The Curious Goat in Uttlesford

My favourite cafe in Saffron Walden. The owner is so welcoming and the staff are attentive. The menu is so varied and all delicious. Portions are generous and threat value for money. Always busy and a great atmosphere. Don’t miss out on his great place.

Good quality food with a vast menu selection and accompanied by excellent customer service. Represents good value for money.

Very noisy dining room. Got served an undercooked poached egg (the white part!) that leaked and unpleasantly wet the toast. (I was subsequently unwell for a day or 2). And my partner off-tasting mushrooms. The staff offered a discount asking how it was and I told them but too late as I had already paid. Still I would prefer no discount offer but a properly made poached egg and fresher ingredients.

It was delicious and the atmosphere was very nice !👍 The staff is very friendly.😁 It’s the best coffee in the town.☕️☕️

Lovely find for lunch. Great atmosphere, really friendly staff and a fantastic menu at very reasonable prices. Would highly recommend.

Lovely friendly venue, good service and great coffee! We meet every week after dance class with Sally Roper's 'West End Dance Experience.'

A fantastic place to meet friends. Staff warm & welcoming. Terrific atmosphere for people of all ages & dog friendly too. I visit at least twice a week sometimes stopping for more than coffee. Range of food is excellent. A hidden, special gem in the centre of Saffron Walden.

Love the Goat. Great coffee and lovely food. John and his team make everyone feel so welcome. Always very busy which is a testament to the Goat’s popularity. Highly recommend

Had always wanted to try this place as friends had told me how good it was. Was really disappointed with my visit. Tables very close together, food and coffee luke warm. Might try afain but with other goid places to eat in Saffron Walden I shall be in no hurry.

Popped in for lunch. The service was excellent and food was swift. We had the breakfast which was beautifully presented and delicious. I had the chicken and bacon sandwich that came toasted with melted cheese and sweet chilli sauce. It was so tasty and the chicken was cooked perfectly. There are nice little table details at the cafe, like water already bottled on the tables. Everything was clean and cared for. We will definitely be back - no wonder there are queues out the door at weekends.

We stopped here for brunch on the advice of a local cyclist and were very glad we listened to him. We were very warmly welcomed in & the service continued to be great throughout our visit. Despite it being very busy, our food arrived in good time and all four of us were extremely happy with our meals.

Last time I came here I gave it a 5 star review and said I would return. I eventually have and found everything has got worse. The sandwiches were on dreadful supermarket bread, fillings were tasteless and the crisps weren’t even crispy. Service was prompt hence 2 stars. Disappointing. Won’t go back.

We were visiting Saffron Walden for the day and we wanted somewhere to have a tasty but healthy lunch. Having read the other Trip Advisor reviews we thought we would try The Goat and Grass. Despite it being extremely busy we were seated quickly at the outside tables. Service was quick, friendly and efficient. The food selection was great. There were good options for those who are looking for a healthier lunch and options that were not so healthy. I chose a chicken wrap with avocado, kale, hummus and sweet chilli. My wife chose posh mushrooms on toast. Both dishes were excellent! The owner was a lively character but his customer service was brilliant. Even coming out with umbrellas when it started to rain! Would definitely return if I was in the area again!

When we walked past, all the tables outside were full so guessed it would be good but couldnt have known how nice it would be. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, offerring options and advice on the wide range of foods available on the menu. We had a pasta dish and an omelette, both were excellent. Despite it being full the food came very quick. The atmosphere was great, great mix of people and extremely friendly. We would thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in the town.

Searched all around Saffron for somewhere to get a simple lunch rather than a dinner. Stumbled across this place and were so glad we did. A buzzing place with great food and loads of choice. Everything was freshly prepared and their smoothies were lovely.

Our favourite lunch stop in Saffron Walden was closed on Wednesday when we visited so we thought we’d try here- it’s usually packed on Saturdays when we usually come for the market. Tripadvisor reviews (before and after the “rebrand”) seem excellent overall too so we thought we’d be in for a great time. The welcome was good- friendly youngsters clearing the tables outside and taking the orders which did arrive quickly. However my burger was uninspiring, and in a cold stale-ish bun, and the chips were lukewarm. A hot portion was brought up fairly promptly but laden with seasoning which I’d asked not to have, so all in all not great. I was looking to catch somebody’s eye for some mayo which took a while, and when it came was in those sachets you often associate with caffs. My partner’s posh mushrooms on toast was okay but not as posh as it promised unfortunately, so we won’t be tempted to return while Tea Amo continues to tempt us with its delicious sandwiches.

On a little side street in Saffron Walden. Friendly little cafe/restaurant with inside and outside seating. Only stopped for drinks and the coffee was good. Many people around us were eating and the food looked good and well presented.

Great location in the town centre. Family run. Easy to park bikes. Good fresh menu, and plenty of coffee.

We stopped at Saffron Walden for breakfast after a long drive on the way to Audley House and then onto our cottage in Cambridgeshire. Beautiful small town with so much happening on this morning the last Saturday in June and we chose The Goat and Grass for our breakfast stop. Tables available inside and outside, this was a busy time with locals here at 0830am, friendly staff, very good menu and efficient service. Delicious full breakfast's, excellent coffee and juices selected- this set us up for the day. Great value for money, happy place- thoroughly recommended.

Amazing breakfast, quality food at reasonable prices. Have been here a few times and always look forward to returning ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had the ‘healthy’ breakfast which was delicious. Smoked salmon, 2 poached eggs, hummus, avocado, halloumi, beetroot salad, kale and sourdough bread. Really good value for money for the amount of food you got.

Been visiting for a long time now and is consistently the best coffee (oatmilk latte) in town! 😊☕❤️

Fancied getting out the house and having some fresh air so popped up to Saffron Walden 20 minutes up the road. Was recommended this place by a very friendly local police officer in the main square. It was brilliant, excellent and quirky food, exceptional value and great atmosphere. It's only a little local cafe/dinner but food was punching way above it's weight. Well done to you all. Thanks

The service was very quick and friendly, especially considering how busy it was. I had orange juice which had just been freshly made, the same can be said for my avocado and poached egg breakfast. You can tell all of the ingredients are of high quality. On another visit I got a white hot chocolate and the flavour was amazing and again it was of such good quality, there wasn’t any powder left at the bottom of the mug.

We came here after a long walk on a Sunday afternoon. The menu is different and the service was superb. The chicken and bacon sandwich was excellent.

The food and service at this restaurant is wonderful - I’ve been here a few times now. I can highly recommend the veggie venture and the coffee! Our waiter yesterday was excellent - efficient and friendly without being intrusive - all the staff here are lovely and it’s the best menu in the town esp you’re vegetarian or vegan.

This is one of our favourite places to go for food in Saffron Walden. The menu is varied and completely different to other things on offer in the town. The staff always go out of their way to be friendly and welcoming. They're great with children too.

Popped in and had two wraps. Grilled Chicken and Halloumi. They were delicious and the coffee was also fantastic! Will be back next time we are in town.

Ordered the French toast ,received cheap thin slices of soggy white bread With. Sprinkling of fresh berries. Totally overpriced ! My friend ordered supposedly American pancakes which tasted like they had come straight out of a packet from the supermarket and cold! Won’t be rushing back

It’s so hard to find somewhere to eat in Essex that caters for gluten intolerance/coeliacs and understands cross contamination. I had a gluten free tuna melt sandwich in this cafe, the staff asked if I was wanting gluten free for health reasons or due to an allergy or coeliac. (I am coeliac). The kitchen staff made sure the sandwich was kept away from the normal toaster & heated the bread separately for me. Now this is what I call excellent customer service. The staff were kind and friendly and the coffee was amazing if only I could remember the name of it (1 strength below an espresso). Well done all at Curious Goat & thank you for a lovely lunch.

They have a row of tables and chairs for twos outside, so we sat here. We were served coffee at the table and this was a very nice strong flat white. The waiting staff were courteous and polite. The inside looked attractive too, had the weather not been so nice.

Absolutely love coming here for brunch, their pancakes with Nutella and strawberries are delicious!!

We enjoyed a lovely breakfast, we all ate something different and everyone was very pleased. We will be back!

We were looking for a nice brunch when shopping in Saffron Walden and luckily found The Curious Goat down a side street. Absolutely fantastic food, we both went for The Healthy and it was superb, real ingredients all put together well. The staff were extremely helpful when we asked to move inside after the weather changed and were very pleasant throughout the whole of our brunch. We felt very safe and socially distanced from the other diners, with the help of the movable screens also. Will definitely be back!

Delicious lunch (salmon pasta), very kind staff, lots of seats to sit outside. Very highly recommened!

Despite the plastic screens and the Covid precautions the Curious Goat has managed to retain its welcoming atmosphere. Charming staff and prompt service in pleasant surroundings. Not the cheapest bacon sandwich but you get what you pay for and theirs is worth every penny - plenty of crisp bacon in good bread accompanied (somewhat bizarrely at breakfast) by a small dressed salad and some crisps. I disagree with some previous reviewers about the coffee which I found somewhat acidic but I admit to being a bit of a coffee snob. Overall, a very pleasant and good value brekkie.

Despite being busy the staff were so welcoming ! In particular Zoe and John (Can) kept checking up on our table and topping up our glasses. Felt very safe as there were barriers between tables with hand sanitiser at the ready for customers. Highly recommend the chicken burger for all you burger lovers! Very bubbly atmosphere, couldn’t fault my experience. Definitely will return!

The most amazing all day breakfast, can easily swap items without extra charge so made to match to your preference, perfect for fussy eaters! Hot chocolate is the best in town, doesn’t taste cheap and powdered. Highly recommend and I’ve previously had the wraps which were lovely! Lovely atmosphere!

The Curious Goat is a phenomenal cafe / restaurant (the BEST in Saffron Walden!). The food is wonderful, the coffee is second to none and the staff are ridiculously friendly. If you’re popping to SW for a day trip or if you live here, get yourself to The Curious Goat!! I honestly could not rave about this place enough!

Could not recommend more! The staff are so friendly and smiley and always try to make everyone have a perfect experience. The food is stunning and I have never been disappointed with anything I’ve ever tried, although my personal favourite is the bacon avocado wrap. The restaurant is such a pleasant place to sit with really lovely decor and the food is definitely picture worthy!

Being a temporary local in Saffron Walden I have been going to the Curious Goat regularly. I find that the staff are great, helpful and friendly. In my opinion the best coffee in Saffron Walden. Interesting and healthy food, made freshly each morning. And has that independent feel and character chains do not have. I would recommend it.

Popped in for breakfast today,fantastic delicious food,it was my 60th birthday so started with peach bellini, eggs Benedict with prosciutto ham,heavenly, husband had traditional cooked breakfast, this place is a real gem,will be back soon.

Great news! The Curious Goat is back for takeaway coffees, sandwiches and salads. Same wonderful welcome and the best coffee anywhere! This absolute gem makes my wife and I feel so much better! Total fans of the people and the place!

Had a Curious Breakfast and was really wowed by it, absolutely delicious food, very good portion sizes, perfect eggs and bacon, lovely mushrooms, what an excellent place to eat!

I meet a friend for breakfast and then we discovered this fabulous place. Great and friendly service and great tasty food.

Arrived Sunday around 3pm for a perfect late brunch. Wow! What a treat, the menu is so so good, the breakfasts are offered all day and taste amazing and offer something different. I had the healthy breakfast which consisted of 2 eggs, halloumi, mashed avocado, salmon, 2 toasts, hummus, beetroot and kale. Perfect! Service excellent! It was busy but not enough to be overcrowded. I find it a little too noisy sometimes in here but maybe a Sunday late afternoon is the time to have brunch. Thanks guys.

Great food and service, always busy and packed on weekends. Wish there were more vegan options Good coffee and breakies (Photo from 21/4/19)

I’d read about The Curious Goat prior to my visit to Saffron Walden so was keen to dig into some food here. Whilst I enjoyed my vegetarian breakfast, I wasn’t truly blown away. Yes, the food was great, dished-up quickly and fresh, but the eggs were slightly overdone and it was all a little basic in both taste and appearance (unlike other pictured plates). My experience just edges a four-star review based on the quality of the inviting café and quick, reliable table service. That isn’t to say I won’t be recommending The Curious Goat, but I think I’ll have a main course next time rather than their breakfast which is served all day.

Love this cafe! various veg options, some colorful non-coffee lattes (matcha, beetroot, turmeric) and non-dairy milks like coconut and oat. My favorite dish is the healthy breakfast - eggs, toast, avocado, beetroot, halloumi, hummus and more!

I appreciate this place was busy but that is no excuse for being so rude. The waiters guided people to share tables with other people (us included) without discussion. The couple next to us walked out just as my hubby and I were deciding our 20 min wait for 2 cups of coffee was excessive. As we were leaving, the waiter said goodbye. I pointed out we still hadn’t had our coffees and his reply.... “well, you’re leaving now!” Grrrr!

Fantastic 'Healthy Breakfast' 👍 Thoroughly enjoyed the meal there and staff were very accommodating and friendly!

I really do need to come here more often. Lovely breakfasts and decent portions. Highly recommend the chorizo hash.

We frequently visit this cafe with our young family when we're in Saffron Walden. We mostly just stop for a coffee and babyccino, they are always excellent. The espresso in particular is exceptional. We haven't tried the food much but it always looks great. The staff are always very friendly. Highly recommended.

Excellent food in the town centre. Only downside is that it is almost always packed out...pity it’s not larger.

Fantastic food and amazing friendly service. We always feels so welcome and love the Curious Goat and would recommend it to visitors and locals!

I visited this little cafe with my wife and mother in law while out shopping. The place was very busy but the man who served us said we would only be waiting 5 or 10 mins to be seated.

I use the Curious Goat regularly to meet up and chat with friends, particularly others who are concerned about the environment. The staff are very friendly, bring your drinks to the table, remember your preferences and have a whole range of oat/soya/almond milks.

This was our second visit here for brunch and it won’t be the last. Friendly, attentive service; clean, pretty, eccentric space with lots of natural light; fresh and interesting menu (especially the eggs Benedict) and may I recommend the peach Bellini. One of us wasn’t able to eat what we’d ordered (funny turn) and they took that order of the bill without being asked. Hoping to come back again with a real appetite - the pancakes looked amazing!

Good food and varied menu and friendly staff. Definitely something for everyone. Very clean and the offering bottled water once seated is a lovely touch. I would not hesitate in recommending this restuarant for lunch. My husband ordered the Full English Breakfast (offered all day) and he said it was one of the best breakfasts he had eaten out, the plate looked appertising and no grease. I had the Chicken Wrap and really enjoyed it.

Went here based on the reviews and liked it so much when we had brunch, we went back for late lunch the same day!

We dropped in here for a light healthy lunch, though they do some wonderful cooked breakfasts all day which looked delicious too! My avocado and halloumi wrap was really tasty and my partner's tuna melt was delicious. We washed it all down with a great pot of tea. We enjoyed it so much, we revisited it a few hours later for coffee and a piece of cake - pecan tart and a slice of carrot cake. It was busy on both occasions and the service was swift, efficient and friendly. Great atmosphere and lovely for couples and families alike.

Although a wait for a table due to being a very busy lunch service, when we were seated the coffees rolled out quickly and the food equally so. Tasty food, obviously made fresh with a bit of thought gone into it. Check it out.

The decor and styling of this place makes you feel very peaceful..Great food and coffee.. Excellent service..

Extremely good service and quick with excellent homemade food. I have been here on a number of occasions and always fantastic.

I enjoy eating here due to the atmosphere and because their food is all home-cooked and always tastes delicious! Due to it being a smaller restaurant sometimes they will sit smaller tables with other smaller tables. You can be asked to be seated on another table but I enjoy this as I think it is a great way to mingle with other people and make new friends.

Brilliant find. Grilled chicken wrap fabulous, full and flavoursome. Goats cheese sandwich equally good.... both with salad (fresh, for choice would have liked more). Virgin Mary was not pre-mixed, very very good! Service very polite and efficient. Would recommend for sure!

It's always very busy and rather loud, it's hard to have a conversation over the noise. However the food is delicious and the coffee is just right! Staff are friendly and attentive making it a all round enjoyably experience. I go quite frequently now for a lovely breakfast/lunch every time.

Lovely food, would come back again and again.. The place was vibrant with the sun shining.. The music, food and lovely service makes it worthwhile

Always busy and very noisy could do with some sound proofing added attention to service very good with pleasant efficient staff Coffee too bitter but nice peppermint tea

Met up with a friend for coffee & we had breakfast too! I had the poached eggs with smashed avocado & it was absolutely delicious - my friend had the pancakes, she wasn’t sure if the pancakes were homemade as they were the size of the shop bought! Everything was beautifully presented - definitely worth going back!

Had an excellent meal today. Great choice and great presentation. This is a great place for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. Lovely Tea and Coffee. Really friendly staff and excellent service. Would highly recommend

Had a lovely lunch here. The avocado and poached eggs on sourdough toast was particularly fine. Excellent hot chocolate. Very efficient service, which is what you need on a busy lunchtime. Highly recommended, would definitely visit again.

Great food, cool decor. All four of us were happy with our food and drinks. Reasonable prices. Friendly service.

A yummy lunch in this cafe. We enjoyed the food that we had. I particularly enjoyed the balsamic steak burger, though that was on the weekly specials menu; however, the other options looked equally tasty. Lots of fresh ingredients with tasty interesting flavours! The salads had a pesto and pomegranate dressing which was scrummy!

Title says it all. But for some unfathomable reason this web site requires more characters in this box, so here they are!

We came here for a late brunch and had a really great meal along with very friendly staff.

Well recommended cafe , food tasted really fresh . My wife’s Carrot Cake was moist , and tasty . My Hot Salt Beef ( and Cheese ) Wrap was wonderful to taste . Will certainly visit again .

This place does a nice mix of foods (from traditional English breakfast to more interesting things). The thing to note is that generally the food is pretty good and the service very friendly. The only problem is that like many places in Saffron Walden now it can get pretty rammed at weekends. Try the healthy breakfast or mocha.

Really like the decor. Latino background music gives it a good atmosphere. Not a huge menu, perfect for lunch. We had sandwiches, but will be returning to try the all day breakfast, it looked fantastic! Best coffee I've had in ages. Service is good, I presume it's the owner he's very friendly, as are the waitresses. Place is clean. A few tables outside. Nice big windows. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we will be back.

Had a lovely lunch here , loads of choice, lovely attentive staff and nothing was too much trouble, will definately be returning

A very friendly cafe with a good choice with from a varied menu including gluten-free options. The coffee is excellent and the staff are very attentive.

I have been visiting here for the last month or so, as it replaced my previous go-to coffee shop on the first visit. Friendly staff, awesome coffee and food. Would recommend to anyone passing by, it’s a little tucked away but definitely worth a visit!

My husband and I visited twice on one day. We went for coffee and cake in the morning and then a late lunch after a country walk.

Lovely varied menu. Trendy. Lots of avocado, turmeric latte and sourdough type options. All day breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Very friendly staff.

Passing through SW this morning. Passed 3 cafes and found this that looked inviting as we don't do the awfull SB CN CC chains

I have been to Saffron Walden many times & the only thing I have not found is somewhere nice to eat that is worth the money. Yesterday my daughter & I discovered The Curious Goat, we were welcomed in even though people were quite a few people waiting, we were found a seat as soon as possible, the staff were very friendly, the food was lovely & fresh, well presented. Lovely hot drinks also and the whole place was friendly & cosy. I will definitely be going back next time I visit.

Found this gem walking around with my friend. We decided to visit the town for a few hours out as my friend is disabled. The young lady helped me in with my friend in her wheelchair and was friendly and helpful. Food was amazing. Atmosphere was good and a nice mix of customers. Will definitely be returning.

What a lovely lunch. The staff were very welcoming and the choice on the menu ideal. All the wraps were delicious, both tasty and generously filled combined with a great drinks menu both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Together with the fact that it is positioned in the heart of the town I would recommend this establishment to all.

We are on holiday in Saffron Walden and have been back twice. Excellent food with quality and variety. Delightful service and relaxed place to be. Highly recommend.

Always love popping into this attractively decorated restaurant slap bang in the middle of town. It's a real asset. Great food, lovely staff and a nice chilled vibe. Recommend the breakfast, but also the Menemen if you like a Turkish twist 🇹🇷

The restaurant is bright, clean and friendly. We were given choices where we could sit. My husband had the all day breakfast and I had the healthy breakfast. Wow!! We both agreed it was the best brunch we had eaten for a long time. It was freshly cooked and generous portions, I had poached eggs, hummus, smoked salmon, avocado, beetroot and apple salad with sour dough toast, it was gorgeous and presented beautifully. The tea and coffee was piping hot and served nicely and we didn’t have to wait long.

What an oasis in a sea of pretentious tea shops....The Curious Goat is the real star on the town's breakfast and lunch scene.

Just called in of the street wanting a short snack.The breakfast menu looked so good I had to go for it.

Happened upon this restaurant and glad we did. Great dishes, managing to please both vegetarians and meat eaters, caffeine drinkers and healthy option seekers.

Such a wonderful selection of healthy lunch options. I had the 'healthy' breakfast which was delicious and a beetroot latte which was divine. My new favourite place to eat in SW

I didn’t stay that long and the restaurant is very elegant and well looked after us mainly the best thing. The tea is very nice as well and the most confusing thing here is there’s a restaurant menu outside and the kitchen looks like a kebab shop.

Nearly always full, bustling. Have to push for service/attention — the staff are often inexperienced. However, we call in regularly and always eat well. The cooking is exemplary, as is the food quality

Saffron Walden doesn`t have many café`s open on a Sunday that serve food, so it was a treat to try the Curious goat for the first time. It was quite empty when we sat down and ordered, but within 15 minutes it was full.

Had an absolutely fantastic breakfast/brunch here with super fresh produce all cooked to perfection. Something a bit different and would be a cracking place to go after a workout. Coffee was also great and would highly recommend!

Popped in for lunch and it was busy when we got there but soon emptied out - the food was fine, interesting menu. If I went again I would try the breakfast. Our issue was the service - although very friendly we waited a long time to order drinks and then our food - we waited a very long time once we had finished eating for the plates to be cleared and a coffee order taken - it was quiet by now and there were four members of staff. I think everyone thought someone else was serving.