Guide to good eating in Chichester

Though we offer B&B accommodation and luxury self-catering holiday let options, it’s nice to know you can down pots and pans and enjoy a great meal while you’re on a relaxing break. As we’re located right on the doorstep of Chichester Harbour and close to Chichester city centre (just 3 miles away) and the South Downs National Park (just over 5 miles away), we thought it would be useful to put together a guide to good eating in Chichester and the surrounding area.

From gastro pub grub and seafood medleys to afternoon tea and incredible curries, there’s something to suit every palate and budget in our Chichester good eating guide. We hope you find something that tickles your fancy (and your taste buds) and makes your stay at Quay Quarters complete.

Good eating in Chichester City

  • Confucius – A family-run Chinese restaurant that’s been established just off South Street Chichester (Cooper Street) for over 30 years, this is a fine example of great things coming in small packages. the venue is bijou but the menu is packed with flavour and features British/Chinese cuisine favourites. some of our favourites are sumptuous mixed seafood with crispy noodles, the delicious steamed dim sum selection and the sweet, sour and spicy taste senseation of Kung Po pork. Gordon and Yvonne Lee who run the restaurant offer a bargain set menu at lunchtime (around £7 for three courses!) and those who want to chow down with chopsticks from the comfort of their luxury holiday cottage can get takeaway delivered too.
  • Real Burger Kitchen – Serving up simply great burgers, this small independent burger bar has a fun American diner vibe and a lip-smacking menu to boot. You’ll find all the classics from burgerrs and dogs to meats and grills. There are some great veggie options and a kid’s menu too. don’t miss the sweet temptations either; the Hardshakes (strictly for grownups) are to die for! Make sure you book (especially at the weekend) and check out the Real Burger Kitchen when it’s decked for Halloween or Christmas, they really go all-out.
  • Thai Lemongrass – With restaurants in Rustington, Petersfield and Horsham as well as Chichester, Lemongrass is a lovely “local chain”. The service and restaurant atmosphere is great and the menu proffers a bundle of freshly prepared, contemporary yet authentic and aromatic Thai cuisine such as: Squid Kari Age, Tom Yum Soup, Duck Paradise and Lamb Shank Massaman. Wash all that down with a Thai beer and you’ll be happier than a badger in Bangkok. they also offer takeaway with 15% off the restaurant price.
  • The Cafe at Pallant House Gallery – Great for afternoon tea or a light lunch after a wander around the renowned 21st Century art gallery in an 18th century house, The Cafe also offers a lunch menu, a Sunday lunch menu (including traditional roasts) and a two-course menu for Thursday evenings (the only time it’s open for dinner). Look out for their monthly pop-up dinners too./ In February 2019 they held an Apres Ski event with a European themed menu and a fire pit that set the outdoor bar area aglow. The Quay Quarters crew were among the brave souls who ate alfresco in the 0c weather!
  • Boston Tea Party – If you’re not staying in our B&B accommodation and you’re looking for a brilliant breakfast, look no further than Boston Tea Party. The Quay Quarters crew is particularly partial to Sourdough Eggy Bread with Smoked Bacon and Avocado as well as Sweetcorn Hash. Want something nutritious and quick you can have on the go while exploring the local area? The Breakfast Smoothie or Kefir Colada are a win. Approach the cakes with caution – the Coffee, Walnut & Cardamom is divine.

Good eating in Chichester Harbour

  • Crown & Anchor – the Quay Quarters local, just over the road from our dog-friendly holiday cottages! this traditional pun (that’s also dog-friendly) serves a fine selection of ales, wines and food sourced from the freshest seasonal ingredients – many of which are local. You must try the seafood menu, which includes fish-tasitc fancies like: Dell Quay Seabass, South Coast Cod and Selsey Crab. why not give the Seaweed Salted Triple cooked Chips a try too? All this and you can dine with phenomenal views overlooking Dell Quay and Chichester Harbour. this is a real crowd-pleaser in the warmer weather so make sure you book to secure a table.
  • The Boat House Cafe – Chichester Marina’s very own cafe is ideal if you love listening to the chink of halyards as you enjoy a cuppa and a cake. Looking for good eating in Chichester? Breakfast, brunch or lunch there are a number of yummy choices from Selsey Crab on Brioche to the Falafel and Halloumi Burger. they offer a healthy kids menu and are open 7 days a week.
  • The Cafe by Lucy Armstrong Chocolates – Got a sweet tooth? Go and visit Lucy and try her goodies. This charming little cafe close to East Wittering beach is run by a true chocolatier who creates proper hot chocolate drinks as well as an array of homemade cakes and savouries. We find Lucy’s chocolate nut energy bars are perfect for perking you up during a brisk walk at the Witterings and East Head. Her salted caramels and white chocolate cheesecake are heavenly too.

Good eating in South Downs National Park

  • The Earl of March – A country pub that offers fine dining, some would say this is the epitome of good eating in Chichester. Close to Goodwood Racecourse and a favourite with visitors of Goodwood Festival of Speed (attracting movie stars such as Keanu Reeves too), The Earl is one to add to your itinerary. The food is exquisite both in flavour and presentation. The set menu offers a culinary exploration of seasonal and local produce. You’ll find venison from Standsted Park and South Coast seafood on the main menu. Watch out for their seasonal showcase celebrations including an Asparagus Fest in May and a Strawberry Fest in July.
  • Nava Thai – Traditional Thai dishes served in a traditional British pub! Close to Midhurst and smack bang in the South Downs National Park, this is worth the 17-mile scenic drive from Quay Quarters. the Roast Rib of Pork, Pud Thai, Po Pud Bai Kaprao and Gaeng Kaew Wan are good here. You should also try a Flowering Tea – a fragrant, warm drink and a bit of theatre in one!
  • The Halfway Bridge Inn – Located close to the graveyard where E H Shepard (illustrator of Winnie-the-Pooh and Wind in the Willows) rests, the Cowdray Estate and Petworth House and Park, this is a must-visit after a country walk. Much like The Earl of March, a meal here is a feast for the eyes and belly. As well as salads, sandwiches and a set lunch menu. the Halfway Bridge offers a varied a la carte menu and a medley or mouth-watering desserts including local ice cream and sorbet.

From good eating in Chichester to good sleeping at Quay Quarters…

A great meal and a good bed is the minimum you ask from a relaxing luxury break. At Quay Quarters you can get both when you stay at our luxury bed and breakfast, which offers a delicious continental and cooked breakfast daily. But for those who want to explore the local area and try all its culinary delights on the go, our guide to good eating in Chichester will have given you plenty of food for thought. Check out our booking calendar now to confirm your next stay in our B&B accommodation or one of our Sussex holiday cottages.