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Best restaurants near me in Polegate

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234 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Poco restaurant
1. Poco
4.8
Exceptional(179)
$$$$
• Italian • Alfriston
Booked 10 times today
My Italian grandparents came from Abruzzo to England in 1946, just after the war. As you can imagine, it was not very popular being Italian at that time however, they settled eventually in Polegate near Eastbourne and just over the hill from Poco in Alfriston.I used to leave school everyday at 3pm and walk to my Nonna's house and stay there until my Mum finished work. My Nonna never spoke English all the 38 years she lived in Polegate but she had her Ragu going on the stove all that time. The left overs would go back in and the sugo was the same stock for at least 20 years. As a little boy I would not be allowed to eat the Tiramisu but Nonna would let me lick the bowl of mascarpone. She taught me to cook from the age of 6. I remember she gave me, what I thought at the time was a machete (normal kithcen knife) to cut tomatoes. She had her own little veg garden and showed me the importance of cooking dishes seasonally to reflect what was growing at the time.
A photo of Red Elephant Siam restaurant
2. Red Elephant Siam
4.8
Exceptional(387)
$$$$
• Thai • Eastbourne
Booked 3 times today
Red Elephant Siam is an authentic Thai restaurant located in the charming village of East Dean, East Sussex, perfectly placed between Eastbourne and Seaford along the scenic A259. Surrounded by the stunning South Downs National Park and close to popular landmarks like Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Belle Tout Lighthouse, and Seven Sisters, it's an ideal spot to unwind with Thai food after exploring the coast. We offer dine-in and takeaway options, with a relaxed atmosphere and menus full of traditional Thai flavours. Enjoy our popular set lunch menu or indulge in a wide selection of dishes from our à la carte menu. Conveniently, there is a large free public car park near the Tiger Inn on Gilberts Drive—just a short walk across the village green to the restaurant. Limited on-street parking is also available on Upper Street. Whether you're passing through or planning a visit, Red Elephant Siam is a must-visit for lovers of quality Thai cuisine.
A photo of The Rainbow restaurant
3. The Rainbow
4.3
Awesome(790)
$$$$
• British • Eastbourne
Booked 1 time today
In showing this building some love, local businesswoman Shoes Simes has said that she hopes to help make her pub more food-led and family-friendly. In doing so she hopes to turn this local building of historical importance into an establishment for local families and friends to enjoy together. It all started 13 years ago when she first saw the building and she knew straight away that this was the pub for her and finally her dreams have come true, with a full refurbishment, this pub is now ready to be revealed to Eastbourne in all its glory. Once functioning as an old Moot Court, eventually turning into a restaurant in the 1970s, before it boomed as a pub trading as The Rainbow. It eventually changed to The Counting House and saw a new lease of life as the garden grew to be a popular haunt of all in old town. Returning with a change of name to the older style of The Rainbow, and with it a focus on food again. For outdoor reservations, please contact the restaurant directly.
A photo of Callenders restaurant
4. Callenders
4.7
Exceptional(251)
$$$$
• British • Hailsham
Callenders is a modern , casual style dining bistro. From a romantic meal for two, to a celebration dinner for forty. The best of local produce cooked to order for you. The surroundings are relaxed and easy going. Large potted plants occupy the free spaces and original water-colours by local artists hang on the walls. Table tops are bare and minimalist set with condiments, cutlery and fresh cut flower stems. Old dishes make a fresh return, and modern classics like Thai-Style Chicken sit comfortably along-side Braised Beef Cheeks with roast potatoes and gravy.Steaks are good too and a full Char-grill section on the menu features locally shot Venison and a selection of beef cuts; T bone, Fillet and Sirloin. As you would expect all desserts and pastries are made in house, with a definite focus on classic British desserts, steamed Treacle Sponge, Crème Brule, Apple Tart, Queen of Puddings and a really beautiful creamed rice dessert served with a mango sorbet are often on the menu.
A photo of The Ivy in the Lanes restaurant
5. The Ivy in the Lanes
4.6
Exceptional(17611)
$$$$
• British • Brighton
Booked 92 times today
Airy, art-filled restaurant offering an all-day dining menu plus champagne & bespoke cocktails.
A photo of The Ivy Asia, Brighton restaurant
6. The Ivy Asia, Brighton
4.3
Awesome(4993)
$$$$
• Contemporary Asian • Brighton
Booked 73 times today
Tucked among Brighton’s famous Lanes, The Ivy Asia Brighton brings bold Asian-inspired flavours and theatrical dining to the heart of this vibrant seaside city. Just a short walk from Brighton beach and the Royal Pavilion, it’s a memorable Brighton restaurant for lunch, dinner, cocktails and special occasions. Step inside to discover dramatic interiors and a lively atmosphere, creating a colourful escape from the bustle of the historic Lanes. The menu celebrates flavours from across Asia through sushi and sashimi, vibrant small plates, sharing dishes and contemporary favourites, with vegetarian and plant-based options throughout. Creative cocktails and weekend entertainment add another layer to the experience, while the Umi Room offers a striking setting for private dining and celebrations. Whether you’re exploring Brighton, meeting friends or planning dinner and drinks, The Ivy Asia Brighton is designed to turn a meal into an occasion.
A photo of Thai Marina restaurant
7. Thai Marina
4.6
Exceptional(1697)
$$$$
• Thai • Eastbourne
Booked 10 times today
Thai Marina is situated at The Waterfront at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne and serves modern Thai cuisine in a traditional setting. The menu has all the classics you'd except such as Green Curry or Pad Thai as well as newer dishes such as Lamb Cutlets or Tamarind Sea Bass. In the summer months, enjoy alfresco dining all day and through the evening and on the weekends enjoy the Thai summer barbecue by the waterside.
A photo of Kindling Restaurant restaurant
8. Kindling Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(991)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Brighton
Booked 59 times today
At Kindling we believe that great steak should be for everyone. We’re an award-winning, independent restaurant in the heart of Brighton Lanes. We're known for fire-cooked flavour, great value steak plus the kind of relaxed, friendly vibe that keeps locals coming back. We were voted Best Lunch in Brighton and named the #2 restaurant in the city in the 2026 Brighton Restaurant Awards.Our open kitchen lets you see all the action up close. Witness the skill and passion of our team as they cook your steak to perfection. Kindling is perfect for casual business lunches, family get-togethers and catch-ups with friends. Our menu is simple but spot-on. It features grass-fed British beef and delicious cocktails, wines, and beers that perfectly complement your meal. On Sundays we serve our Sharing Roast for two alongside our regular menu.We're just a short stroll from the seafront, Brighton Pavilion, Palace Pier and Brighton Centre.
A photo of Dem Shish restaurant
9. Dem Shish
4.6
Exceptional(104)
$$$$
• Turkish • Eastbourne
Booked 7 times today
Award-winning Turkish eatery for social drinking and dining. First-class Turkish cuisine, signature cocktails are hosted in the finest setting in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
A photo of Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Lewes restaurant
10. Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Lewes
4.4
Awesome(1409)
$$$$
• British • Lewes
Booked 50 times today
Bill, the man, the myth, the legend, was born and bred here in Lewes. That's why the town proudly hosts the original Bill's restaurant, and dare we say it, it's still the best - not only because it's our firstborn. Located right by the River Ouse, it's the perfect spot for a boujee breakfast, laid-back lunch or delightful dinner. Swing by at the weekend and treat yourself to our bottomless brunch, granting you 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco or cocktails plus food from our brunch or main menu. Tempted? Join us by the river at the OG Bill's for a dining experience to savour.

Dining near Polegate at a glance

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British

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Here are the most popular cuisines: British, Gastro Pub, Pub, Thai, Contemporary British and many more.

There are 43 restaurants on OpenTable in East Sussex.

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