The phrase 'hidden gem' is used frequently when reviewing restaurants, pubs and eateries.

Usually, it refers to a location that is either hard to find, or surprising in how well it compares to others.

Watford has its fair share of hidden gems, for residents and visitors alike to try.

Here's five of the best hidden gem restaurants and pubs in Watford.

1. Nana's, St Albans Road

Watford Observer: Nana's, on St Albans Road, Watford.Nana's, on St Albans Road, Watford. (Image: Google Maps)

Nana's is a Lebanese restaurant on St Albans Road.

The eatery has a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, with 669 reviewers out of 857 giving it all five stars.

Genie T wrote: "(A) hidden gem!

"What a wonderful family-run restaurant serving the most delicious food."

2. L'artista, High Street

Watford Observer: L'artista, on High Street.L'artista, on High Street. (Image: Google Maps)

L'artista, on Watford's High Street, is an Italian restaurant with a four star rating on TripAdvisor.

Of 781 reviewers, 304 gave the pizzeria all five stars.

One reviewer, usernamed CheshireDancingqueen, wrote: "A hidden gem.

"We had planned to be in Watford as away football supporters and had booked L’artista in advance for after the game.

"So glad we booked, it was packed."

3. Tony and Maria's, Greenhill Crescent

Watford Observer: Tony and Maria's will be moving location, as its lease has come to an end.Tony and Maria's will be moving location, as its lease has come to an end. (Image: Joe Iannotta)

Another Italian restaurant, Tony and Maria's, has been trading for 34 years.

However, the much-loved family restaurant will have to look for a new location following the end of its lease.

Despite this, the eatery will no doubt remain a 'hidden gem', as affirmed by Krazy_Kayaker: "I personally didn't even know this restaurant was here.

"I was invited out and so glad we came, very friendly family and staff who run it."

4. Little Alpine at the Three Compasses, Pegmire Lane

Watford Observer: The Three Compasses, on Pegmire Lane.The Three Compasses, on Pegmire Lane. (Image: Google Maps)

Gastro-pub Little Alpine at the Three Compasses has a four-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Of the eatery's 535 reviewers, 249 gave it full marks.

Tanya M said: "The food was amazing and the service second to none.

"Well done to all the staff.

"This little pub/restaurant is a little hidden gem."

5. Haute Dolci, High Street

Watford Observer: Haute Dolci, on Watford High Street.Haute Dolci, on Watford High Street. (Image: Haute Dolci)

Luxury desserts and brunch restaurant Haute Dolci opened on Watford High Street in June.

The restaurant occupies the former Gourmet Burger Kitchen unit, in Atria Watford.

JH wrote in a Google review: "A hidden gem in Watford.

"The decorations were really nice, with pretty lighting and comfortable seating."