With vast stretches of coastline and stunning countryside, the county of Sussex is blessed with a smorgasbord of fantastic local produce, which means there are some incredible places to eat out. From chic, seaside restaurants to olde-worlde country inns, there are plenty of eateries to choose from when out and about exploring the landmarks of this beautiful part of England.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, a welcoming spot for a family gathering or a romantic hideaway for a meal à deux, here’s a selection of the best places to eat in Sussex while on holiday – bon appétit!
The Gallivant, Rye
Camber, East Sussex TN31 7RB
The Gallivant overlooks the 5-mile-long Camber Sands near Rye and has an exceptional restaurant (you’ll need to book in advance as it’s a popular spot). With a sun-soaked terrace, this is a fabulous place to come on a summer’s day where you can enjoy laid-back snacks after a day on the beach, from freshly shucked Maldon oysters to a crisp Caesar salad, or perhaps something a little more from their dinner menu, such as monkfish in a soy and ginger broth with pickled mussels.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can pre-order a Gallivant drinks hamper complete with glasses, ice, and a hamper to take with you into the dunes – could you ask for anything more romantic?
Riddle and Finns, Brighton
12b Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
Tucked away in Brighton’s historic jewellery quarter, Riddle and Finns is a gorgeous spot that specialises in champagne and oysters, but you’ll find a smorgasbord of seafood available here too, from the freshest sashimi to an opulent fruits de mer platter. Following the aesthetic of a New York oyster bar, dining is communal with shared tables where you can perch on a stall and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis and doesn’t take bookings but you can go online to join the waitlist, and it’s a wonderful way to lunch after a morning exploring this eclectic seaside town. If your party is bigger than six, it’s worth heading to its sister restaurant, which overlooks the beach and has stunning views.
Baqueano, Brighton
25 Western Road, Brighton BN1 2AD
Run by Argentinians Adriana and Jorge, Baqueano (which means ‘guide’ or ‘expert’) is a celebration of all things Argentine, specifically meat, dulce de leche, yerba mate and Malbec wine. Offering a la carte, a tasting menu or a BBQ menu, there are plenty of options for the hungry who’ll be served up hearty steaks with a trio of sauces, with other interesting dishes such as empanadas (a kind of pasty), grilled Argentinian sausage, and black pudding.
Desserts are equally rib-stickingly good, from crepes with dulce de leche and ice cream to postre Baqueano, a delicious sponge cake dipped in syrup and rum served with peach, meringue, and the ever-present dulce de leche. Kiddos don’t miss out either, with their own special menu available with a choice of chicken or steak.
The Black Rabbit, Offham
Mill Road, Offham, Arundel BN18 9PB
A much-loved favourite with locals and visitors alike, The Black Rabbit lies on the tranquil banks of the River Arun, with beautiful views across the wetlands towards Arundel Castle. Serving hearty pub fare from chicken and bacon pie to beer-battered fish and chips, this exceptional pub is also well known for its amazing Sunday lunches.
It’s a fantastic spot for lunch when exploring Arundel, from nearby Goodwood to a long walk along the river. If you visit on a warm day, head to the pretty terrace area to make the most of the bucolic views, while chillier days call for a warm welcome inside with cosy interiors and surprising Harry Potter memorabilia inviting you in.
.gr/eat, Eastbourne
215-217 Terminus Road, Eastbourne BN21 3DH
For food fit for the Gods, head to .gr/eat in charming Eastbourne, a haven for the freshest of Greek cuisine cooked with the love and care of a family-run eatery. Priding itself on its authentic Greek dishes, firm favourites include moussaka and souvlaki while their sharing experiences (such as the fabulous Greek meze or meat-lovers Olympus grill platter) are worthy of any special occasion.
All served with a warm smile by its friendly staff in a wonderful setting with a lovely buzz, it’s not surprising that this is a popular place to eat, so it’s best to book ahead of your visit. Afterwards, enjoy a nighttime stroll along the Eastbourne Prom before retiring to your holiday cottage.
Etch. By Steven Edwards, Hove
214-216 Church Road, Brighton & Hove BN3 2DJ
This bank-turned-restaurant in Hove in East Sussex is owned by MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards. Focussing on the best of British cuisine, Etch. is bright and open with views over the kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work. Offering a seasonal tasting menu (you can choose from a five-course or seven-course menu, depending on how hungry you are), you’ll tuck into such delights as lamb with greengage and duck yolk with nasturtium.
There are vegetarian and pescatarian menus available too so no one misses out. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday, with lunch available on Fridays and Saturdays – the perfect spot for a celebration meal with friends and family or a romantic evening for two.
The Cock Inn, Lewes
Old Uckfield Road, Lewes BN8 5RX
Run by the Ridley family, The Cock Inn is a delightful olde-worlde pub serving hearty fare and cask-conditioned real ales (it’s on the CAMRA Ale Trail), and well worth a visit after exploring the medieval streets of nearby Lewes. Whether you’re after the comfort of a good Sussex Smokie (smoked haddock with cheddar, mustard, and leek sauce) or comforting homemade steak and ale pie served with a mountain of mash, gravy, and vegetables, there’s something for everyone, with excellent veggie and vegan options too.
If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, make the most of their celebrated roast dinners, where you can choose from beef, lamb or pork (or all three if you’re feeling extra hungry!) as well as a nut roast and usual menu options too.
Light at Towner, Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ
When out and about exploring bustling Eastbourne, head to Light at Towner for an exceptional, Scandinavian-inspired lunch with the best views over the town. Situated at the top of Towner, a fabulous art gallery, the restaurant has a wonderful, airy feel and has an exceptional terrace for sunnier days.
Serving breakfast through to dinner, this is a wonderful spot whether you’re after a sundowner or a smorrebrod (open rye sandwich). Expect delicious and imaginative food, from marinated courgette and grilled hake to laminated brioche and summer vegetable galette. The afternoon teas are magnificent, while a gorgeous cocktail on the terrace is a must, too.
Thyme & Chillies, Chichester
Birdham Road, Chichester PO20 7EH
Set within a beautifully converted traditional pub just outside Chichester, this lovely eatery serves some of the best Indian food to be found in the area. Open for lunch and dinner, Thyme & Chillies is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, so it’s worth booking ahead!
The amazing menu has lots to offer, from the fragrant and lightly spiced through to the lip-tinglingly hot. If you’re after something a little different from your usual roast dinner, it’s definitely worth checking out their Thali Sunday and indulging in a platter of the tastiest small dishes with meat, fish, and vegetarian options. During the summer months, you can sit outdoors and enjoy their tapas garden menu, best had with a glass of something cool in your hand.
The Red Deer, Horsham
24d Carfax, Horsham RH12 1EE
Nestled in the heart of the market town of Horsham, this lovely pub and brasserie is a wonderful place to fill rumbling tums, whether for lunch or dinner. Bright and airy with a charming courtyard for warmer days, the menu is superb with a French twist, serving such dishes as bouillabaisse, beef and ale pie, and chargrilled steak followed by pistachio souffle and a scoop of chocolate ice cream – delicious.
Their Sunday lunches are highly lauded too – their meat is sourced from no less than the butcher for the Royal Household! There’s a kid’s menu and dogs are welcome too, making The Red Deer a fantastic option for all the family. Afterwards, take a stroll through nearby St Leonard’s Forest to stretch your legs while enjoying the many beautiful corners of Sussex.
Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly
Vowels Lane, West Hoathly RH19 4LJ
A short drive from the pretty village of Forest Row lies the Michelin-starred Gravetye Manor. Led by the changing seasons with produce straight from their kitchen garden or from trusted local suppliers, the award-winning food here is incredible and perfect for that oh-so-special occasion.
With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you can admire the gorgeous garden as the sun sets, with a glass of something exceptional to hand. Offering a three-course menu, seasonal delights such as local roe venison tartare with girolles and alliums, and turbot, leek, confit tomato and daylily are there to tickle the taste buds, before rounding your meal off with a gooseberry crumble souffle and almond ice cream.
The Royal Oak, Midhurst
Oaklands Lane, Midhurst GU29 0EP
If you’re spending the day exploring the beautiful South Downs National Park and start to feel a little peckish, make sure to stop by this fantastic 17th-century pub in the picture-perfect market town of Midhurst. Spacious and inviting with flickering open fires inside and a pretty garden for summer days, the menu is expansive.
Choose from sharer boards that include antipasti and mezze or tasty main plates that include chicken Milanese, smoked trout and crayfish Caesar salad, and butternut and sweet potato tagine. If you’re visiting The Royal Oak on a Sunday, their roasts are with lamb, beef, and pork on the menu alongside a root vegetable and beetroot wellington. Whenever you visit, make sure to pay a visit to nearby Pooh Sticks Bridge in Hundred Acre Wood (or Ashdown Forest as it’s also known).
Bluebells Tearoom, Battle
87 High Street, Battle TN33 0AQ
When out and about exploring the delights of historic Battle, make sure to take time to visit this exquisite little gem in the heart of town, opposite the Abbey. Small but perfectly formed, Bluebells Tea Room offers a warm and friendly welcome, serving breakfast through to afternoon tea.
If it’s early morning and you want to set yourself up for the day, pop in for a full English breakfast, while the huge sausage rolls served at lunchtime are a local legend. If you feel yourself lagging after a day exploring this wonderful town, Bluebell’s afternoon tea is a must with finger sandwiches, tiny quiches, scones and cream, meringues, chocolate cake, Victoria sponge and traybakes to nibble, all washed down with unlimited tea and coffee – delicious!
The Middle House, Mayfield
High Street, Mayfield TN20 6AB
The Middle House is an astonishing Grade I listed building, dating back to 1575 and was a home until the 1920s when it was converted into the stunning pub it is today. Located in the stunning medieval village of Mayfield, head here for lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea. Serving home-cooked meals from ground pork belly and fennel seed ragu and Scotch cote de boeuf to garden pea and vegan feta arancini and Goan chicken masala curry, there are lots of options to choose from and there’s a children’s menu as well.
Sunday sees roasts on the menu (sirloin beef, pork, turkey and nut roast), while if you’re after a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, opt for a cream tea or full afternoon tea. Up early? No problem – you can enjoy breakfast here as well, from the traditional full English to American pancakes, eggs any way you want them and even a cocktail or two! Afterwards, head to nearby Bateman’s, a stunning Jacobean house and garden once home to Rudyard Kipling.
Tiffins Tea Room, Petworth
1 Leppards, High Street, Petworth GU28 0AU
Tucked away in the pretty market town of Petworth, this cosy, compact tearoom is a must when the need for tea and cake arises (and when doesn’t it?). Tiffins Tea Room is a welcoming spot that’s dog-friendly, perfect if you have your four-legged friends in tow. From hearty breakfasts and lunches through to afternoon tea and morning coffees, you’ll find something to please everyone.
There’s a great selection of children’s toys on hand to keep little ones amused while you relax and enjoy your meal. On Friday nights, Tiffins transforms into Gemma’s Gin Bar when between 6pm and 9.30pm you can sample some of their 60 small batch gins (with rum, local ales, cider and Prosecco available too). Tiffins is also close to nearby Petworth House and Park, so why not make a day of it!
The White Horse Inn, Pulborough
Mare Hill, Pulborough RH20 2DY
This great pub dates back to the 15th century and has, over the years, served as a grocers, butcher, and draper too. Set in the rural village of Pulborough on the edge of the South Downs National Park, The White Horse Inn serves excellent pub grub from jacket potatoes and full-to-the-brim baguettes to hand-carved baked ham and eggs, beef bourguignon, and beer-battered fish and chips.
You can choose to eat in the snug and cosy bar or the restaurant where you’ll also be served a fantastic range of real ales and other thirst-quenching drinks – the perfect spot to while away an evening. If you're visiting during the day, make sure to pop into Charlie’s Farm Shop where you can pick up some tasty treats to take back to your holiday cottage in Sussex.
Ollivers, Seaford
11 Clinton Place, Seaford BN25 1NL
Ollivers is a fantastic family restaurant that’s been putting smiles on faces for over 20 years. Much loved by the locals of Seaford, a visit here is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. Serving delicious home-cooked food in a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find no pretensions here – perfect for families and friends.
The menu celebrates the best of local produce, such as rump of lamb served with a light herb rub, crispy confit of duck with an elderflower, thyme, and rhubarb sauce and an ever-changing daily fish dish. If you’re a larger party, there’s even a private dining room for up to ten people. After you’ve had your fill, stroll down to Seaford’s waterfront and take an evening walk along the esplanade for a breath of fresh air.
Feeling hungry? Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Sussex and start planning your foodie break today.
