Autumn’s here, and with it comes a new wave of seasonal menus, cosy corners, and local spots worth booking ahead for.

From Sunday roasts and candlelit dinners to hearty brunches and fresh farm-to-table plates, this week’s Epsom Echo rounds up where to eat (and drink) in town right now.

So grab your coat, bring your appetite, and let’s dig in to Epsom’s autumn restaurant rush.

Vibe: Sleek, modern fusion with a relaxed yet polished ambience. Lots of energy and flavour blending.

Menu highlights: Their “fusion” tag means you’ll find a mix. Customers praise their fish dishes and fajitas in particular.

Quick take: Ideal for when you want somewhere a bit more elevated but not stuffy. Cocktails, interesting plates, and a sophisticated night out without overthinking it.

Vibe: Rustic yet cosy, with an open kitchen, warm lighting, and a buzz of energy. It feels more elevated than your average curry house — polished but still friendly and full of character.

Menu highlights: Rich North Indian-style curries, tandoori lamb chops (marinated with mustard / mooli), duck seekh kebab with apple murabba, seafood options like Amritsari fish, and biryanis.

Quick take:
Dastaan stands out as a local gem. Expect layers of flavour, creative twists (duck kebab with apple, etc.), and a passion for balance in spice. A standout for when you want a “step up” Indian dinner in Epsom.

Vibe: Casual, ingredient-driven pizza bar. Focused, no frills, with attention to dough, toppings, and technique.

Menu highlights: Their pizza - made with prolonged dough fermentation - fresh local and Italian produce.

Quick take: Great for casual nights out, pizza cravings, when you want something tasty without fuss.

Vibe: A warm, inviting Turkish/Mediterranean dining spot right on Epsom High Street, with a relaxed yet vibrant feel.

Menu highlights: Charcoal grill mains: lamb şiş, adana kebab, chicken şiş. Seafood prepared in Turkish style (white fish, tiger prawns). Meze & cold starters: hummus, cacık, patlıcan söğürme, kisir.

Quick take: Generous portions, full of flavour, and a reliable go-to for Turkish barbecue in Epsom. The set menus and meze options make it great for sharing, and their seafood / grill mix gives options for different tastes.

Vibe: French bistro meets local elegance. Cosy but with character, housed in a restored listed building on Ewell’s High Street. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with touches of rural French charm.

Menu highlights: Steaks: flat iron and other cuts served with Bordelaise jus and beef-dripping fries. French classics: French onion soup, escargots, confit duck.

Quick take: A charming French-leaning bistro that balances flair with friendliness. The staff are known to be attentive without being overbearing, and the menu hits that sweet spot between indulgence and approachability. A great pick when you're in the mood for something a bit elevated but still relaxed.

Vibe: A classic country pub with charm, good surroundings (Epsom Downs area) and a refined but accessible food offer.

Menu highlights: Spit-roasted chicken with lemon & garlic confit Slow-cooked pork belly with scallops Salmon supreme with roasted squash Homemade British beef burger

Quick take: Excellent when you want a hearty, comforting meal in a pub setting, but with touches of finesse (seafood, grills). Good for gatherings or as a go-to in less formal mode.

Vibe: A stylish, light and relaxed pub-restaurant set right on Epsom Downs, the Rubbing House combines modern interiors with panoramic views of the racecourse. The building’s history (originally a place where horses were rubbed down) lends it character.

Menu highlights: Mediterranean-leaning & gastro-pub fusion fare including grilled meats, seafood and vegetarian options . Sunday roast: choice of roast ribeye beef, half roast chicken or nut roast, plus seasonal veggies & trimmings.

Quick take: The Rubbing House is a dependable all-rounder: solid food choices, generous portions, and a standout setting. It’s particularly good for a scenic lunch or a Sunday roast when you want something comforting but not too fussy.

Vibe: A beautifully refurbished pub-restaurant overlooking Epsom Racecourse, balancing classic British pub comfort with touches of flair.

Menu highlights: Dorking lamb rump, 10oz dry aged sirloin (with triple cooked chips & peppercorn sauce), charred cauliflower steak. Sunday roasts: 28-day aged West Country beef rump, Dorking rolled lamb saddle, half roast chicken or spiced squash & barley Wellington — all with roasties, seasonal veg, yorkies & gravy.

Quick take: Tattenham Corner is a standout when you want the familiarity of pub classics but with elevated execution and setting. The views over the Downs and racecourse are a draw, and the robata grill adds smoky notes that keep things interesting.

Vibe: A lively, stylish gastropub in the quaint Chalk Lane in Epsom - somewhere between casual pub and restaurant. It’s bustling, warm and has a confident energy.

Menu highlights: Steak on the Stone, chargrilled burgers, Sri Lankan Curry, steak & ale pie with creamy mash and seasonal veg, and pan-roasted English lamb with sides like dauphinoise potato & minted pea purée.

Quick take: The Grumpy Mole strikes a solid balance between comfort and ambition. If you want a gastropub experience that doesn’t feel too casual or too formal, this is a strong pick. The roast on Sunday is a draw, and there’s enough variety (from curry to steak) to suit groups.

Answer from last week 🔍
The two Harry Potter actors born in Epsom are Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick, Griphook) .

New question of the week 🔮
Which legendary rock guitarist lived at 34 Miles Road in Epsom during his youth, and recorded a song named after that address with Eric Clapton?

Thanks for reading this edition of The Epsom Echo - if you have any ideas for stories we could cover or events we should recommend, just hit reply to this email, message us on Instagram, or email us at team@theepsomecho.co.uk

Till next time,