Explore the best of West Sussex and Chichester with our guide to restaurants, cafes and pubs across Petworth, Midhurst, Selsey, Bosham, Chichester and Chichester Marina. Find dog friendly pubs and family friendly places to eat. Along with the finest Italian, Indian, Chinese and Thai restaurants in Sussex and Chichester. Whether you are searching for Chichester dining, a scrumptious afternoon tea in Sussex, the best top rated restaurants in Sussex or planning your next outing; the lively food scene of Chichester and beyond is ready to be enjoyed.
Whether you’re starting the day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying a long lazy brunch, refuelling while exploring Chichester or looking for elegant pre-theatre dining, you’ll find the perfect spot in this historic city. Chichester restaurants and places to eat offer something for every mood and occasion. For a special treat, The Ivy Chichester brings a sophisticated touch, while more relaxed, family-friendly options include The Ghost at the Feast, a food hall focused on street food and craft drinks.
Want to travel the world with your fork? You’re in luck — Chichester dining covers Italian at Piccolino on South Street and Zizzi, Franco Manca and Pizza Express in the city centre; Greek food at Santorini and Apla Souvlaki; and Mediterranean and Turkish flavours at Turkuaz Social or Reina Kitchen,. For Asian restaurants, there’s Miso Asia, Lemongrass, Giggling Squid, Wagamama, Mr Toy’s Flying Wok, Phoenix Dining or Confucius Chinese. Each bringing distinct Chinese, Thai and pan-Asian tastes. Those craving Indian food will love Masala City, and other Indian restaurants in Chichester like India Gate, Jungle Junction, also feature on the dining map. Craving Mexican? Check out Muchos Nachos, serving vibrant Mexican food in a lively Tex-Mex setting, or Saltio, situated inside Ghost at the Feast.
For pre-theatre dining in Chichester, try The Brasserie at Chichester Festival Theatre, or if you are in the town centre, there is Farmyard at the Feast, Côte Brasserie, with plenty more offering early dining options in and around Chichester City Centre.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely dinner, a birthday meal, or a pre-show bite, Chichester’s food scene is rich and varied — and if you want more inspiration, our 48 Hours in Chichester itinerary has more great ideas about where to eat in Chichester and how to make the most of the city. Read our guide to the best coffee in Chichester here.
Petworth dining has really blossomed into a food lover’s delight, with a variety of places to eat; from charming cafés and cosy pubs to refined restaurants serving high-quality, locally sourced fare. Start your day with the aroma of the freshly baked sausage rolls at Cherry’s Deli. Meanwhile, The Hungry Guest Café, tucked into Newlands House Gallery, offers family friendly food, brunch favourites (including Italian-style pizzas) and their famously indulgent brownies.
For a truly upscale Petworth restaurant experience, the award-winning E.Street Bar & Gril showcases seasonal produce in a beautifully restored 17th-century building. If you’d like a historic pub with a warming atmosphere and a menu rooted in tradition, The Angel Inn in Petworth is lovely; with its roaring fireplaces, garden and commitment sourcing to local ingredients. Another pub and restaurant in the centre of Petworth is The Star; a characterful spot dating back to 1591, offering creative twists on classic pub grub and a welcoming, dog-friendly environment.
If you’re craving Indian cuisine, Basmati Indian or Meghdoots Mystique Masala are the go-to Indian restaurants in Petworth, serving authentic and richly spiced dishes in warm, friendly settings.
There are many pubs around Petworth and in its nearby hamlets; such as The Woodcote in Graffham, The Horse Guards Inn in Tillington, The Three Moles in Selham and The Halfway Bridge Inn offer warm Sussex hospitality.
Petworth restaurant scene brings independent dining experiences to West Sussex, with emphasis on locally sourced, high-quality food.
Midhurst offers a delightful mix of cafés, pubs and restaurants — whether you’re popping in for a great cup of coffee, enjoying a laid-back family lunch or celebrating in style. For a cosy café vibe, you’ve got Comestibles, Fitzcane's Café (with its sunny garden and dog-friendly seating), The Lion's Den, Kemaelli's, Tilly’s of Midhurst tea room, the family run Coskun’s Café on North Street, or Garton's Coffee House where the aroma of freshly ground coffee and pastries may be hard to resist, as well as restaurants specialising in flavours of the Mediterranean such as Fratelli or Faustinos.
If you prefer pub food, The Swan Inn serves traditional, home-cooked fare, while the Royal Oak, just outside town in the South Downs, offers seasonal menus, local ales and a welcoming garden. Just out of town, there is the 17th-century The Greyhound gastro-pub in nearby Cocking is another charming pub perfect for walkers and dog-lovers, with seasonal, locally sourced dishes. The Blue Bell at Cocking and The White Horse in Easebourne can be found nearby in the local South Downs countryside.
Cowdray Farm Shop & Café are both popular local destinations with the farm shop stocking local produce as well as championing the estate produce.
When it comes to Midhurst restaurants, the The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa is a top pick — perfect for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, and known for its locally sourced ingredients. For international flavour, you’ll find Lime & Spice, an Indian restaurant in Midhurst serving both traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine. While Midhurst dining scene is rich with variety, and its cafés and places to eat reflect a warm, community-focused spirit. For a delightful treat after strolling around the South Downs, Cowdray Farm Shop & Café is well worth a visit for local produce and home-made cakes.
Our 48 Hours in Midhurst itinerary is packed with ideas for where to eat in Midhurst, whether you’re after something casual, family friendly food or a memorable dinner.
Selsey’s reputation for exceptional crab, lobster and whelks stretches far beyond the South Coast, and its seafood has only grown in popularity over the years. It remains one of the last places where visitors can still watch fishermen bringing in the catch, and you can buy seafood direct from long established Selsey fishing families.
Julie’s Fresh Fish and Seafood offers locally caught produce six days a week from its family run shop near East Beach, while D&D Fisheries, whose roots reach back to the 1600s, serves dressed crab, prawns, cockles, seafood sandwiches and warm refreshments from their weekend kiosk by the Skate Park.
Selsey’s Crab & Lobster restaurant is award winning and featured in the Michelin Guide United Kingdom 2020, and the town continues to offer plenty of choice with places such as Penny’s American Diner, The Vault mediterranean restaurant, The Boulevard Selsey for breakfast.
As dogs are welcome on much of Selsey beach and West Sands Beach throughout the year, and connects for long dog walks with a scenic Bracklesham Bay, it is always good to have a few dog and family friend eating and drinking spots up your sleeve. Why not try dog friendly pubs including The Hopp Inn, The Lifeboat Inn and The Crown Inn? Alternatively, there are a few more relaxed spots ideal after a day by the sea, which include Den’s Fish Bar for take away fish and chips, Waves Cafe & Sandwich bar and East Beach Kiosk.
Other lovely pubs to eat and drink at include The Neptune Inn, The Joy, and The Seal.
So, whether you are strolling with the dog or watching the children play by the shore, there are plenty of places to pause for something to eat along the way in Selsey.
Read our 48 Hours in Selsey itinerary for more ideas of where to eat in Selsey.
Did you know? Selsey has a fully working Lifeboat Station complete with crew which are on duty 24/7, and which has been in operation in Selsey for over 155 years!
Where to eat at Chichester Marina and Chichester Harbour
The Chichester Harbour region is a delight for food lovers, offering a wonderful mix of places to eat whether you’re exploring Itchenor, Bosham, Chidham or the Witterings. For a quintessential pub experience, The Ship Inn in Itchenor sits right on the water and serves freshly caught seafood alongside hearty British fare. In Bosham, harbour-front charm meets tradition at The Anchor Bleu, a family-run pub serving local seasonal dishes in a cosy, waterside setting.
When it comes to restaurants, Cider House Kitchen at Crouchers Orchards (near West Wittering) brings Italian flavour to the harbour with rustic pizzas, pasta and homemade food. Just down the road in East Wittering, Drifters Bar provides a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant close to the beach, with a modern-rustic menu made for long lunches or sunset drinks.
In Emsworth, why not visit Fat Olives, originally a Fisherman’s Cottage and dates back to the 17th Century when smugglers used the old passageways through the cellar. Now the cottage houses a small cosy local restaurant which exudes great warmth and friendliness. Or for a local cosy pub, try The Blue Bell; a busy local at the heart of the community and the perfect spot for a drink or a bite to eat after a walk around the harbour.
For cafés, the Boathouse Café at Chichester Marina is a standout: light, airy and riverside, it’s an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, all with calming views across Chichester Harbour. You’ll also find fantastic pub-dining in Dell Quay at The Crown & Anchor, where modern British coastal cuisine highlights freshly landed seafood.
The charm of Chichester Harbour dining lies in its hidden away waterside pubs, café retreats, and relaxed restaurants that reflect the natural beauty and local produce of the coast.
Restaurants in West Sussex
For fine dining, international cuisine, or just a great meal with friends and family, Chichester and West Sussex boasts a variety of excellent restaurants. In the city, Purchases, and The Ivy Chichester Brasserie both offer a glorious dining experiences. For a more rural spot, why not visit Cassons in Tangmere, Potager Restaurant in Crouchers Hotel, The Earl of March in Lavant.
This is a district where food is part of the experience. Wander through Bosham at high tide and stop for lunch at Marwick’s Brasserie at The Millstream, or sample the taste of the Mediterranean at Rosario’s Tapas Bar in East Wittering, or settle into a countryside pub for dinner, like The Blue Bell in Cocking, after a walk along the South Downs Way.
In Petworth, E. Street Bar & Grill offers high‑quality seasonal dishes, and coastal restaurants like Drifters Bar in East Wittering and Cider House Kitchen Ristorante near West Wittering serve family‑friendly Italian and modern British dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Across the district, there are so many great restaurants which highlight locally sourced ingredients, provide a welcoming service, and give the diverse culinary scene that makes West Sussex a true destination for food lovers.
Pubs and Bars in West Sussex
Whether in the city, countryside or along the coast, Sussex offers a wealth of pubs and bars that combine good food with a warm, local atmosphere. Traditional favourites include The Swan Inn and The Royal Oak in Midhurst, The Woodcote, The Three Moles, The Horse Guards Inn, and The Halfway Bridge Inn. Coastal pubs like The Ship Inn in Itchenor, The Anchor Bleu in Bosham, and The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay deliver freshly caught seafood with stunning harbour views. Many of these venues offer family‑friendly food, seasonal menus, local ales and dog‑friendly spaces, making them perfect for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed evening out.
Cafes in West Sussex
Sussex is full of welcoming cafés perfect for a relaxing start to the day or a mid‑afternoon treat. In the city, family‑friendly spots like Robin's Nest, Coskun’s Café, The Ghost at the Feast, and 17 Grams Coffee offer freshly ground coffee, brunch favourites and homemade cakes. In South Harting, there is La Follia, a cosy café set inside a shop-like space filled with mid-century and antique pieces. In Petworth, The HG Café, Comestibles, Fitzcane’s Café, The Lion’s Den, Kemaelli’s, Garton’s Coffee House, and Saddler’s serve delightful breakfasts, light lunches and sweet treats.
Along the coast, The Landing, The West Wittering Beach cafe, Ground and The Boathouse Café in East and West Wittering provide an airy, waterside setting for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, making it perfect for families and dog‑friendly visits.
Where to eat that is dog friendly?
Looking for dog friendly spots around Chichester District? Here are a few of the many welcoming pubs and cafés where your four-legged companion can join you, either inside or out.
The Bosham Inn, Bosham
A great choice after a walk. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, with water and treats on hand to keep them comfortable. You can even book a dog friendly table online here.
The Duke, Chichester
A fully dog friendly pub where dogs are welcome throughout. The team here know dogs are part of the family, so you can relax with a drink without leaving anyone behind.
The Crate and Apple, Chichester
A proud independent serving good food and proper pints. Warm, relaxed and dog friendly at its core.
Café Paradiso, Chichester
A vegetarian and vegan friendly café. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, perfect for a light lunch or coffee on a sunny day.
The Quarterdeck Café, Chichester Marina
Very dog friendly, with water bowls, treats and even a small dog bar. Close to lovely harbour walks and ideal for a post-stroll bite.
Wellies Tea Rooms, Lavant
A welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Dogs are allowed throughout, with plenty of outdoor space in warmer weather and walks nearby.
Drift‑In Surf Café, East Wittering
A relaxed, surf-themed café offering casual bites. Dog friendly with water bowls provided, and only a short wander from the beach.
Why is Sussex Produce so Good?
Surrounded by lush countryside and a bountiful sea and with one of the warmest and sunniest climates in the UK, Sussex is a place of food excellence. So, whatever you desire, be it a celebratory meal in a restaurant like The Ivy Chichester or a grab and go crab sandwich from The Old Piggery in Selsey there’s something to satisfy every gastronomic need; so join us for a foodie tour of Sussex.
Our excellent natural resources combined with warm hospitality and intense pride in our sustainable local produce means there are plenty of GREAT lunch spots and dinner venues to choose from. Drop in on our award-winning vineyards, breweries, distilleries, local producers and traders for a taste of Sussex around every corner.
Foodies looking for a weekend away will delight in our gastro pubs and elegant restaurants offering seasonal menus using local produce. Drop in for a glass of Sussex (yes, we even have our own DPO - Protected Designation of Origin!) at one of our friendly vineyards or linger over a leisurely meal overlooking the vines.
Enjoy fresh locally sourced ingredients from our cafés and farm shops, or pop in for a freshly brewed pint at an award winning microbrewery. Treat yourself to a Sunday lunch blow out at a traditional country pub, a freshly roasted cup of artisan coffee, or an elegant afternoon tea at a country house hotel. Have something to celebrate? Why not push the boat out at one of our top notch restaurants. Check out our top tens for further inspiration.
