Must-see restaurants in Southeast England

  • Gingerman

    Brighton & Hove

    Hastings seafood, Sussex beef, Romney Marsh lamb, local sparkling wines and countless other seasonal, local and British treats go into the adroitly flash…

  • Coastguard Pub

    Kent

    This welcoming seafront pub at St Margaret’s Bay is the closest tavern to France in England. Kept continually fresh, the bar and dining room are a cosy…

  • JB’s American Diner

    Brighton & Hove

    The waft of hot dogs as you push open the door, the shiny red-leather booths, the stars and stripes draped across the wall, the 1950s soundtrack twanging…

  • Bill’s

    East Sussex

    Part grocers, part delicatessen, part rustic-styled cafe, this insanely popular place envelops customers in its colours and smells then dishes up melt-in…

  • St Mary in the Castle

    East Sussex

    Amid the greasy cafes that line the seafront it's a relief to find this laid-back oasis of decent food offering nutritious titbits such as tofu on toast,…

  • Half Man! Half Burger!

    East Sussex

    An island of cool in fusty Eastbourne, HMHB invites you to take a lifejacket-orange seat under bare lightbulbs to enjoy belly-packing burgers containing…

  • Landgate Bistro

    Rye

    Escape the medieval excesses of Rye’s central eateries to this fresh-feeling bistro, slightly off the tourist trail near the impressive 14th-century…

  • Haydens

    Rye

    Long-time believers in organic and fair-trade produce, Haydens dishes up delicious omelettes, ploughman’s lunches, salads and bagels in a light, breezy…

  • Tartar Frigate

    Kent

    Dating back to the 18th century, this seafront pub is a great place to be in summer when tourists and locals alike spill out onto the beach. The seafood…

  • Foodilic

    Brighton & Hove

    It’s as good for breakfast (£5.85) as for a late dinner, but it’s the eat-till-you-burst buffet of scrumptious healthy fare that packs out this funky…

  • Bon Appetit

    Kent

    The best eatery on Westcliff, this first-rate bistro serves up French-inspired dishes in a simple dining room or with al fresco harbour views. Ingredients…

  • Dragon Bar

    East Sussex

    The younger end of the alternative old-town crowd is attracted to this atmospheric, hip bar-restaurant hang-out. It’s full of dark walls, mismatched…

  • Cafe des Amis

    Canterbury

    The name may be French but the dishes served at this colourful cafe are 100% Mexican with the full Monterrey of spicy tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and…

  • Purchases

    Southeast England

    Aptly named for Chichester's shopping streets, this crisply done out, slightly upmarket restaurant plates up modern takes on British classics such as beef…

  • Simon the Pieman

    Rye

    Many local cream-tea cognoscenti assert this traditional tearoom, Rye’s oldest, does the best scone-cream-jam combo this side of Romney Marsh. Further…

  • Tiger Inn

    East Sussex

    Located back from the cliffs, in the village of East Dean, the 15th-century Tiger Inn is one of Sussex' best taverns serving a gastropub menu to walkers…

  • Refectory Kitchen

    Canterbury

    This tiny, wood-beamed cafe serves popular, nutrient-packed all-day breakfasts and a short menu of light lunch and dinner mains containing Kentish…

  • King’s Arms

    Kent

    This cosy 15th-century inn opposite St Mary’s church serves quality English food and very popular Sunday lunches in a beamed dining room heated by large…

  • Vinyl Head Cafe

    Kent

    Located off the beaten track on a quiet road running up from the main drag through town, this groovy community cafe offers great coffee and homemade cakes…

  • La Salle Verte

    Dover

    A much-loved coffee or lunch halt with fascinating black-and-white images of old Dover lining the walls, an intimate cellar and friendly staff. Fills up…

  • Riverside

    East Sussex

    Housed in a former garage next to the river, this food hall and market is a fine place for coffee and cakes or a full sit-down brasserie meal in one of…

  • Outside the restaurant Kooks

    Kooks

    Brighton & Hove

    With a nod to music in its name and the pop rock memorabilia on its walls, this chilled all-day eatery serves smartened-up comfort food. Brunch is served…

  • Great British Pizza Company

    Kent

    A world away from your normal ‘British pizza’, the delicious cheese-topped wheels at this cool hang-out are made using the best local and Italian…

  • Veg Box Cafe

    Canterbury

    This tiny vegetarian and vegan cafe dwells in pea-green premises opposite the large organic supermarket to which it belongs. Usually full inside, grab a…

  • Mock Turtle

    Brighton & Hove

    Little has changed at this wonderfully quaint English tearoom since the mid-20th century. Those who’ve sipped and munched here that long claim the myriad…

  • Scoop & Crumb

    Brighton & Hove

    This ice-cream parlour belongs to the city’s artisanal ice-cream producer, and the sundaes (more than 50 types) are second to none. Freshly cut sandwiches…