The best restaurants in Chiltern South East

As part of a large group we had to pre order our meals (at least a week in advance) and even with that warning the restaurant failed to provide a ‘proper’ meal for a gluten intolerant diner. The food was good, but no better, and the service was disappointing, but not from all!

Some kind of joke. Booked a table for Fathers Day at 12pm. Seemed ominous when we arrived (10 mile Journey with 2 kids) and it was still closed at 11:55 with no sign of any life from within or the kitchen. Sat in garden until 12:10 then called them. Apparently “Jane usually opens before 12”, and “who said we’re closed?”. Could take no more of the farcical situation and left to find a place with far more accommodating staff with a level of competence. I’m sure this place may have been good at some point in time but whoever runs it now clearly has either zero customer care or is being seriously let down by whoever should be running it. The gardener is doing a great job though!!

Food was OK- nothing special. Chilli paneer a bit sweet and chilli garlic mogo was plain with just chilli powder sprinkled on. Portions were small. Kids meals were good value but too small for older kids (each plate had 6 chips!). Staff were warm and friendly. Whilst waiting for our food there were lots of interesting dishes we thought we would come back for but I don't think we will. Shame as it would have been nice to find an authentic Indian in Amersham, away from the usual curry houses. I don't think this.place will be able to compete with the Indian places in Harrow, Hatch End and Northwood.

So lovely to see Merlin’s Cave has finally found its perfect management team. Both restaurant and bar busy early afternoon on a Friday. We received a lovely warm welcome and shown to our table promptly. Lovely friendly and attentive staff. The food was delicious and freshly prepared. Thank you Merlins Cave- we will definitely be returning and highly recommended you to friends and family. Keep up with what you are currently doing as it appears to be working. X

Food is usually good, except the staff seem to be unable to get the order correct. Would recommend that the staff check an order more carefully.

Vriendelijke ontvangst, ook al hadden we modderige wandelschoenen aan. Lekkere koffie. Plantaardige melk mogelijk.

We had a fantastic lunch on a Saturday from the moment we booked the table, when we informed the restaurant how many of us there were and that there would be a small child, they offered the use of a high chair without even being asked. On arrival, they had thoughtfully put our large table with high chair in an area out of the way and with plenty of room. Then we had the food, great home cooked pub food and plenty of it and all dishes piping hot. Nice choices on the specials board. Would recommend the Dumb Bell to anyone , and will definitely visit again if we are in the area again

Lovely meal at Chef Zhu - perfect prawn crackers, and good individual service as we picked meals. Happy to swap tofu into a meat dish for me. Food was really tasty, the vegetables were perfect and as fresh as you like, and my husband raved about the Beef with Ginger. We'll be back.

Visited the pub many times, only for drinks and usually late afternoon whilst one of my children has a party at the village hall. good selection of drinks, lovely small village pub, warm, welcoming and good choice of tables to sit at or the bar.

Excellent service from Stephen. Went above and beyond to make sure we had what we need and very tentative to the table. Great service

Now called Lara's Went here for my daughters birthday Had the set 2 course lunch very good value at 12.95 We had halloumi and squid as starters and sea bass, salmon and lamb ribs for main course. All were very good, especially the lamb rib Happy birthday surprise from the staff too Will definitely go again for lunch and maybe also try the evening all a carte

Visited as it was recommended by our hotel. Shown to our table by a grumpy man and sat next to a table of about 8, I would say 12-14 year olds on their own making a lot of noise. The place itself is very plain and dull, more like a cafe, no music to help drown the noise. Popadoms came out fast, then the drinks but took time to order. Then the wait, almost an hour for our food, when I complained he said everyone came in at once, there was 4 tables occupied at this point, children had gone! Some of my food was cold and we ordered a butter chicken, asked a couple of them if this was Indian style as it said it was spicy, was told yes, so we ordered it. When it finally came it was like a jar sauce that you get from Tesco with a load of spice chucked in, awful. Then it took him 3 attempts to get the bill correct, but no apology for anything. I think anybody that is contemplating going, don’t bother.

The staff are so lovely here. All so helpful and the speed of service is very quick. Natalia who works here has been wonderful today.

Quick and friendly staff. Excellent range of different drinks and a choice of coffee grounds to enhance your experience. Will come again

Roots is a little oasis in the heart of town. We’ve lived locally for a long time and visit on a weekly basis. It’s easily our favourite cafe in Chesham. If you want delicious, freshly made and reasonably priced food, friendly staff and great coffee and cake this is the place for you. Plus, If you’re a bit of a house plant addict like me, you’ll find it hard not to walk out with a plant every time. Our trips to Roots are the highlight of our week - especially in these strange times.