The UK has some amazing coastal spots that are ideal for a summer’s day out at the beach. From restaurants with incredible ocean views serving local shellfish to MICHELIN-starred beachfront bistros, the best seaside restaurants in the UK promise a wonderful time. As the weather warms up, the country’s seaside towns come into their own and coastal restaurants start to showcase the wealth of fresh seafood and seasonal produce. These seaside restaurants are perfect to visit if you’re planning a culinary tour of the coast or want a weekend break from the city.
Cliffside eateries on the Scottish coast offer rugged scenery and farm-fresh food. The Cornish west coast is a great destination for hikers and boasts seaside restaurants that specialise in British modern cuisine and fine wine pairings. Meanwhile, visitors to the UK’s east coast can tuck into fish dishes in a stunning marshland nature reserve or head to one of Kent’s iconic Victorian seaside towns and enjoy local gin cocktails on a harbourside terrace. Put these restaurants on your list when planning your next seaside break.
Start planning your culinary tour at the best seaside restaurants in the UK and book a table on OpenTable today.
The 13 best seaside restaurants in the UK for your next coastal getaway
For one of the best beach restaurants in the UK – visit Little Rock in Folkestone
A shipping container is now a spacious, relaxed beachside restaurant at Little Rock in Folkestone Harbour. Just behind the old Folkestone Harbour Station, this restaurant offers a pale, beachy interior dining room and plenty of alfresco seating shaded by striped umbrellas. Just steps from the sand, it’s the perfect spot to grab dinner after a day at the beach. Specialising in seasonal seafood, start with small plates of dressed Folkestone crab and seared local scallops with squid ink aioli. Move on to large plates of tender pan-fried Chalk Stream trout or the catch of the day served baked, pan-fried or grilled. Book the bottomless brunch, available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, and enjoy your choice of mains plus unlimited proseccos, mimosas and bloody marys.
For one of the best restaurants in Margate – book at Sète in Margate
With a wine bar, a restaurant and a garden, Sète is one of Kent’s best restaurants. The experience here revolves around the wines, with a curated list of old world favourites, natural wines and innovative winemakers that’s always on the lookout for something new. Locals and day-trippers alike flock to the elegant dining room with a classic, Parisian vibe. Open for lunch and dinner, with drinks and nibbles available between 2:30 pm and 6 pm, Sète’s set menus are available as one, two or three-course experiences. The exact dishes change with the seasons, but you can expect European-inspired dishes like pork rillettes with mustard and a rotating vol au vent du jour. For the full-course experience, finish with a dessert like the fluffy rhubarb pavlova or a selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses. Bar snacks include Marcona almonds and Oast Bakery baguettes, pairing perfectly with a Loire Valley white wine served by the carafe.
For one of the best-awarded seaside restaurants in the UK – head to Smoking Lobster Ventnor – Isle of Wight in Ventnor
Situated on the picturesque Isle of Wight coastline, Smoking Lobster Ventnor – Isle of Wight looks out over the ocean, serving up lobsters caught by local fisherman Justin alongside line-caught sea bass. Large windows open out onto a balcony that puts you right by the glittering water. With a two Rosette rating, you can be sure this restaurant will deliver. Try seafood dishes like crispy tempura prawns or seared scallops with Avruga caviar sauce. Or, share the kitchen’s signature dish, the seafood platter for two, packed with local sea bass, grilled lobster, furikake fries and more. Meat options include teriyaki ox cheek risotto, while vegetarian diners can enjoy shiitake mushroom wontons or katsu maki rolls. The kids’ menu includes teriyaki stir-fried noodles and vegetable katsu maki.
For one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK with a MICHELIN cred – try Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay, Wales
Located right on the sand at Colwyn Bay in north Wales, Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK for a sumptuous meal on the coast. The restaurant is owned by renowned Welsh chef, Bryn Williams, who won part of the Great British Menu contest to cook for the Royal family in 2006. Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in 2023 and boasts an open kitchen and a modern feel. The menu serves a range of snacks, breakfasts and main meals, all created using local ingredients. Popular dishes include the daily catch fish fingers with chips or the Porth Eirias fish pie for two. The fluffy baked Alaska is always a hit for dessert, while the house eggs are a brilliant breakfast choice. The relaxed vibe is perfect for a day at the beach.
For rugged coastal views at one of the best seaside cafes in the UK – head to Drift in North Berwick, Scotland
With breathtaking views and a surrounding network of hiking and cycling trails on the rugged Scottish coast, Drift in North Berwick is one of the best seaside cafes in the UK. The glass-fronted dining room looks directly out onto Bass Rock, which rises dramatically from the ocean, and the venue is located just a half mile from Tantallon Castle. Drift is a family-owned eatery and specialises in farm-fresh, local produce and home cooking. If you’re hungry after a hike, a roast turkey sandwich will recharge you. You can also tuck into a stack of fluffy pancakes or panko fried chicken. The cafe is famous for serving excellent coffee and a selection of fresh fruit juices. There is also a kids’ menu for little explorers. Relax in the dining room or soak up the scenery and enjoy something from the takeaway at the outdoor picnic tables.
For fresh, local produce at one of the best restaurants in Salcombe – visit Gara Rock in Salcombe, England
Stunning coastal views and the best of British produce make Gara Rock in Salcombe, Devon, one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for excellence and offers a menu of hearty, unpretentious dishes. Popular main meals include coastal fish from Devon and Cornwall, fished sustainably. If you’ve got pets with you, the adjoined Gara Kitchen is a casual dining area that welcomes dogs and serves seaside classics, like Gara battered cod with hand-cut chips and a smash cheeseburger with fluffy brioche. You can also unwind with premium gins and cocktails from the bar. The relaxed, intimate vibe makes this a great place to catch up with friends.
For spectacular outdoor dining at one of the UK’s best seaside restaurants – don’t miss Milk Wood House in St Clears, Wales
Dine on the terrace and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Taf Estuary at Milk Wood House in St Clears, one of the best coastal restaurants in the UK. The restaurant is open from 8:00 am Monday to Saturday and 9:00 am on Sundays, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A curated modern British menu makes this an unforgettable pitstop when you’re exploring the beautiful Welsh coast. Lunchtime diners can enjoy hearty, filling sandwiches or crisp, summery salads and finish off their meal with a satisfying slice of cake. In the evenings, the restaurant is known for serving delicious homemade pizzas fresh from the wood-fire oven. The bar offers a range of refreshing soft drinks, high-quality wines, and tempting cocktails. Enjoy drinks on the balcony terrace when the weather turns warm, or relax in the elegant, glass-fronted dining room. The sweeping estuary views give the location a wonderfully tranquil feel.
For charming harbour views and one of the best seaside restaurants in Kent – visit Rocksalt in Folkestone
Located on the iconic Folkestone promenade in Kent, Rocksalt offers scenic views of Folkestone Harbour. As well as lovely seafront surroundings, Rocksalt’s menu celebrates local, coastal produce with a variety of sumptuous seafood dishes. The a la carte menu changes with the seasons, and a classic roast with trimmings is available on Sundays. Start your meal off with a locally produced aperitif, such as a sparkling Canterbury rose or a gin and tonic made with local gin. If you’re in the mood for a seafood feast, you can start your meal with Maldon oysters or fish soup. Mains include fish dishes that are fresh off local boats wherever possible, such as flaky beer-battered Folkestone cod served with tartar sauce and thick-cut chips. The outdoor dining areas and chic, modern decor make this one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK.
For one of the best restaurants in Torquay – visit The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay
Serving modern European cuisine, The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay offers a relaxed, informal approach to fine dining in a beautiful coastal setting. The simple yet elegant decor and a luxurious menu make The Elephant one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK and a must-visit if you love masterfully cooked seafood. In 2023 the restaurant was awarded one MICHELIN star and the ever-changing à la carte menu revolves around using top-tier seasonal produce. Typical menu items include dishes like aged beef with tartare and pumpernickel and sea trout with crab and mango. The restaurant also offers lunch and evening tasting menus with an optional wine pairing. If you’re out for a special meal, you can also choose a bottle of wine for the table from the restaurant’s sophisticated wine list.
For one of the best seafood seaside restaurants in the UK – try The Potted Lobster in Abersoch and Bamburgh, Scotland
Part of The Whittling House group, The Potted Lobster in Abersoch and Bamburgh specialise in serving fresh, locally caught lobsters and are two of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. Both locations have stylish modern interiors and spacious outdoor dining areas with coastal views. Diners can tuck into lobster served in a variety of ways, including the signature Potted Lobster with lobster, brown shrimp, crab and crayfish and local lobster served with aioli and fries. You can also add half a lobster to any meal as a side. Start your meal with crispy whitebait or oysters in a mignonette sauce. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the seafood platter features a selection of hot and cold local fish alongside hand-cut chips. The bar also serves a great range of craft ales and wines from Europe, South America and South Africa. A bubbly Aperol spritz cocktail is the perfect aperitif for a date night seafood feast.
📍 Abersoch — Check availability
📍 Bamburgh — Check availability
For stunning marsh views at one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK – don’t miss The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe
Nestled amidst the stunning Norfolk marshes on the UK’s east coast, The White Horse – Brancaster Staithe is located inside a designated area of natural beauty and is just a short distance from the Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. The area is a haven for birds and coastal wildlife and The White Horse is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK if you love traditional British food and fresh shellfish. Awarded two Rosettes, the menu at The White Horse features popular dishes, like steamed clams and cockles or Brancaster beer battered haddock. Diners can also start their meal off with Brancaster oysters served with a glass of sparkling wine. Commanding beautiful marshland views from its outdoor terrace and conservatory dining room, The White Horse is the perfect place for a special lunch out.
For sustainable Cornish produce at a zero waste restaurant – try Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in St Ives
With its elegant tearoom aesthetic and focus on fresh, local ingredients, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, St Ives, is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. Situated on the Cornish coast, this renowned eatery makes the most of its scenic, cliffside location and reduces food waste by incorporating leftover produce from the restaurant into its bar menu. Native oysters are a great way to open your meal. For mains, the shellfish pasta offers a taste of the sea, while the Phillip Warren sirloin keeps things firmly on land with onion rings and peppercorn. Book the chef’s menu for a journey through the UK’s best produce. Diners can also add a wine pairing to their meal. Decadent presentation makes dining here feel extra special, and a round of luxurious cocktails is the perfect way to finish off your evening. The atmosphere is fine dining with a smart casual dress code.
For pizza by the sea at one of the best seaside cafes in the UK – visit Watch House Cafe in Bridport
Rated one of The Guardian’s top 20 restaurant picks, Watch House Cafe in Bridport specialises in pizza by the sea and hearty breakfast food. With outdoor covered dining located right on Bridport beachfront, Watch House Cafe is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK for a day at the coast. Enjoy some slices of Hawaiian pizza or try the signature sweet heat with homemade tomato sauce, salami and hot honey. Early risers can tuck into filling breakfast options, like a full English fry-up or a bacon and egg breakfast ciabatta. Or, book the bottomless brunch, available between 11 am and 3 pm from Monday to Saturday. Watch House Cafe also serves cocktails, making it a great spot for drinks on the beach with friends. A refreshing dark n stormy is perfect for a warm spring evening, while a chilled strawberry daiquiri is sure to get you in the summer spirit.
Whether you love feasting on seafood or just thrive on spending time at the beach, the best seaside restaurants in the UK offer an unforgettable dining experience. Follow up a coastal walk with coffee and homemade cake in a cliffside café or enjoy a fine dining meal at a MICHELIN-awarded seafront bistro. These restaurants on the coast are just a fraction of what the UK food scene has to offer.
Want to visit one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK? These hotspots fill up fast – book your table on OpenTable now
Looking for more great places to eat out in the UK? Get inspired by these city guides:
- The 13 best beer gardens in London for great food and pints in the sun
- The best Sunday roasts in London for a memorable lunch out
- The 12 best restaurants for celebrating birthdays in London
- These listening bars in London are some of the best hotspots to visit right now
- The 10 best pubs in London for roaring good times
- 12 of the best Indian restaurants in London that turn up the heat right now
- 12 of the most romantic restaurants in London to book for the perfect date night
- 12 must-visit spots for the best lunch in London
- The best bottomless brunch spots in London for a weekend party to remember
- The best family-friendly restaurants in London the kids will love
- The 12 best bars to visit for an exciting night out in Covent Garden
- 12 dazzling Mayfair restaurants to visit ASAP
- 14 hot restaurants to visit in Soho right now
- The 12 best restaurants for pre-theatre dining in London
