City dining guide

Best restaurants in Lewes

3 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 1

Dill

Bib Gourmand££Innovative

There’s plenty of originality on offer in the selection of small plates at this simple yet admirably inventive bistro. The menu adopts a global approach and wide-ranging influences, but nothing feels borrowed or copied from elsewhere with such uniquely put-together dishes – if it's on the menu, don't miss the Marmite-glazed ox tongue crumpet. A rustic interior and quirkily shaped dining room combine with the blackboard menus to give the place an intimate, welcoming feel, that is only enhanced by the knowledgeable and personable service team.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 64 reviews

Located in Lewes, Dill offers innovative seasonal dishes served as sharing plates. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, highlighting exquisite items like tiger prawn ceviche, venison, and sea buckthorn tart. Service is generally described as warm and friendly, though pacing is a common concern, with some diners experiencing significant delays between courses. The atmosphere is intimate, but the lack of paper menus and reliance on a blackboard, along with occasional seating issues like drafty doorways, has drawn mixed feedback. While the culinary experience is often rated superb, the operational flow and value perception vary among guests.

Suitable for diners seeking refined creative cuisine who can tolerate slower service pacing.

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Other guide picks 2

Amari

££Spanish

Look out for the bright-red exterior that draws you like a beacon to this Spanish-inspired restaurant tucked down a busy side street in the north of the city. The simply decorated setting keeps the focus on the food, with a menu full of dishes that deliver on their promise: the croquetas are creamy, the crudo is refreshing and the suckling pig is prepared with skill. The wine list is expectedly Spanish in its focus, while the selection of sherries is the ideal way to kick off the evening.

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The Set

££££Modern Cuisine

An intimate and rustic spot, this bistro-style restaurant has only seven tables and offers a pleasingly personable dining experience. Everyone is served together at 7pm, so be sure to arrive on time for the multi-course tasting menu that features small plates with a creative and playful streak. Japan has the biggest influence on the menu, from tempura and a short sushi serving to tomato dashi with ricotta – although there's still room for a spicy lamb taco too. High-quality produce runs throughout, resulting in some well-defined flavours.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Brighton, The Set offers modern cuisine with an average rating of 4.7/5. Guests frequently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere, particularly enjoying the open kitchen bar and wine pairings. However, some reviews note limited set menu options and inconsistencies following a recent move. Negative feedback highlights slow meal pacing, small portion sizes, and occasional cooking issues, such as dry venison. While a minority find the value questionable or the food average compared to competitors, most diners describe the experience as memorable and highly recommended for those seeking refined modern dining.

Ideal for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and a cozy atmosphere; booking ahead is advised.

🕐 Mo-Su,PH 09:00-16:00

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