££Japanese Contemporary
Thankfully pronounced ‘foo-koo’, this former post office is now a slick and lively izakaya filled with the buzz of contented diners feasting on its roll-call of Japanese favourites. Tempura, robata, ramen, sushi – you name it, they’ve got it here and it’s executed with both skill and care. The chicken yakitori, for instance, is tender and tasty, enhanced by a little caramelised glaze. The ‘sābisu sa sete itadakimasu’ (‘let us serve you’) chef’s counter experience offers something more immersive, while the selection of sake and highball cocktails adds to the fun.
££Meats and Grills
After admiring the view of the harbour opposite, enter into The Hook’s ground-floor Casbah bar, where you can sip a cocktail before dinner and perhaps be tempted by the enticing nibbles and flatbreads. Upstairs, the main event awaits, with an appealingly varied menu that ranges from small plates to whole fish and nose-to-tail cooking over the open fire. Clean, uncluttered dishes are the overriding theme, such as succulent scallops with punchy XO sauce or skate wing with caper butter. Ask for a table by the window for the best views, or in a booth for more privacy.
£££Seafood
A stalwart of the Guernsey restaurant scene, Le Nautique continues to delight diners and be the name on everyone’s lips around the island. It’s easy to see why, for this is a restaurant run with heart and pride that serves straightforward, satisfying fare that’s perfect for the setting. Occupying a former sailmaker’s warehouse on the quayside (ask for an upstairs window seat for the best views) and sporting a stylish nautical design, this is a place to relish seafood of all shapes and sizes. Clean, classical dishes show off the prime produce with minimal adornment.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Le Nautique, located in Saint Peter Port, specializes in seafood and holds an average rating of 4.7/5. Reviews frequently praise the freshness and quality of dishes like seafood platters, oysters, and scallops. Service is generally efficient and friendly, though some guests note pacing issues or lapses during peak times. The ambiance is highlighted by harbor views and a pleasant interior, but a few critics mention a lack of warmth or inadequate ventilation on hot evenings. Opinions on value vary; while some find it reasonable, others consider it overpriced compared to local alternatives. Overall, it is a solid choice for scenic dining and fresh seafood, with reservations recommended.
Ideal for diners seeking harbor views and fresh seafood; reservations are advised.