since moving to worthing one whole year ago, i am constantly asked for food and drink recommendations for people visiting for the first time, or popping over from brighton for the day, or just passing through and who want to eat and drink at the very best places they can.
i usually send these people a list that i have cultivated in my notes app, but why gatekeep these recs? why not share them with the world? or, at least have a handy link i can send them instead of a lengthy list to work through.
so without further ado - my top recommendations for eating and drinking your way around worthing.
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breakfast at spilt milk coffee club
spilt milk coffee club is my absolute fave, and my number one rec for anyone who's even a little bit into fun and quirky branding, independent coffee and makers, and a cute place to sit and yap where the background music can include anything from taylor swift to pop punk tunes from the mid-2000s.
they're right on the main drag as you go into town, so if you're walking from the train station then you're bound to walk straight past them. don't do that - stop for a coffee and a bagel instead.
ren's kitchen is in the worthing suburb of broadwater, unfortunately located by a industrial estate, but perfectly located for my menty h walks and morning coffee runs. this is their second location, with their main bakery in brighton, but they also do catering for events and all sorts, so the baked goods selection is always a treat too. and on fridays? two for one cakes.
trading post coffee roasters is somewhat of a sussex coffee chain with their newest of nine coffee houses recently opening in worthing, and it's easy to find on the corner of montague street and bath place right in the middle of town. it's big but cosy and always smells great when you walk past.
their kitchen also makes some gorgeous brunches, including veggie and vegan options and fan favourites like pancakes and waffles, eggy classics and your obvious full english too.
malt cafe is another great spot for coffee, but also fab if you're wanting a quick bite or tasty brunch. catering for all dietary requirements, malt is a little slice of brighton here in worthing. it's pretty cosy in there and i don't think they take bookings, so you have to be quick if you want to grab a seat inside!
finch bar and eatery was one of the first places i stopped into for brunch when worthing was nothing but a consideration on my home-buying journey, and just knowing that there were places like finch in town really helped sell the town to me.
they take coffee seriously, have baked goods to go, and have a really tight menu of light bites and brunch hits, it's always such a vibe inside.
dinner and drinks
perch on the pier is a great all-rounder with an epic view out to see. the inside really hones in on worthing's art deco history, decked out in full 1930s glam, with a menu that packs a punch and has something for everyone.
i've been here a number of times, as it's a fail-safe for when you can't decide where to eat, with a huge dining room that is rarely completely full (plus you can book last-minute online as well). the service can sometimes be a little on the slow side, but hey, it's that seaside life.
above perch is tern, worthing's only fine dining and michelin starred restaurant. i've not yet been, but it's been on my list for such a long time, that i'm planning to head there for a christmas meal for sure. it's all tasting meals and wine pairings, but they do also do a sunday brunch which is much more reasonably priced if you fancy some fine dining, but not seven courses of it.
tasty goodness from yamu yamu
yamu yamu is both aesthetically pleasing and tastebud pleasing, and it's always a good idea to go to yamu yamu for dinner. pan asian street food fusion with dishes packed full of flavour and excellent vibes, plus some downright tasty cocktails to boot. make sure you book though, as they only open certain days and nights and i've been caught out before, so always check before you go.
saltio (was crudo) is the best mexican in town, with the best spicy margs. taco tuesday and margarita mondays are very much a thing here, and they're open just about all day long for small plates and street food, or just drinks if that's your preference!
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the new amsterdam is a great pub, with a great beer garden, and a great selection of drinks - but what's extra great about the new amsterdam is that it is also currently home to the yeastie boys residency in worthing. for those unfamiliar with the name, yeastie boys pizza club is a south coast pizza icon known for their 20" vegan (and everything else) pies that not only have cool names like "flaming lips" and "sabotage" but are also genuinely meltingly, drippingly tasty.
the highdown is a fancy pants listed home on the fringes of the south downs in goring-by-sea, and not only serves as a historic b&b but also does a mean afternoon tea in its separate cafe, but also proper good british food in their main bar and restaurant.
there's a huge beer garden and loads of parking, and there's also a free curated garden walk you can take while on site - though, it's not dog friendly for some reason. the sunday roast is probably one of the best i've ever had, and i even had my first ever knickerbocker glory there too.
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incredible roast at the highdown
