There has never been a better time to explore the South Coast restaurants putting Sussex firmly on the culinary map. While Brighton has long been celebrated for its independent food scene, nearby Worthing is quietly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting dining destinations. Together, they’re home to some of the best restaurants in Sussex, where talented chefs, exceptional local produce and coastal views create memorable experiences.
Leading Worthing’s rise is TERN, Manchester born and bred, Johnny began his career working with Paul Kitching at his acclaimed restaurant Juniper in Altrincham, before heading to Cumbria, Edinburgh and finally settling in Sussex in 2012, working as sous chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Matt Gillan @ The Pass. In 2017 he took the reins at Pascere in Brighton as Head Chef to much acclaim. Most recently he has headed up the fine dining restaurant AG’s at Alexander House Hotel, retaining its three AA Rosettes for the last three years.
Johnny’s cooking style combines creative brilliance with strong ethics. He creates captivating menus using British produce at the peak of its seasonality, driven by a desire to celebrate the diversity of the UK’s countryside, coastline and producers, creating dishes that truly reflect the seasons.
His food is intrinsically linked with seasonality, native British ingredients and the close relationships he has built with suppliers. Seeing first-hand the dedication, passion and effort that goes into producing exceptional ingredients, Johnny brings that same level of care and attention to showcasing them through his cooking.
In Brighton, Pearly Cow has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about openings. Overlooking the seafront, it’s one of those South Coast restaurants where it’s just as easy to pop in for oysters and a glass of wine as it is to settle in for a leisurely dinner. Expect seafood served on ice, beautifully cooked steaks over open flame and a terrace that comes into its own on warm summer evenings. It’s easy to see why it’s already considered one of the best restaurants in Sussex.
Few places capture Brighton’s coastal character quite like The Salt Room. A favourite with locals for years, it continues to set the standard for seafood dining. Looking out across the English Channel while sharing one of its famous whole fish dishes is a reminder that some of the finest South Coast restaurants are those that let exceptional ingredients do the talking. It’s another restaurant that firmly deserves its place among the best restaurants in Sussex.
Further along the coast, Boatyard in Hastings offers a more relaxed dining experience. Sitting above Hastings Contemporary, it’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the Old Town, with seasonal small plates, natural wines and uninterrupted sea views. As more chefs look beyond London, South Coast restaurants continue to evolve, offering experiences that rival anywhere in the country. If you’re planning a foodie escape this year, you’ll quickly discover that the best restaurants in Sussex are no longer a well-kept secret.
