Claygate Averna
Claygate Averna offers a heartwarming Italian dining experience with homemade dishes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and special touches that make ever...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Claygate Averna
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Claygate Averna offers a heartwarming Italian dining experience with homemade dishes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and special touches that make every visit memorable.
Best times for quiet meals
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxing dining experience. Weekends can be noisy.
Dietary options
Vegetarian options are available, but it's recommended to check with the restaurant for specifics.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1372 466888
Address
The Green St Leonard's Rd, Esher, KT10 0JQ, United Kingdom
Website
claygateaverna.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Homemade Italian Delights
Experience authentic, heartwarming Italian cuisine with dishes made from scratch, perfect for any occasion.
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy a family-friendly environment with attentive staff who make every guest feel special and celebrated.
Special Occasion Surprises
Witness unique touches like surprise fireworks, adding a magical element to your dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best times for quiet meals
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxing dining experience. Weekends can be noisy.
Dietary options
Vegetarian options are available, but it's recommended to check with the restaurant for specifics.
Pacing your meal
Don't hesitate to ask for breaks between courses to savor your meal without feeling rushed.
Inquire about seating
Request specific seating for a more intimate ambiance or during quieter times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Best times for quiet meals
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxing dining experience. Weekends can be noisy.
Dietary options
Vegetarian options are available, but it's recommended to check with the restaurant for specifics.
Pacing your meal
Don't hesitate to ask for breaks between courses to savor your meal without feeling rushed.
Inquire about seating
Request specific seating for a more intimate ambiance or during quieter times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Claygate Averna is widely praised for its delicious, homemade Italian food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Diners frequently highlight the attentive service and family-friendly environment, making it a great spot for celebrations and casual meals alike. While some note that the restaurant can get noisy on weekends, the overall consensus is that it's a local gem offering excellent value and memorable experiences.
"Family outing. Excellent food. Every item ordered was delicious. Very good service, pleasant servers. Didn't realise it would be noisy over the weekend. Could barely hear each other. Best to go weekdays if one wants a quiet relaxing meal."
Nadya Imtiazuddin
"The restaurant has such a lovely atmosphere and the staff really made my birthday special. Couldn’t recommend this restaurant enough, the food was delicious and the service incredible. Highly recommend!"
lucy inkley
"After a long, rewarding hike at Box Hill, we were seriously craving some comforting carbs—something warm, local, and Italian. Averna in Claygate hit the spot. It’s cosy, welcoming, and serves food full of heart and flavour.
Starter:
Garlic Bread
Packed with garlic flavour and beautifully crispy. If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but possible), save them. It makes a perfect dipper for the leftover lemon beurre blanc from the sea bass or even the oil from the carbonara. Game-changer.
Grilled Octopus
Hard to describe… in a good way. It’s surprisingly balanced, featuring beans, olives, tomato, and chorizo, without any one element overpowering the others. The pepper isn’t spicy, just aromatic. A really well-rounded and thoughtful dish.
Main:
Seared Fillet of Sea Bass
Cooked perfectly with crispy skin and tender flesh. The veg and potatoes underneath soak up all that delicious fish oil, adding an extra layer of flavour. The lemon beurre balance sauce is bright and buttery, and if you dip your leftover garlic bread in it… You’re winning.
Spaghetto alla Carbonara
Just yes. Creamy, salty, perfectly seasoned. Simple, classic, and comforting, exactly what you want after a hike.
Dessert:
Traditional Tiramisu
This is on par with the one I had near Seven Sisters, an accurate benchmark for me. Freshly made to order, light, and rich without being heavy. I don’t think I can enjoy another tiramisu in London unless it’s made fresh like this. Spoiled now.
Averna is a local gem that delivers classic Italian food done really well. Whether you're stopping by after exploring nature or want a reliably delicious meal, this spot deserves a visit. Warm vibes, solid flavours, and portions that leave you happy."
R V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Claygate Averna serves traditional and homemade Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Yes, the restaurant is very family-friendly, with staff who are attentive to children and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Yes, there are dishes suitable for vegetarians, though it's always a good idea to check with the staff for the most up-to-date options.
For a more relaxed and quiet dining experience, it's recommended to visit during weekdays rather than on busy weekends.
Some articles mention live music as a feature in Esher restaurants, and Claygate Averna is known for special touches like DJs on occasion.
While walk-ins are possible, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining or if you have specific seating preferences.
Popular dishes include pizza, sea bass, Carbonara, and Tiramisu, all praised for their flavor and quality.
Yes, Averna is known for making celebrations special, with instances of surprise fireworks and attentive staff making guests feel cherished.
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Shopping itineraries in Waitrose & Partners Esher in March (updated in 2025)
RO | Georgie's Coffee House & Wine Bar | Cafe Rouge - Esher | Zizzi - Esher | Red Peppers | The best kebab | Caffe Capital | Subway | Cote Brasserie - Esher | Esher Tandoori | Excellar | Castello Restaurant | Maru | Seven Bluebirds | Lebanon Bar & Restaurant | Jolshiri | The Wheatsheaf | PizzaExpress Restaurants | Sherpa Kitchen Nepalese Restaurant | Claygate Fish Inn | Prince of Wales | Averna Restaurant | Dial India | The Coffee Lab | Esher Pizza | Panahar Tandoori
Shortlist: The Eight Best Restaurants In Esher That Locals Love!
A laidback Italian eatery in a beautiful setting with great views, an extensive menu and plenty of plant-based options. Situated in the picturesque Claygate village on The Green awaits an authentic Italian experience in the form of Averna. This beautifully refined establishment prides itself on traditional and homely Italian cooking while giving its guests the best possible service.
5 of the best restaurants near Claygate
AvernaDescribed as ‘Italian food heaven’, Averna is the place to be if sumptuous homemade Italian dishes are what you’re after. You’ll find this beautiful foodie haven – perfect for intimate dinners or rowdy family lunches – nestled on the edge of The Green. It’s also less than a 10 minute walk from our Claygate Apartments making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit