Where to Eat in Eastbourne: Our Local Recommendations

One of the great things about staying in Eastbourne is the choice of places to eat and drink. Whether you're looking for a relaxed breakfast, lunch by the sea, a traditional pub meal or somewhere special for dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from.

As a local holiday accommodation business, we're often asked by guests where we'd recommend eating during their stay. So, we've put together a selection of places worth considering — from seafront favourites to some of our local go-to spots.

Breakfast & Brunch

Ren's Kitchen

If you're staying in Meads, Ren's Kitchen on Meads Street is a great option for breakfast, brunch or a relaxed lunch. It's an independent café in the heart of Meads Village, making it particularly convenient for guests staying in this part of Eastbourne.

It's also a good place to start the day before heading down to the seafront or setting off towards the South Downs. With its relaxed atmosphere and local feel, it's the sort of place we like to recommend to guests looking to experience a little more of Eastbourne beyond the main tourist spots.

Lunch with a Sea View

The Beach Deck

For a relaxed meal right by the beach, The Beach Deck is a great option.

Situated directly on Eastbourne beach at Royal Parade, it has sea views and is a lovely choice when you want to combine lunch with a walk along the seafront.

It's particularly enjoyable when the weather is good, allowing you to sit back, enjoy something to eat and take in the coastal views.

Traditional Pub Food

The Pilot

If you're staying in Meads, The Pilot is a local pub that's well worth knowing about.

Located on Meads Street, just a short distance from the seafront, it's a relaxed place to enjoy a drink or a meal.

It's particularly well placed if you've spent the day walking along the coast or exploring the South Downs and want somewhere nearby for dinner afterwards.

The Lamb Inn

If you're exploring Eastbourne Old Town, The Lamb Inn is another option worth considering.

Located on High Street, this historic pub has plenty of character and makes a good stopping point while exploring the Old Town.

It's particularly convenient if you're staying in one of the holiday properties around Old Town and want somewhere to eat without heading back towards the seafront.

The Lamb Inn serves a varied menu using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with food served throughout the week.

Something a Little More Special

La Locanda Del Duca

For an Italian meal, La Locanda Del Duca in Cornfield Terrace is a popular choice in the town centre.

It's a family-run Italian restaurant and a good option for an evening meal when you're looking for something a little more special.

Its central location also makes it convenient if you're spending an evening in the town centre.

Steak Night

The Two Bulls Steakhouse

Located in Eastbourne Old Town on Church Street, The Two Bulls Steakhouse is worth considering if you're looking for a steak or a more substantial evening meal.

The restaurant has a more intimate feel and works particularly well for a special dinner or evening out.

It's another good reason to explore Old Town during your stay rather than sticking solely to the seafront.

Something Different

Gr/eat Greek Cuisine

If you fancy something a little different, gr/eat Greek Cuisine on Terminus Road is well worth considering.

The restaurant serves fresh, traditional Greek food, using locally sourced ingredients and classic Mediterranean flavours. The menu includes dishes such as moussaka, chicken souvlaki, grilled fish and a selection of sharing plates.

It's a relaxed and welcoming restaurant and works particularly well if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a leisurely lunch or evening meal.

Located on Terminus Road, it's also within easy reach of the town centre and seafront.

If you're planning to visit, we'd recommend booking ahead, particularly at weekends.

Plant-Based Dining

The Good Grub

For plant-based dining, The Good Grub on Compton Street is another option worth knowing about.

The restaurant specialises in vegan food and offers something a little different from many of the more traditional choices around Eastbourne.

It's a useful recommendation if you're travelling with someone who follows a plant-based diet, or simply fancy trying something different.

Coffee, Cake & Something Sweet

Holywell Tea Chalet

For a traditional seaside tea and cake experience, head towards Holywell.

Holywell Tea Chalet has a lovely position overlooking the coast and is a great place to stop after a walk along the seafront.

It's particularly enjoyable on a sunny afternoon when you can sit outside and take in the views.

It's also ideally placed if you're walking towards Beachy Head or exploring the quieter western end of Eastbourne's seafront.

Don't Forget Fish & Chips!

No trip to a British seaside town would be complete without fish and chips.

Eastbourne has plenty of options, whether you want to sit down in a traditional fish and chip restaurant or grab some takeaway and eat it beside the sea.

For the full seaside experience, pick up your fish and chips and head down to the beach or seafront — just keep an eye out for the seagulls!

Eating Around Eastbourne

One of the things we love about Eastbourne is that you don't have to stay in the town centre to find good places to eat.

Meads has a village-like atmosphere with restaurants, cafés and pubs, while Old Town offers historic surroundings and traditional pubs.

The seafront is ideal if you want a meal with a view, while Sovereign Harbour provides another excellent setting with restaurants overlooking the marina.

If you're staying in Eastbourne for several days, it's worth exploring different parts of the town rather than simply sticking to the restaurants closest to your accommodation.

Our Advice: Book Ahead

Some of Eastbourne's smaller and more popular restaurants can get busy, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and during the summer.

If there's somewhere you're particularly keen to try, we'd recommend checking opening times and booking a table in advance.

Menus, opening hours and availability can change, so it's always worth checking directly with the restaurant before setting off.

Staying in Eastbourne?

Whether you're here for a weekend, a family holiday or a longer break, having somewhere comfortable to return to after a day of exploring makes all the difference.

At Stay Eastbourne, we provide professionally managed holiday accommodation across Eastbourne, including properties in Old Town, Meads and other popular areas.

And if you need any recommendations during your stay, we're always happy to point you in the right direction.

Stay local. Explore more. Enjoy Eastbourne.