Six of the best places to dine by the sea in the South East

Published by

Stephen Emerson

A list of the twenty best places to dine by the sea has included no fewer than six south coast establishments.

A remarkable three Isle of Wight eateries feature on the UK wide list, which was compiled for The Times newspaper.

Masterchef’s Grace Dent and TV personality and chef Ainsley Harriet co-wrote the list.

As the Solent is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, few people will be surprised three island establishments, constituting almost one sixth of the list, have been included.

The famous culinary duo choose the Folkestone Wine Company as the best place to dine by the sea. Sargasso in Margate, Kent was placed second.

Ms Dent wrote in The Times, that the Folkestone Wine Company was "a romantic little family-run restaurant.” She recommended the sage gnocchi.

The full list of desirable south coast seaside eateries included: The Folkestone Wine Company, Folkestone, Kent: Sargasso, Margate, Kent: Smoking Lobster Cowes, Isle of Wight: West Beach Bar and Restaurant, Brighton, East Sussex: The Garlic Farm Restaurant, Newchurch, Isle of Wight and Grace’s Bakery, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Sargasso, which is second on the list is run by the same team responsible for East London’s renown Brawn Restaurant. Sits atop the stone harbour in Margate, the views are as spectacular as the freshly landed seafood on offer.

Fellow seafood specialists, Brighton’s West Beach Bar and Restaurant, in East Sussex also features on the list. The beachside location is a must visit particularly for those interested in coeliac and vegan menus.

The three Isle of Wight diners, The Garlic Farm, Grace’s Bakery and Smoking Lobster Cowes all make great use of one of the most idilic stretches of UK coastline.

The Smoking Lobster Crew was opened in 2017 by chef GC Giancovich. Its coastal setting is simply spectacular.

The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight offers, well a distinctly branded flavour. The restaurant is also highly recommended for the log cabin vibe and their own Garlic Farm reared Highland beef. In addition to the restaurant, the farm shop is a must visit. Garlic Beer anyone?

Final Isle of Wight entry on the Times list was Grace’s Bakery. This little slice of sweetness was established in 1997 by Ray and Carole Redru and has proved so popular they have since opened five further outlets. It is hard to compete with the scenery on offer on the Isle of Wight though.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.