The Top 10 Waterside Restaurants on the South Coast

Few things rival the simple pleasure of great food enjoyed beside the water. Along England’s beautiful south coast, you’ll find an abundance of exceptional restaurants where sea views, fresh seafood, and relaxed coastal atmospheres combine perfectly. From stylish marina dining to hidden harbour gems, here are ten of the best waterside restaurants worth visiting.

1. The Hut

Set right on the sand at Colwell Bay, The Hut is one of the South Coast’s most iconic beachfront restaurants. With its laid-back Mediterranean style and uninterrupted views across the Solent, it’s a favourite for boaters arriving by tender. Expect beautifully fresh seafood, grilled fish, lobster, and vibrant seasonal dishes that make the most of coastal ingredients.

2. Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant

Located on the quayside in Padstow, Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant is synonymous with exceptional seafood. Overlooking the bustling harbour, the menu celebrates the finest fish and shellfish sourced locally, from classic fruits de mer platters to expertly prepared turbot and lobster.

3. The Jetty

Situated on the edge of Christchurch Harbour, The Jetty offers refined waterside dining with panoramic views across the water. Known for its elegant seafood-focused menu and seasonal British produce, it’s an ideal location for a long lunch watching boats drift by.

4. Rockfish

Perched right on the edge of the River Dart, Rockfish brings a relaxed and authentic seafood experience. The concept is simple: fresh fish landed daily and cooked beautifully. The waterside terrace offers stunning harbour views, making it one of Dartmouth’s most popular dining spots.

5. The Pig on the Beach

Overlooking Studland Bay and the Isle of Wight beyond, The Pig on the Beach combines spectacular coastal scenery with its famous “25-mile menu”. Ingredients are sourced locally or from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, delivering rustic yet refined dishes in a stunning clifftop setting.

6. The Salt Pig Too

A more casual waterside option in Padstow, The Salt Pig Too specialises in charcuterie, seafood, and locally sourced Cornish produce. Situated close to the harbour, it’s a relaxed spot perfect for grazing plates, fresh fish dishes, and a glass of wine after a day exploring the coast.

7. The Beach House

With sweeping views across the golden sands of Oxwich Bay, The Beach House is a Michelin-starred restaurant that delivers exceptional dining in a breath-taking location. Seasonal Welsh produce and locally landed seafood are transformed into elegant dishes that reflect the surrounding coastline.

8. The Harbour Hotel & Spa Restaurant

Overlooking Ocean Village Marina, this stylish restaurant offers modern British cuisine with a nautical twist. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide superb views of the marina, making it an excellent spot for sunset dining while yachts glide in and out of the harbour.

9. The Crab House Café

A true hidden gem, The Crab House Café sits right beside the Fleet Lagoon with views across the water to Chesil Beach. Known for its ultra-fresh seafood and famous Portland crab, this restaurant focuses on simple dishes that highlight the quality of local ingredients.

10. The Boathouse

Located right on the waterfront in the charming village of Instow, The Boathouse offers relaxed dining with beautiful estuary views. The menu features fresh seafood, seasonal British dishes, and local ales – the perfect way to round off a day exploring North Devon’s coastline.

Enjoy Dining by the Water

From Cornwall’s picturesque fishing harbours to Hampshire’s bustling marinas, the South Coast offers an incredible variety of waterside dining experiences. Whether you’re arriving by boat, enjoying a coastal walk, or planning a weekend escape, these restaurants combine outstanding food with some of the most beautiful views in the UK.

There’s something undeniably special about eating beside the sea – the sound of waves, salty air, and the constant movement of boats and tides. These ten restaurants capture that magic perfectly.