Topes Restaurant

Topes is a fantastic little restaurant in the heart of historic Rochester, and it's dark beams and exposed brickwork create a quaint, cosy and intimate atmosphere - perfectly fitting with the rest of the odd, quirky little town.

I had the fortune of growing up in Rochester, so I know it well, but I have only eaten at Topes twice - once when I was nineteen with a group of friends and again seven years later with my husband.  A lot can change in seven years, however I can definitely say that the quality of food and attention to detail has not changed in the slightest - the food is cooked and arranged to perfection, the flavours brilliantly complimenting each other. The meat falls apart in your mouth, no matter what you order, and even the salads and basic desserts like cheesecake and chocolate cake are made imaginitively and with a delectable flair.  People who prefer large portions will probably be disappointed, as they are compact - but it is the price you pay for delicious food, and to be honest by the time you've had three courses you find out it was the perfect amount to eat after all.

The drinks list has enough to please most people, although it can be a little pricey.

My only complaint is that both times I have eaten at Topes, I have gotten mixed feelings about the waiting staff. Some of them are smiling and helpful, and wished my husband a happy birthday when they realised it was his birthday - and others were cold and unsmiling, not even making eye contact and treating us in a very businesslike way. I may be a little old-fashioned here, but I don't think it's a lot to ask for a smile from your waitor on an evening out? Especially when you're paying an arm and a leg to eat there?

I have given five stars to restaurants with much less to offer in terms of taste and luxury, just based on the atmosphere and the attitude of waiting staff, so until Topes makes some changes I am afraid I am going to have to give it four stars and an "Almost there - could try harder."

Fantastic place, some of the best food and service easily in the area, often go for a sunday meal, if I am not up the road a little. Never left wanting! five star!

very nice roast on sunday

Food was delicious and service was just as good! Would definitely recommend anyone to give it a try!

I think that Topes is perhaps the best restaurant in Rochester - well for me anyway.

The food is absolutely fantastic - A group of us went a couple of months ago and there certainly were no complaints. Even the food for veggies (which is often not up to scratch in a lot of places) can be highly reccommended. Its worth the price (which isn’t dirt cheap, is affordable).

Its set along the main high street in rochester which is very picturesque and the building is something you would expect to find in a Dickens novel, all beams and slanting ceilings it will grab your attention if you are just wandering along.

It gets busy though!

From the outside this restaurant is quirky and cosy looking neatly nestled into a topsy turvy period building in historic Rochester.

It looks very classy and you would think it would be very expensive, but Im pleased to say we were pleasantly surprised. While it’s somewhere you would more likely go as a treat, it doesn’t break the bank.

The standard of the traditional English cuisine was exceptional, and the decor is warm and homely. I would definitely recommend it!

Please note the restaurant is not open Sundays (we found out the hard way)!