By supportberkshire.uk 
Where should one go to savour the best that we have to offer now that ‘Fare’ seems to be closed for good?
Well fortunately there are anumber of excellent food shrines left withiun the town limits, starting with a personal favourite, ‘Chalk’
Now aside from the fact that with ontague House, Chalk has the best restaurant setting in Wokingham, the interior has been exquisitely decorated with a real sense of intelligence and restrain. The most appealing interiors features still remain as well as there being many delicious additions and how they have integrated the restaurant with the garden and terrace really is impressive.
The menu is extremely tastefully chosen, with an extensive but manageable wine list. The service is excellent and the setting sublime. They offer fantastic midweek menu soirees based on various regions in Italy and France which are always a treat and make for a very special local cultural asset.
Simon Rating:
| Ambience: | 10/10 |
| Menu: | 10/10 |
| Service: | 10/10 |
| Wine List: | 10/10 |
| Setting: | 10/10 |
So really not too bad!
The Rose, Wokingham
More of a gastropub than a restaurant so much, but the Rose is still a very nice place to be! The restaurant is at the back of the building exiting onto a very nice terrace/garden with an upstairs events room also available. The building itself is full of tudor style features with all sorts of nooks and crannies set about the place in which to have a quiet drink.
The whole of the set-up here is far more accommodating that most as you can have Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner and the bar is open from lunchtime onwards. You can have steak and eggs mid morning or an Eggs Benedict and Virgin Mary for breakfast of that takes your fancy. The dinner menu is always pleasing and the staff are usually excellent.
| Ambience: | 8/10 |
| Menu: | 7/10 |
| Service: | 8/10 |
| Wine List: | 7/10 |
| Setting: | 10/10 |
Piccolo Arco, Wokingham
As you may have guessed from teh name, Piccolo Arco lives within the smaller arches at the front of the Town Hall on the main street through Wokingham and is a very pleasant place for lunch. There is always an air of vivaciousness within this venue and if you are seeking an Italian meal then you are unlikely to be disappointed.
The light, airy room in which you are setaed for lunch or dinner really does lift your spirits and the world going by the window is always a great pleasure to witness whilst you savour Italian treats served by kind and attentious staff. Piccolo Arco is an excellent local venue and one that I often frequent for Lunch on a Saturday as it is simply the nicest place to be.
| Ambience: | 9/10 |
| Menu: | 7/10 |
| Service: | 9/10 |
| Wine List: | 7/10 |
| Setting: | 9/10 |
Ye Olde Leathern Bottel
Barkham Road, Wokingham
We tried a couple of signature burgers that were beef with brisket but the taste was a little lacking
This is a fantastic overview of Wokingham’s vibrant culinary scene—thank you for sharing such detailed insights! It’s great to see a diverse array of options, from the exquisite ambience and regional Italian and French menus at Chalk to the charming, historic atmosphere of The Rose. Piccolo Arco’s lively Italian vibe and scenic setting certainly make it a go-to for relaxed lunches.
One suggestion I’d add is exploring some of the lesser-known local spots or hidden gems, which often offer equally impressive fare and unique atmospheres. For instance, if you’re craving West Yorkshire-style pub food with a cozy touch, maybe seeking out a traditional gastropub or even a farm-to-table eatery could diversify the experience further. Also, it’s interesting to note the contrast between the highly praised Chalk and Ye Olde Leathern Bottel’s burgers—they highlight how varied Wokingham’s dining options are, catering to both refined tastes and casual cravings.
Overall, it’s inspiring to see Wokingham supporting such a thriving local food scene. Combining these great venues with community events or food festivals could really further elevate the town’s reputation as a top culinary destination in Berkshire.