The UK has some amazing coastal spots that are ideal for a summer’s day out at the beach. As the weather warms up, the country’s seaside towns come into their own and coastal restaurants start to showcase the wealth of fresh seafood and delicious seasonal produce. These seaside restaurants are perfect to visit if you’re planning a culinary tour of the coast or want a weekend break from the city. From restaurants with incredible ocean views serving local shellfish to MICHELIN-starred beachfront bistros, the best seaside restaurants in the UK promise a wonderful time.
Cliffside eateries on the Scottish coast offer rugged scenery and farm-fresh food. The Cornish west coast is a great destination for hikers and boasts seaside restaurants that specialise in British modern cuisine and fine wine pairings. Meanwhile, visitors to the UK’s east coast can tuck into fish dishes in a stunning marshland nature reserve or head to one of Kent’s iconic Victorian seaside towns and enjoy local gin cocktails on a harbourside terrace. Put these restaurants on your list when planning your next seaside break.
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The 12 best seaside restaurants in the UK for a spectacular coastal getaway
For MICHELIN-recommended beachfront dining – try Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay, Wales
Located right on the sand at Colwyn Bay in north Wales, Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK for a sumptuous meal on the coast. The restaurant is owned by renowned Welsh chef, Bryn Williams, who won part of the Great British Menu contest to cook for the Royal family in 2006. Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias was awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in 2024 and boasts an open kitchen and a modern feel. The menu serves a range of snacks, breakfasts, and main meals, all created using local ingredients. Popular dishes include the daily catch fish fingers with chips or the Porth Eirias fish pie for two. The fluffy baked Alaska is always a hit for dessert, while the house eggs are a brilliant breakfast choice. The relaxed vibe is perfect for a day at the beach.
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For rugged coastal views at one of the best seaside cafes in the UK – head to Drift in North Berwick, Scotland
With breathtaking views and a surrounding network of hiking and cycling trails on the rugged Scottish coast, Drift in North Berwick is one of the best seaside cafes in the UK. The glass-fronted dining room looks directly out onto Bass Rock, which rises dramatically from the ocean, and the venue is located just a half mile from Tantallon Castle. Drift is a family-owned eatery and specialises in farm-fresh, local produce and home cooking. If you’re hungry after a hike, crispy smoked bacon waffles will recharge you. You can also tuck into a juicy pulled pork burger or a slice of indulgent carrot cake. The café is known for serving excellent coffee and a selection of fresh fruit juices. There is also a kid’s menu for little explorers. Relax in the dining room or soak up the scenery and enjoy something from the takeaway at the outdoor picnic tables.
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For fresh, local produce at one of the best beach restaurants in the UK – visit Gara Rock in Salcombe, England
Stunning coastal views and best of British produce make Gara Rock in Salcombe, Devon, one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for excellence and offers a menu of hearty, unpretentious dishes. Delicious main meals include smoked Devon eel with crème fraîche and potatoes or juicy duck with plum and beetroot garnish. If you’ve got pets with you, the adjoined Gara Kitchen is a casual dining area that welcomes dogs and serves seaside classics, like crispy battered cod with chunky chips. Meanwhile, sweet treats like three scoops of creamy Salcombe dairy ice cream or a sticky toffee pudding with Devon clotted cream are perfect after a coastal walk. You can also unwind with premium gins and cocktails from the bar. The relaxed, intimate vibe makes this a great place to catch up with friends.
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For spectacular outdoor dining at one of the UK’s best seaside restaurants – don’t miss Milk Wood House in St Clears, Wales
Dine on the terrace and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of the Taf Estuary at Milk Wood House in St Clears, one of the best coastal restaurants in the UK. The restaurant is open from 9.30 am and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A curated modern British menu makes this an unforgettable pitstop when you’re exploring the beautiful Welsh coast. Lunchtime diners can enjoy hearty, filling sandwiches or crisp, summery salads and finish off their meal with a satisfying slice of cake. In the evenings, the restaurant is known for serving delicious homemade pizzas fresh from the wood-fire oven. The bar offers a range of refreshing soft drinks, high-quality wines, and tempting cocktails. Enjoy drinks on the balcony terrace when the weather turns warm, or relax in the elegant, glass-fronted dining room. The sweeping estuary views give the location a wonderfully tranquil feel.
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For charming harbour views and one of best seaside restaurants in Kent – visit Rocksalt in Folkestone
Located on the iconic Folkestone promenade in Kent, Rocksalt offers scenic views of Folkestone harbour. As well as lovely seafront surroundings, Rocksalt’s menu celebrates local, coastal produce with a variety of sumptuous seafood dishes. The a la carte menu changes with the seasons and a classic roast with trimmings is available on Sundays. Start your meal off with a locally produced aperitif, such as a sparkling Canterbury rose or a gin and tonic made with local gin. If you’re in the mood for a seafood feast, you can start your meal with Maldon oysters or fish soup. Mains include fish dishes that are fresh off local boats wherever possible, such as flaky Folkestone cod served with mussels and brown shrimp, or skate wing fried in anchovy butter. The outdoor dining areas and chic, modern decor make this one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK.
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For fabulous bistro dining by the sea – head to Sandbanks Brasserie in Dundee, Scotland
Sandbanks Brasserie in Dundee is a beachy gem and one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK for fresh seafood. Owned by the winner of MasterChef 2014, Jamie Scott, Sandbanks Brasserie specialises in traditional Scottish fare served bistro-style. Specials change regularly based on the freshest catch. Popular dishes include shellfish platters, featuring mussels, scallops, and langoustine, or fresh white fish, like halibut or John Dory. The kitchen also regularly serves up traditional meat dishes, like juicy pork belly with mashed potatoes or tender steak with onion rings. The café also serves a great range of pastries and cakes that are perfect to enjoy with a coffee before taking a stroll along the Broughty Ferry seafront. Classic cocktails, like espresso martinis and gin sours, also pop up on the ever-changing menu. With great views of the sea and dunes, the Sandbanks Brasserie is a lovely, tranquil spot.
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For relaxed fine dining on a coastal setting – visit The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay
Serving modern European cuisine, The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay offers a relaxed, informal approach to fine dining in a beautiful coastal setting. The simple yet elegant decor and a luxurious menu make The Elephant one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK and a must-visit if you love masterfully cooked seafood. In 2023 the restaurant was awarded one MICHELIN star and the ever-changing à la carte menu revolves around using top-tier seasonal produce. Typical menu items include dishes like locally caught monkfish in bearnaise sauce or Devon rump of lamb with a black olive and aubergine sauce. The restaurant also offers lunch and evening tasting menus with an optional wine pairing. If you’re out for a special meal, you can also choose a bottle of wine for the table from the restaurant’s sophisticated wine list.
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For a sunny lunch near the beach – try The Potted Lobster in Abersoch and Bamburgh, Scotland
Part of The Whittling House group, The Potted Lobster in Abersoch and Bamburgh specialise in serving fresh, locally caught lobsters and are two of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. Both locations have stylish modern interiors and spacious outdoor dining areas with coastal views. Diners can tuck into lobster served in a variety of ways, including cold poached lobster with garlic mayonnaise or grilled lobster with thermidor sauce. Start your meal with Shetland mussels cooked in white wine and cream. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the seafood platter serves two and features a selection of hot and cold local fish alongside hand cut chips. The bar also serves a great range of craft ales and wines from Europe, South American and South Africa. A bubbly Aperol spritz cocktail is the perfect aperitif for a date night seafood feast.
📍 Abersoch — Check availability
📍 Bamburgh — Check availability
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For stunning marsh views at one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK – don’t miss The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe
Nestled amidst the stunning Norfolk marshes on the UK’s east coast, The White Horse – Brancaster Staithe is located inside a designated area of natural beauty and is just a short distance from the Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. The area is a haven for birds and coastal wildlife and The White Horse is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK if you love traditional British food and fresh shellfish. Awarded two AA rosettes, the menu at The White Horse features popular dishes, like pan roasted hake with clams and cockles or the fresh local catch of the day. Diners can also start their meal off with British rock oysters served with a glass of sparkling wine. Commanding beautiful marshland views from its outdoor terrace and conservatory dining room, The White Horse is the perfect place for a special lunch out.
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For Sunday roast at one of the best seaside restaurants in Kent – visit Twenty Seven Harbour Street in Broadstairs
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Twenty Seven Harbour Street in Broadstairs is one of the best seaside cafes in the UK for hearty comfort food. The restaurant overlooks Viking Bay beach and the Broadstairs jetty, giving diners lovely sea views on a sunny day. Visitors can enjoy classic breakfast options, like eggs Benedict or a fried breakfast made with sausage, smoked back bacon, and a selection of sides. Meanwhile, the main menu showcases cold plates, like fresh stonebass crudo, and hot meals like charcoal grilled mackerel. On Sundays, Twenty Seven Harbour Street serves up a choice of wood roasted meats, including tender Kentish sirloin steak or pork loin. Cocktails, like a fiery negroni, are the perfect Sunday tipple and the wine list features high-end vintages. The vibe is smart casual, making this a great spot for a work lunch or relaxed celebration.
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For sustainable Cornish produce at a zero waste restaurant – try Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in St Ives
With its elegant tearoom aesthetic and focus on fresh, local ingredients, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, St Ives, is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK. Situated on the Cornish coast, this renowned eatery makes the most of its scenic, cliffside location and reduces food waste by incorporating leftover produce from the restaurant into its bar menu. Native Cornwall oysters that are sustainably grown and sourced are a great way to open your meal. For mains, the BBQ monkfish with leeks is mouth-wateringly delicious, while the Devonshire duck is a great meat option. Diners can also add a wine pairing to their meal for £150 per head. Decadent presentation makes dining here feel extra special and a round of luxurious cocktails is the perfect way to finish off your evening. The atmosphere is fine dining with a smart casual dress code.
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For pizza by the sea at one of the UK’s best beachfront cafes – visit Watch House Café in Bridport
Rated one of The Guardian’s top 20 restaurant picks, Watch House Café in Bridport specialises in pizza by the sea and hearty breakfast food. With outdoor covered dining located right on Bridport beachfront, Watch House Café is one of the best seaside restaurants in the UK for a day at the coast. Enjoy some slices of Hawaiian pizza or try a unique pork belly and sausage stuffing pizza. Early risers can tuck into filling breakfast options, like a full English fry-up or a bacon and egg breakfast ciabatta. Watch House Café also serves cocktails making it a great spot for drinks on the beach with friends. A refreshing Dark n Stormy is perfect for a warm spring evening, while a chilled strawberry daquiri is sure to get you in the summer spirit. Watch House Café also serves bottomless brunch Monday-Saturday.
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Whether you love feasting on seafood or just thrive on spending time at the beach, the best seaside restaurants in the UK offer an unforgettable dining experience. Follow up a coastal walk with coffee and homemade cake in a cliffside café or enjoy a fine dining meal at a MICHELIN-awarded seafront bistro. These restaurants on the coast are just a fraction of what the UK food scene has to offer.
