There’s a particular pleasure in eating beside the sea. It might be a proper seafood dinner with the windows open, or fish and chips after a swim, or coffee at a table that’s practically on the sand. The UK does all three rather well.
We’ve picked some of the country’s best sea-view spots – from polished seafood restaurants to beach shacks and pier cafés. They’re spread from Cornwall to Kent, with good reasons to make a weekend of it. Think coastal walks, harbour towns and a pub nearby for the inevitable post-lunch drink.
The Salt Room, Brighton
For a smarter seaside restaurant without losing the coastal feel, the Salt Room is hard to beat. It’s set right on Brighton seafront, where it pairs seafood and charcoal cooking with views towards the West Pier. We love its south-facing terrace as it makes a good spot for a long lunch or early evening drinks.
Make a day of it – walk towards Hove, browse the Lanes, then settle in for dinner and stay nearby in a property in Brighton itself or the surrounding area.
Porthminster Cafe, St Ives
You can’t get much closer to the water than Porthminster Cafe. It sits on Porthminster Beach with views across St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse, so the setting is doing plenty of the work before the food arrives.
Go for lunch, then walk into St Ives along the beach and harbour. If you’re staying in St Ives, Tate St Ives is an easy addition if the weather turns.
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe
The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe is part smart pub, part seafood destination, with views across the tidal marshes towards Scolt Head Island and the sea beyond. Brancaster mussels, oysters and lobster feature alongside Norfolk produce, making this a good choice when you want somewhere that feels rooted in its surroundings.
Pair lunch with a walk along the Norfolk Coast Path or a trip to Brancaster Beach. Burnham Market is worth a wander for independent shops and cafés.
Rick Stein, Sandbanks
Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant has one of those views that can make lunch run rather longer than planned. The glass-walled dining room looks across Poole Harbour, with boats moving past as you work your way through classic seafood dishes.
Afterwards, walk along Sandbanks beach or take the chain ferry across to Studland. There are many Dorset coastal walks and villages nearby with plenty of options for private homes or hotels to stay for a short break.
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant, Studland
On the other side of the ferry, Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant sits beside the water with views towards Brownsea Island and Sandbanks. The menu leans heavily into local seafood, while the outdoor dining areas make this one for a sunny lunch or early evening.
Combine lunch with a walk across Studland Bay, then carry on towards Old Harry Rocks. The Sandbanks ferry can get busy, so build in extra time.
The Hidden Hut, Portscatho
For something much more relaxed, the Hidden Hut is tucked above Porthcurnick Beach near Portscatho. There’s no formal restaurant dining here – just simple food, outdoor tables and a walk along the coast to get there. It’s exactly the sort of place where the setting matters as much as what’s on the plate.
Walk from Portscatho along the coast path, grab lunch, then head down to the beach. The fishing village is a good base for exploring the Roseland Peninsula.
Hive Beach Cafe, Burton Bradstock
Hive Beach Cafe is a classic example of a beach restaurant that doesn’t need much dressing up. It sits right on the beach at Burton Bradstock, with indoor, alfresco and takeaway options, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Come for fish and chips, then walk the South West Coast Path towards West Bay. Burton Bradstock is also close to Bridport.
The Hut, Freshwater
The Hut Freshwater brings a livelier take on seaside dining. Set on Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, it combines seafood with outdoor terraces and views across the water towards Hurst Castle. It’s the sort of place where lunch can easily turn into an afternoon.
Walk towards Totland Bay or head to Yarmouth for a wander around the harbour. The Needles and Freshwater Bay are close by and quite the sight.
Deal Pier Kitchen, Deal
For one of the more unusual restaurants on the beach, head to the end of Deal Pier. Deal Pier Kitchen looks straight out over the English Channel and serves brunch and lunch, with steak and lobster evenings on selected Fridays and Saturdays.
Leave time for Deal itself. Walk along the seafront, visit Deal Castle and browse the independent shops. If you’re staying for a night or two nearby, try going for a longer walk, by continuing towards Walmer.
A few things to know before you go
Sea-view tables are often the ones everyone wants, so book ahead for popular spots, particularly at weekends. Check opening times before travelling, too – beach cafés and seasonal venues can change their hours with the weather and time of year.
For a proper dinner on the beach, choose your timing carefully – sunset, tide and weather can make a big difference. And don’t assume the best experience means booking somewhere formal. Some of the most memorable restaurants on the beach are simple cafés, pubs and huts where the setting does most of the talking.
For more inspiration, make sure to check out where to stay for the best sea views in the UK (by coastline) and our round-up of the best UK seaside cafés.
