my self but was with my family my wife loved being with our great grandchildren though

Popped in for a late lunch on a very hot day. Our second visit to Bishops Stortford and a return visit to this restaurant! Service was friendly and unobtrusive and the food was delicious. The Thai Tapas dishes were ideal for lunch and very tasty.

First time visiting this restaurant with my partner and children 8 & 12. We are not very familiar with Thai food so we asked for advice and the recommendation were excellent. We all really loved every dish. Loads of flavour, fresh and well presented food. Most definitely recommend going. We'll be returning soon. 👍

Amazing restaurant - wonderful food, beautiful décor and lovely service. The service was really quick and very friendly

Great service that was very fast and delicious food. Great atmosphere too. Staff were very friendly and attentive.

Friendly place, very attentive & helpful staff. Extensive menu, with some specialities. Particularly enjoyed the prawns, but thought the price of the wines was high, with no reasonably priced house wine.

Perfect place for a mid week dinner. Great decor. Fantastic menu choices. I personally love selection of different sharing plates. You can try bits of everything.

I went with my family for an early dinner. Before visiting I came across an offer on the website that kids eat free which I thought was great. It clearly included the Bishop's Stortford branch. As we were sitting down I asked the waitress about this and she said that she didn't know anything about this offer. I explained that I saw it on the Giggling Squid website and showed her on my phone. She read it and then said she needed to speak to a manager. Someone else came over and asked me to show them where it has this offer. Again I show her the Giggling Squid website and she says she will speak to her manager. She returns to tell me that her manager has declined to offer this as they should not have any offers at this branch. There was clearly an error on the website. I said OK but commented that this should be honoured especially as it states it clearly on the website and I was then told but it also states that management can decline to offer it too. I was actually speechless as they clearly do not care about customer service or loyalty and are happy to throw the 'management discretion' card around. Absolutely unbelievable. The food wasn't that great either and very overpriced. They should also look to get a cleaner as the floors were very filthy. This place is very clearly greedy and doesn't care about its customers. When you go out for a meal you expect to dine, not be treated this way.

Had a lovely meal here with my friend, we had Massaman and Panang Curries both vegetarian, food was great, both left full and happy! would 100% go again.

Excellent service from Alana very friendly, highly recommended, fantastic food, you must go there, and very clean

Fantastic food accompanied by interesting cocktais. Giggling Squid is always a great choice for delicious meal

A very disappointing end to a lovely evening with friends. Front of house was prompt & efficient & we were shown to our table within a few minutes. Beyond this point, the food & general all-round experience was very poor & lacked any degree of...

Cheeky little lunch out with my daughter who isn’t the most adventurous eater but she easily found something to eat. Lovely welcome and friendly service.

My food was not good, and there wasn't a single vegetable as part of my dish. I had salt&pepper squid that was so rubbery it was like chewing on my washing-up gloves. When I mentioned this when they came to clear our plates, their response...

I've visited several times, mainly with my other half. Because I have severe allergies, I usually pick food that I am confident in. On every occasion, Giggling Squid staff have been brilliant at making sure I make the most of my experience. The food is...

Fanatic food and service The food was very tasty and beautifully presented The service was spot on The only grip was the cost of the drinks £9 for a beer is excessive We ate the pork dumplings where the star of the show for us

Alana was a fantastic waitress very helpful especially when we had problems with our food!! Warning spicy chicken is SOOOOO SPICY!!! They have recently changed the recipe but haven’t changed it on the menu so we were unaware of how spicy it was! It ruined...

Faultless. Service was impeccable and staff were incredibly friendly. The food was perfect, having never tried Thai food before I believe this was the best place to have my first experience. Decoration inside the restaurant was lovely, it was clean, fresh and very stylish. Definitely...

Was our first time here as we heard good things - we were not disappointed. Party of six, staff very friendly and helpful, talking us through the menu and recommendations - food was served in good time and was delicious - not rushed and could...

Great atmosphere and the food was outstanding. The service was very good but we did feel a little rushed whilst we were eating our starters. This certainly wouldn’t stop us from returning as we had such a wonderful evening and the staff were very attentive.

Walking on the main street of Startford we find very pleasant restaurant with funny name - and decide to enter. Staff was very helpfull to choose thai menu specialities and finally we spend more time than expected . Later lot of people came and we...

Went to Giggling Squid Bishops Stortford for lunch. I had the two dish option which comes with two spring rolls for an extra pound, and I ordered Prawn Green curry. The spring rolls were ok though pretty unexciting. I thought they had forgotten to put...

Very nice ambience Food and drinks very good but we felt it was expensive for what it was Staff were nice Would still go again but probably for a special occasion

Ordered a takeaway and if I’m honest it was outstanding- the food was absolutely delicious and arrived on time and very hot. We ordered several dishes and I could not fault any of them. Will definitely use again when I’m in the area

Visited restaurant on Saturday evening, food and service was excellent. Lots of choice in menu, food was of high quality and good portion sizes. I would recommend sharing a selection of dishes.

This place is AMAZING! The food is AMAZING and the staff and customer service is AMAZING. From the stunning decor to the incredible fresh, delicious food. Can't wait to go back! And our waitress Saisie was an absolute delight. Thank you for an unforgettable evening!

Tasty food in great portions making it perfect for sharing. Lovely atmosphere and decor. Timings of the food was slightly off and we were still eating our starters when the mains turned up, which was slightly annoying.

Staff over run, running around trying to cover all tables, waited 35 mins to order, we had drinks forgotten, tapas dishes ordered missed, table sauces didn’t arrive, when we got the bill what was forgotten got charged, when you think the restaurant was only covering...

Such a great find, the morning glory is super tasty, the papaya salad is well balanced and spicy and sticky rice is done proper

First visit to Giggling squid Decor was really nice and we were seated straight away We had to ask if we could order as it was taking a while . As the restaurant got busier so the service got slower Waiting staff did ask if...

Heerlijk eten, super goede service en wat een prachtig interieur. Daarom zeker 5 sterren waardig!!

Came to this restaurant with my friend for dinner, it was a lovely atmosphere, staff were all friendly, the food was delicious. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. I will be coming back

Great food and surroundings Matched by service

Great food, nice ambiance, excellent staff and service

Lovely lunchtime stop. Friendly staff nice ambience lovely food.

We love Giggling Squid! Wonderful restaurant, quick service and friendly staff. Nice veggie/vegan menu too! Would recommend!

Had a lovely meal,food was excellent. Parking in town was free, and it was a short walk to the restaurant. Staff very attentive.

I really liked this restaurant. It was clean inside and the staff were lovely. The food was great!

It’s great Thai food and a great atmosphere but I would personally say it’s a little bit expensive for what you actually get.

Amazing food and great service.

Enjoyed a lovely meal here for two- we shared the vegetable massaman and paneang curries with sticky rice, which were amazing. Classic dishes are done well and there is a fantastic vegan menu. Value for money is good and portion sizes are reasonable- not massive but definitely not too small. One of the best restaurants in Stortford! Small plates from the tapas menu are great for lunch or the larger dishes for dinner. They have a nice drink selection too, including cocktails :)

Pleasant Venue Very tasty food.

Yummy, affordable, attentive staff

Had a lovely meal out here, food was great. Service was a little slow and it was very disappointing how many items were not available on the menu. But overall good meal and would certainly visit again.

Visited here on New Years Eve after cancelling a previous booking elsewhere after they kindly notified us they were short staffed and had a limited menu . Chose here after trying out other giggling squid restaurants and always enjoying the food . On this particular...

Very good for vegans, an entire vegan menu, several options of good quality. Enjoyed & appreciate the effort for vegans xo

Friendly staff..great food and service

Service was slow but they explained they were short staffed. Food was very tasty and fresh though very large number of menu choices not available and no tea or coffee available as machine was faulty. Didn’t like the tables. They are planks of wood screwed...

Really lovely meal and friendly staff. We will go return here.

Food appalling & overpriced, whole place filthy & faeces all over floor of washrooms. Service abysmal !! Disgusting !!

Food was nice, on the end of more expensive but not outrageous. Service however wasn't great, ordered food and drink and drinks arrived a while after the food. The restaurant was clean, well kept and decorated nicely in the hight street so easy to find...