Top places to eat in Eastbourne

 

The seaside town of Eastbourne is a favourite amongst tourists and beachgoers alike who descend on the resort to soak up its Victorian heritage and Sussex coastal splendour. Nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park and looking out across the English Channel, Eastbourne impresses with its natural beauty, which plays a key role in the town’s culinary scene. 

The national park makes farm-to-table dining a breeze, with locally sourced meat topping the charts in many Eastbourne restaurants. Fresh seafood is also the order of the day thanks to the town’s position on the coast which is dotted with bustling fishing ports like nearby Hastings and Newhaven. 

Taste the very best of the town’s foodie scene after reading through our guide to the top places to eat in Eastbourne. You can also start planning your Sussex getaway today by clicking the button below and exploring our collection of holiday cottages in Eastbourne.

Holiday cottages in Eastbourne

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Skip to our favourite places to eat in Eastbourne 

• Eastbourne restaurants
• Eastbourne pubs
• Fish and chips in Eastbourne
• Dog-friendly places to eat in Eastbourne
• Map of places to eat in Eastbourne

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Restaurants in Eastbourne

Like many restaurants in Sussex, the best restaurants in Eastbourne combine fresh ingredients from all over England’s south east, providing you with a generous choice of places to eat. From authentic Italian restaurants to waterside eateries, below are some of our favourite Eastbourne restaurants.

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La Locanda del Duca

When it comes to Italian restaurants in Eastbourne, it doesn’t get much better than La Locanda del Duca. One of the most popular restaurants in town, La Locanda’s interior charms with exposed stone walls, wooden beams and wine-stocked alcoves – it’s easy to forget that you’re dining in England and not the Italian countryside here! 

The main menu boasts a wide selection of classic starters to share, followed by a seemingly endless list of pasta, gnocchi and risotto dishes, as well as fresh fish and meat courses. From the special menu, grab a meal at a bargain price by opting for the set menu, or visit on a Sunday for a roast that combines all flavours British and Italian.

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The Beach Deck

One of the best places to eat in Eastbourne if you want to combine delicious food with stunning sea views, The Beach Deck perches on the edge of the town’s sandy beach, divided only by the bustling promenade. With a generous choice of outdoor tables, this is the best of Eastbourne restaurants for soaking up seaside vibes. 

The interior is just as inviting, offering a great spot for a pause during a sun-soaked beach day. The kitchen opens at 9am with a wide range of cooked breakfasts and light bites. Later in the day, the main menu boasts fresh, locally sourced seafood, towering beach burgers, small plates and sweet treats.

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Pomodoro e Mozzarella

Another example of the charming Italian restaurants in Eastbourne, Pomodoro e Mozzarella nestles in the beating heart of town. Serving authentic Italian cuisine since 2001, this is a well-known spot around Eastbourne and a great option for an evening meal with friends and family. 

The interior is classically Italian with Mediterranean art adorning the walls and a menu that celebrates the best of Italian flavours – using over 100 homemade recipes! Choose from a good range of starters, pasta and risotto dishes, and over 20 freshly baked pizzas. With fresh meat and fish dishes, and even a takeaway service, this is one of our favourite places to eat in Eastbourne.

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Eastbourne pubs

What better way to reflect on a day of seaside fun than over a wholesome pub meal? If you’re searching for relaxed and traditional places to eat in Eastbourne, look no further than the town’s wealth of watering holes.

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The Marine Pub

Just a 100-metre walk from the seafront is The Marine Pub, a delightful local that has served Eastbourne for over 40 years. With a traditional pub interior and high standards of food, this is one of the best places to eat in Eastbourne if you’re craving classic pub grub just moments from the beach. 

Drop in during lunch service for a small plate or fresh sandwich, or look to the daily specials board which can feature anything from Thai curry to local sausages wrapped in a giant Yorkshire pudding. The main courses impress with a range of classic pub dishes, as do the towering burgers and their veggie alternatives.

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The Pilot Inn

Perched where the South Downs meet the town, The Pilot Inn is one of our favourite places to eat in Eastbourne after returning from adventures across the national park. What was once a fisherman’s cottage is now an award-winning pub with a charming exterior and a vibrant interior of stained-glass windows. 

Whether you choose to eat in the peaceful beer garden or the pub’s cosy confines, the choice of traditional British dishes with an elegant twist will impress. Visit on a Sunday to sample the popular roast menu or veggie alternatives. With pups welcome in the beer garden and bar area, this is also one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Eastbourne.

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The Lamb Inn

A mile back from the seafront lies Eastbourne’s old town, a charming and historic area dating back to Saxon times, and The Lamb Inn blends perfectly with its centuries-old surroundings. The oldest pub in town; this is one of the best places to eat in Eastbourne if you love a traditional English pub with exposed wooden beams, roaring fireplaces and great food. 

Tuck into lighter dishes like locally sourced breaded whitebait or share an oven-baked Camembert. Pub classics include steak and local ale pie, sausages and mash, and a popular lamb burger. Check out the separate burger menu – get a burger and beer deal on Mondays – and let little ones choose from the generous children’s menu.

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Fish and chips in Eastbourne

It would be a crime to visit an English seaside town without sampling their battered ocean delights. If you’re on the hunt for fish and chips in Eastbourne, you’ll be pleased to hear that many traditional chippy takeaways and vibrant fish restaurants await.

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Trident Fish Restaurant

Set in the heart of the old town with over 22 years of service, Trident Fish Restaurant offers some of the best fish and chips in Eastbourne. With room for 80 chippy-loving diners inside and 30 more outside, this is a great spot to take all the family after a day on the beach. 

The menu boasts all the crispy classics that you’d expect from a fish and chip shop, and goes beyond that with a great selection of homemade burgers, peri peri chicken dishes, slow-cooked BBQ ribs and plenty more. With a takeaway service also, you can choose to wrap your battered delights and eat them in the comfort of one of our Eastbourne holiday cottages.

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Qualisea Fish Restaurant

If you’ve spent the day lazing on the town’s sandy beach and get the urge for something battered, Qualisea Fish Restaurant sits just metres from the water and offers some of our favourite fish and chips in Eastbourne. 

A typical, buzzing chippy perched on the street corner, diners here can choose to eat in or take away. The fish is sourced from the waters around, little ones will love the children’s menu, and those with a sweet tooth should save space for Qualisea’s delicious desserts.

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Dog-friendly places to eat in Eastbourne

The wealth of dog-friendly restaurants in Eastbourne, as well as pup-welcoming pubs, means that no furry members of the family get left behind. Below are some of the best restaurants in Eastbourne to head to with your four-legged friend.

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The Crown and Anchor

Set just off the town’s sweeping promenade with views of the ocean and Victorian pier, The Crown and Anchor is one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Eastbourne. Not only does this pretty pub welcome dogs, but the staff will treat furry friends to a snack and bowl of water on arrival, and Fido may even be voted the pub’s #DogOfTheDay! 

Serving homemade food from breakfast through to dinner, the menu offers something for everyone. Start your beach day with a full English breakfast or a veggie alternative, and later in the day, choose from smaller plates, classic pub grub, signature burgers, daily specials and a tasty-looking dessert list.

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Bistrot Pierre – Eastbourne

If you’re on the hunt for dog-friendly restaurants in Eastbourne with smashing sea views, look no further than Bistrot Pierre, which commands the most scenic spot in town. The outdoor terrace here offers panoramic views of the sea, and this is exactly where Fido is welcome to join you. 

Indulge in an afternoon or evening of classic French cuisine. Start with a choice of artisan sharing boards before moving on to classics like boeuf bourguignon, steak frites, or the Bistrot burger. Set in a breathtaking location with great food to match it, it’s no surprise that Bistrot Pierre is one of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants in Eastbourne.

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Map of places to eat in Eastbourne

Explore our map below to find all the best restaurants in Eastbourne that are featured in this guide.

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Book a holiday cottage in Eastbourne

Now you’re clued up on the best Eastbourne restaurants, it’s time to start planning your seaside getaway. Many of our coastal cottages and sea-view apartments sit close to the venues featured in this guide, so you can start planning your meals out as soon as you book! 

Click the button below to explore our collection of holiday cottages in Eastbourne and find retreats for solo explorers, coast-loving couples, groups of friends and beachgoing families.

Holiday cottages in Eastbourne