The Elmbridge Perspective.

Case Mia

Casa Mia has been a reliable neighbourhood Italian in East Molesey for over 11 years, and that kind of longevity doesn't happen by accident. Run by Giuseppe and his team, it's the sort of place where you get a proper welcome, a generous plate of pasta, and a glass of house red without any fuss. The a la carte menu covers all the Italian classics you'd expect — think risottos, fresh pasta, veal dishes, and a solid selection of daily specials that keep regulars coming back. Tripadvisor reviewers have consistently rated it well, with over 340 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, praising the friendly service and generous portions. The location is a big part of the charm. Sitting on Bridge Road in Hampton Court Village, it's perfectly positioned for a meal after a day wandering around Hampton Court Palace or a stroll along the Thames. The dining room is cosy and traditionally decorated — nothing flashy, but comfortable and welcoming in that way only long-running family Italian restaurants seem to manage. As of 2024, Casa Mia is closed for refurbishment under new management, with Giuseppe stepping back after 11 years (he's moved on to Ristorante Sorrento in Surbiton if you want to follow him). The new team will be carrying the torch, so it's worth checking their website or calling ahead before you plan a visit. If the new incarnation keeps the same spirit, it'll remain one of East Molesey's better Italian options.

The Waverley

The Waverley Inn has carved out a solid reputation in Weybridge as the go-to for a proper steak dinner without having to head into London. Part of the Rarebreed Dining group, it's a modern inn that leans into its gastropub identity — think dry-aged British steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal sharing plates served in a space that's been thoughtfully done up with a cocktail bar, garden room, and terrace. The 4.3-star Google rating across over 1,200 reviews and a 4.4 on TripAdvisor (ranked in the top 10 of 60 restaurants in Weybridge) tells you it's doing something right. What people consistently praise is the food quality relative to the setting — you're getting restaurant-grade cooking in a relaxed pub atmosphere. The steaks are the obvious draw, but reviewers also highlight the seafood and the cocktails. Service can be hit-or-miss on busy weekends, and it's not the cheapest pub meal you'll find in Surrey, but you're paying for the upgrade. If you're after a solid dinner that feels a cut above your average local, this is your spot.

Prince of Wales

The Prince of Wales nails that sweet spot between proper pub and decent restaurant. Set on Bridge Road in East Molesey, it's the obvious choice if you're visiting Hampton Court Palace and want a good meal without trekking into Kingston. The interior is warm and cosy — think exposed brick, wooden tables, and that comfortable lived-in feel that only comes from years of being a well-loved local. But the real draw is the beer garden: it's genuinely large, not one of those token patches of pavement with a couple of benches. On a sunny afternoon, it fills up fast with families, dog walkers, and anyone who's figured out that this is one of the best outdoor drinking spots in the area. Food-wise, the seasonal à la carte menu is solid across the board, but the Sunday roast is what brings people back. Portions are generous, the meat is properly cooked, and the trimmings don't feel like an afterthought. The baked Camembert gets mentioned again and again in reviews, and rightly so — it's a proper starter worth sharing. Pies, steaks, and sandwiches round things out, and there's a bar snacks menu if you just want a pint and something to nibble. Service is consistently praised as friendly and attentive, which matters when the place is heaving on a weekend. It's not flawless — on busy days the kitchen can slow down, and the OpenTable rating sits a touch lower than Google's 4.4, suggesting some diners have had mixed experiences when it's packed. But for a gastropub near a major tourist attraction, it punches well above what you'd expect. Book ahead for Sunday lunch, grab a garden table if the weather's playing along, and you'll see why 1,400+ reviewers keep coming back.

Eight On The River

If you're walking the Thames Path near Hampton Court Palace, Eight on the River is the café you want to end up at. Perched above the Molesey Boat Club on Barge Walk, it's got one of the best riverside terraces in the area — wide open, south-facing, and perfect for a lazy weekend brunch watching rowers glide past. The menu leans into hearty breakfasts, brunch classics, and lighter lunch bites, all served with locally roasted coffee that actually tastes like someone cared about it. The cakes and pastries are baked locally too, and the afternoon tea is a lovely touch if you're feeling indulgent. The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming — dog bowls by the door, cyclists propping up bikes outside, families spreading out on the terrace. Inside, there's wooden panelling that gives it an old-world boat club feel, and it's air-conditioned for those rare sweltering days. Service can get stretched when it's busy (and it does get busy on sunny weekends), but the staff are friendly and the setting more than makes up for any wait. Go early if you want a terrace table on a Sunday — by 10am it's packed.