5 of the Best Beach Restaurants in Sussex

If you need more than just sea and sunshine to entice you to the coast, you’ll be pleased to hear that Sussex has seen a number of successful beachside eateries popping up over the past few years. These restaurants not only regenerate tired parts of the seafront, but also often serve as community hubs and music venues . So now you can enjoy your sundowners knowing that you’re supporting an important part of a process enriching seaside towns! Here are just a few of my favourite local beach restaurants across our county..

The Beach at Littlehampton

Set up in 2021 by three friends (Dave, Jamie and James) with a love of being close to and on the sea, The Beach has a surf club feel about it with laid back lounge areas and staff who could easily become your best mate! Although, predominantly serving as a café, The Beach also acts as a Park Run meeting point, yoga studio, music venue and water sports facility. They’re open for food from 7am through until 9pm offering a full range of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The lunch menu offers a selection of pizzas, wraps, burgers and seafood delights – a really good selection of fresh bites. 

Read my review here.

Rockwater, Hove

Rockwater was established in 2020 as the brainchild of Luke Davis. Having recognised the huge potential of the location Luke aspired to create a vibrant community hub offering a range of dining, wellbeing and entertainment experiences in the heart of Hove. Guests can choose from a range of dining options depending on whether you’re just popping in for your morning coffee or looking for an indulgent, fine dining restaurant experience. The vibe is more Balearics than Brighton with hanging plants, clean designs, cool furnishings and an overwhelming sense of space and light. Perfect for any special occasion.

Read my review here.

Perch on Lancing Beach

The Perch is a laid back café right on the beach. Serving everything from fish n chips to coffee and cake this is the ultimate place to cosy up indoors taking shelter from the wind. Perch is also proud to be constructed in one of the largest low carbon buildings on the south coast, working in harmony with its unique coastal location. 

Shelter Hall in Brighton

Housed in a stunning seafront building dating back to the 1880’s, Shelter Hall now functions as a beautifully refurbished food hall. With seven kitchens and two bars to whet your appetite there’s something for everyone here including Mexican, vegan, pizza and Greek. Make the most of the outdoor seating with views directly across to the old West Pier, or take shelter inside in their vibrant seating space. The only down side here is having too much good food to choose from!

Bistrot Pierre in Eastbourne

With views sweeping towards Beachy Head Bistrot Pierre arguably has the best vista in Eastbourne. The menu is largely French inspired with traditional culinary delights such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Poulet Roti, although there’s plenty of traditional dishes like burgers and salmon fillet should that be more to your liking. Head straight to the balcony area for a sunset tipple to make the most of your visit before moving indoors for some of that delicious French cuisine.