Restaurants in Chichester

There’s no better place to celebrate in style than The Ivy Chichester.

Famous for its fine British food and classy afternoon teas, The Ivy has been a firm fixture on London’s dining and social scene since 1917. The doors to the Chichester Brassiere opened in 2022, and the city hasn’t looked back since.

With lavish furnishings, eclectic design touches and stained-glass windows that have taken their design cues from Chichester’s fascinating history, you’ll find no better surroundings to play host to your celebration. The à la carte menu features hand-crafted seasonal specials, alongside a drinks menu showcasing some of the finest distilleries and producers in the region.

If you’re a large party, the private Keats Room accommodates 18 sitting or 30 standing, while if you prefer to dine al-fresco the brasserie’s outdoor terrace is adorned with cosy seating, lanterns and lavish plants.  

There's no better place to channel your inner Emily in Paris (or enjoy a long, leisurely, French style lunch) than at Brassiere Blanc Chichester.

Set in a secluded square with plenty of space for al fresco dining, Brassiere Blanc Chichester is just a stone’s throw from the shops and Chichester Festival Theatre - ideal if you’re visiting for a matinée performance. Sit back, relax and people watch to your hearts content as you enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail or two, with your lunch. There’s no need to rush here.

Talking of food, you’ll find an extensive à la carte lunch menu on offer, devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. Brimming with French brasserie style dishes that are updated regularly to reflect the seasons. Brassiere Blanc Chichester’s food is sourced from some of the best producers and farmers in the country. Quality at its best.

Vive la France!

Belly busters, balloons and birthday tunes. Sound up your street when it comes to birthday celebrations? Then come on down to Chichester’s Smith & Western.

Suitably located in an old historic train shed, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the Wild West when you cross the threshold. With American flags and all things Wild West adorning every inch of the walls, you’ll need to saddle up and prepare yourself for the ride.

Americana runs deep through its food too, you’ll find hearty portions of wings, burgers and nacho platters to fall-off-the-bone ribs and Tex-Mex chillis all washed down with a frozen margaritas or two.

Not a place for wallflowers on their special day, birthday guests are treated to the Smith & Westerns famous Belly Buster Birthday Pudding, along with a loud-and-proud rendition of Happy Birthday. As if any more attention could be placed on you, you may be treated to a balloon and a glittery cowboy hat as well.

Giggling Squid has it all: pretty décor, friendly service and delicious Insta-worthy food. This popular Thai joint hits the spot with classic Thai favourites as well as seasonal menus. There’s a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes and a children’s menu as well. 

Located upstairs in the Butter Market, Bill’s hits the sweet spot with a tempting menu for all ages.

Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner there’s something for every occasion. From pancake stacks and eggs benedict to fully loaded burgers and chicken, halloumi or vegan shawarma, you won’t leave hungry.

The service is super friendly and the with an upbeat atmosphere even the most grumpy teen will have a good time.

A true Chichester gem, a visit to Purchases will top off your time in this historic city. Independently owned, this is a fine dining restaurant and wine bar in the bustling city centre, situated in one of the many Georgian buildings which line Chichester's main shopping streets.

Purchases is known for excellent food and an extensive cocktail list, whether you're stopping for a pre-theatre dinner, celebratory lunch or perching at the bar for a glass of locally made Sussex sparkling wine. In addition to the elegant restaurant and bar areas, discover Purchases' 'secret garden' which invites you to dine al-fresco - colder days benefit from heaters and warm blankets to offer plenty of comfort.

Dining out isn’t just about the food, it’s about the experience too.

And what an experience you’ll have at Viento de Levante.

Based in Victoria Court in the centre of Chichester, Viento de Levante doesn’t just serve up traditional tapas, but a whole slice of Spain too.

Bringing together an infectious and fun atmosphere with a carefully thought through menu - featuring traditional Spanish meat, fish and vegetarian dishes alongside wine and cocktails - this is Chichester’s international experience not to be missed. There’s even live flamenco at weekends too.

Viento de Levante prides itself on the size of its larger than usual tapas portions, so there’s no better reason to throw yourself into the Spanish spirit. Whether you’re catching up with friends over drinks and tapas, or enjoying a meal with the family, you’ll have an experience to remember.

It doesn’t get much more independent when it comes to restaurants than Reina Kitchen.

This authentic family-run Turkish restaurant, located in the heart of the city, serves bold Turkish cuisine and crafted cocktails. Viewing their customers as invited guests to a party, and themselves as the hosts, it’s no surprise that Reina Kitchen has gained rave reviews on Trip Advisor for its high standards and warm atmosphere.

The family who run the restaurant believe that good food means in-house, by hand and from the heart. The menu combines the freshest local produce with traditional Turkish herbs and spices imported from organic farms in Northern Turkey. You’ll find a mixture of traditional family recipes and the chefs own specialities to choose from.

As if you needed any more personal touches, the staff at Reina Kitchen recommend their guests visit their balcony area before heading home after an evening meal to soak up the spectacular starry night sky. Here, they guarantee you a taste of magic to end your experience as a guest of Reina. What more could you ask for?

Thanks to being home to Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester is a popular night out for theatre goers looking to see the next big show before it transfers to the West End.

If you’re doing just that and seeking a pre-theatre meal, look no further than seafood-centric The Ship, located at the beautiful and historic grade II listed Harbour Hotel, just a five-minute walk from the theatre.

Like many others, The Ship offers a fantastic pre-theatre menu. What sets it aside from the rest however, is that each menu is wittingly designed to match what’s showing at the theatre each night.

Visit before a showing of political drama 'The Inquiry' for example, and you’ll find ‘Downing Street punch’, ‘work meeting wine’, ‘Boris’ Bon Bons’, ‘A National Scan-Dahl Curry’, ‘Cumming’s Castle Adventure’ and ‘A Total Eton Mess’ on the menu.

The perfectly tailored appetiser to your show, the pre-theatre menu offers two delicious courses for £22.50, or three courses for £27.

At The Ship, your meal could be just as entertaining as your show!

Described by locals as a hidden gem, Chichester’s The Fat Fig, wins our Best Vegetarian Restaurant spot.

Bringing together a simple yet stunning mix of Mediterranean flavours with the comforts of the English kitchen, The Fat Fig is a hit with those seeking healthier options, and has a great selection of great-value vegetarian and vegan dishes available.

Serving up delicious homemade breakfasts, brunches (waffles anyone?) and lunches. Vegetarians will find dishes available including vegetarian breakfast burritos, vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, eggs with avocado, ‘Fat Fig style’ salad, vegetarian pasta dishes, vegetarian and vegan burgers and Mediterranean style vegetarian sandwiches and wraps. All at a great prices, and featuring authentic Mediterranean twists, we think this is a clear winner.

While ‘personal service’ and ‘chain restaurant’ aren’t phrases that are usually coined together in once sentence, when Côte Brasserie Chichester’s involved, that’s just what you’ll get.

Specialising in modern French food across breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening meals, Côte Brasserie Chichester is a firm favourite with many locals.

The knowledgeable team working here have been trained to perfection in matching their wines - which have been sourced from small regional wineries in France - to all dishes on offer, and pledge to provide the best possible service for their guests. Whether you’re eating à la carte, prix fixe or Sundays à la Côte, the staff are always on hand to help with a smile, and that’s why we’ve chosen them as our best chain restaurant.

Located on Chichester’s picturesque South Street, close to the traditional Market Cross, Côte Brasserie Chichester’s chic interior is waiting to welcome you.

Chichester’s great restaurants aren’t just limited to the City Centre.

10 minutes drive out of Chichester in Apuldram on the Manhood Peninsula, you’ll find Thyme & Chillies our top pick for ‘Best Restaurant Outside of the City Centre’.

Boasting fantastic food, a fine dining experience and impeccable service, this Indian Restaurant brings authentic Indian cuisine to Chichester. You’ll find traditional Indian food, prepared using the finest ingredients and authentic Indian spices on offer. To compliment your meal, Thyme & Chillies have a wide selection of Indian wines chosen to choose from, that have been hand-selected to pair with the restaurant’s specialities.

It should come as no surprise to hear then, that Thyme & Chillies Tandoor and Curry Chefs have a wealth of experience, having worked for some of the top restaurants in India and Dubai, and this hasn’t been missed by diners either. With over 600 great reviews on TripAdvisor, Thyme & Chillies is fast-gaining a reputation as a not-to-be-missed eatery.