The County of East Sussex is known for its deep culinary roots. It boasts an array of top restaurants that showcase the area’s lively food scene. These eateries range from spots offering classic British dishes to those with a global twist, each reflecting the area’s rich food history that dates back to Roman and Anglo-Saxon times. Among these is The Bell in Ticehurst, a standout establishment. It is celebrated for its Traditional British Cuisine and has earned 2 AA Rosettes1.
Near the English Channel, East Sussex’s dining scene is enriched with fresh seafood. This, coupled with a thriving wine culture, makes dining here truly exceptional. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard in Robertsbridge is a key highlight. It’s famous for its award-winning wines, crafted through organic and biodynamic means2.
East Sussex doesn’t just excel in seafood and wine. It offers dishes like Sussex Pond Pudding and a wealth of other food experiences, thanks to local farms and vineyards. While it may lack Michelin Star establishments, its culinary scene shines with 11 AA Rosette-listed restaurants1.
For those passionate about food, East Sussex serves as an ideal place for exploration. Its top-notch restaurants, cozy eateries, and traditional flavours promise a memorable culinary adventure.
The Bell in Ticehurst
Located in the scenic village of Ticehurst, The Bell in Ticehurst stands out. It’s known for being an award-winning restaurant in East Sussex. With great food, cosy rooms, and a unique vibe, it’s perfect for a foodie’s escape. It’s only an hour and a half from London and two from Oxford, making it ideal for a weekend break3.
Why Visit The Bell
The Bell Ticehurst offers a mix of history and modern luxury. Guests can enjoy different rooms such as Classic Double or Deluxe Double, each with en suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi3. It has a restaurant, bar, and even family-friendly spots, ensuring everyone has a good time3.
Menu Highlights
The menu at The Bell is a treat, featuring modern British dishes. Starters begin at £65 for a fancy five-course tasting menu3. At The Stables, you can enjoy another five-course meal by Mark Charter for £65. Add £35 per person for an optional wine pairing4. The choice of meats, fruits, and cheeses come from local sources, offered in a cosy or fine dining setting.
Visitor Reviews
Visitors love The Bell Ticehurst’s food quality and atmosphere. The feedback is very positive, noting the exceptional meals and cosy accommodations. Whether next to the fire or in the dining area, it’s an experience to remember. Booking is easy via The Bell in Ticehurst3.
Thinking about upscale dining in East Sussex? The Bell in Ticehurst is a must-visit destination.
CrabShack in Worthing
CrabShack is a hit in Worthing’s seafront, known for its great seafood. It started in 2015 by Sarah and Lynda. You can taste the seaside in every bite thanks to fresh, local ingredients5.
Location and Atmosphere
CrabShack is at 2 Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PN. It offers stunning Brighton coast views. The decor is rustic and welcoming, promising a great visit for all5. Due to its popularity, they’ve even expanded to make room for more guests6.
Known For:
The menu might be small, but it’s packed with flavour. It offers prawn cocktail, fritto misto, and smoked salmon6. Try these with El Camaron Albarino wine for a perfect match6.
CrabShack’s five chefs ensure your meal is fresh and unique every day. They cater to all diets, making it welcoming for everyone5. Because it’s so loved, booking ahead is wise. Don’t miss this top seafood spot6.
Morleys Bistro in Hurstpierpoint
In the scenic village of Hurstpierpoint, you’ll find Morleys Bistro. It’s well-known among recommended places to eat in East Sussex. It combines top-notch food with a relaxed environment, perfect for any meal. They are also committed to sustainable dining in East Sussex, using responsibly sourced ingredients.
Culinary Offerings
The menu at Morleys Bistro is impressive, offering a selection of eight starters, eight mains, snacks, and specials7. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, there’s something for you. Try their acclaimed seafood platter for £34 – it’s great value, especially when compared to similar dishes in Brighton7.
Their dishes, like the Croquilles St Jaques and the modern burrata, highlight the varied menu8. Looking for something hearty? Try the autumn specials, such as Duck Leg Tagine and Beef Cheek Bourguignon8. Plus, they offer homemade treats like their in-house sourdough bread8.
What Sets It Apart
Morleys Bistro stands out for several reasons. Sustainability is key here, with a menu and wine list that change with the seasons, crafted by Chef Andy Kier8. They also boast a lovely garden where guests can enjoy cocktails.
Beyond its restaurant, Morleys Bistro also offers cosy bed and breakfast accommodation9. With flexible dining hours, it’s easy to find a good time to visit. Their selection of off-menu wines and special dishes, like Irish rock oysters, showcases their quality8.
To see what makes Morleys Bistro special, check out their website. You can peruse their menu and discover their dedication to quality and sustainable practices. Visit Morleys Bistro to understand why it’s a top recommended spot in East Sussex.
River Café & Bistro in Shoreham-by-Sea
Tucked away in Shoreham-by-Sea, the River Café & Bistro is a gem for fantastic meals. It’s famed in East Sussex for its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. Lovers of fine food frequent it for Horsham Coffee and Bird & Blend tea10.
It’s open all week, offering delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch. A wide range of tastes will find something to enjoy10. The setting is bright, modern, and has beautiful views of the River Adur. It’s perfect for everyday meals or celebrating special moments.
Every plate shows the bistro’s focus on being ethical and sustainable. It’s well-known for using East Sussex’s incredible local produce. This approach supports local growers and guarantees top-quality ingredients for diners.
Karen and Steve Vyse, living in Shoreham-by-Sea for 20 years, have witnessed the town’s dramatic change. This change is vivid in its lively dining scene11. The River Café & Bistro is at the heart of this. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a community centre that reflects Shoreham-by-Sea’s changing culture11.
The bistro’s philosophy fits perfectly with Sussex’s ethical dining trend. The way they select ingredients and design their menu highlights their mission to deliver a memorable and responsible culinary experience. This positions River Café & Bistro as a pillar of what makes East Sussex’s food scene special10.
The Fig Tree in Hurstpierpoint
Located just 15 minutes from Brighton, The Fig Tree in Hurstpierpoint offers an upscale dining experience. It’s set in the beautiful Sussex village10. Within six months of opening, it has become a go-to place thanks to its lovely set lunch menu and posh dining vibe12.
Ambiance and Setting
The Fig Tree is known for its cosy and welcoming feel, with 38 seats available13. Its compact yet delightful space is ideal for a sophisticated meal in East Sussex. They plan to open a new 16-seat function room upstairs13. This will make it even more appealing for private events.
Menu Options
The Fig Tree Hurstpierpoint has an array of seasonal options on its menus. Their set lunch, offering a starter and main for £15, is particularly beloved. With desserts priced between £7.50 and £913, the set lunch menu is updated every two weeks to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients13.
Main courses on the a la carte menu start at £15 too, appealing to a wide range of tastes. They work with local suppliers for their extensive list of wines, gin, vodka, and soft drinks13. Tables can be reserved in advance and today, it’s been booked three times12.
As an up-and-coming culinary hotspot, The Fig Tree in Hurstpierpoint is set to draw more visitors from afarThe Fig Tree Hurstpierpoint12.
Beach House in Worthing
Beach House Worthing sits directly by the sea, offering lovely views of Worthing Pier. It’s a café-bar loved for sea-side dining. Known for a friendly vibe and a great menu, it focuses on local ingredients. Guests enjoy meals like burgers, homemade chili, fish and chips, and snacks14.
Reviews all agree: the staff are welcoming and the food is top-notch15. The venue is more than food; it’s about the whole experience. Seventy-five percent of feedback praises the enjoyable dining atmosphere15. Half of the customers love the cosy feeling and the local East Sussex ales15.
It’s by the pier and next to The Corner House, which won the Sussex Life Award14. This makes it perfect for a laid-back meal by the water. Visiting Beach House is a must for those exploring East Sussex’s flavours. For a full review of Worthing’s dining, check out MojoHaus.
Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee Gardens
Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Gardens is now an exceptional place to eat in East Sussex. It has earned a Michelin star. It’s perfectly set in the historic Leonardslee Gardens. Chef Jean Delport’s talent brings the restaurant’s charm and natural beauty together.
Tasting Menu Experience
The tasting menu at Restaurant Interlude is quite the adventure. It’s inspired by the beautiful Grade I listed Leonardslee estate16. You’ll go on a journey through 14 to 19 courses. Every dish uses fresh items from the estate like elderberries, mushrooms, and birch trees17.
While you eat, you’ll enjoy stunning views. They look out over the South Downs and the estate’s woodlands, making the meal even better16.
Uniqueness and Awards
Restaurant Interlude has won multiple awards. It’s received a Michelin Star four years in a row18. In 2024, it was given a Michelin Green Star for sustainability17. It also won the 2021 Travellers’ Choice award on Tripadvisor16. It’s among the top two restaurants in Sussex, making it onto the Top 100 list at the 2024 National Restaurant Awards17.
Chef Jean Delport is one of the youngest chefs to win a Michelin Star. He leads a team committed to excellence in dining18. The restaurant offers long tasting menus matched with superb wines. These include selections from Benguela Cove and other South African vineyards18. Its food, service, and atmosphere are highly praised by diners on Tripadvisor16.
The Pass at South Lodge, Lower Beeding
At The Pass in South Lodge Hotel, you find an unmatched immersive culinary experience East Sussex. It has a Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes, showing its commitment to top-notch dining19. The menu, created by Chef Ben Wilkinson, features Modern British dishes. He’s worked at famous places like The Cottage in the Wood and Midsummer House20.
Look forward to an eight-course tasting menu for £145. You can add wine pairings for £95 more, featuring selections from new regions20. This dining experience is open from Wednesday to Sunday evenings. A 28-cover restaurant, it has a see-through wall to the kitchen, making your meal more interactive20.
An evening at The Pass South Lodge is a journey for the senses. It highlights local seasonal produce and a standout dessert course20. Despite being fully booked on a Friday, it’s known for a refined and not overly flashy menu. Though opinions on the cheese course vary, the overall experience is well-loved20.
The restaurant has been in the Sunday Times Top 100 twice and quickly earned 4 AA Rosettes. Located at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding, it draws those after an unforgettable experience in East Sussex. Horsham train station is just over 4 miles away, making it easily accessible19.
To book a table or for more info, call The Pass at South Lodge in Horsham at 01403 891711. Find it at South Lodge Hotel, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PS19.
The Vineyard Kitchen at Leonardslee Wine Estate
In the vast 240-acre Leonardslee Wine Estate, The Vineyard Kitchen shines as a top choice for vineyard dining in East Sussex18. Visitors can enjoy extraordinary meals while overlooking beautiful vineyards. The estate, part of the Benguela Collection, grows 72,000 vines across 15 hectares, making excellent wines18.
Wine Estate and Views
The Vineyard Kitchen sits beautifully in the Leonardslee Wine Estate, offering a calm dining scene. Here, people can relax, eat, and admire the well-kept vineyards that are key to East Sussex’s farming legacy. This large estate is a go-to for combining great food with lovely scenery18.
Dining Experience
The Vineyard Kitchen is known for its menu that changes with the seasons, using local produce. You can try dishes like estate rabbit, fallow deer, and oysters18. The food is perfectly paired with the estate’s wines, making for a top-notch meal that really shows what East Sussex vineyard dining is about21. They also offer a tapas menu, encouraging guests to share different dishes in a relaxed, friendly setting21.
Special Events
The Vineyard Kitchen isn’t just for regular meals; it’s also a hit for special events like afternoon teas and wine tastings. It’s a great place for big parties, offering luxury in a beautiful spot18. With a future projection of 125,000 wine bottles produced yearly from June 2024, The Vineyard Kitchen aims to be a top spot for food and wine lovers22.
Source Links
- Best Restaurants in East Sussex, Top 100 Restaurants in East Sussex – https://www.leadingrestaurants.co.uk/best-restaurants/east-sussex/
- Best Foodie Experiences in Sussex – https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/best-foodie-experiences-in-sussex/
- The Bell in Ticehurst – East Sussex | Hotel Review – https://www.goodhousekeepingholidays.com/offers/east-sussex-ticehurst-the-bell-hotel
- Review: The Stables by Mark Charker at The Bell Inn, Ticehurst – https://theparentedit.co.uk/review-the-stables-by-mark-charker/
- Crabshack Worthing – https://restaurantsbrighton.co.uk/crabshack-worthing/
- Dishy fishy fare: Crabshack is calling – https://restaurantsbrighton.co.uk/dishy-fishy-fare-crabshack-is-calling/
- Review of Morleys Bistro – https://www.bitesussex.com/post/review-of-morleys-bistro
- A lunch date in Hurstpierpoint | Morley’s Bistro – https://restaurantsbrighton.co.uk/lunch-at-morleys-bistro/
- Morley’s Bistro – Gluten Free Dining – https://www.glutenfreedining.co.uk/venue/morleys-bistro/
- Sussex Restaurant Guide – https://restaurantsbrighton.co.uk/sussex-restaurant/
- Out and About in Shoreham-by-Sea – https://www.northwing.uk/out-and-about-shoreham-brighton-hove
- The 10 Best Restaurants Near Me in Hurstpierpoint, United Kingdom | OpenTable – https://www.opentable.co.uk/nearby/restaurants-near-me-hurstpierpoint-united-kingdom
- The Fig Tree in Hurstpierpoint: Restaurant review – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/sussex/22581427.fig-tree-hurstpierpoint-restaurant-review/
- 13 brilliant beach restaurants and cafés in Sussex – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/sussex/22575570.13-brilliant-beach-restaurants-cafes-sussex/
- Corner House Worthing – Best Gastropub in Sussex – https://www.cornerhouseworthing.co.uk/home-page/
- Restaurant Interlude TripAdvisor Award | Leonardslee Gardens – https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/news/interlude-tripadvisor-award
- News: Restaurant Interlude wins national award – https://www.your-sussex.wedding/wedding-news/28396/restaurant-interlude-wins-national-award
- Restaurant Interlude Wins Michelin Star for the Fourth Successive Year | Leonardslee Gardens – https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/news/restaurant-interlude-wins-michelin-star-for-the-fourth-successive-yearnbsp
- The Pass at South Lodge Restaurant, Horsham – https://www.leadingrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/the-pass-at-south-lodge-rh13-6ps/
- Review of Ben Wilkinson @ The Pass – https://www.bitesussex.com/post/review-of-ben-wilkinson-the-pass
- New Vineyard Kitchen at Tinwood, West Sussex | Sussex Exclusive – https://sussexexclusive.com/new-vineyard-kitchen-at-tinwood-west-sussex/
- Restaurant Interlude Wins First Michelin Green Star for West Sussex | Leonardslee Gardens – https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/news/restaurant-interlude-wins-first-michelin-green-star-for-west-sussex