Food and Drink in Sussex

Let us be your guide to the best food and drink in West Sussex from the top places for afternoon tea in West Sussex to restaurants in Chichester, the food scene in Sussex is waiting to be discovered. 

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!) 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.

Where to eat in Chichester

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day, a long and lazy brunch, a refuel whilst exploring the city, a pre-theatre pit-stop or a meal for a special occasion at The Ivy Chichester, you’ll find a place to suit in the historic city. There are plenty of restaurants in Chichester to choose from including The Ghost at the Feast, a food hall focusing on street food and craft drinks.

Did you know it’s possible to take your tastebuds to Italy, India, Mexico, France, Thailand, Turkey or Greece, all in Chichester?  Be transported to the Mediterranean at Piccolino, Santorini, The Fat Fig, Turkuaz Social or  Reina Kitchen, or settle in for Asian flavour sensations at Lemongrass, Giggling Squid, Masala City, Wagamama, Mr Toy’s Flying Wok or Confucius Chinese. 

Check out our 48 Hours in Chichester itinerary for 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. 

Where to eat in Petworth

Petworth is increasingly gaining a reputation as a destination for food lovers. Maybe you’ve already discovered the incredible glass-walled cheese room at The Hungry Guest, sampled their delicious brownies, or experienced the aroma of the freshly baked sausage rolls at Cherry’s Deli, and if you haven’t, we highly recommend adding Petworth to the top of your places to visit list. Whether you come for a day, a weekend or escape for a longer break, there’s much exploring for your tastebuds to do here.

Petworth’s location amid glorious countryside certainly influences the gastronomic experience here, and you’ll find it reflected in menus which showcase locally sourced produce. The award-winning E.Street Bar & Grill, champions local ingredients and elevate them in dishes of a high standard. The restaurant also boasts its very own mixologist, ready to prepare your favourite tipple or surprise and delight with a new cocktail creation.

Enjoy a Sussex welcome at local hostelries. Atmospheric inns presenting gastro style food and serving up local ales are to be found within Petworth town, in the surrounding countryside and in and around the hamlets of Graffham, Selham, Tillington and Fittleworth, and are well worth heading off the beaten track to find. The Woodcote, The Three Moles, The Horseguards Inn, The Halfway Bridge Inn and The Swan, to name just a few, have well-earned reputations and excellent reviews. Booking ahead is recommended if you can.

If you’re spending a few hours wandering Petworth’s quaint town centre with its myriad independent shops and antique dealers, treat yourself to a break with a freshly ground coffee at Cherry’s Deli, Tiffins Tearoom or Saddler's where the cake is always homemade and the welcome warm. The Hungry Guest Café is conveniently located within the grounds of Newlands House Gallery, where the all-weather terrace will entice you to stop for breakfast, a quick refuelling drink and snack or delicious lunch. Our 48 Hours in Petworth itinerary has more ideas of where to eat in Petworth.

Where to eat in Midhurst

Midhurst has a variety of cafés, pubs and restaurants to choose from, whether you're stopping for a great cup of coffee, a long laid back lunch or a celebrating a special occasion.

From traditional pubs and inns like The Swan serving home-cooked food to friendly cafés like Comestibles, Fitzcane's, The Lion's Den, Kemaelli's 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.

As well as a good variety of eating options within the historic town centre itself others, in particular pubs such as the Royal Oak just outside the town or 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.

The Spread Eagle Hotel in Midhurst is also a good choice for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. Local Sussex wine is served here as well. Our 48 Hours in Midhurst is packed with ideas of where to eat in Midhurst.

Where to eat in Selsey

The quality of Selsey’s crab, lobster and whelks is famed throughout the world and has grown in popularity over the years. Selsey is one of the last remaining towns on the South Coast where you can watch the fishermen bringing in the catch. You can buy your freshly caught seafood direct from a Selsey fishing family and taste for yourself why Selsey seafood is so well renowned.

Read our 48 Hours in Selsey itinerary for more ideas of where to eat in Selsey.