What do you do when the sun starts to shine? You head to the seaside. Whether you’re looking to sit back on the sand, have a bracing dip in the sea or just even out your tan lines, we all love a day at the beach. Yet all too often, lunch rolls around and we’re unsure where to head. Queue up at the tourist traps? Or try to get by on a supermarket meal deal? Luckily, our Inspectors have put an end to the issue with this list of the best seaside towns for food lovers, where the restaurants are as comforting as the sun on your back and the sand in your toes.
A deckchair on Brighton Pier and a colourful dish from Cin Cin in Hove. © FGM/iStock (L), Jenni Helin (R)
Brighton: The Ultimate Seaside Destination
Okay, Brighton’s a city not a town, a place of proper scale rather than a quaint seaside spot. Yet it’s such an enduring delight to visit, and such a fabulous spot for foodies, that you’d be a fool to miss it off your itinerary. Start with a stroll along the famous seafront, revelling in the crunch of the pebble beach underfoot while trying to avoid the seagulls making a beeline for your chips. Head out to the end of the pier, perhaps picking up some winnings in the arcade, then move inland for shopping in the oh-so-cool Lanes district.After ticking off the first portion of your Brighton bucket list, immerse yourself in its food scene. Fans of on-trend cooking over fire should make for Embers; if you like the lip-smacking vibrancy of Thai cuisine, Lucky Khao is the answer; those who love brilliantly priced sharing plates (who doesn’t?) have both Burnt Orange and The Flint House to choose from; and finally, if you think a sea view needs seafood, dine at Dilsk. Over in nearby Hove, the restaurants come with more of a neighbourhood feel, including the proudly run Wild Flor, terrific Italian Cin Cin and perfectly cooked fish at The Little Fish Market.
The sea glimpsed through flowering hedges in Falmouth, plus a dish from Harbour House over the water in Flushing. © Katie Elizabeth/iStock (L), Nik Read (R)
Falmouth: Pride in Cornish Produce
Any self-respecting food lover knows that the Cornish coast is one of the best places around for top-drawer seafood. Whether it’s crab or turbot, lobster or brill, Cornwall’s seaside towns are some of the best places to find fresh, local produce cooked by chefs who respect their ingredients. One of the many must-visit spots when it comes to top restaurants is Falmouth, a prominent natural harbour where plenty of seafood is landed.Located right next to the quay is CULTURE, a restaurant that’s deeply connected to its surroundings. The idiosyncratic menu tells a story of the ingredients used and where they come from, rather than simply listing them. It’s indicative of a kitchen that makes provenance its first priority. Some local produce can also be found at MINE, an endearing little bistro run with a friendly touch. Explore more of the area by getting the short ferry across the water to Flushing, then recharging the batteries at Harbour House, a good-looking pub with stripped-back dishes that showcase yet more fine Cornish produce.
The seaside town of Greystones, within easy reach of Dublin, and an Indian dish from Chakra by Jaipur. © Cian McGrath/iStock (L), Richard Stokes (R)
Greystones: Dublin’s Seaside Sibling
One thing that’s worth looking out for when picking your next coastal getaway is how easily accessible it is from a major city. Escaping to the seaside is a brilliant chance to relax – and it’s even more relaxing if you didn’t have to drive five hours to get there. In Greystones, under an hour down the coast from Dublin, you get the best of both worlds: a sea breeze and archetypal Irish cliffsides, within easy reach of the Irish capital and all the wonderful eateries it has to offer.Of course, Greystones is also a brilliant choice for restaurant enthusiasts in its own right. For one, you have Caladh. A bright and relaxing spot, it feels like a neighbourhood haunt for a particularly nice neighbourhood. Its menu is blissfully free of pretension, offering bags of flavour in each tried-and-tested dish. Just round the corner, fans of Indian food will be more than satisfied with Chakra by Jaipur. The team are friendly, the ingredients are of high quality and the traditional dishes are sure to satisfy – the naan is particularly excellent.
Kinsale's brightly coloured buildings and a fittingly vibrant dish from Saint Francis Provisions. © jenifoto/iStock (L), John Allen (R)
Kinsale: County Cork’s Brightest Spark
If there was an award for ‘most colourful seaside town’, then Kinsale would be a frontrunner – despite some stiff competition from fellow Irish favourite Dingle. Known for its brightly painted buildings and picturesque vistas, it’s also one of the best foodie destinations on the Irish coast. For starters, it’s home to Bastion, a proudly run place that delivers real MICHELIN-Star quality in its lineup of skilfully crafted dishes that unsurprisingly utilise the exceptional County Cork larder.Saint Francis Provisions, meanwhile, is warm, welcoming and endearing in every way – a great little spot to pop in for some boldly flavoured small plates during your day out in the sun. Finally, Rare is a lovely hidden gem for those in the know – offering ambitious dishes inspired by the flavours of Tamil Nadu. If you have time, it’s well worth exploring other towns on the Cork coast, such as Baltimore, where the brilliantly talented Ahmet Dede is plying his trade at both his Two-MICHELIN-Star flagship and the informal, well-priced Baba’de.
The golden sands on Margate seafront and a fish dish from Angela's. © MEDITERRANEAN/iStock (L), Lee Coad (R)
Margate: King of the Kent Coast
There are plenty of great spots to visit along the Kent coastline, including desirable towns like Broadstairs and Deal, but for gastronomic goodness Margate is the pick of the bunch. Focus your attention on a trio of restaurants handily clustered near the town’s famous beachfront, the Dreamland amusement park and the Turner Contemporary art gallery. For the best seaside location and value for money – go to Sargasso. Situated on the harbour wall, it’s a restaurant that swaps faff for flavour, with high-quality produce and clean, unpretentious cooking.If you’re a fan of Margate but would kind of prefer to be on the Med, then Bottega Caruso will transport you there thanks to Chef-Owner Simona Ryder’s lovingly made family recipes. There’s a wonderful feel about the place as a whole, which also plays a key role in the community alongside fellow restaurant Angela’s. This final option is all about fresh seafood cooked with a pared-back approach. If you’re after another fresh taste of the sea, head 30 minutes up the coast to The Whitstable Oyster Company. A long-standing fixture of the area, this family-run spot offers a fabulous festival of seafood – including their own oysters prepared in a multitude of ways.
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Beach huts on Mersea Island and oysters from The White Hart Inn. © Anna Wator/iStock (L), Oliver Suckling (R)
Mersea Island: Alternative Views and MICHELIN-Star Prestige
It might seem obvious, but for sea air and sea views, there are few places better than an actual island. Located about halfway along the Essex coastline – not far from Maldon and its famous sea salt – Mersea Island is a distinctive spot that’s just slightly separated from the mainland. West Mersea is the more built-up area, with sandy beaches for a classic summer day out. In the east of the island, things are a bit sparser, with Cudmore Grove Country Park a great spot for those who like their coastal trips with a bit more nature – combining grassland and meadows with beaches ideal for a long walk.For foodies, Mersea holds even more appeal thanks to MICHELIN-Star Stark in East Mersea. Having relocated from Broadstairs in 2024, this intimate restaurant is now a core part of the Mersea dining scene, thanks to its tasting menu filled with precisely crafted dishes that deliver satisfying flavours aplenty. For a more relaxed option, The White Hart Inn in West Mersea offers modernised pub dishes with some punchy flavours – ideal for lunch during your day at the beach. Just make sure you check the tides before you go, as The Strood (the only way on or off the island) sometimes floods at high tide.
Padstow, a cornerstone of Cornish cuisine, and an enticing dish from Paul Ainsworth at No.6. © ianwool/iStock (L), Chris Fynes (R)
Padstow: A Tale of Two Chefs
Padstow is in many ways the foodie seaside town – and it has been for decades, thanks in large part to Rick Stein and his renowned Seafood Restaurant. Having been open since 1975, it’s a cornerstone of Cornish culinary culture and one of the best places to delight in the region’s bountiful seafood. If you’re one for a fruits de mer platter, this is the place to get it. For a more affordable taste of the sea, head to Rick Stein’s Café, which incorporates a range of Asian influences.If Rick Stein forged Padstow’s reputation, then Paul Ainsworth helped turn it into a full-on culinary juggernaut. At the MICHELIN-Starred Paul Ainsworth at No.6, he brings originality and a playful streak to technically adept dishes mining yet more local produce. Nearby Caffè Rojano is Ainsworth’s foray into Italian cuisine, while in Rock (a short ferry over the River Camel from Padstow) he runs The Mariners, a terrific seaside pub known for its hearty, straightforward fare. To have not one but two such successful chef-restaurateurs in one small town makes Padstow nigh-on unmissable.
Port Isaac's picturesque harbour and a lobster dish from Outlaw's New Road. © 1111IESPDJ/iStock (L), Kate Whitaker (R)
Port Isaac: A Perfect Little Package
Being a small fishing village, rather than a town, and only 35 minutes from Padstow, it would be easy to miss Port Isaac off this list. But there’s two reasons why you simply can’t skip it on your seaside foodie itinerary. First of all, it’s lovely – simple as that. There’s a reason the long-running TV series Doc Martin filmed here, because it’s a quaint, picturesque place full of old-school Cornish charm. Secondly, it is the home of one of Britain’s greatest seafood chefs: Nathan Outlaw.With not one but two MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in close proximity – plus a charming Guest House – Outlaw has made Port Isaac his own. The best way to visit is to have one dinner at his New Road restaurant and another at the Fish Kitchen. The former is more formal and ambitious, with a tasting menu packed with top-shelf produce; the Fish Kitchen is more relaxed, with a sharing-style set menu. Both abide by a core principle of simplicity, never masking the brilliance of the ingredients. Look out for the Porthilly sauce, Outlaw’s signature creation that is truly exceptional.
An aerial view of Penarth, plus a playful dessert snack at Home. © Thomas Faull/iStock (L), Aga Tomaszek (R)
Penarth: Cardiff’s Coastal Neighbour
There aren’t many seaside towns that can say they’re in walking distance from a capital city, but Penarth bucks that trend with a flourish. Accessed from Cardiff via a short drive or a long and scenic walk (definitely the option if you love a sea view), the town has an identity of its own that ticks off key seaside boxes with its pier, pebble beach and esplanade. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the seafront, you’ll find a pair of restaurants that have helped put Penarth on the culinary map.First off is One-MICHELIN-Star Home, the intensely personal project from Chef-Owner James Sommerin and his family. He and his daughter Georgia craft the refined dishes while other family members help with the service. James regularly pops out of his kitchen to chat with diners and proves a gregarious host, helping to create the sense that you are a guest in his home. For a more flexible alternative, drop in for some small plates and a glass of wine at Touring Club. Well-known Welsh chef Bryn Williams is one of the team behind it, taking inspiration from both his travels and local favourites for well-priced dishes such as a generously topped Welsh rarebit.
The bay at St Andrews and a fish dish from Seafood Ristorante. © Chris Wallard Photography/iStock (L), Marc Miller - Schnapps Photography (R)
St Andrews: Not Just for Golf
More famous for its university and its world-class golf course than sunbathing and sandcastles, St Andrews is nevertheless a prime destination for windswept coastal vistas and invigorating sea air. And as seaside getaways go, Scotland is less about soaring temperatures and more about sublime seafood. For proof of this, head straight to the stunningly located Seafood Ristorante, where prime local produce is given a delicate Italian twist – all to be enjoyed whilst marvelling at the breathtaking sea view. Alternatively, Haar comes from restaurateur Dean Banks and is similarly focused on delicious Scottish seafood.Beyond St Andrews itself, food lovers should take the time to explore the restaurants of Fife’s East Neuk, a stretch of coastline famed as the landing place of some of the country’s very best seafood. Fishing communities like Elie and Crail have a real charm to them, while The Dory Bistro & Gallery in Pittenweem or Craig Millar @ 16 West End in St Monans are great spots to refuel along the way.
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Hero Image: The beautiful harbour at Port Isaac, one of the best seaside towns for food lovers. © Dark_Eni/iStock
