The Southeast Restaurants

If you're in a seaside town, look for that great British staple, fish-and-chips. Perhaps "look" isn't the word—just follow your nose. On the coast, seafood, much of it locally caught, is a specialty. Try local smoked fish (haddock and mackerel) or the succulent local oysters. Inland, sample fresh local lamb and beef. In cities such as Brighton and Tunbridge Wells there are numerous restaurants and cafés, but out in the countryside the best options are often pubs.

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  • 1. Riddle & Finns The Lanes

    $$

    White tiles, bare metal tables, and sparkling chandeliers set the tone as soon as you walk through the door of this casually elegant restaurant. The house specialty is oysters, fresh and sustainably sourced, served with or without a foaming tankard of black velvet (Champagne and Guinness) on the side. Other options include squid and shellfish risotto and Sri Lankan monkfish and prawn curry. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so come early or be prepared to wait. However, you can reserve a table at their sister restaurant, Riddle & Finns The Beach overlooking the sea. The menu is largely the same, with a few meaty options thrown into the mix.

    12B Meeting House La., Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HB, England
    01273-821218

    Known For

    • Romantic atmosphere
    • Supremely fresh seafood
    • No reservations policy so be prepared to wait

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 2. Bill's

    $

    What started in the early 2000s as a distinctly Lewes café-restaurant has since grown to become a full-blown chain, with dozens of restaurants across the United Kingdom. This is where it all began, and the casual, mostly Modern European food remains as reliably good here as it is everywhere. Start with a plate of garlic and herb flatbread, then move on to spiced crab cakes with chili, then a flavorful cheeseburger with grated black truffle. Breakfasts here are excellent, too.

    56 Cliffe High St., Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2AN, England
    020-80545395

    Known For

    • Lots of vegetarian and vegan options
    • Great breakfasts
    • Family atmosphere
  • 3. Haydens

    $

    This incredibly popular High Street café serves high quality and great value meals and snacks from mid-morning to late afternoon every day of the week. Come early for an excellent full English breakfast or opt for a light lunch like homemade soup or Welsh rarebit (a fondue-like dish where a sauce of melted cheddar, ale, and mustard is poured over slices of toasted bread). And make sure you save room for a homemade cake or delicious cream tea (scone, jam, and clotted cream). Above the café are eight pleasant, individually themed bedrooms. Avoid peak lunch hours (12:30 to 2 pm) on weekends, unless you want to wait in line (it's not possible to reserve a table).

    108 High St., Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7JE, England
    01797-224501

    Known For

    • Lovely views of salt flats out the back
    • Tasty cream teas
    • Long lines during weekend lunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 4. Iydea

    $

    This popular restaurant and café is a must for visiting vegetarians, though even the most ardent carnivores are likely to leave satisfied. The food is laid out cafeteria style (or "canteen" style in British English), so you choose your meal based on choices of main dishes, sides, and toppings. You could go for a chile bean enchilada or pea-and-goat cheese arancini (breaded and fried rice balls), maybe with some Cajun spiced potato wedges or sugar snap slaw. The restaurant also does a very popular vegetarian breakfast.

    17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4AL, England
    01273-933060

    Known For

    • Top vegetarian restaurant
    • Delicious international cooking
    • Popular veggie-focused breakfast
  • 5. Robson's of Lewes

    $

    Good coffee, fresh produce, and delicious pastries make this coffee shop one of the best places in Lewes to drop by for an afternoon pick-me-up. A light-filled space with wood floors and simple tables creates a pleasant, casual spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast, a scone, or a light sandwich or salad lunch. You can also order to go.

    22A High St., Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LN, England
    01273-480654

    Known For

    • Great coffee
    • Tasty light bites
    • Good to-go options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Whitehouse

    $

    This chic, contemporary café serves delectable baked goods, all-day breakfasts, and tapas-style light bites. Come for the Turkish eggs, poached with yogurt and dill, or try the fancy bacon roll with spinach, chili jam, and aioli. Or you could just drop by for a delicious slice of fresh cake and a darn fine cup of Joe. There are also beautifully minimalist rooms here if you want to stay over.

    24 High St., Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7JF, England

    Known For

    • Perfectly brewed coffee
    • Healthful light bites
    • Delicious cakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner

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