Few things beat a good meal with a view of the water — and in Eastbourne, the UK’s sunniest town, you’re spoilt for choice. From beachside terraces and grand seafront dining rooms to marina restaurants and clifftop pubs, here are the best restaurants with a view in Eastbourne.
Right on the beach
For dining with sand and sea right outside the window, The Beach Deck on Royal Parade is hard to beat — it sits directly on the beach at the eastern end of the seafront, with sea views from every table inside and out, a lovely terrace, fresh fish landed practically next door, and a warm welcome for dogs. Along the promenade, Bistrot Pierre serves French-style bistro food with some of the best sea views in town, while 1912 Seafood & Steak at The Lansdowne offers a bright, contemporary dining room overlooking the water. For seafood and a famous range of Belgian beers, The Belgian Café pairs its mussels with a relaxed seafront setting and outdoor seating.
Grand views and afternoon tea
At the western end of the seafront, the five-star Grand Hotel is the place for elegant sea-view dining and its celebrated afternoon tea in the Great Hall. For something more classically seaside, you can take afternoon tea right out over the waves at the Pavilion Tea Rooms on the pier, or at one of the many grand seafront hotels whose lounges look straight out to sea. It’s hard to think of a more quintessentially English way to enjoy the view.
Marina dining at Sovereign Harbour
For a different kind of waterside view, head east to Sovereign Harbour, where a boardwalk of restaurants looks out over the yachts and boats of the marina. Thai Marina is a standout, pairing well-loved Thai dishes with lovely harbour views, while Pablo’s serves Italian and Mediterranean food beside the water. Watching the boats drift in and out through the locks as you eat is a real treat, especially on a warm evening.
Clifftop and countryside views
If it’s a big landscape you’re after, the Beachy Head pub-restaurant sits high on the clifftops with sweeping views over the Downs and out to sea — the perfect reward after a walk up to Beachy Head. Several of the town’s golf clubhouses welcome non-members for a drink or a bite with grand downland views, and for a gentler outlook, The Perch in Princes Park overlooks the boating lake, while the pubs of Meads sit prettily at the foot of the Downs.
Tips for dining with a view
To bag the best seats, book ahead and ask specifically for a window or terrace table — they go quickly, especially in summer and at weekends. As the UK’s sunniest town, Eastbourne is made for al fresco dining, so make the most of the terraces when the weather’s kind. One quirk worth knowing: the seafront faces east, so it’s dazzling for daytime sea views and sunrises, but for a meal with an actual sunset, a clifftop spot to the west is your best bet.
Restaurants with a view in Eastbourne: FAQs
Which Eastbourne restaurant has the best sea view?
The Beach Deck, right on the beach on Royal Parade, is a top pick for uninterrupted sea views from every table. Bistrot Pierre and 1912 Seafood & Steak on the seafront are also known for their views, as is the Grand Hotel to the west.
Where can I eat overlooking the marina in Eastbourne?
Sovereign Harbour’s Waterfront boardwalk is lined with restaurants overlooking the yachts, including Thai Marina and Pablo’s. It’s a lovely spot to dine while watching the boats come and go.
Can you eat with a clifftop view near Eastbourne?
Yes — the Beachy Head pub-restaurant sits on the clifftops with panoramic views of the Downs and the sea, making a great stop after a coastal walk. Several golf clubhouses also offer downland views to non-members.
Are Eastbourne’s seaside restaurants dog-friendly?
Many are — The Beach Deck, for example, welcomes dogs inside and out and even has a doggy menu. It’s always worth checking with the restaurant, particularly if you want to sit indoors.
More places to eat: see the best restaurants in Eastbourne, the best fish and chips, and where to enjoy afternoon tea.