Eastbourne’s food scene has come a long way, and today the town serves up everything from award-winning fine dining and authentic Italian to Greek, Thai, Mexican and some of the best fish and chips on the coast. Whether you’re after a special-occasion dinner or a relaxed bite by the sea, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Eastbourne.
Where to eat in Eastbourne
The main dining areas are the seafront (for views), Little Chelsea and the Victoria Place / Devonshire Quarter (independents), Terminus Road near the station, Sovereign Harbour (marina dining) and Meads village.
Fine dining: The Mirabelle
For a special occasion, Eastbourne’s flagship restaurant is The Mirabelle at the Grand Hotel on the western seafront. It’s the town’s premier fine-dining room, serving creative modern European cooking with seasonal produce, an excellent wine list and impeccable service in an elegant, classical setting. Long celebrated by the national food press and a regular fixture in the Good Food Guide, it’s the go-to for romantic dinners and gourmet treats. The Grand also offers more relaxed dining in its Garden Restaurant and a famously sumptuous afternoon tea in the Great Hall.
Local tip: the Mirabelle is popular and quite formal — book ahead, and look out for its set lunch, which is often surprisingly accessible value for cooking of this standard.
Modern British and seasonal
For seasonal British cooking, Skylark on Grove Road is an intimate, award-winning little restaurant much loved by locals, offering inventive seasonal English dishes. Several of the town’s seafront hotels also serve modern British menus using local produce, making them a reliable choice for a smart but relaxed meal with a view.
Italian
Eastbourne has a strong line in Italian restaurants. La Locanda Del Duca is a family-run favourite that has served the town for over two decades, with fresh, authentic dishes and a warm welcome. Over in the Victoria Place dining quarter, Gianni’s brings the warmth and flavours of Italy to the heart of the town. Between them and a handful of others, you’re never far from a good plate of pasta.
Flavours from around the world
The town’s international scene is genuinely varied. gr/eat on Terminus Road serves vibrant, authentic Greek food — souvlaki, skewers and Mediterranean sunshine on a plate. For South Indian cooking, Malayalam brings the rustic flavours of Kerala to the coast, while El Changarro, set in the Tally Ho, has become a firm favourite for lively, authentic Mexican. Add well-regarded Thai restaurants, Spanish tapas and more, and there’s a world of flavour to explore.
Dining by the sea
It would be a shame to visit a seaside town and not eat with a sea view. Bistrot Pierre, at the western end of the seafront, serves French bistro cooking with panoramic views towards Beachy Head. Nearby, the Belgian Café and The Beach Deck offer relaxed, friendly dining with fresh seafood and local ingredients right on the front. For something quintessentially British, you can still take afternoon tea on Eastbourne Pier itself.
Casual bites, cafés and fish and chips
Not every meal needs white tablecloths. The Perch in Princes Park is a lovely spot for breakfast and brunch beside the boating lake, while Odyssey is often named the best fish and chips in town. For superb sourdough and bakes, head to the artisan bakery To the Rise, and for a proper pub meal at the foot of the Downs, try The Ship Inn on Meads Street. Round it off with an ice cream from Gelato Famoso on the seafront.
Worth the trip: dining near Eastbourne
If you’re willing to travel a few minutes out of town, the surrounding villages hide some gems. The Tiger Inn on the green at East Dean is a classic Sussex pub with hearty food, real ales and alfresco tables in summer. In picturesque Alfriston, The Star — part of Alex Polizzi’s collection — and Wingrove House both offer accomplished cooking using local produce in beautiful settings.
Wherever you choose, you’ll find Eastbourne’s dining scene punches above its weight. Make a day of it by pairing lunch with our pick of the best things to do in Eastbourne, or browse the marina restaurants on a stroll around Sovereign Harbour.
Best restaurants in Eastbourne: FAQs
What is the best restaurant in Eastbourne?
The Mirabelle at the Grand Hotel is widely considered Eastbourne’s finest restaurant, known for its modern European fine dining and national recognition. The “best” for you, though, depends on the occasion and cuisine you’re after.
Where is the best place to eat with a sea view in Eastbourne?
The western seafront has the best views — Bistrot Pierre looks towards Beachy Head, while spots like the Belgian Café and The Beach Deck sit right on the front. Afternoon tea on the pier or at the Grand Hotel is another scenic option.
Where are the main restaurant areas in Eastbourne?
The seafront, Little Chelsea, the Victoria Place and Devonshire Quarter, Terminus Road near the station, Sovereign Harbour marina and Meads village all have good clusters of places to eat.
Does Eastbourne have good international food?
Yes. As well as excellent Italian restaurants, you’ll find Greek, South Indian, Mexican, Thai, Spanish tapas and more across the town.
From fine dining at the Mirabelle to fish and chips by the waves, Eastbourne offers something for every taste and budget. Book ahead for the popular spots, and enjoy eating your way around one of the South Coast’s sunniest towns.