Location: Lewes
Top Restaurants in Lewes
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Lewes Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lewes
Lewes /ˈluːɪs/ is the county town of East Sussex and formerly all of Sussex. It is a civil parish and is the centre of the Lewes local government district. Its population is now around 17 thousand. The settlement is a traditional market town and centre of communications and in 1264, it was the site of the Battle of Lewes. The town's landmarks including Lewes Castle and a 15th-century bookshop. Other notable features of the area include the Glyndebourne festival, the Lewes Bonfire and the Lewes Pound.
Things to do in Lewes
1. The Jolly Sportsman
Overall Ratings
4 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By John P
Friday night dinner! Very warm and cosy ! Staff very pleasant. Unfortunately food was very disappointing. My calves liver portion was minuscule!!! I thought it was a mix up in the kitchen and given a child’s portion! Very disappointing unfortunately!!
2. The Cock Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
This country pub restaurant is family run and we always endeavour to treat our customers as we would wish to be treated ourselves.We pride ourselves on both our range of good pub food that is home cooked and our selection of drinks. We keep a range of cask conditioned real ales and you will always find Harveys Best Bitter, together with regular guest beers. If wine is your tipple, you will find a range of reasonably priced wines guaranteed to suit every palate. Whatever your taste in food and drink, The Cock has a dish and a beverage for every occasion and budget.We are always happy to cater for special dietary requirements, please contact us before your visit so that we can discuss your requirements.
Reviewed By AngloItalian78 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
...friendly service, nice pint of Moretti and very generous portions of reasonably priced pub grub...I had the deep fried squid, venison burger and seasonal crumble and could barely move afterwards! The burger was tasty but the crumble which was homemade was the best dish, very yummy. I can understand why this would be a popular local pub in the pretty Sussex countryside not far from Lewes and Brighton.
3. The Snowdrop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 559 reviews
Reviewed By Allan N - Lancing, United Kingdom
The Snowdrop is tucked away at the end of a long cul-de-sac in the Cliffe area of Lewes. It is obviously not well situated for passing trade, but I had heard some good reports about it, including the fact that, despite its location, it was well-patronised. We decided to give it a try and at the end of a long thirst-inducing walk, we went in. It was obviously still in the throes of opening for the day, but we were immediately greeted by the very attractive, smiling Mary. Confronted by a dazzling array of real and craft ales Mary gave me a taster and the one I settled for - a light straw coloured pale ale, was superb. We found a table and sat down, looking around. The interior of the pub was decorated in canal boat style, including the bar front and above, plus a collection of jugs and other objects in the same design, including a guitar hanging by a window, the reveal surfaces of which were painted in a bright Harlequin pattern. In one corner a narrow cast-iron spiral staircase led to the floor above. The staircase was also painted in bright colours. In fact, what was not brought to life by lively hues was very much in the style of a lovely old pub with old posters of 1960/70 pop Concerts, various glasses and bottles and other curios. Very discreet music was playing in the background and other customers - obviously regulars - began to arrive. The food menu showed a toothsome variety, but, unfortunately, for us it was a little too early to eat. We shall, however, be back. Lovely pub.
4. Blacksmiths Arms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Our restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Food is served Wednesday - Saturday 12 noon - 1430hrs , 1800hrs - 2100hrs. Sunday 12 noon- 1600hrs
Reviewed By DebboKW - London, United Kingdom
We just enjoyed a Sunday lunch at the Blacksmith's Arms and it was so good we've come home and written this well deserved review straightaway! The staff - Fred, Lynn and Simon were all wonderfully welcoming and when they discovered it was going to take a little longer to bring out our order they brought us some complimentary delicious warm bread and olives. We all had the vegetarian main and it was tasty and imaginative. We we all very impressed with the quality of the green vegetables that were cooked beautifully and the Yorkshire pudding was home made, freshly cooked and delicious. Wines and beers were all tasty. It is a small and cosy pub - very tastefully decorated with open fires and sofas and treats for the puppy dogs. We will definitely be back. Thanks.
5. Pelham Arms
Overall Ratings
4 based on 395 reviews
The Pelham Arms is a traditional British public house at the top of Lewes High Street, serving Lewes’ best local and seasonal food with a relaxed friendly service in charming surroundings.Built circa 1640, this quintessential Sussex pub has original oak beams, an inglenook fireplace, courtyard garden and is full of age-old charm. We love children at the Pelham and your little (or not so little) lovelies are welcome in the pub until 8pm. Dogs are also welcome in the bar areas. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Reviewed By hamman1 - London
We went to the Pelham Arms having read other people’s favourable reviews and weren’t disappointed. The service was good & friendly and the food was very good. The only thing that prevents me giving 5 stars is that on a very cold midweek winter night it was quiet and lacking a bit in atmosphere. I’m sure if you go in better weather it will be different.
6. John Harvey Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
A traditional pub serving great food and award winning ales
Reviewed By Jim B - Hove
Booked a Xmas meal for 8 at this lovely traditional pub in Lewes. I had the soup and bread for a starter which was thick and tasty. Others had salmon over a salad base or peppered goats cheese. All were well presented and enjoyed. For...MoreHi Jim, Thank you for your very professional sounding review! I am glad that you enjoyed your festive meal. We hope you have a lovely Christmas. Mitch & Team JHT
7. Shanaz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
http://ratings.food.gov.uk/QuickSearch.aspx?q=shanaz+lewesfantastic local restaurant, recently refurbished with great staff, I am not involved with the business in any way. Except for loving their fantastic cuisine, cheersScott
Reviewed By theintrepidfox - Hong Kong, China
I don’t own this restaurant nor am I related to any staff. In fact I’m living in Asia, have travelled the World and tried a lot of Indian food everywhere including on several visits to India. No Indian meal I ever had comes even close to the taste and outstanding quality at Shanaz! The second best is a restaurant near the end of the Arcades at Southend-on-Sea. The basement restaurant is nice and modern, down to Earth with friendly staff, and charges reasonable prices. I recommend Champagne which really goes surprisingly well with Indian food. Just in case you’re unsure, the Spice Merchant which is another restaurant in Lewes, is overrated and I regret having spent my money there. I have been to Shanaz many times and wish they deliver to Hong Kong as I crave it so much. A visit with my friends is compulsory whenever I’m in town!
8. Le Magasin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
A unique cafe/bistro in the heart of Lewes. Serving restaurant food, for bistro prices, in a cafe atmosphere. Known by some as Lewes' best kept secret we serve fresh, homemade and locally sourced ingredients 7 days a week. We are now also open on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings - come see our new evening menu! Including a set menu - 2 courses 12.95/3 courses 15.95
Reviewed By jackieHooper - Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Just needed refreshments while out shopping and discovered this lovely restaurant. Had the most delicious cake ‘rhubarb and ginger’ and lovely coffee. This restaurant has both a good selection of teas and coffees and looking at the ‘specials board’ a lovely varied menu. Tables were clean. Lovely service. Decent prices. Dogs allowed inside. Will visit again for a meal and try out that lovely menu.
9. The Brewers Arms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
pub in front of Saint Michael's
Reviewed By Elaine C - Orpington, United Kingdom
Lovely lunch, excellent Ploughman's with choice of meats and cheeses and warm ciabata. Glorious Harvey's bitter. Highly recommended.
10. Limetree Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Limetree Kitchen’s pledge is to produce exceptional dishes, created from only the very finest quality ingredients with minimal wastage. We take pride in our ‘nose to tail’ philosophy of using every part of the animal, to create unique dishes with the highest welfare standards of the animal in mind. Our Small Plates offer a more varied choice of dishes, less constricted by the limitations of a set two or three course menu, providing you with a taste of Limetree Kitchen’s signature style of cuisine. This more relaxed approach to eating out stays true to our love for creating exciting and unique food in line with the restaurant’s nose to tail ethos Here’s your chance to experiment with many new taste experiences in one sitting, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, with portions that are small in size but big on flavour!
Reviewed By groucho007 - Brighton
Charming cosy restaurant serving modern British food in tapas style. Very tasty options including char grilled broccoli and goats cheese and pear. With the small portions, you get to try quite a few dishes which make it varied and interesting. Food arrives when it is cooked so not all at once. Service is friendly and informal. The wines were really good and the gins were unusual.
Having small dishes means you need to order several which does ramp up the price a bit and if you are choosing several dishes, there probably ought to be a bit more choice.
