This East Sussex town is full of history, from its cobbled streets to the traditional harbour and old-fashioned buildings. But one thing that's been a constant here over the years? Top notch food. The roads are lined with charming restaurants and pubs, offering up a whole lot of locally sourced fish, fresh pasta dishes, hearty burgers or brunches. So if you're wondering where to grab a bite, here are the best places to eat at Rye restaurants in the UK.
🍔🍽️🐟
The Fig
One of the best restaurants in Rye town centre, The Fig is known for its lively atmosphere and a mouthwatering all-day menu. The brunches here are to-die-for, fronting roasted mushroom or smoked salmon eggs Benedict and French toast waffles. Coming by a little later? They offer a selection of small plates in the evening which include harissa aubergine, pulled pork tacos and tuna ceviche. This welcoming spot is decked out in wooden furniture and striking posters on the wall, making for a relaxed but sophisticated meal with a killer cocktail list to boot.
Instagram-worthy brunches? The Fig has got those.
The Union
Found in a beautiful 15th century building, The Union is a top choice for fish restaurants in Rye. Fresh seafood is caught daily using sustainable methods, prepared alongside local ingredients where possible. Because of this, their menu changes a little every single day, meaning that no two meals here are the same. You can always expect high quality oysters though, with other sample dishes including pork chops cooked in brown butter and smoked cod's roe on toast, all of which are designed to be shared.
This seafood restaurant is a real catch.
Landgate Bistro
If you're in the mood for classic British dishes with a modern twist, look no further than Landgate Bistro. This award-winning spot has been named as the best restaurant in Rye by The Good Food Guide for six years in a row, as well as being recommended by Where Chefs Eat twice - the only Sussex venue to be featured. Everything here is fresh, local and handmade, from their daily sourdough loaves to the British-caught fish and venison from nearby farms, and the minimalist interiors really let the food shine. The menu changes regularly with specials always available, all prepared by down-to-earth head chef Martin Peacock.
This spot is multi award-winning for a reason.
The Globe Inn Marsh
Flaunting quirky interiors complete with hanging lights, colourful furnishings and stained glass windows, The Globe Inn Marsh is not only a brilliant restaurant, it's super sustainable too. They use produce from the South East and reinvest 25% of their energy costs into nearby woodland, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while feeling good about yourself at the same time. Share small plates like crispy chilli squid and baked camembert here, or tuck into a main course of wood-fired fish stew or a Sussex beef burger. As for drinks, you can expect a range of beers, ciders and wines from local producers.
The Globe Inn Marsh doesn't just serve mouthwatering meals, it makes a difference too.
Simply Italian
After Rye restaurants on the water? One of a small number of venues across the South East, Simply Italian is bringing authentic Mediterranean fare to East Sussex in a traditional, no-frills eatery that's full to the brim with old-school artwork. Their pizza dough is freshly made and topped with the likes of fior di latte mozzarella and spicy nduja, while their other mains include spinach and ricotta cannelloni, spaghetti carbonara or seafood risotto. And if you've still got room, be sure to try their homemade tiramisu.
Hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in Rye, the pizza here is dreamy.
The Mermaid Inn
Dishing out some of the best pub food in Rye, The Mermaid Inn has been around since 1420, though their traditional wine cellars are even older. You can soak up the atmosphere in cosy seating under their wooden beam ceilings, with a restaurant area that's separate from the bustling bar if you want to make your meal a little more elegant. You can nab a three-course meal here for £49.50, with highlights of the menu including Rye Bay scallops, woodland pigeon Wellington and ricotta gnocchi, as well as a roast with all the trimmings on Sundays.
Elevated pub grub and a 13th century building - it's a match mer-made in heaven.
Hoof
Served in rustic wooden interiors under beamed ceilings, the food at Hoof is straight from farm to plate, using only the finest cuts of beef to make their signature burgers. They've got chicken, lamb and plant-based patties on offer too, topped with Kentish blue cheese, tomato relish or onion-hibiscus jam. In the mood for something different? The talented kitchen team are also cooking up everything from creamy mushroom rigatoni to sizzling sirloin steaks as well. And for something sweet, we recommend the Nutella Nirvana Freakshake.
One of the best restaurants in Rye for lunch, the burgers here do not disappoint.
Webbe's At The Fish Cafe
Located in a four-storey brick building, Webbe's at the Fish Cafe has been designed in the most environmentally friendly way possible - using fuel-saving equipment and recycling food waste into bio fuel. Whether you're dining in the restaurant or hiring out a private room upstairs, you can expect crab arancini, Maldon rock oysters or Cornish mussels soaked in white wine, with a few meat and veggie options available too. And if you can't get enough of these dishes, you can even learn how to make them for yourself at their very own cookery school.
Head to Webbe's for some of the freshest fish in town.
If you're looking to explore some different areas, then take a look at our guide to the UK's best restaurants. And to keep up with all the latest, sign up to our newsletter.
