East Sussex stands as a beacon for top-tier seaside dining in the UK, where the finest locally sourced meats and freshest seafood take centre stage in chic eateries overlooking the coast. Seeking recommendations for your culinary adventures? Look no further. At Beside the Sea Holidays, we’ve curated a list of five must-visit seaside restaurants that epitomise the essence of coastal gastronomy in the UK.
The Gallivant
Nestled alongside the grass-topped dunes of Camber Sands, The Gallivant, a former motel turned seaside hotel and restaurant, channels the relaxed elegance of New York’s Hamptons. Recognised with numerous accolades, it continues to be a beacon of coastal charm.
Offering a modern British menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, The Gallivant delights diners with picturesque dishes that showcase the bounty of the region. Over 90% of the menu items are procured within a 10-mile radius of the hotel and often picked or caught just hours before serving, ensuring freshness and sustainability.
Signature dishes like the succulent Rye bay skate, aged rib eye and cuttlefish ragu highlight the culinary excellence. The bar and restaurant proudly feature the largest collection of English sparkling wines in the country, and also offer wine tasting for private groups of six or more, hosted by their resident wine expert. During warmer months, patrons can sip their drinks on the sun-drenched terrace, basking in pure seaside bliss.
Webbe’s Restaurants
Helmed by acclaimed chefs Paul and Rebecca Webbe, Webbe’s Restaurants continues to expand its culinary empire, now encompassing a self-service café in Hastings and three modern dining establishments. Among them, The Wild Mushroom Restaurant in Westfield stands out, housed within a converted farmhouse and renowned for its sophisticated dining experience featuring foraged wild food and locally sourced ingredients, including the freshest catches from Rye Bay and Hastings.
In the heart of Hastings, Webbe’s Rock-a-Nore proudly boasts one of the shortest ingredient journeys in Britain, offering a seafood-focused menu highlighting delicacies like gratinated native lobster and steamed flounder with mussel and cider sauce. Sourcing directly from the Hastings and Rye fishing fleets ensures unparalleled freshness.
For a seafood extravaganza, patrons flock to Webbe’s at the Fish Café in Rye, nestled within a former antiques warehouse and teddy bear factory. Here, the extensive menu features delights such as seared Rye bay scallops, wild sea bass and a tantalising Tapas-style fish tasting board, showcasing the best of the region’s seafood bounty.
The George In Rye
Nestled within the restored walls of a 16th-century inn, this vibrant restaurant continues to serve up a modern British menu with a delightful European twist. The dining room exudes comfort and contemporary charm, with elegant globe-like pendant lights illuminating plush upholstered couches and rich dark wood floors.
Freshness is paramount here, with meats and vegetables sourced directly from local farms and seafood straight from the bountiful waters of Rye Bay. A focal point of the kitchen is the wood-charcoal grill, imparting a distinctive flavour to a range of beloved dishes. Indulge in the wood roast Rye Bay scallops as a tantalising starter, or opt for the decadent Chateaubriand steak, perfect for sharing between two discerning diners.
Landgate Bistro
Landgate Bistro held its crown as Rye’s premier dining destination for six consecutive years, earning the coveted title from The Good Food Guide, and was ranked as one of Open Table’s 100 Top Restaurants in the UK in 2023. With an unwavering commitment to seasonal excellence, the restaurant proudly showcases locally sourced produce from fishermen, farmers and foragers. Wild herbs, garlic and mushrooms, handpicked from the surrounding woodlands and fields, accentuate the menu’s vibrant flavours.
Indulge in a British culinary journey featuring an array of exquisite meat and seafood options, from venison and guinea fowl to lemon sole. And don’t forget to leave room for the irresistible homemade puddings, ranging from baked vanilla cheesecake to elderflower pannacotta and quince and almond tart.
Galleria
Nestled within a small and intimate space, Galleria’s simple contemporary design allows the culinary creations and carefully selected wines to shine. Galleria opened in August 2020 and embodies the dream of owners Gianluca Tozzi & Jack Booth to establish a cosy local restaurant and bar catering to seafood enthusiasts.
Drawing upon his coastal roots in Puglia, Italy, Chef Gianluca infuses Galleria’s menu with his expertise and personal connections with Hastings’ fishermen and women. These relationships ensure a constant supply of fresh, locally sourced seafood, reflecting the vibrant seasonality of the catch.
Situated just moments away from Europe’s oldest beach-launched fishing fleet, Galleria is deeply committed to supporting the local industry while promoting sustainable practices. Recognised for its excellence, Galleria has quickly made its mark. In 2021, it earned a coveted spot in “The Good Food Guide’s Platinum List” as one of the Best Newcomers, and the accolades continued in 2023 when Galleria was featured in The Good Food Guide, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for discerning diners seeking the finest in Sussex seafood dining.
Accommodations near the Best Seaside Restaurants in the UK
If you’re planning on a trip to East Sussex, arrive with an appetite. It’s home to some of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. The five options above are all big favourites with foodies, but they’re just the start of what Sussex has to offer. Feeling inspired to visit? Book from our range of rentals today.
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