Loughton Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Loughton

March 14, 2018 Timmy Ribble

Loughton (/ˈlaʊtən/) is a town and civil parish in the Epping Forest District of Essex, and part of the metropolitan area of London and the Greater London Urban Area. It is located between 11 and 13 miles (21 km) north east of Charing Cross in London, south of the M25 and west of the M11 motorway and has boundaries with Chingford, Waltham Abbey, Theydon Bois, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill. Loughton includes three conservation areas and there are 56 listed buildings in the town, together with a further 50 that are locally listed.
Things to do in Loughton

1. Zizzi - Loughton

2 Church Hill, Loughton IG10 1LA, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$102 - HK$220 +44 20 8418 9489
Excellent
42%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 231 reviews

Zizzi - Loughton

Zizzi Italian restaurant in Loughton is at the end of a busy high street, and set in an old pub where you can watch the chefs cooking your meals and tossing pizzas before putting them in the authentic wood oven. Hidden at the back is a secret al fresco dining area which is a real sun-trap in the summer and makes a great place to enjoy some beer, wine and fresh simple Italian food. Zizzi restaurants are passionate about simple Italian cookery. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients - from the popular classics to Zizzi's own innovations - ensuring that you can enjoy a great Italian dining experience, at any of Zizzi's Italian restaurants around the country.

Reviewed By Michael S

Went for a Saturday night family birthday meal. 8 of us. The staff, as usual, were friendly, helpful and efficient. They make it look so easy! Thanks for a lovely evening. And thanks to 'Blueberry' for taking (and photobombing) the picture! ?

2. Cafe Rouge

179-181 High Road, Loughton IG10 4LF, England Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards French, Cafe, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$275 - HK$385 +44 20 8502 2011
Excellent
32%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
15%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 264 reviews

Cafe Rouge

You'll love a visit to Café Rouge Loughton... fabulous French fare set amongst a beautiful landscaped outdoor eating area and an interior designed to transport you to a bistro in the heart of Paris. For larger parties there's a private room available, and on certain nights live music is organised. What could be better than sharing a bottle of your fave wine while enjoying your night away?

Reviewed By gill624 - Loughton, United Kingdom

Nuno the waiter made our experience really enjoyable today. The service was excellent, the food delicious and Nuno even provided me with a complimentary hot lemon drink to soothe my cough. Would definitely recommend a visit

3. The Olive Tree

258 High Road | Essex, Loughton IG10 1RB, England Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Mediterranean, European, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$165 - HK$659 +44 20 8502 3332
Excellent
57%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 474 reviews

The Olive Tree

Our menu draws it's influence from the Mediterranean (Greece, Portugal, Italy, Spain...) using Fresh quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible.Whether you are wanting a quick simple lunch, meeting with business colleagues or planning a special night out with friends and family, The Olive Tree is the perfect choice.

Reviewed By Derek S

Liked the decor, after that all downhill. On ordering asked more than once for a Meze for two, was given a mixed grill with chips.The mixed grill being as near as we got to a Meze ( selection of small dishes ).
No sign of any pitta bread, dips, salad, haloumi etc.. Mentioned the fact that the meal was unlike any Meze I'd ever had only to be told we should have ordered a Meze because this is a modern Greek restaurant ( whatever that meant ). So basically £60 for Kebab and chips for two and one glass of wine. Unfortunate it had to happen on my partners 60th overall not impressed.

4. Wo Fat

270 High Road, Loughton IG10 1RB, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible Chinese, Asian Dinner, Late Night +44 20 8508 0464
Excellent
55%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 205 reviews

Wo Fat

Very popular local restaurant

Reviewed By SD0307

The food is amazing but the restaurant is a little tired and needs updating. However this is the best place to have Chinese in Loughton. We often go here now.

5. Two Kitchens

167 High Road, Loughton IG10 4LF, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$55 - HK$275 +44 20 8508 0082
Excellent
51%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 181 reviews

Two Kitchens

Popular Loughton restaurant serving sushi, noodles, gourmet burgers, woodfired pizza, pasta, grills, teriyaki, donburi, desserts, bubble teas, cocktails, ramune, plum wine, sake. milkshakes, and the best coffee around town!The restaurant enjoys an inside and outside dining area

Reviewed By DrGoodBaker - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Usually I don't like restaurant with more than one type of food but this one is exceptionally good. Friendly service, good value and tasty food.

6. Bengal Spice

12 Forest Road, Loughton IG10 1DX, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Indian, Asian, Bangladeshi, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner HK$8 +44 20 8508 7185
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 85 reviews

Bengal Spice

Reviewed By Mark W - Essex, United Kingdom

We have been here quite a few times, and this is probably one of our favourite Indian resturants, warm welcome, set away from the road and a good feel to this lovely
Resturant, nicely decorated with "Black & Red" chairs and plate chargers
Attentive staff without pestering you constantly, very good food and nice coffee too
Would definately recomend and we just love this place .
Shame we have moved further away now but still drive 60 mile round trip to go there
Just wish some other resturants would go the extra mile and make your dinning experience this special, reasonable price too and accessible via public transport
Cheers M x

7. The Robin Hood

Epping New Road, Loughton IG10 4AA, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available Asian, Thai, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +44 20 8508 1104
Excellent
49%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 165 reviews

The Robin Hood

Reviewed By Garry W - North London UK

Last visit to this place before moving away. Best Thai food in area reliable and quick service, never had a bad meal. Curries excellent, as are stir fries. Good range of noodle dishes and rice. Great prawn crackers.
Service always good, sweet people to deal with, always had a great time. Will miss it.

8. The Kings Oak Hotel

High Beach | Epping Forest, Loughton IG10 4AE, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +44 20 8508 5000
Excellent
61%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
7%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 298 reviews

The Kings Oak Hotel

Set in the heart of Epping Forest the Kings Oak provides a fabulous resting place for all visitors to the forest.The property has been lovingly restored to its former glory with a stylish twist of comtemporary chic and glamour.The Gastro Pub is boho Victoriana boho chic,with antique chandeliers, timber beans and racy red walls. Real log fires.Oak Lounge is victorian style, crystal chandeliers and grand floor to ceiling windows overlooking the forest. A richly elegant and intimate space to host a wedding or private dinner party. Also serves Sunday luncheon throughout the year.The Kings Room provides a stunning space for weddings, celebration parties and corporate events. State of the art lighting system.Beach Club Marquee echoes the concept of the well renowned Nikki Beach clubs and offers a trendy & glamorous party space.. Starlit ceiling, overlooking the pool and pool Gardens. Set against manificent backdrop of the forest, you feel as though you have been transported to an oasis of calm.The Forest Gardens offer a landscaped extention of Epping Forest, with only a low picket fence separating you from the deer, rabbits and other woodland folk. The Forest Garden provides both an adventure playground for the children and a tranquil setting for adults and makes for a delightful watering hole. We offer barbeque and hog roast on fine weather weekends as well as alfresco events.

Reviewed By mary_ash86- - London, United Kingdom

Had a Birthday bash at this venue in the amazing Kings room that has recently been refurbished...really does have the wow factor . Staff very attentive and accommodating, resident DJ played great tunes, everything looked fantastic and everyone had a great time.
Only let down was the 12 hot platters ordered at a cost of £540 - they sounded good on paper , but in reality were poor quality, and looked from the chill/ freezer counter of Tescos. In addition, each platter was padded out with oodles of chips. It was embarrassing to say the least as guests were buying Mackie D's on the way home ! Was really disappointed as had had their Hog Roast at a previous occasion which was fantastic and expected the same quality freshly made food. I was given a part financial compensation when I complained, but was told the guests spoken to all said how much they enjoyed the food -- have yet to find out which guests these were !

9. The Bluebell Restaurant

117 High Road, Chigwell IG7 6QQ, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 20 8500 6282
Excellent
57%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 444 reviews

The Bluebell Restaurant

Fine Dining English

Reviewed By Antonio M - Woodford, United Kingdom

We were recommended to give a try to this restaurant, so we decided to book a table for Valentine's day. We had to wait for 25 minutes, although our table was empty. Other people were waiting for almost 40-45 minutes.
There was a fixed menu for £70 each + drinks and service charge on top of that.
The portions were ridiculously small. The lamb was a joke, seabass and scallops were fine, but the rest of things nothing special. Desserts very disappointing.
I feel I wasted my money here. £200 for an average dinner. The bill had some drinks and things that we hadn't ordered, so it had to be rectified.
There has been a change of management. The place is really going downhill and losing regular customers.

10. The Victoria Tavern

165 Smarts Lane, Loughton IG10 4BP, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Highchairs Available Bar, British, Pub, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +44 20 8508 1779
Excellent
62%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

The Victoria Tavern

165 Smart&apos;s Lane<br>Town Centre, Loughton IG10 4BP<br>020 8508 1779

Reviewed By Debrasal63 - London, United Kingdom

We needed a venue for a wake after our mother's funeral in June. We visited the pub and met the manager Jim who said he could accommodate us and would send us menus. Despite going to the pub twice and texting and leaving voice messages for Jim he never bothered to contact us. It was very rude and so uncaring and just added to our stress and sadness. We ended up holding the wake at the nearby Gardeners Arms - and they were wonderful in every way.

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