Arundel Food & Drink Guide
- chapson68
- Aug 27
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 29
The Ultimate Arundel Food & Drink Guide 2025: Best Restaurants, Pubs & Cafes in
Historic West Sussex
Discover the finest dining experiences in Arundel, West Sussex. From award-winning gastropubs to charming independent cafes, explore our curated guide to the best restaurants, pubs, and eateries in this historic market town near Brighton and the South Downs.
Planning a visit to Arundel? Our introductory food guide features the top-rated restaurants, traditional pubs, artisan cafes, and specialty venues that make Arundel a premier dining destination in West Sussex. Click the links below for menus, reservations, and opening hours.
Traditional Pubs & Gastropubs in Arundel
The Black Rabbit - Riverside Dining with Castle Views
Award-Winning Pub & Restaurant | Mill Road, Arundel
Experience one of West Sussex's most scenic dining locations at The Black Rabbit, a charming riverside pub with spectacular views of Arundel Castle. This popular gastropub is famous for its hearty British cuisine, exceptional Sunday roasts, and unique Harry Potter film memorabilia.
Why Visit The Black Rabbit: • Stunning riverside terrace overlooking Arundel Castle • Traditional British menu featuring local Sussex ingredients • Dog-friendly environment perfect for South Downs walkers • Authentic Harry Potter film props and memorabilia • Award-winning Badger ales and premium local Sussex beers
The George at Burpham - AA Rosette Award-Winning Gastropub
Community-Owned Pub | AA Rosette Winner | Burpham Village
Just minutes from Arundel, The George at Burpham is an exceptional 18th-century gastropub celebrating AA Rosette-winning cuisine. This Grade II listed pub, owned and operated by the local community, showcases the finest locally-sourced ingredients within a 20-mile radius.
Why Visit The George at Burpham: • AA Rosette-awarded cuisine and fine dining standards • Fresh ingredients sourced within 20 miles of the restaurant • Historic 18th-century Grade II listed building with character • Community-owned pub supporting local suppliers • Dog-friendly with breath-taking South Downs National Park views
St Mary's Gate Inn - Historic 16th Century Pub
Traditional Inn & Restaurant | Next to Arundel Cathedral
Step into history at St Mary's Gate Inn, a beautiful 16th-century traditional inn located in the heart of Arundel's historic quarter. This atmospheric pub features real log fires, comfortable period seating, and daily-prepared seasonal menus, all just steps from Arundel Cathedral.
Why Visit St Mary's Gate Inn: • Authentic 16th-century building with original character features • Cosy atmosphere with real open log fires year-round • Fresh seasonal menus prepared daily on-site • Premium Badger ales and carefully curated wine selection • Prime location adjacent to historic Arundel Cathedral
Fine Dining Restaurants in Arundel
La Campania - Authentic Italian Fine Dining
Family-Run Italian Restaurant | Arundel High Street
Discover authentic Italian cuisine at La Campania, a beloved family-run restaurant in the heart of Arundel's historic High Street. This highly-rated Italian restaurant combines traditional recipes with locally-sourced Sussex ingredients, featuring both classic dishes and weekly-changing seasonal specials.
Why Visit La Campania: • Authentic Italian cuisine using local Sussex produce • Family-run establishment providing personal, attentive service • Weekly-changing specials menu featuring seasonal ingredients • Extensive Italian wine selection and premium spirits • Central High Street location in historic Arundel
The Parsons Table - Modern British Fine Dining
Chef-Owned Restaurant | Contemporary British Cuisine
Experience exceptional modern British cuisine at The Parsons Table, a passionate culinary venture by chef-owners Lee and Liz. This intimate fine dining restaurant focuses on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, creating beautifully crafted dishes that showcase the best of contemporary British cooking.
Why Visit The Parsons Table: • Locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from Sussex suppliers • Modern British cuisine with creative culinary flair • Passionate chef-owned restaurant ensuring quality consistency • Beautiful food presentation and attention to detail • Intimate dining atmosphere perfect for special occasions
The Steakist - Premium Steakhouse & Grill
Contemporary Bistro | Robata Grill Specialists
Indulge in premium quality steaks at The Steakist, Arundel's contemporary steakhouse specializing in perfectly grilled meats on a super-hot robata grill. This modern bistro offers excellent meat, fish, and vegetable options alongside full breakfast, brunch, and traditional Sunday roast menus.
Why Visit The Steakist: • Premium steaks cooked to perfection on authentic robata grill • Diverse menu including meat, fish, and vegetable steak options • Full breakfast, brunch, and Sunday roast menus available • Private dining facilities for special events • Contemporary bistro atmosphere in historic Arundel
International Cuisine in Arundel
China Palace - Multi-Asian Restaurant in Historic Building
Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese & Malaysian Cuisine | Listed Building
Dine in elegance at China Palace, located in a distinguished listed building on Arundel High Street opposite the castle walls. This unique restaurant features "the best ceiling in Arundel" and offers diverse Asian cuisine including traditional Chinese dishes alongside Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties.
Why Visit China Palace: • Historic listed building with stunning architectural ceiling • Multi-Asian cuisine: Chinese, Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese flavours • Private dining room accommodating up to 50 guests • Prime High Street location opposite Arundel Castle walls • Extensive menu catering to diverse taste preferences
India Gate - Authentic Indian Restaurant
Traditional Indian Cuisine | Arundel Town Centre
Savour authentic Indian flavours at India Gate, known for its traditional spices and classic curry dishes. This popular Indian restaurant in Arundel's historic town centre offers extensive vegetarian and vegan options alongside traditional favourites, with both dine-in and takeaway services.
Why Visit India Gate: • Authentic Indian spices and traditional cooking methods • Extensive selection of classic curry and tandoori dishes • Comprehensive vegetarian and vegan menu options • Convenient takeaway and dine-in services available • Central Arundel location for easy access
Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Arundel
Tarrant Street Espresso - Artisan Coffee Specialists
Speciality Coffee Shop | Square Mile Coffee Beans
Discover Arundel's best coffee at Tarrant Street Espresso, a charming coffee haven known for exceptional coffee crafted from premium Square Mile beans. Owner Tim provides personalised service in this intimate space, remembered by locals for brilliant extraction techniques and award-winning speciality drinks.
Why Visit Tarrant Street Espresso: • Premium Square Mile coffee beans with expert extraction techniques • Personal service from owner Tim who remembers regular customers • Award-winning oat lattes and perfectly crafted flat whites • Fresh pastries and artisan sandwiches daily • Consistently rated as the best coffee in Arundel by locals
Juniper - Artisan Café, Bakery & Evening Dining
Independent Café & Bakery | Monthly Set Dinners
Experience exceptional artisan coffee and baking at Juniper, a small independent café serving fresh, seasonal dishes throughout the day. Known for outstanding coffee, freshly-baked pastries, and exclusive monthly evening dining experiences, Juniper represents the finest in Arundel's independent food scene.
Why Visit Juniper: • Fresh daily-baked sourdough bread and artisan pastries • Exceptional speciality coffee and famous cinnamon buns • Exclusive evening set menu on third Thursday of each month • Friday evening wine and snacks service (5pm-8pm) • Small-batch, seasonal approach to café dining
Lulamae's Café - Independent High Street Café
Family-Run Café | Homemade Baking | Near Castle Entrance
Enjoy homemade goodness at Lulumae's Café, a charming independent café situated at the bottom of Arundel High Street, mere metres from the castle entrance. This family-run establishment freshly bakes cakes and scones daily, serving locally-roasted Edgcumbes coffee in a welcoming atmosphere.
Why Visit Lulumae's Café: • Fresh daily-baked homemade cakes and traditional scones • Locally-roasted Edgcumbes coffee sourced from Sussex • Full breakfast menu available until 11:30am daily • Comprehensive vegan and gluten-free options available • Perfect location near Arundel Castle entrance for tourists
Motte & Bailey Café - Traditional Tearoom & Evening Tapas
Daytime Café & Evening Tapas Bar | Arundel High Street
Experience versatile dining at Motte & Bailey Café, a traditional tearoom by day that transforms into a Middle Eastern and Spanish-inspired tapas bar by evening. Located in Arundel's heart, this popular venue serves excellent breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, plus evening dining Wednesday through Saturday.
Why Visit Motte & Bailey Café: • Fresh daily-baked scones using local ingredients • Excellent breakfast, brunch, and traditional afternoon tea menus • Traditional café atmosphere with friendly, efficient service • Outstanding speciality coffee and homemade cakes • Evening transformation to exotic tapas restaurant (Wed-Sat)
The Moathouse Café - Independent High-Street Café
Daytime Café | Homemade Baking | Near Castle Entrance
Discover hearty, home-cooked food at The Moathouse Café, a long-standing favourite just by the river and castle bridge. Open daily from early morning, it serves generous breakfasts, light lunches, and sweet treats, alongside more than 20 flavours of farm ice cream and freshly baked cakes. A family-run spot with a warm, relaxed atmosphere, it’s known for its value, variety, and welcoming service. (It's also right next to House Arundel, and one of our partners for breakfast!)
Why Visit Moathouse Café: • Extensive all-day menu from full English breakfasts to homemade pies and lasagne • Freshly baked scones, cakes, and traditional clotted-cream teas • Over 20 flavours of local farm-produced ice cream • Great value with hearty portions and plenty of vegetarian/vegan options • Family-run café with friendly staff and a cosy, casual setting
Wine Bars & Specialty Drinks in Arundel
139 Steps - Chic Wine & Champagne Bar
Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge | Arundel High Street
Unwind at 139 Steps, Arundel's sophisticated wine and champagne bar offering an extensive selection in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. This chic establishment features expertly-curated wine flights, premium cocktails, and artisanal charcuterie boards in elegant surroundings.
Why Visit 139 Steps: • Extensive premium wine and champagne selection • Chic, relaxed table service atmosphere • Expert wine flights and craft cocktails • Artisanal charcuterie and cheese boards • Sophisticated evening dining experience
Digby Fine English - Award-Winning English Sparkling Wine
Sparkling Wine Tasting Room | UK's First High Street Cellar Door
Discover world-class English sparkling wine at Digby Fine English, featuring the UK's first high street cellar door. This elegant Georgian tasting room offers guided wine flights, educational tastings, and wine purchases, showcasing award-winning English sparkling wines in sophisticated surroundings.
Why Visit Digby Fine English: • Award-winning English sparkling wines with international recognition • UK's first high street wine cellar door experience • Guided tasting flights with expert wine education • Elegant Georgian building setting with premium atmosphere • Opportunity to purchase exclusive English sparkling wines
Plan Your Arundel Food Adventure
Book your stay at House Arundel - Boutique Bed and Breakfast | House Arundel | Arundel, West Sussex, England
Getting to Arundel: Located in West Sussex, Arundel is easily accessible by train from London Victoria (1 hour) and Brighton (30 minutes). The historic market town sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park, making it perfect for combining castle visits, countryside walks, and exceptional dining.
Best Times to Visit: Arundel's restaurants and cafés welcome visitors year-round. Summer offers beautiful riverside and outdoor dining, whilst winter provides cosy pub atmospheres with roaring fires. Book ahead for weekends and special occasions, especially at fine dining establishments.
Local Food Events: Check individual restaurant websites for seasonal menus, wine tastings, and special dining events throughout the year.
Parking & Access: Most venues are within walking distance of Arundel's town centre parking areas. Several restaurants offer their own parking facilities.
This guide features Arundel's finest restaurants, pubs, cafes, and specialty food venues, carefully selected for quality, atmosphere, and exceptional dining experiences. Whether you're visiting Arundel Castle, exploring the South Downs, or planning a special meal in West Sussex, these establishments offer the best of local and international cuisine in one of England's most beautiful historic towns.
Keywords: Arundel restaurants, West Sussex dining, Arundel pubs, South Downs food, Arundel cafés, fine dining Sussex, Arundel Castle dining, historic pubs West Sussex, Arundel food guide, best restaurants Arundel
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