Reviews of Valpy Street Bar & Bistro. (Restaurant) in Reading (Berkshire).

Valpy Street Bar & Bistro

292 Reviews

183 Comments

Restaurant

Bistro

17-19 Valpy St, Reading RG1 1AR, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Valpy Street Bar & Bistro, Restaurant in Reading (Berkshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Valpy Street Bar & Bistro

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of Valpy Street Bar & Bistro

E. D.

Lovely atmosphere and the staff couldn't do more for us, so pleasant and polite. The food was exceptional and very fairly priced with perfectly sized portions and cooked to perfection. Would definitely recommend to anyone and will certainly be back again in the future!

M. B.

Great place, nice music, amazing staff and incredible food. Seafood chowder is mu favourite, but everything is good.

E. H.

Food and service was lovely. They also had an excellent gluten free menu, very reasonably priced for the quality and portions of the food. Would recommend and would definitely eat here again!

J. O.

The venue and staff were great. Unfortunately my food was not too good. But my friends had fantastic meals maybe it was just one of those days. But I will go back there again.

L. B.

Visited this restaurant last night and enjoyed a really fun family night out to celebrate our Son's 18th birthday. Everything was perfect and can't recommend this restaurant enough. It was perfect. Thank you

D. C.

Wonderful experience in one of Reading's little gem restaurants. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The food was delicious and the service was great - despite the looming early finish, the staff were keen to make sure we got a dessert - sticky toffee pudding - which we appreciated! Its a shame the evening had a to end by 10 as we would have loved to have stayed for some cocktails but such it life these days. We'll certainly be back

S. D.

Very good food in a pleasant basement setting. The cocktails and service were great too

K. H.

Lovely lunch with a friend just round the corner from the station. This place does not look much from the outside as you have to go downstairs, but it is really nice. The menu was not extensive but there was something for everyone. We had the brocolli and stilton tart, which was delicious and nicely presented. Desserts were also very tasty. Wine list had a good selection by the glass or bottle. Service was good and the waiter was attentive but not intrusive. Highly recommended and would be a great place for a meal with friends or a couple. It would also be a good venue for a business lunch as there are more private alcoves.

C. H.

Really amazing food and faultless service. The place isn't baby/young children friendly (though they do have high chairs but it's steps down into the venue and no baby change facilities) they were completely accommodating of our little one and chatting with him loads which was fantastic, especially as they knew it was his first time in a restaurant, the female waitress really went out of her was to interact with him and make him feel relaxed! Would definitely return.

S. E.

This is a great restaurant. Hosted a 60th birthday here for 12 and we were given a private ‘party’ room with a square table which was really convenient to engage with everyone there. Food, service and ambiance superb. Well done Valpys

C. S.

I dined here on my birthday (07-09), it was utterly fantastic! I would really love to thank Lilly, Rekki and Matt for their special attention, great team, great bistro. Regards, Charmaine

p. w.

Outstanding food. Excellent service and customer service! Can't wait to come again.

M. “. M.

Friendly and helpful staff and quick service. Good quality food, nicely served. Despite being in a basement, the wood and brick interior create a lovely intimate and cosy ambience. I wd definitely go back there. Booking recommended

A. B.

Such a great place! Next time I visit Reading I will definitely go here again, and probably book a table. The restaurant was quite popular and we were in luck of getting a table without booking first. The staff was super polite and nice, they had no problem switching the chips for some vegetables, at no extra cost. I had the Ogli marinated in burboun and molasses, pictured, and at first I was concerned that it didn't include any sort of sauce but when I tasted the meat it became apparent that it wasn't needed. I always eat my meat rare if possible, and this dish should definitely be served rare to really shine. It tasted wonderful, best mest I've eated at a restaurant for a long time. The permesan ruccola sallad was a really nice touch with the cheese salt, very nice complement. Will try do visit again, just not sure how to convince myself to try anything else on the menu as I believe I've had the best. Only possible drawback would be that the noise level in the restaurant can become quite loud. If you're sensitive to noise, try to pick off hours.

S. L.

Great restaurant, it's one of my favourites in Reading. Always awesome food and great service. Takeaway food in lockdown was brilliant. Look forward to returning once my little one is older and I am brave enough to leave him with a sitter.

V. D. F.

We had our first experience in this amazing bistro! The food was absolutely delicious! Lily took care of us and she was extremely attentive and very sweet! We definitely will be back!

S. M.

Such a great place! Feels really special. Good food and great cocktails. Friendly staff. Feels like a London restaurant. One of our new favourites! Thank you :)

J. S.

Lovely food ,GREAT service from the manager who immediately acknowledged us to the waiters who served us promptly as we were in a bit of a hurry, would go again definitely

M. V.

Just had a great night out at Valpy Street bar and bistro. The meal was so tasty, wine was great, and the staff were brill . Love this restaurant! So glad to be visiting again post lockdown. Highly recommended!

R. B.

Nice vibe in this underground resturant and wine bar. Food is good, but I would say a little on the pricey side for what you get. Could do with stepping it up a notch! Service very friendly but sometimes a little awkward. With a couple of small mistakes to our order on the night we visited. Worth a visit as it is one of the few remaining independents in the town

U. S.

Had your fish and chips takeaway tonight. What a joy!! Delicious, not greasy, and a very generous portion. Used click and collect, and it was quickly delivered to my car. Thank you to all the team

M. M.

Lovely atmosphere, delicious food, great service. Highly recommended and we'll be back soon!

T. P.

Nice little bar & bistro really close to the station. Not in a that obvious location, most definitely a hidden gem! Really good service, bit of a unique vibe inside. Great value for money for the lunch menu. Recommend everything on the menu, each time I've been here I've never been disappointed with my decision. Nice place for a quiet meal for two, or for a few people! Definitely going to be here again!

K. M.

Very nice hidden gem. Friendly staff and great food. In 3 years the place still is as good as the first time! Friendly staff, good food. Nice selection on food and drink.

D. J.

Delicious food and lovely atmosphere. Service was excellent.

S.

Really nice food in a lovely friendly atmosphere. Friendly staff and a really enjoyable night. Due to the building and its layout this is not for those who have mobility problems as lots of stairs into the food areas and also the toilets, but that's not the fault of the management. Easy to book and confirmation on the day by phone so a definite thumbs up.

V. L.

If you're going to have dessert, go for the crumble! It's amazing!

F. H.

Food was absolutely brilliant, delicious and fairly priced. Staff were very friendly and professional. We would definitely return. Nice little find.

A. “. F.

Great for a date night & small groups of friends. The place was full but staff were just the right amount of attentive - not too much & not too little, & they didn't play the game of waiting until our mouths were full before asking how the food was - which is always an indicator of a classy establishment. Good quality food - worth the price & with the bonus of having a drinks menu that didn't break the bank, but still had reasonable quality & drinkable wines on offer. All in all - a nice spot for a good quality meal with a small group of friends.

L. O.

Amazing food and really attentive staff who made our visit really enjoyable. Would highly recommend!

R.

Had a really lovely meal here. The food was lovely and had that home cooked feel to it. The service was friendly and prompt without feeling like you had people breathing down your neck. Really enjoyed the meal here. Thoroughly recommended.

A. H.

An unusual bistro restaurant in Reading. The wooden staircase leads you into a very cozy basement where the restaurant and bar is located. The atmosphere is lovely feeling like a wine cellar. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the drink selection is good quality. I attended with some work colleagues on a Wednesday at lunch and the place was quiet. The plates are presented very nicely, however the food didn't quite live up to its presentation. My starter was good although a little dry however, the lamb was very rare and the meat itself very tough. The food is pricey and the mains need a side to be a suitable meal. It is a nice place just let down by the food on this occasion.

M. E.

Fantastic experience here with a couple of friends. Meal was super nice. Place is neat, often busy but its great. Staff were super welcoming and readily available to attend to customer needs. They are also good listeners and pay close attention to customer needs and possible complaint. Waiting time is reasonable. Beat wishes to the owners. Keep doing great things. I will be back...Friends check them out.

J. B.

Quirky little place, almost hidden away from the main streets in town. Service was good, and food nice although a little limiting in choice subject to your food preferences - quite a bit of fish and seafood, which isn't for me personally. Food was well presented though, and staff pleasant.

A.

I don't review places that often, so i'd like to think when i do, there tends to be something truly compelling. Valpy Street Bistro is without a doubt the best restaurant you can visit for fine food in Reading. No words can do the food justice. I visited the place two days in a row, as i wanted to try out the various dishes. The first night it was the Fig Salad, Lamb Rump and the Posset. My eyes literally watered at how tender and juicy that lamb graced my tongue. The second Night it was the Parfait, Beef shoulder blade and the toffee pudding. the richness of that main, i can literally not shut up about it (my misus's words, not mine) . There is no doubt that this bistro is Reading 's best kept Secret, a hidden gem. I'd also like to mentioned the Staff, who just make you feel so welcome and loved. Valpy Thank you for the amazing experience and I can not wait to come back again. P.s. I have no pictures of my meal as the only thing i was thinking of when those dishes arrived was devouring them. I promise the next time i go there again(soon) I'll take a moment to appreciate the aesthetics of my food and take some snaps before indulging once more

C. Z.

Amazing food and amazing service! Their takeaways during lockdown have been great! Can't wait to go back when they reopen

J. H.

I didn't go there??? Couldn't tell ya. Heard it's descent though. That's a lie. Brought a bottle of wine there. Very nice. Expensive but had with my Sunday lunch. Nice tipple xxx

S. W.

Excellent lunch menu well executed and well priced

A. L.

I came here on Saturday evening to celebrate a close friends birthday. We both loved the food, beautifully presented and tasted just as good. the service was excellent, not in your face, but there if you needed them. It was quite noisy, but won’t put us from coming back again and soon. Thank you to all. Andrea lotz

s. j.

Due to the lockdown the Bistro is now a take away, and first rate at that. A good selection of dishes including vegetarian and vegan options. Ordered on line and collected with ease. A slick operation. The food; we had the falafels with vegetable tagine, dukkha and yogurt, and a cheese burger with chunky chips. Very generous portions, still beautifully hot by the time we got home. Beef burger was delicious and cooked perfectly and the chips amongst the best I have had in a long time. The falafels nice and large and the tagine rich with texture and flavors. Looking forward to the next time we feel like a treat.

B. B.

Had a really lovely evening here. The staff were brilliant, the food was amazing and they made me a few off-menu cocktails which were great.

M. K.

Loved the ambiance. I'd never been to kind of a British pub before and that too around Xmas time so it was very festive. It near the Reading mall The Oracle overall s very nice location nice and cozy, I remember ordering and loving some kind of grilled fish and mashed potatoes...liked it.

J. W.

Ordered for delivery (as nearly everything has shut for lockdown) and everything was amazing. Portions were generous, and enjoyed every mouthful of it. Nearly as good as eating in the restaurant itself (albeit with an understandibly reduced menu)

T. H.

A proper hidden gem, the selection of drinks was good, service was prompt and friendly, and the food was outstanding! We had selection of starters rather than a main, all were perfect, accompanied by a decent selection of wines by the glass. I don't have bad word to say, excellent and I hope they remain that way!

J. A.

Perfect from start to finish. I was able to celebrate my birthday here and the selection of food was fantastic. My sister made a cake for me and they were able to cater for that. I especially enjoyed the enthusiastic waitress and her birthday rendition, she was fab! My mother finds it a little difficult to maneuver upstairs and down. The owner was very helpful in finding a route out for my mother so she didn't need to climb back down the stairs, we even got a little backstage tour. Excellent and thank you!

S. W.

We went there today for a meal after being to court for our Adoption Hearing and celebration! The food was lovely as was the service. They even did it for a time that suited us so went the extra mile! Thank you glad I found you by doing a bit of research. The only thing I wish I knew about was the stairs as we had a buggy, but we dealt with it. I will spread the word!! 😀😀😀😀

D. Y.

Great food but maybe a little small for large parties. The bar area is quite small, but the staff were friendly. A good menu but for larger groups you might want to check the seating plan ahead of time.

l. c.

Great place and food - correctly priced

A. K.

Nice spot for after work drinks, although the food is pretty decent too. Location wise, it's not an obvious choice for passing trade so the place never really gets busy. The upstairs area is a better place to sit but it's too small. Downstairs is a bit of a dungeon as there's no windows and you feel a little cut off from the world. Worth checking out at least once.

R. M.

Had a wonderful meal tonight, could not fault them on their service or the food. It was all incredible and we will definately be back again! Thank you.

C. L.

Really cosy atmosphere, very welcoming staff and particular food. They take an uncommon and tasty approach to classic dishes. Really went out their way to help us celebrate our anniversary.

M. M.

The take-away Sunday roasts have been amazing throughout lockdown. I'd recommend the lamb!

S. G.

A hidden, independent restaurant with brilliant dishes and cocktails.

M. S.

I'd say probably one of the best restruants in Reading. The food and drink was delicious and exceptional, the staff were really friendly and delivered great service which made for a lovely evening with my partner. Will definitely be visiting again soon :)

R. I.

Food is delicious and service friendly. Would have been 5X but for changes to the menu not being up to date on website so we didn't get what we had expected. What we did get was really good though.

1. H. d. R.

Nice staff, amazing espresso martini food was nice.

S. M.

Great place, food is delicious every time

R. H.

Absolutely delicious. Menu is even better than last time. What's more, veggie options aren't boring, but have actually some thought and imagination behind them. Great service and cosy, friendly atmosphere.

P.

Good range of options on the menu. Everything we tried was excellent. Must return to sample more of their offerings. Been back twice. Still can't find fault. Service, food and drink all spot on.

R. F.

Lovely atmosphere and staff. Friends all highly rated the food, I think I just picked the wrong dish as it wasn't what I expected.

G. S.

Absolutely delicious food, great selection of drinks, great beer and cosy atmosphere. Wonderful service. Can't fault the place in any way

C. J.

Absolutely loved the food. The staff was amazing so attentive. Loved it

A. K.

Although they are not set up for babies they were very accomodating of us and our 14 month old twins. Food and service was excellent.

M. M.

Fantastic food .. accommodated to my diet also.

R. C.

No-nonsense food and gets everything right in terms of freshness and taste. Would recommend a try. FSA rating 5/5 as of 11/07/2019.

C. G.

Very good food and friendly helpful service. Hidden away with little raised areas and dark corners. Would recommend for a drink or food. Book ahead for groups

L. M.

Amazing food, fantastic cocktails, great service and they cater for vegans with real food, not just plain veg and fruit.

S. S.

Delicious food, the Braised lamb shank is very good. It's a bit claustrophobic, and having a conversation can be impossible if there's a big group there. Expensive-ish.

L. d.

Amazing food and fantastic service. Valpys is my go to place for drinks or a meal in Reading. I cannot recommend highly enough.

S. P.

Lovely meal and great service Would definitely return

R. D.

Great food, great staff. Will definitely be back next time I am in the area.

K. C.

The Bistro is OK but not a must visit place. A dark and old fashioned with generic bistro food. On the upside the service was friendly and attentive.

R. K.

Delicious meal (cod is recommended) and very friendly staff, my GF was even given a free glass of prosecco when we mentioned it was her birthday!

P. S.

Such a great place in Reading. Great food, great service. A real quality friendly place.

A. W.

Was in Reading for a client meeting and managed to get to 2:55pm without any food the entire day! In a cab to the train station I called ahead to Valpys to see if they would do 2 "to go" items. They happily said yes, we arrived and had a (delicious) glass of Sauvignon while waiting. The team at Valpys put our food in Tupperware (they don't usually do takeaway) AND let us take spoons so we could eat on our train. Well, the beef bourgoinon was DELISH! And the chilli com carne was equally tasty. Thanks to the wonderful and thoughtful staff from preventing me from being hangry!

M. A.

Very hidden gem (it's at basement level on Valpy street). Limited, rotating menu and sometimes a bit eclectic so worth checking today's dishes before you visit.

P. R.

Great tasting food but felt expensive for what it was. Friendly amicable staff. Cosy, intimate, underground setting.

M. R.

Nice restaurant/bar, we only had drinks but the food we saw served looked amazing. We will be back for dinner.

P. H.

Went there last night. The atmosphere and staff in this place are amazing! Had a great night, thanks!

L. F.

Good service, starters and mains were great.

N. A.

It's not worth the money you spent. Staff is nice but the service is bad. We had 3 different meals and all of them were uncooked.

M. F.

Rhubarb gin - really, what more do you need? This place is Tardis-like but also warm and cozy. The staff are friendly and helpful Ave is a stone's throw from Forbury Gardens.

C. C.

Great food and great service - really pleased to see the restaurant busy!

M. R.

First visit but not last Lovely atmosphere. Great food and super friendly service. Highly recommend.

V. L.

Lovely setting with really friendly and helpful staff. Have never had a bad dish from there.

M. R.

Lovely food, great wine and service and the atmosphere is great too.

E. H.

Best meal I've eaten in Reading. Staff were very friendly. Little bit pricey but absolutely worth it.

M. M.

The food was reasonably nice but the cocktails took forever to make and were just far too sweet.

D. M.

Easily one of the best bars in Reading. Fantastic drink selection and always superb service.

C. M.

I really liked it. Cosy atmosphere. Food was very good but not brilliant but reasonable cost.

A. B.

Absolutely gorgeous food, great wine and lovely staff.

V. M.

Beautiful little bistro tucked away in towns center. Food was cooked to perfection, friendly atmosphere and a good service.

P. M.

Awesome food, great drinks, lovely staff and a great price what's not to love?!

A. Y.

Ignore negative reviews. Excellent service with staff who enjoy their job. Food was good and pleasant ambiance.

P. D.

A place I come often for a very good meal. Good atmosphere and service.

P. K.

Really like this place. Welcoming, no hard sell, good tasty food. Best place in Reading for me

W. D.

Just had a takeaway from them it was fast delicious and they gave excellent service 👍

k. h.

Didn't realise it had changed hands...although good food was looking forward to a steak which is no longer offered

S. W.

A great little restaurant very close to the station. Food and service was excellent.

M. H.

Small but cosy restaurant serving good food. Underground though, so no signal but the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi.

b. k.

Went for a family meal when the parents came to town. Food is delicious, a true hidden gem.

G. T.

Good atmosphere, food and service. Very busy on a Friday night.

A. (.

💜

c. B.

Excellent staff, food and atmosphere. Will definitely be returning.

R. Y.

Lovely little restaurant with a cosy, lively bar atmos. Highly recommended...

J. P.

Amazing food, big portions and great service!

B. S.

Lovely little restaurant with helpful and friendly staff, and good food!

R. L.

Charming underground, romantic venue with great service and excellent food. Good for lunch or dinner.

C. M.

Lovely Bistro, very hospitable staff and great food and wine!

M. G.

Extremely nice bistro in central Reading. Food and service are both notable.

I. Z.

Great atmosphere for a large group dinner. Great food

T. S.

Great service, delicious food. Will be back soon!

A. W.

Great food, good local for a quiet drink.

M. B.

Cosy place, great food, good wine and awesome service

T. J.

Good food, excellent service

G. P.

Great Christmas menu and the food was lovely. Beef cheek was lush

R.

Tasty food and great service. Will definitely come back!

G. K.

Great location and atmosphere. Food is superb!

I. C.

Friendly service. Intimate, sophisticated atmosphere. Drinks quite expensive.

N. J.

Walk down the stairs for a lovely menu, service and atmosphere...a hidden gem...

S. B.

Lovely food, excellent friendly staff

P. G. (.

Super friendly staff makes for a very chilled night out. What can I say. Just go :-)

M. S. Z.

Nice food properly cooked with great attention to details and presentation

N. B.

Lovely atmosphere with a great menu.

r. M.

Great little bar and restaurant, super food, super friendly staff. Dangeorus cocktails...

J. P. L.

Hidden but worth the find, pricey for me but lovely food and well presented

S. C.

Great little find right by the station. Had a lovely lunch.

J. A.

Back in the hands of a previous owner - a fantastic venue for dinner and drinks.

G. G.

Great place for a good lunch. The pots are awesome

J. R.

Too noisy but excellent food.

I.

Good food, nice staff. OK for vegetarians.

C.

Sophisticated and creative cuisine at an affordable price with flawless service.

s. k.

Fantastic food and very ambient restaurant.

E. D.

Xmas meal - so good the year before we came back, exceeded expectations again.

B. S.

A hidden gem with consistently good food and great atmosphere.

D. H.

Cannot recommend this place enough. My go to for an evening out.

s. b.

Lots of confusion over menu. Food served was not what ordered.

D. F.

The food was great and so was the service

m. r.

Really nice place beautiful food music needs tweaking

B. M.

Good food and friendly staff.

T.

Fab ace to have a delicious meal or a strong cocktail ..

M. H.

It was nice place to sit, eat and talk

J. H.

Friendly staff and good cocktails

D. S.

Hidden gem, great food and drink

L. E.

Had a lunch there and it was good!

M. V. V.

Food and service are excellent

M. L. G.

5 star restaurant service and food

L. H.

Lovely food and atmosphere

S. K.

It was good.

B. W.

Great food!

J.

Nice. Very expensive though. Good staff.

S. K.

Nice atmosphere food and service

S. H.

Great food and great service

m.

GOOD FOOD

R. W.

Great food

N. M.

Good food and service

S. S.

Best steak sandwich ever

S. D.

Christmas Dinner was bland.

R. M.

Good Food, enjoyed it

M. C.

Fantastic service and friendly staff

A. V. G. F.

Awsome!

J. s.

Great lunch

C. M.

Awesome food

H. B.

Favourite place

A. M. G.

(Translated) Local located a short distance from Reading Central Station, right in the city center. In my case it was a dinner organized for a group of 25 people and despite the not huge spaces we entered! We chose appetizer and main course in advance, and to avoid possible misunderstandings, placeholders were prepared with the name of the diner and choices made (!) So the service was fast and efficient. Quality menu and very pleasant food. As a guest I can't comment on the bill. (Original) Locale situato a poca distanza dalla stazione centrale di Reading, in pieno centro città. Nel mio caso si è trattata di una cena organizzata per un gruppo di 25 persone e nonostante gli spazi non enormi ci siamo entrati! Abbiamo scelto in anticipo antipasto e main course, e per evitare possibili disguidi sono stati predisposti dei segnaposto con nome del commensale e scelte effettuate (!) quindi il servizio è stato veloce ed efficiente. Menu di qualità e cibo decisamente gradevole. Essendo stata ospite non posso commentare circa il conto.

j. c.

P. A.

P. A. N. B.

(Translated) Excellent site! (Original) Excelente sitio!

A. W.

B. M.

J. R.

B. P. F.

S. S.

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A. M.

M. C.

C. C.

T. N.

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B. S.

E. W.

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