Regent Cottage

You'll find this compact Asian fusion restaurant tucked into a characterful cottage right on Hitchin's main drag, where the traditional exterior gives way to a modern dining room that's become a proper local favourite. The dual approach here is clever – you can either dive into the all-you-can-eat option (brilliant for groups who can't agree) or pick carefully from an à la carte menu that takes familiar Asian dishes and gives them a contemporary twist. The kitchen knows what it's doing, whether you're ordering multiple rounds from the buffet-style selection or sticking to single dishes. Service moves at a good clip during the evening rush, and the atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between date-night intimate and family-dinner relaxed. Book ahead for weekends – locals have cottoned on to this place.