Hazéls

You'll find Hazéls tucked away on Verulam Road, in that sweet spot where St Albans feels properly residential rather than high street. It's the kind of place locals have actually claimed for themselves—the sort of restaurant that succeeds because it does something well rather than loudly. Walk in and you'll sense a kitchen that knows what it's doing: there's proper technique here, but the vibe stays relaxed and unfussy. This is somewhere you take someone because you want to share good food, not because you need to be seen.