Britain’s 10 best coastal eats

A day by the coast is one of Britain’s favourite days out. As well as chilling on the beach and staring out into the stunning coastline, tucking into some yummy coastal fare is firmly on the coast-side bucket list. We picked out 10 of the best coastal eats for you to try on your next summery staycation.


1. Krispies, Exeter

You can’t get any more British than a generous portion of fresh fish and chips, and in Exeter you can try the best of the bunch. Head over to Krispies where you can tuck into the delicious crispy fish and chips that saw the takeaway restaurant crowned winner of the UK’s Fish and Chip Awards in 2019 for the third consecutive year. Once your bellies are full, walk down to Exmouth beach for some coastal fun.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Exeter


2. The Magpie Cafe, Whitby

If you’re checking out the historic Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, The Magpie Cafe is definitely the place to go for some traditional seaside fish dishes. Fresh locally sourced fish and oysters are on the menu here, alongside some more tasty seafood favourites including Whitby crab, traditional kipper fillets, calamari and local oak-roasted salmon to name but a few delicious choices. To make it more tempting, the cafe is perched right opposite the Quayside so you can watch the boats go by, or have a walk up to Whitby beach for a stroll along the sand.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Whitby


3. Morelli’s, Broadstairs

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For that classic seaside ice cream fix, there’s nowhere more traditional than Morelli’s perched right on the seafront. Broadstairs was Morelli’s first parlour opening in 1932, and they’ve since built up quite the reputation- becoming the Mecca for amazing ice cream in the town. All of its ice cream is made fresh every morning from the authentic 50’s style parlour. So, if you’re after a scoop of delicious gelato, with an eye-catching sprinkle of style, Morelli’s is the place to go.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Margate


4. River Exe Cafe, Exmouth

Get ready to dine with a difference at the River Exe Cafe. While some restaurants are perched alongside the river, The River Exe Cafe floats on the river itself, making for some truly spectacular views. Not only is the food amazing and award-winning, but the experience to get to Devon’s only floating gastro shed is unique in itself. Park up at Exmouth Marina, and take the Puffin Water Taxi across to the centre of the river where your locally sourced seafood experience awaits. Take your pick from some of the best and freshest food from the west country, sit back and enjoy the panoramic views.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Exmouth


5. Roskilly’s, Cornwall

These days knowing where your food comes from is perhaps just as important as how good it tastes. Roskilly’s in Cornwall is a working organic farm and the milk from its Jersey cows is used to create their indulgent signature Cornish ice cream. While you’ll see many Roskilly’s parlours around the Devon and Cornwall area, you can go and visit the Roskilly’s farm for free in Helston, Cornwall and see behind the scenes at a real working farm. As well as trying many tasty samples, you can see the cows being milked, and meet some of the other cute farm animals.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Cornwall


6. The Crab Hut, north Norfolk

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Down on the pretty north Norfolk coast at Brancaster Harbour, you’ll find The Crab Hut bursting with fresh seafood caught in Brancaster Staithe on their very own boat, Speedwell. Open from April to October in peak tourist season, you’ll find all kinds of delicious seafood snacks at the hut- everything from Crabs to Cockles, Whelks, Mussels, Smoked Salmon and Lobster. And, if you’re feeling really hungry you can grab a fresh baguette filled to the brim with your favourite fish and then watch the world go by on the harbourside.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Norfolk


7. Mersea Island, Colchester

Situated 9 miles southeast of Colchester is the idyllic Mersea Island well known for its spectacular views, historic charm and its oysters. All over the island you’ll see great food for all tastes, but if it’s traditional coastal eats you’ve come for, then you’ll be right at home on the western part of the island. You’ll be able to get your hands on some authentic island oysters at the Mersea Island Fish Bar and taste the popular oysters that are shipped all around the world every year. Order a sharing platter, perch on the waterfront terrace and enjoy the island views.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Colchester


8. Buoy and Oyster, Margate

Located on the coastline of Margate in Kent, Buoy and Oyster boast amazing seafood alongside stunning sea views and a warm family-run atmosphere. The menus change with the seasons so you’re sure of getting the best catch of the day every day. A lot of effort is made by the team to work with local fishermen to serve sustainable produce wherever possible with many catches coming from the surrounding waters of Margate, Ramsgate, Whitstable, Folkestone and Broadstairs. Their terrace overlooks Margate Beach so you can enjoy amazing coastal views to go with your delicious fresh fish dish.

Stay nearby: Hotels in Margate


9. Verdi’s Cafe, Swansea

For amazing ice cream, cakes and sea views in Swansea, Verdi’s Cafe is a must-go. The fishing village of Mumbles is a great place to visit for a classic beach day out and is home to some incredible coastal eats too. Verdi’s Cafe right on the seafront is a great place to relax and sample the town’s world-class ice cream. With 30 flavours to choose from all made fresh daily, you and your taste buds will be spoilt for choice. 

Stay nearby: Hotels in Swansea


10. Billy’s on the Beach, Bracklesham Bay

For fresh, local coastal eats in West Sussex, Billy’s on the Beach is the place to go. Its seafront location makes it the perfect stop off after a day of enjoying the bracing sea air around the bay. As well as a full exciting menu of traditional fish dishes and a full seafood platter, there are also some tempting specials (which change daily) and a whole list of indulgent sundaes to choose from.

Stay nearby: Hotels in West Wittering