Reading restaurant recommendations

[Loki64]

Hoping the foodies of mumnet can help me please!

Wanting to treat my partner to a nice meal out in reading next weekend. Tried london street brasserie but fully booked.

Any recommendations please?
Would quite like somewhere fancy!
We're not a big fan of chain restaurants.

Thank you!

Reading is very big on chain restaurants and hasn't many (any?) lovely independents, at least in the centre. London St Brasserie is quite nice; maybe see if they run a cancellation list.
I'd just embrace the chain and go to the Oracle. Or look elsewhere!

Thank you! That's a shame its mostly chain, any nice ones you know of? Ive been to Reading a few times but not all familiar with anywhere nice for food!

I would ho somewhere on the outskirts. The crown at Playhatch is easy, there is Sonning. Or places more out into the countryside like the Crooked Billet. The plough or Baskerville in Shiplake. Only know that side of Reading though!

The Braywood is a newish restaurant about 20min drive from central Reading. It looks really lush.

Can't go wrong with Côte Brasserie. Comptoir Libanais might not be quite what you are looking for but the food is good and you're on the canal side.
Didn't love The Real Greek (though had better experience in another city's version).
Not tried Osaka but it always looks nice.

Is the Sardinian restaurant Pepe Sale (located near the horrible Hexagon complex) still going? It used to be great! Tutu's Ethiopian Kitchen is now based in Palmer Park and a local institution. Or for honest-to-god good quality stodge you should look no further than Sweeny and Todd, the very excellent and beloved pie shop/restaurant just off St Mary Butts. It's a bit of a pub really (has great beer) and the pies are great. It's also very good value.