Many fan-favourite restaurants have closed in St Albans and Harpenden over the years - we asked our readers which ones they miss the most.

From Berni Inn Steak House to Jade Gardens, several food places come and go over the years, we've  ranked nine of the most popular restaurants across the town and city.

Check out the full list below:

1. Cafe Rouge

The restaurant was part of the Big Table Group, a collection chains which also includes Bella Italia and Las Iguanas.

"Changing customer trends" was cited as the reason for the closure of the popular St Albans restaurant.

Café Rouge, on Holywell Hill, has closed its doors for good in March 2023.Café Rouge, on Holywell Hill, has closed its doors for good in March 2023. (Image: Google Maps)

2. St Villa

The popular Italian featured unique dining pods in the garden and was a fan-favourite among St Albans locals.

St Villa was popular with locals before it closed.St Villa was popular with locals before it closed. (Image: Google Maps)

After opening its doors in 2016, St Villa provided many birthday celebrations, work do's and wedding receptions before it closed towards the end of 2023.

One Facebook user highlighted their love for the "the wild boar ravioli".

3. Number 23 British Tapas

Tucked away on George Street the Number 23 opened in February 2013 to rave reviews and popularity.

Its cheap and unique small plate selection left customers confused and in awe of its charm.

The quirky restaurant holds a special place in St Albans folklore and if you need to be reminded why, just take a look at its website at www.keymer.org.uk/index.html.

4. Claude's Creperie

A tiny French creperie tucked away on Holywell Hill was a brunch staple in St Albans for many years before its closure in 2009.

The former French eatery on Holywell Hill.The former French eatery on Holywell Hill. (Image: Google Maps) Although CrepeAffaire has joined the city centre, our readers still reminisce about the old cafe/restaurant.

5. Spice Rack

The Station Road restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine closed down during the Covid pandemic.

Known for its mix of platters and traditional food, Harpenden locals were treated to its dishes for many years.

Spice Rack on Station Road in 2020.Spice Rack on Station Road in 2020. (Image: Google Maps) It has now been replaced by The Meating Room.

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6. The Foragers Pub

Known as the Foragers at the Verulam Arms, the pub charmed St Albans punters for over eight years.

An imaginative menu and its home-brewed beer were just a couple off the highlights of this free house before it went into liquidation.

They posted this following the pub's closure in 2019:

7. Freddie's Restaurant

Now replaced by Saute Grill, Freddie's Restaurant or Brasserie offered a unique selection of Modern European food with a distinctive taste of Mediterranean influence. 

A slice of the past - Freddie's Brasserie is missed by our readers.A slice of the past - Freddie's Brasserie is missed by our readers. (Image: Google Maps) The restaurant was formerly located on Adelaide Street and closed in 2016.

8. J.K. Palmers

J.K. Palmers was a coffee and sandwich bar that could make any sandwich you asked for.

It was a popular lunchtime spot for locals before closing down and being replaced by Havin Turkish Kitchen in 2020.

J.K. Palmers on the High Street in 2019.J.K. Palmers on the High Street in 2019. (Image: Google Maps) One Facebook user commented: "It was the best, and the most friendly sandwich shop in town.

"There was always a huge queue for their sarnies at lunchtime."

9. Cinta Garden

One of the only Chinese restaurants with a dancefloor and karaoke. There were rumours that it would be replaced by a lap dancing club.

Cinta Garden shortly after it closed down. (Image: Krishan Bhungar) The Verulam Road spot had a bar, dance floor and seating on the bottom floor with a balcony and seating on the first floor which hosted hundreds of events during its years of service.