13 best coastal restaurants in the UK for seaside dining

It’s true what they say: you don’t have to book a flight to the Algarve to feel like you’re on holiday. The UK’s best coastal restaurants offer spectacular sea views and some of the freshest seafood you can get your hands on, all with the distant hush of waves lapping against the shore. Is there anything better? Add clear blue skies and a chilled glass of rose to the mix and you’ll have a tough time believing you’re not languishing somewhere along the Med.  

If you’re on the hunt for some of the finest restaurants in Britain to enjoy exceptional seafood with killer views of the ocean, our round-up of the best coastal restaurants in the UK is sure to fill you with joy. We’ve included fine dining destinations, casual beach shacks and cafes, and even a very special supper club located literally on the beach. Of course, these restaurants don’t serve seafood exclusively, but you’ll find that most pay special attention to the quality of their produce, sourcing ingredients locally and seasonally wherever possible. 

A decent chunk of these seaside spots are situated in the south of England, with the coastlines of Cornwall, Devon and Hampshire being home to both stunning scenery and top-level restaurants. But we’ve made sure to include a couple of options further north. Sure, you might need to bring an extra layer if you want to sit outside, but their stunning surroundings and delicious food will ensure you’ll soon forget if there’s a slight chill in the air.  

We do recommend booking ahead if you want to snag a window seat, as these beachside spots are bound to book up fast! Eager to discover the most beautiful coastal restaurants the UK has to offer? Keep on scrolling for sea views, salty air and superior seafood. 

Mickey’s Beach Bar, Devon

What: Mickeys is a legendary haunt in Exmouth from chef Michael Caines (also Lympstone Manor) known for its relaxed vibe, panoramic views, and great food. Informal it might be, but Caines lends his expert flair for hospitality and high quality cooking to this all-day restaurant. The a la carte menu can be enjoyed in the restaurant or bar, while ‘Roast by the Coast’ Sundays run seasonally throughout the year. Dishes are classic and crowd-pleasing, from fish and chips to grilled scallops to Mickeys beach burger. In the summer, it opens the doors of the downstairs bar overlooking its alfresco terrace and Exmouth Beach, a real sun-catch and a popular spot for a cocktail with beach views.
Where: Queen's Drive, EX8 2GD 
Book now: Mickeys Beach Bar 

36 on the Quay, Hampshire

What: This bright and modern restaurant on Emsworth Quay boasts crisp harbour views and a distinctive fine dining lilt (think white tablecloths and silver cutlery) as the backdrop to chef Gary Pearce’s adventurous British menus. A la carte, set and weekly-changing tasting menus are available, with dishes featuring modern twists on classic ideas. Think wild turbot with buckwheat brown crab porridge, onion and asaragus, and fish of the day with broccoli puree, romesco, grelot and salted almonds.  
Where: 47 South Street, PO10 7EG 
Book now: 36 on the Quay 

Inver Restaurant, Loch Fyne

What: Located on the shores of Loch Fyne in Scotland, Inver is a remote, characterful restaurant tucked away in one of the most beautiful corners of the country. It's the holder of a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable practices, and serves an ever-changing evening tasting menu using modern cooking techniques and the best wild and farmed ingredients. Think fresh oysters, trout with horseradish and a 'Garden Plate' featuring local veg.
Where: Strathlachlan, PA27 8BU
Book now: Inver Restaurant

Ugly Butterfly, Cornwall

What: Adam Handling's stunning restaurant along the coast from St Ives boasts unparalleled views of the Cornish coast, including the beautiful bay, the estate's private beach and its promenade. Huge wraparound windows make said views even more impressive, while flooding the space with natural light. There are few better places to enjoy Handling's nature-focused menus, where seasonality and hyper local produce take precedence. Think heritage tomato with crab and basil, and Tregullus lamb with asparagus and black garlic.
Where: Carbis Bay Estate, TR26 2NP
Book now: Ugly Butterfly

Waterside Bar & Grill at Langstone Quays, Hampshire

What: Langstone Quays Resort is located on a section of Chichester harbour in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The aptly named Waterside restaurant boasts views of the harbour and estuary, while large wraparound windows and an outdoor terrace allow diners to enjoy the scenery year-round. An array of all-day menus include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, but if you’re stopping by in the evening, expect to find a selection of global dishes spanning fillet of plaice with crab crushed potatoes, king prawn linguine, chicken tikka masala and king oyster mushroom risotto.  
Where: Langstone Quays Resort, PO11 0NQ 
Book now: Waterside Bar & Grill at Langstone Quays 

Brasserie on The Bay, Falmouth 

What: Brasserie on the Bay is an ocean-view restaurant in St Michael’s Resort overlooking Falmouth’s dazzling coastline. The team work closely with farmers, fishermen and local producers to deliver fresh, sustainable dishes that reflect what’s available locally. For dinner, choose two or three courses for a set price, from Cornish fish stew to confit pork belly with beetroot ketchup, roasted fennel, new potatoes and a chicken and champagne vinaigrette.  
Where: Stracey Road, TR11 4NB 
Book now: Brasserie on The Bay 

The Hut, Isle of Wight

What: If you live on the Isle of Wight, or even if you don’t, chances are you’ve heard of The Hut. It’s the place on the island to enjoy modern seafood dishes and delicious cocktails with views of Colwell Bay. Punters pull up by boat and are carted to shore by friendly staff, while the on-site team dressed in navy and white deliver Methuselahs of rose to tables. Finally, an exclusive beach club vibe and some seriously good food makes The Hut a haven for coastal loving foodies looking for a lavish, laissez-fare lunch.  
Where: Colwell Chine Road, Colwell Bay, PO40 9NP 
Book now: The Hut 

The Idle Rocks, Cornwall

What: The Idle Rocks on the coast of St Mawes is a Relaix & Chateau hotel with 19 boutique bedrooms. It’s a lovely spot for a foodie getaway, with a seafood restaurant that serves sea-to-table cuisine using the best Cornish produce. Fish and seafood is caught daily by its dedicated St Mawes fisherman, then used to cooked dishes such as pan-fried fillet of wild halibut with hazelnuts, crushed Jerusalem artichokes, pickled dulse, green apple, and lobster emulsion. The restaurant is located at the front of the hotel so diners can gaze out over the Fal estuary while they dine.  
Where: Harbourside, TR2 5AN 
Book now: The Idle Rocks 

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

What: Rick Stein has multiple restaurants in Padstow, but The Seafood Restaurant is the oldest and perhaps most well-known (it originally opened in 1975). It boasts a reputation for serving ultra fresh fish and seafood cooked simply and only using the best ingredients. Grab a seat at the bar for the ultimate foodie experience as you watch the team shuck oysters and pour Champagne, or the rooftop terrace is a lovely spot for cocktails and views of the estuary. Dishes remain uncomplicated but luxurious – think Padstow lobster thermidor, fish and chips deep fried in dripping and turbot with hollandaise sauce.  
Where: Riverside, Padstow, PL28 8BY 
Book now: The Seafood Restaurant

The Sportsman, Kent

What: Not technically on the beach, but mere seconds from the coast, this Michelin-starred gastropub is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. The menu changes daily to reflect the freshest possible produce, and you can choose between a mid-week three courser, or its signature five-course tasting menu. For example, you might expect to try slip sole with espelette butter, duck with spiced roasting juices, or pork loin with apple and wholegrain mustard – so it’s all very classic if that’s your thing. You can turn your gastronomic evening into an overnight stay if you like, thanks to four luxury cabins located in the garden out back. 
Where: Faversham Road, CT5 4BP 
Book now: The Sportsman

The Hidden Hut, Cornwall

What: You couldn’t get closer to the beach at The Hidden Hut if you tried. This unique dining experience hosts open air, wood-fired feasts on Porthcurnick Beach throughout the summer, although it’s only available on selected dates so make sure to book ahead. Diners are seated around a long banquet table, while each ‘Feast Night’ centres around a different theme, from sardines to lamb to paella. If you don’t manage to snag a ticket to one of its supper clubs, the hut operates as a cafe by day serving a small menu of simple dishes, like salads, dips and ice cream. 
Where: Porthcurnick Beach, TR2 5EW 
Book now: The Hidden Hut

Bryn Williams' at Porth Eirias, North Wales

What: This bistro-style restaurant on Colwyn Bay is the holder of a Bib Gourmand, an award the Michelin Guide gives out to restaurants serving excellent food at an affordable price. The menu pays homage to local Welsh produce via relaxed, bistro-style food with a focus on seafood – a fitting reflection of the fact that diners are a mere stone’s throw from the beach of Porth Eirias. Favourites include crab claw linguini with ginger, chili and spring onion, plaice with beurre noisette, capers and lemon, and its signature fish pie for two. 
Where: The Promenade, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8HH 
Book now: Bryn Williams' at Porth Eirias 

Restaurant at Gara Rock, Devon

What: Gara Rock’s position on a seaside clifftop makes it a strong contender for the best restaurant with a view in this list. It boasts a fine dining restaurant, and a more relaxed all-day kitchen, but we recommend the former to experience its extraordinary tasting menus. Dishes are curated by executive chef Paul Hegley and made with the finest possible Devon produce. Think smoked Devon eel with pink fur potato, creme fraiche, caviar and wild garlic, and Creedy Carver duck with plum, beetroot and dukkha. The views are nothing short of extraordinary either, as you gaze over rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and calm blue sea. Go early and grab a cocktail to catch the sunset before you dine.  
Where: Gara Rock Hotel, TQ8 8FA 
Book now: Gara Rock

Keen to uncover more of the UK's incredible dining scene? Our offical list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK features some real gems.