Dish of the day! 41 picture perfect places to eat in the South

Picture postcard places to eat where the food shares the limelight with view. If you’re heading to Hants, Sussex, Kent or Dorset, we’ve found the best pubs, cafés and restaurants with a view.

SUSSEX

Boat House, Chichester

Boat House restaurant Hants, exterior

If you like your food served with a side of stunning view, you’re going to want to book a table here pronto. Overlooking the bobbing boats of Chichester Marina, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Muddy loves the coastal vibes of this contemporary restaurant celebrating local, seasonal produce in style. Whether you’re popping in for brunch, light lunch or a three-course dinner, there’s a menu to match. As you’d expect from a waterfront eatery, the fish and seafood offering is strong, from Tempura fish tacos and Goan cod curry to dressed crab and a towering seafood platter including baked scallops, prawns and salt and pepper squid. You can also paddle board along the popular route from the Crown and Anchor in Chichester to the marina and finish off with lunch. 

E.Street Bar & Grill, Petworth

E.Street Bar & Grill, Petworth interior

The perfect blend of class and casual, E. Street is an airy, sophisticated dining space in a 17th century building. It dishes out beautiful, seasonal plates of locally-sourced food and expertly-mixed cocktails.It’s something about the vibe of the place: buzzy and unfussy, even though everything’s really rather beautiful. (Safe to say that we, with our mud-splattered stilettos, appreciate a place that knows how to nail relaxed style.) The menu is that trendy breed of elevated British, which is to say it includes Middle Eastern, Spanish, and French flavours, whilst also firmly championing the triple-cooked chip. Read Muddy’s review.

East Beach Café, Littlehampton

Exterior of East Beach Cafe Littlehampton

Eye-catching much? This venue is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach, with architecture designed by Conran-trained Thomas Heatherwick. Food-wise, think uncomplicated seaside classics of tempura prawns, fish and chips, fish soup, crab et al but Muddy’s pick is the fizz and squid as we discovered in our review. There’s also the option to stay – and enjoy more amazing views – at the East Beach House, a charming boutique Victorian guest house a short walk away. 

The Gallivant, Rye

Tables and chairs at the Gallivant

If the extensive list of English wines (more than anywhere else in the UK) isn’t enough to get you booking a table (and why on earth not?) then the beautiful seaside view will as well the food menu using locally-sourced ingredients. Brunch is a highlight, and there’s a special package where you can take your drinks, glassware and a blanket to the beach to watch sunset with the sand between your toes. Why not make a night of it and stay at the stunning Gallivant hotel?

The Wittering, West Witterings 

The Wittering, West Witterings interior

A relatively new addition to the Sussex seaside, this stylish free house near The Witterings – a close contender for most beautiful beach in the county – opened earlier this year. The menu mantra is ‘eat the seasons’ and the food is kept local and of course, delicious. There’s also the option to stay over and enjoy breakfast by the beach. Read Muddy’s review.

Crab Shack, Worthing

Crab shack tray of seafood Worthing

Situated just opposite Worthing’s beach, close to the pier and theatre, this unpretentious family-run restaurant and bar serves up quality seafood on a wooden deck and in a cosy cabin-like interior. Stop in for casual grazing on the likes of cockle popcorn, moules mariniere, crispy squid with garlic chips and creamy Sussex smokie with dunking ciabatta. Relax over dinner – perhaps dressed crab or the catch of the day, landed by a local fishing fleet, or a fish platter for two featuring South Downs-smoked salmon. Crab Shack is off a coastal cycle path, so you can plan it as a reward when you’ve pedalled from Brighton or beyond. In winter, think chowder or fish stew and a trip to the retro cinema nearby.

Heritage by Matt Gillan, Slaugham

Outdoor garden at Heritage restaurant

“Progressively British food with something a bit unusual,” is how Great British Menu star Matt Gillan describes his food at Heritage. The restaurant opened in 2019 and transformed the former pub, The Chequers Inn, into a luxury location. Five boutique rooms followed and completed the transformation into a destination venue. The multi-course menus feature classics carefully combined with Matt’s quirky twists across four, seven or nine courses with the option to pair with creative cocktails or wines. It’s a handsome venue complete with a sophisticated bar, while the restaurant overlooks a beautiful garden and the Sussex countryside beyond. After your meal you can make the most of the steam-punk lounge and on sunnier days enjoy the garden and front terrace.

Birchwood, Filmwell Park

Exterior wooden buildings Filmwell Park

Sitting on the edge of a magical 46-acres of birch and chestnut trees in rural East Sussex is Birchwood, the second restaurant from iconic chef Will Devlin and his brother Matt. The restaurant is light airy and textural and the vibe is paired back Scandi. There is nothing here that would jar with the woodland outside. Birchwood is all about flavour and sustainability. Vegetables are pulled from the soil just before service, or are preserved, cured and bottled at peak freshness to extend the season and create a new larder to cook from. But best of all the restaurant and large deck back onto the beautiful Filmwell Park a magical forest where you instantly feel relaxed looking out over the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

180 Degrees, Cuckfield

Outdoor area and picnic benches 180 Degrees restaurant

With the tagline of ‘unforgettable and spectacular views’ you’re guaranteed a meal with a (rather large) side order of a stunning backdrop here. It’s a destination restaurant meaning you’ll want to order a bottle to share in the sunshine and drink in the surroundings. If you want to work up an appetite first you can always have a round of golf first. The main draw is the large deck complete with parasols but the menu puts up a good fight for your attention featuring the special ‘burger menu’ but the roasts get rave reviews as does brunch (we’ll make ours bottomless)!

Perch, Lancing

Tables and chairs at Perch restaurant Lancing

A laid back family-friendly café ideal for pancakes with panoramic views of the sea. What more could you want? It’s also a dream destination to have a hot chocolate (loads whipped cream and all the trimmings) sat outside on a blustery day – there is shelter from the elements on the deck too. Brunch is a top choice and there’s a kid’s menu but the real draw is the stone-baked pizzas served until 9pm. Simple, unpretentious food with the most incredible beach view. That spells winner to us! 

West Pier Tea Room, Brighton 

Terrace and sea view at West Pier tea room cafe i360 Brighton

This is so good we’re almost reluctant to share! Finding a cute café that overlooks the sea away from the crowds on a sunny day in Brighton isn’t easy. The struggle is real! But this café – that serves alcohol too – is too amazing not to visit. It’s right next to the i360 and is housed in a reconstructed Toll Booth serving coffees, cakes and sandwiches and best of all: selected wines, beers and cocktails. We suggest sitting on the terrace collapsing into a deck chair or under a parasol looking out at the sea slash doing some people watching. It’s simply the best pastime in Brighton. 

Trading Boundaries, Fletching

This magical destination in the heart of the Sussex countryside is a shop, wedding venue, concert hall, café and art gallery – is there anything it can’t do? But we’re most impressed by the bar and café, after all, it has heated cocktail decking – yes, that’s right heated! For added flavour there’s plenty of personality in the form of a real Tuk Tuk. You’ll find everything from burgers to Buddah bowls with some Asian influences including a mango margherita.

KENT

Buoy & Oyster, Margate

Plate of seafood with oysters, prawns, calamari and mussels

A seafood lovers paradise, there’s a lot to love about this family-run restaurant, overlooking the beach in Margate. Enjoy time with friends and family whilst eating great quality food, supporting local suppliers and soaking up the stunning sea views and sunsets. There’s definitely a summer holiday vibe about this one!

Samphire, Whitstable

Plate of food with steak, potatoes and spinach

Heading to Whitstable for a day trip or mini break, or fancy somewhere gorgeous for a date night or brunch? May we introduce the award-winning Samphire bistro. This local gem was Whitstable’s first bistro and is conveniently situated in the centre of town and just metres from the sea. With a rustic, casual vibe and Art Deco Exterior it has a (rightly deserved) reputation for its’ outstanding seasonal menu comprising local fish, seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.

Number Eight, Sevenoaks

Number Eight, Sevenoaks interior

A new destination fine dining spot in the heart of historic Sevenoaks. We love this elegant restaurant – put it top of your list! Number Eight is a brand new restaurant and bar, owned and run by chef and restaurateur Stuart Gillies and his wife Cecilia, in the buzzy heart of Sevenoaks. The family-run eatery sits in a stunning 16th century corner site with a picturesque courtyard terrace.

The restaurant also includes a 16-cover private room, called The Gallery, that serves as both an intimate dining and bespoke artwork showcase space. Inside you’ll find sophisticated interiors, classic and refined, with every element of your experience thought through in careful detail.

The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury

The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury interior

For the ultimate foodie destination in Kent, look no further than The Fordwich Arms. This award-winning riverside restaurant makes the perfect venue for a celebration, anniversary or romantic treat. We love the gorgeous 1930’s bar for its’ relaxed setting, cocktail selection, and cosy vibes. The oak panelled dining room has roaring open fires and for summer dining there is a pretty riverside garden. We’d also recommend their sister restaurant, The Bridge Arms, recently transformed by the duo behind the Fordwich Arms – Dan and Natasha Smith. Nestled in the beautiful village of Bridge, situated within the Nailbourne Valley, The Bridge Arms was originally a coaching inn and dates back to the 16th century. For chilly winter days hunker down in The Grade II listed beamed building with roaring fires. Enjoy warmer summer days in the outside bar and garden.

The Small Holding, Cranbrook

The Small Holding, Cranbrook food

Are you after a dining experience like no other? The Small Holding in Kilndown is an award-winning restaurant, offering wonderful home-grown and reared produce, hence the name. It’s one of a few dining destinations in the UK to receive a Michelin Green Star – the award recognises restaurants with a focus on environmental practices.

The West House, Biddenden

Plate of food

Heard of The West House Restaurant with Rooms? Found in the pretty village of Biddenden, this family-run, foodie gem never disappoints – and should be on your must-do dining list. The West House sits in a 16th Century weaver’s cottage – with no need for flashiness the frontage is perfectly understated and in keeping with the surroundings – so you could easily fly past it in the car. But those in-the-know flock here – even in hard times there’s always a full dining room and happy buzz about the place.

Folkestone Harbour Arm

Folkestone Harbour Arm exterior

If you’re visiting this cool coastal town then the Folkestone Harbour Arm is an absolute must. This quirky, fun, foodie gem, sits right on the beach, boasts sea views a plenty and is bursting with indie eateries.

The Kentish Hare, Bidborough

The Kentish Hare, Bidborough exterior

This popular eatery is a real foodie gem. Hop, skip and jump over to this award-winning Bidborough pub where the interiors are stylish but food is the real star, with a highly sought-after Michelin Bib Gourmand to their name, voted Best Pub in Kent in the Muddy Stilettos Award 2019 and a whole host of other accolades under its belt. The interior is large, light and contemporary – stylishly designed with the hare theme and quirky furnishings dotted around the place. Whatcha waiting for?

The Bottle House, Penshurst

The Bottle House, Penshurst exterior

15th Century Free House in the heart of the Kent countryside, nestled in the historic village of Penshurst between the towns of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The Bottle House is a stand-out dining destination with a handsome exterior, beams galore and a copper-topped bar inside and a menu that’s dedicated to seasonality and local produce. In the warmer months, sit outside on the large garden terrace with a covered and heated oak-beamed pergola or when it’s colder, sit in one of the cosy nooks inside. This should be next on your must-do list.

Squerryes Winery Restaurant, Westerham

Squerryes Winery Restaurant, Westerham exterior

If wine is involved, we’re there! Squerryes is a 2,500 acre wine estate located just outside Westerham and has been run by the Warde family for just over 300 years. At the heart of the working English wine estate, is their brasserie-style restaurant, sun-filled terrace and private garden serving delicious food using seasonal ingredients foraged from the estate and some wonderful artisan producers from the Garden of England. It’s a beautiful place to be, it’s truly the gateway to the Garden of England with views across the south of the estate and their Rosé vineyard. Their menus are ever-changing, influenced by the seasons but you can expect simple dishes expressing the natural flavours of the region, prepared without compromise. The restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesday and lunch and dinner Thursday to Saturday. With Sunday Roast Lunch 12-5pm.

The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells

The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells terrace

Tucked away down Tea Garden Lane by the edge of the woods in Tunbridge Wells, The Beacon is a truly stunning place to be, whether you’re dining as a family or out for date-night – and from special ocassions to a dog walking pitstop – you’ll love their seasonal dishes, local wines and relaxed atmosphere. A truly picturesque setting, overlooking Happy Valley, the restaurant and bar has crackling fires in the winter, swathes of bluebells and foxgloves in the Spring, a pretty terrace for summer cocktails and breath-taking views all year round.

EAST DORSET

Scott Arms, Kingston

Corfe Castle, Dorset

The views from the large pub gardens across the Purbeck countryside to the ruins of Corfe Castle are magnificent (and there’s a telescope in the garden if you want to zoom in). The super laidback place serves up the usual pub grub with the added bonus of Caribbean nosh from the Jerk Shak every weekend (co-owner Nicky comes from Jamaica).

The Salt Cellar, Shaftesbury

gold hill shaftesbury dorset

Scoff sarnies, ciabattas, homemade pies, scones and banana splits at this traditional and unpretentious cafe located at the top of one of the UK’s most iconic streets. You’ll be looking directly down Gold Hill and over to the Blackmore Vale beyond: instantly Instagrammable.

The Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock

The Hive Beach Cafe, Dorset

Fresh fish and seafood, right on the beach, with bracing cliff-top walks in one direction and towards Chesil Beach in the other, and great views all around. It’s unpretentious, with metal cafe chairs and tables, concrete floor and tarpaulin walls which are rolled up in summer; dogs are welcome. Come for stuff like crab bubble & squeak, fish soup, grilled bass and whole fish dishes or take away king prawns, fish & chips and crab sarnies in recyclable seaweed packaging.

The Old Granary, Wareham

The Old Granary, Wareham, Dorset

Take a seat on the roof terrace at the former grain house in the old Saxon town of Wareham for views of the River Frome and out over towards the Purbeck Hiils. Part of the Hall & Woodhouse group, the place serves up pub classics and Sunday lunches in an all-day café, bar and dining room.

Rick Stein, Sandbanks

rick stein sandbanks

The full fishy Rick Stein experience – from the humble cockle to grilled lobster and everything in between – with great value three-course lunches on weekdays, and fish and chips, fish soup and Indonesian seafood curry to take away. Don’t fancy fish? They do a stonking steak, too. Book a seat on the Seaview Terrace for panoramic views of Poole Harbour.

Urban Reef, Boscombe, Bournemouth

Urban Reef, Boscombe, Bournemouth interior

Café by day, restaurant by night, with breakfast, lunches and dinner – seafood, burgers and wood-fired pizzas – bar snacks and cocktails, served inside and out, right on the edge of the beach on the Boscombe Prom. The views around Bournemouth Bay, from the Isle of Wight in one direction to the Purbeck Hills and beyond in the other, are fabulous.

The Pig-on the Beach, Studland

The Pig-on the Beach, Studland interior

You don’t have to be a guest at the country chic hotel to eat in their conservatory restaurant, with views across the lawns to Old Harry Rocks beyond (but once you’ve seen the place, you’ll probably want to book yourself in). Everything on the delicious locally-focused, seasonal menu is grown in their walled kitchen garden, foraged from the sea or comes from within a 25-miles from the hotel.

The Jetty Restaurant, Christchurch

The Jetty, Christchurch, Dorset

Fresh fish and seafood caught, landed, cooked – and eaten – on the waterfront, looking across towards Mudeford Quay. Situated in the grounds of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, the elegant restaurant, headed up by Alex Aitken (read our interview with him here) serves up excellent meat, veggie and vegan dishes too.

Shell Bay, Studland

Shell Bay restaurant on the beach, Dorset

You could almost be in the Caribbean at Shell Bay, a no-nonsense seafood restaurant and bistro on Studland on the Isle of Purbeck (get there via the quirky chain ferry from Sandbanks), with excellent modern and classic local seafood dishes, an unpretentious vibe and superb views. Get a table on the terrace if you can. The sunsets can be spectacular.

HAMPSHIRE

The Jetty, Southampton

The Jetty Ocean Village

Right in the middle of Southampton’s Ocean Village – overlooking the waterfront and some pretty serious yachts – The Jetty is top chef Alex Aitken‘s Hampshire restaurant outpost. Panoramic views abound indoors and out, but reserve a table or pod on the terrace for the full alfresco experience.

The Mayfly, Stockbridge

The Mayfly, Stockbridge

A waterside country pub near Stockbridge, close to the John Lewis Partnership’s Leckford Estate and Longstock Park Water Gardens, The Mayfly’s picturesque pub garden has quite the view. It’s a gorgeous spot to enjoy the good pub grub on offer here, including lots of top Hampshire and Isle of Wight produce. Take a seat beside the tranquil River Test, wave to the passing ducks and look out for splashing trout.

La Terrazza, The Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfeld

La Terrazza Restaurant Four Seasons Hampshire

A seasonal summer escape at The Four Seasons Hampshire, soak up an aperitivo and stunning country estate views at La Terrazza then graze on salads, delicious fresh pizza and (if you can manage it) some seriously tasty tiramisu for pud.

36 on the Quay, Emsworth

36 on the Quay Emsworth quayside restaurant with views Hampshire

Sitting prettily on the Hants/Sussex border, this Michelin-rated fine-dining coastal restaurant with rooms at Emsworth has a great view across Chichester Harbour. Local head chef Gary Pearce worked in one, two and even three Michelin Star restaurants from across the world before settling in Emsworth as proprietor.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The George, Yarmouth

George Hotel Yarmouth table view

Right on the water’s edge, The George is handily located right beside the Lymington ferry dock, the shortest crossing over to the Island. Head straight for the Italian-inspired beachfront garden – complete with historic olive trees and reclaimed driftwood beach bar – and order fresh pizza, mega George burgers and fresh seafood. When the sun’s got his hat on, bottles of AIX Provence rosé are always free-flowing.

The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor

The Spyglass Inn Ventnor Isle of Wight views

Tough competition but when it comes to spectacular sea views on the Isle of Wight, The Spyglass Inn is definitely up there. Inside the historic 1830s building, the fabulously quirky maritime décor is a nod to the piratey heritage here. Snag a seat on the terrace and look out over miles of English channel while tucking into platters of fresh, locally-caught seafood.

The Hut, Colwell Bay

The Hut Colwell Bay restaurants with a view Isle of Wight

Reservations aren’t easy to come by but if you manage to get one, this seasonal coastal restaurant with beachy vibes looking out over Colwell Bay serves up an amazing array of fresh seafood. Time it well and enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Island.

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