Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in West Sussex

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in West Sussex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Cat Inn

4.9

4.9 (1909)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

East Grinstead

About the restaurant

The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath and only 25 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

The Pub with its oak beams and two inglenook fireplaces proffers a warm and cosy atmosphere in the winter, whilst our terrace is perfect to enjoy a drink and food in the summer months. Being a free house we pride ourselves in the quality of our real ale, and concentrate on local breweries, such as Harvey's of Lewes and other micro breweries. Our food is cooked to order, using fresh, seasonal and where possible locally sourced ingredients. Our menus change on a regular basis and we also offer a small selection of seasonal specials on a daily basis.

We welcome children over the age of 7. Dogs are welcome in the "pub" area of the Cat, they are not permitted in the dining room

Top review

Julie

Dined 6 days ago

Fabulous welcome even for our dogs. Staff were excellent hosts. Food was a wonderful surprise, it was really so very good. Had the best time. Whoever is running this is doing a wonderful job!

The Fig Tree Restaurant- Hurstpierpoint

4.9

4.9 (795)

£41 and over

English

Haywards Heath

About the restaurant

Found in the heart of Hurstpierpoint, the picturesque village nestled closely to the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, The Fig Tree is an elegant dining venue offering fresh and seasonal dishes.

Tempt your tastebuds and indulge with our ever-changing tasting menu. Offering seasonal dishes made with the finest local produce, it’s time to tempt your tastebuds.

Top review

Angelica

Dined 5 days ago

The food was absolutely delicious, I love the experience with the six course menu, We love to try the new menus regularly because every time we are more and more surprised It is a good restaurant for lovers of good cuisine my only suggestion is to change the bread, I would like a soft and fresh bread Thanks to the chef

Terra Restaurant at Tottington

4.7

4.7 (170)

£41 and over

Farm-to-table

Henfield

About the restaurant

Terra restaurant is located at Tottington Manor which is beautifully situated in the South Downs National Park with hillside and farmland views, yet it is just 10 minutes from the A23 at Pyecombe and the A27 at Shoreham.

With a menu showcasing the best of local ingredients cooked fresh each day by our team of chefs, you can enjoy dinner in the restaurant, or outside on our decking, or in winter time, choose our more relaxed fire side Olive Restaurant.

In addition we have a number of private dining options available from 6 to 95.

Our South Downs Suite is completely separate with its own private garden, stretch tent and bar and is ideal for family celebrations, parties and of course Weddings. Our events team are always available to provide tours and discuss your plans, call them on 01903 815757 or email events@tottingtonmanor.co.uk

Tottington Manor also has 12 bedrooms comprising of 5 unique superior rooms , 5 comfort double rooms and 2 comfort single rooms.

Top review

Louise

Dined 7 days ago

This was my second visit to Tottington Manor as a follow-up to a function I attended late last year, and my first visit to Terra. On arrival we were warmly greeted by the very charming Louis, Tottington'a General Manager, who was charming and is clearly a real asset to Tottington. We were seated quickly and left to peruse the menu and our orders were taken soon thereafter although we were not rushed. My mother and I both chose to skip the starters and go straight for a main course. Mum had lamb while I had the chicken dish and both were exceptional - beautifully presented and cooked and seasoned to perfection. We then opted for the mini bite size desserts which were a taste sensation, if a tad small. All in all this was a really pleasing visit where we enjoyed superb food and excellent yet very discreet service which I very much appreciated. Indeed, I am already planning my next visit with a very discerning friend who I am hoping will be similarly impressed. My sincere thanks to Louis and the wider team, and a very big pat on the back to all.

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Experience

Valentines Day 2025

Potager Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (61)

£26 to £40

English

Chichester

About the restaurant

Eat, drink and relax. Our restaurant rewards food and wine lovers with a unique warm and friendly environment to enjoy time with partners, friends or family. Our restaurant is one of the few restaurants in Chichester in which you can indulge in rural British cuisine. Utilising the gardens, the Potager Restaurant uses fresh, home-grown produce creating a true ‘farm-to-fork’, or as well like to call it ‘Potager-to-plate’, ethos. Our Chefs and trained front of house staff will treat you with fantastic service, friendly smiles and great food. Characterful, contemporary oak-beamed restaurant with views over open countryside. Award winning Cuisine, 2 AA Rosettes for food excellence

Top review

CharlesVIP

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Smashing meal once again - loved the brunch menu. The smoked salmon with walnuts was divine, the crème brûlée outstanding and the overall atmosphere and service superb. Well done to all involved 👏

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Amberley Castle Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (55)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Arundel

About the restaurant

"Amberley Castle has a long held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.

Enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire or The Great Room, built-in 1165 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester, a fine example of Norman architecture with its high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestry and suits of armour.

The dress code for the dining room is smart casual.

Please note that we welcome children of all ages to dine in the restaurant as long as their parents are well-behaved!

Top review

amelia

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Had an afternoon tea with champagne for my mums birthday. The champagne was excellent. For the desert course they made a personalised birthday cupcake as well as a hand written birthday card for my mum. We will definitely be coming back :)

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

Fratelli

4.6

4.6 (254)

£26 to £40

Italian

Midhurst

About the restaurant

Fratelli by Amore, is a new Italian Restaurant in Midhurst. Our goal is to offer you a warm welcoming experience, giving you the opportunity to taste and enjoy authentic and traditional Italian dishes. In our restaurant, in a friendly and family atmosphere we are looking forward to share with you moments, whether you are visiting us a romantic night out, larger party or corporate event, we guarantee that you will be looked after by our friendly and attentive staff.

Top review

Roger

Dined 5 days ago

Good service, warm atmosphere and good food. Overall good value for money.

Three Horseshoes, Lickfold

4.5

4.5 (167)

£26 to £40

British

Petworth

About the restaurant

Our menus blend classic British cooking with influences and tastes from Europe and around the world. Guests can select from a broad range of dishes, from ever-popular classics and delicious Sunday roasts.

With new additions to our menus being added to reflect the seasonal nature of local produce, you're guaranteed to find a great tasting dish upon every visit.

Steeped in over 400 years of history, our grade two-listed building offers a unique and delightful setting in which to relax over an award-winning ale, a great tasting meal or a glass of fine wine.

Top review

Zoe

Dined 3 days ago

Warm welcome, best pub roast I have had in a very long time. Highly recommend

The Fountain at Ashurst

4.5

4.5 (561)

£25 and under

British

Steyning

About the restaurant

FOOD, DRINK, EVENTS
The Fountain Ashurst is a 16th Century Pub located in the beautiful village of Ashurst, West Sussex.

It is quintessentially English with flagstone flooring, low beams and plenty of cosy corners and comfortable seating.

Extremely popular all year round, you can enjoy our stunning landscaped gardens and pond area outside during the Summer months including the infamous 'beach area'. During the colder months we boast two large fireplaces in both areas of our bar for you to cosy up in and enjoy a warming beverage.

Top review

Beverley

Dined 4 days ago

As always, superb food and excellent service. Thank you for making our visit so special. We booked to celebrate a 60th birthday, a good time was had by all. Would thoroughly recommend this venue for a great group get together with delicious food, great value for money.

The Ivy Chichester Brasserie

4.5

4.5 (4664)

£25 and under

British

Chichester

About the restaurant

The Ivy Chichester Brasserie brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day British dining, and international Ivy-inspired classics, to the heart of the Sussex Coastline and the South Downs. Open seven days a week, and comprising of a main restaurant, central bar with dining counter, terrace overlooking the bustling market town and private dining room, The Ivy Chichester provides the perfect setting for any occasion.

Top review

Sam

Dined 2 days ago

Great location in the centre of town. Food was standard Ivy fare, decent sized portions, served with flare and delivered on the flavour front. The staff were great, checking in but not overly intrusive and we didn't feel any pressure to hurry up even though we ended up staying 4 hours!

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

The Ivy Chichester Afternoon Tea

Experience

Sunday Steak Supper

Piccolino - Chichester

4.5

4.5 (44)

£26 to £40

Italian

Chichester

About the restaurant

A treasure in the heart of Chichester on South Street, the newest addition to the Piccolino family will bring a flavor of Italy to this historic cathedral city. Piccolino Chichester will embody the charm and sophistication of authentic Italian dining.

Coming Soon!

Top review

Adam

Dined 5 days ago

Great food. Super friendly staff. Great cider choice.

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