Start your tasty journey in Hastings, located in the beautiful coastal town of East Sussex. This guide will take you through Hastings’ top dining spots. From traditional fish and chips to exquisite Italian gelato, get ready for an unforgettable food experience.
Hastings’ dining scene has something for everyone, whether you’re visiting or live locally. Renowned for its fresh seafood, places like Rock-a-Nore Fisheries smoke up to 300kg of fish weekly. This includes salmon, kippers, conger eels, and prawns1. Many restaurants pride themselves on using ingredients from over 20 local suppliers1.
Explore the Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded The Royal for its stylish gastropub vibe. Try the Provencal-style pistou soup or the skate wing with chard, pine nuts, and raisins. Alternatively, Farmyard offers sustainable, seasonal menus featuring the Hastings hot smoked salmon salad1. For those with a taste for the artisanal, Penbuckles Deli is a must-visit. Or, enjoy top-notch Irish beef steaks at Two Bulls Steakhouse, where a 28-day dry-aged Angus steak costs less than in London1.
Embark on a memorable eating adventure in Hastings with this guide. Ready to check out the best spots in this picturesque East Sussex coastal town? Let the journey begin!
The Thai Café at Boulevard Books
At 32 George Street, Hastings TN34 3EA, you’ll find The Thai Café inside Boulevard Books. It’s a special place that blends the cosy feeling of a secondhand bookshop with tasty Thai food2.By day, it’s a bookshop. By night, it turns into a warm dining spot. It’s best to book ahead because seats fill up quickly3.
Unique Dining Experience
Not only does this cafe offer yummy Thai dishes, it also lets you browse books as you eat3.It’s a cash-only spot and you’re welcomed to bring your own wine. This makes your visit even more personal2.Because it’s cosy, booking in advance is a must3.
Vegetarian Options
The cafe takes pride in catering to all, with plenty of vegetarian choices. They ensure everyone gets to try their authentic Thai flavours2.People love what they find here, making it a favourite among Hastings’ unique dining spots3.
Bring Your Own Wine
At The Thai Café, bringing your own wine adds a special touch to meals for just £2 corkage3.This policy not only makes your dinner unique but also puts it atop Hastings’ dining scene. With its genuine Thai cooking, the cafe is indeed a beloved locale23.
Di Pola’s: Iconic Ice Cream Parlour
Nestled on George Street, Di Pola’s Gelato shines as a top spot in Hastings. Known for its creamy Italian gelato, it makes the seaside town even more inviting. This place is packed with history and modern culture4. Locals and visitors love heading there for a sweet treat.
Authentic Italian Gelato
Di Pola’s is famous for its incredible gelato, drawing in big crowds4. Every scoop is smooth and rich, like a quick trip to Italy. Using traditional skills and fine ingredients, they make each gelato special. It’s a must-visit for authentic Italian ice cream in Hastings.
Variety of Flavours
Di Pola’s offers a wide range of flavours to suit everyone. You can choose from classics or try something bold like passionfruit and sea salt caramel. It’s a place where everyone finds something they love. Both locals and tourists enjoy Di Pola’s rich flavours, adding to Hastings’ vibrant food scene.
A. G. Hendy & Co. Dining Room
A visit to A. G. Hendy & Co. Dining Room offers a unique journey back in time. It places you right into the heart of Georgian dining in Hastings. Each step inside feels like entering a true Georgian era.
Georgian Ambience
Over three years, Alastair Hendy meticulously restored the AG Hendy & Co Home Store building5. Its dining room is a vision, with a select few tables, some interestingly in the kitchen5. This ambiance, simple and enthralling, reflects historic Hastings dining spots closely.
Fresh Local Fish
The menu at A. G. Hendy & Co. Dining Room champions fresh, pure ingredients. The main star is local fish from Hastings, with seabass for £28, adorned with vegetables, herbs, and curds5. Served simply on enamelware or metal trays, it presents a Georgian dining twist that’s not to be missed in Hastings.
Weekend Lunches
Open only for weekend lunches, this Hastings dining spot has a special schedule. Visitors can enjoy their meals until the last order at 4 pm. The food, made from the freshest local produce, includes tasty seafood and baked goods5. Expect to spend over a hundred pounds for two, but it’s worth the rich, historical experience.
Penbuckles Deli: Artisan Delights
Penbuckles Deli in Hastings Old Town is a must-visit for artisan food enthusiasts. It specialises in British cheeses and global favourites. With support for over 750 UK cheese makers, Penbuckles features choices like Baron Bigod and Stichelton. These offerings are part of their effort to ‘Save British Cheese’6.
Gourmet Picnic Lunches
Penbuckles offers unique gourmet picnic options for a perfect day out. Their picnic lunches include a mix of delicious deli goods. Highlights include hickory-smoked sausage rolls and Bombay potato bombs, ensuring a delightful meal outdoors. This commitment highlights the success of independent Hastings Old Town businesses7.
Deli Platters and Craft Ales
Penbuckles is known for its exquisite deli platters and craft ale selection. The platters feature cured meats, fine cheeses, olives, and chutneys for refined tastes. Adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic, Penbuckles began delivering and created gift boxes, aiding local cheesemakers6. Owners Ellie and Richard Lubbock-Shattock aim to expand, keeping Penbuckles at the heart of the community6.
Deli Item | Highlight | Additional Information |
---|---|---|
Picnic Lunches | Hickory-smoked Sausage Rolls | Includes a variety of deli items |
Deli Platters | Artisan Cheese Selection | Paired with craft ales |
Gift Boxes | Curated Selection Items | Introduced during Covid-19 |
Craft Ales | Locally Sourced | Complementing deli platters |
The Crown: Contemporary Pub
The Crown shines as a top choice among modern pubs in Hastings. Located on All Saints Street, this unique spot combines contemporary style with a warm atmosphere. It’s perfect for guests who want to dine with their dogs.
Local Art and Dog-Friendly
Visiting The Crown delights the senses. Its walls showcase local artwork, turning the space into a gallery. This celebration of local artists adds to the pub’s cozy feel. It makes The Crown a prime pick for enjoying a meal with your dog in Hastings.
Menu from Local Suppliers
The Crown’s menu celebrates the area’s local produce. It partners with over 20 local suppliers1 to offer fresh, seasonal dishes. This dedication supports local farmers and creators, showcasing Hastings’ best flavours. Guests can enjoy everything from fresh fish to seasonal veggies.
The Crown stands out for those who value sustainable eating and great food. It’s a gem among Hastings’ contemporary pubs.
Rock-a-Nore Fisheries: Fresh Seafood
For over 30 years, Rock-a-Nore Fisheries has been a star in Hastings. It’s famous for its fresh seafood. Located in the lovely Stade area, this family-run business wins hearts. Locals and birds alike adore the smell of their smoked fish, especially the hot-smoked salmon.
Rock-a-Nore is a top choice for seafood in Hastings. They’re all about quality. Every bite proves their commitment to the freshest seafood.
It’s the go-to place for seafood lovers and visitors. The flavours tell you everything about their dedication.
- Hot-smoked salmon
- Smoked mackerel
- King prawns
Rock-a-Nore Fisheries is known for genuine sea flavours. With its rich history and top-notch quality, it attracts everyone to Hastings. The shop’s lively surroundings show its popularity and the trust it’s earned.
If you love seafood, Rock-a-Nore is a treasure. For over three decades, it’s shone as crucial to Hastings’ seafood vibe.
Maggie’s – For Fish and Chips
If you’re in Hastings, don’t miss out on Maggie’s for fish and chips. It’s known as one of the finest spots for fish and chips in Hastings. This lovely café offers a memorable meal with fresh market fish and chips that are fried twice.
Fresh Market Fish
Maggie’s uses fresh cod Hastings from the market below. This ensures each bite is fresh and tasty. The fish’s quality has earned excellent reviews, with one calling it “perfect”8. Maggie’s has been named the 7th best fish and chip shop in Britain by The Times8. This recognition shows in the long lines outside, even on a Tuesday night8.
Double-Fried Chips
The double-fried chips are a standout feature at Maggie’s. These chips are big, well-seasoned, and crispy, making them perfect with fresh cod. A meal of cod and chips costs £12.50, offering great value and large portions8. Reviews often mention the warm staff, making the dining experience even better, especially when it’s busy8.
Two Bulls Steakhouse: Finest Steaks
Two Bulls Steakhouse in Hastings is well-known for its great food, especially for those who love steak. It only uses high-quality Irish beef to make your meal memorable, whether you’re a local or just visiting. It’s among the top places in Hastings for steaks, offering perfectly aged and expertly cooked options that are absolutely delicious.
High-Quality Irish Beef
At Two Bulls Steakhouse, the main focus is on Irish beef. This beef is famous for its excellent texture and taste. They choose only the best Irish cuts, ensuring your meal is both consistent and exceptional. People in Hastings love the high-quality, tasty Irish beef served here. New Zealand is also praised for its top-notch meat, which meets halal standards, drawing in a worldwide clientele9. That’s why steak lovers prefer Two Bulls for its dedication to quality.
Learn more about halal meat production in New Zealand
Delicious Desserts Featuring Di Pola’s Gelato
After enjoying a delicious steak, there’s nothing like a sweet dessert to finish the meal. Two Bulls Steakhouse offers desserts designed to wow you. They feature Di Pola’s gelato, combining traditional and new flavours in a unique way. This partnership showcases Hastings’ best, making Two Bulls a prime spot for both steak and dessert lovers.
Farmyard, St Leonards on Sea
At Farmyard in St Leonards on Sea, the focus is on sustainability and seasonality. They lead in sustainable dining in Hastings with local, responsible dishes. Visitors enjoy meals that blend taste with an ecological conscience.
Sustainable and Seasonal Menu
Farmyard champions a farm-to-table approach. The Hastings menu features dishes like Holmes Farm roast beef and truffled wild mushroom strudel. Every Sunday, there’s a special menu from 12-4pm, offering a perfect weekly wrap-up. Options include whole roast chicken or salt marsh lamb shoulder for groups10.
Along with summer roasts and classic sides, they serve a Summer Roasts option with cooler sides for hot days. The Sunday menu, available with the regular choices, is £35 each. It’s a great choice for a unique weekend meal10.
Natural and Biodynamic Wines
Farmyard pairs its food with an array of natural and biodynamic wines. These selections align with their sustainable ethos, enhancing the meal experience. Each Farmyard St Leonards review praises their commitment to eco-friendly dining.
Desserts like seasonal fruit crumbles round off the meal with homely warmth. Farmyard stands out for those wanting a tasty, responsible dining experience10.
The Royal, St Leonards on Sea
The Royal sits in the scenic town of St Leonards on Sea, blending traditional pub vibes with modern tastes. It’s a transformed pub that now offers a top-notch gastropub experience in Hastings.
Gastropub Ambience
Under James Hickson’s lead, with his rich London background, The Royal brings a trendy Shoreditch feel to Hastings. The menu showcases simple, yet superb dishes. It highlights top ingredients and culinary skill. Prices range from £5 for starters, £12 to £17 for mains, and £5 for desserts. Wines start at £18, ensuring a full gastropub experience11.
Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner
The Royal has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand title, making it a standout not just in St Leonards but among Michelin Bib Gourmand spots in Hastings. This award recognises the high quality and creativity in every dish. Since opening in October 2019, thanks to efforts from Anchor & Hope alumni, it’s become a favourite12.
From September, The Royal will adjust its hours to open more doors for diners. It will serve dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. This change aims to make visiting more convenient11.
Puglia-Inspired Galleria, St Leonards on Sea
At Galleria in St Leonards on Sea, Chef Gianluca Tozzi brings the heart of Puglia to life. With only 14 seats, this seafood bar promises an up-close culinary journey1. Opening during the pandemic, it overcame obstacles to win local hearts. Its menu changes with the seasons, highlighting the best local produce13.
Galleria’s menus refresh often, showcasing the season’s best catches, like their new fish stew for autumn13. They support local markets and are dedicated to eco-friendly dining. Their wine list, with picks from Sussex and further, matches their seafood perfectly, offering a complete dining experience1. Learn more about Galleria’s story and inspiration in this in-depth review.
Galleria is known for its inventive à la carte dishes and unique tasting events with local wines13. Open Tuesday to Saturday in winter, it offers varied lunch and à la carte menus13. A visit here is a must for lovers of Italian seafood in Hastings, promising an unforgettable experience.
Source Links
- Hastings foodie guide: where to eat and drink – https://www.olivemagazine.com/restaurants/south-east/olive-pitstop-where-to-eat-and-drink-in-hastings-east-sussex/
- The Thai Restaurant in a Hastings Bookshop • Ellie & Co – https://www.ellieandco.co.uk/2021/09/boulevard-books-thai-cafe-bookshop-hastings.html
- The Hastings bookshop hiding a secret Thai restaurant inside – https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/hastings-bookshop-hiding-secret-thai-5582176
- The very best things to do in Hastings – https://www.timeout.com/hastings/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-hastings
- Restaurant: AG Hendy & Co Home Store Kitchen, Hastings – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/sep/21/ag-hendy-hastings-restaurant-review
- Blessed Are The Cheese-Sellers – https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/articles/food-drink/blessed-are-the-cheese-sellers/
- Hastings Old Town businesses – The Hastings Flyer Events Guide – https://hastingsflyer.com/hastings-old-town-businesses/
- I visited the ‘best’ fish and chip in Sussex and the views are incredible – https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/news/sussex-news/visited-best-fish-chip-sussex-7485342
- Feast of history: when carpetbag steak and Mateus created dining heaven – https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2021/07/30/history-of-dining-on-sunshine-coast/
- Sunday roasts, served every week using top local meats and fish from St Leonards / Hastings – https://farmyardwine.com/food/sunday/
- The Royal, St Leonards: ‘Extremely encouraging’ – restaurant review – https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/aug/30/jay-rayner-the-royal-st-leonards-extremely-encouraging-restaurant-review
- From top seafood to salt beef bagels: Where to eat in St Leonards and Hastings | Local Guide | The Good Food Guide – https://www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/editorial/local-guide/from-top-seafood-to-salt-beef-bagels-where-to-eat-in-st-leonards-and-hastings
- Galleria: The People Behind the Menu – https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/articles/food-drink/galleria-the-people-behind-the-menu/