Guildford has the standard mid-sized English market-town spread: gastropubs in the side streets, chain restaurants in Tunsgate, and a handful of independent restaurants on Quarry Street and Castle Hill. The town benefits from London's proximity — several restaurants have London-trained chefs and proper sourcing — without inheriting London prices.
The High Street pubs do honest pub food; the riverside is where to look for a long lunch with a view. Best independent eating is south of the centre off the High Street and around the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.