Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in West Sussex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

Masala City

4.8

4.8 (498)

£25 and under

Indian

Chichester

About the restaurant

Experience the best curry in West Sussex
Come and experience the warm welcome of Chichester Curry House “Masala City” and enjoy an authentic Indian experience in a fantastic location full of character.
The emphasis at Chichester’s Masala City Indian Restaurant is on producing authentic Indian food, using the best quality ingredients and where possible locally sourced produce.
Chichester Indian Masala City serves an extensive array of authentic meals, which are freshly prepared using only the best and finest ingredients for both dine in and takeaway (serving Chichester).
Driven by an ambitious and passionate management team. We aim to make your dining experience memorable by providing a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy our great quality Indian food that is complemented by the excellent standard of service

Top review

Sarah

Dined 5 days ago

Always truly delicious food. The restaurant is a pleasure to sit in - beautifully furnished and the service could not be better. I highly recommend Masala City.

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4.9

4.9 (2034)

£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

Marsha

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing food with a great choice of specials and exceptional service. Our favourite place to eat locally, always fantastic food at a very reasonable price considering the high standard. The service is top notch every time.

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4.8

4.8 (28)

£25 and under

Italian

South Harting

About the restaurant

Welcome to La Follia Caffè, our small slice of Italy. Beautiful, seasonal ingredients and the best coffee - nestled at the foot of the rolling South Downs, amongst the mix-century world of antique and vintage shop, Lamb & Newt.
Our Cicchetti (small plates) are as big in flavour as they are small. Our hand made focaccia is sublime and the base for all our Sarnis and Toasties. If you come in time for breakfast the La Follia Brillante Breakfast Roll and freshly baked Cornetti will win your hearts.
All our food is made by us, with all the love you'd expect. Literally every piece in the cafe has had a previous life and if it's not tethered or human, is for sale. A take away might be a little more than you expected.
We'd love you to join us.

La Follia x

Top review

Olivia

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful ambience, excellent service, perfect menu and simply the most delicious food!

The Ivy Chichester Brasserie

4.6

4.6 (4731)

£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. Located near Chichester Festival Theatre and 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

Natalie

Dined 1 day ago

I attended with 2 friends to celebrate their birthday. The food was fantastic! I had scallops to start followed by the fish cake and a crème brûlée. I highly recommend all these dishes. I have the peach & leaf cocktail which again was light and fruity. The service was excellent and they evening as a whole was a big hit

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Popular dish

The Ivy Chocolate Bombe

Popular dish

Monkfish and Prawn Keralan Curry

Popular dish

Truffle Arancini

Le Flamant

4.7

4.7 (48)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Lindfield

About the restaurant

A cosy, culinary treat in the heart of Lindfield.
Imaginative small plates, flavour-packed mains and drinks to savour, served in an intimate, vibrant atmosphere.

Top review

Bisi

Dined 4 days ago

So good we went twice in one week! Can’t wait for the new menu. Our new favourite local restaurant, for sure! :)

Fratelli

4.6

4.6 (295)

£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

David

Dined 5 days ago

Very friendly restaurant and excellent food. Down a characterful side street.

The Fig Tree Restaurant- Hurstpierpoint

4.9

4.9 (869)

£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

Gillian

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Always a great experience. Fabulous food with great flavours and beautifully presented

Orla

4.7

4.7 (55)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Lindfield

About the restaurant

Welcome to Orla, a haven of relaxed fine dining on Lindfield's bustling High Street.

Owned and operated by the talented Head Chef Ian Brunsdon, who has over 15 years experience in hospitality, and his wife Ellen, our restaurant combines kitchen artistry with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Our menu, crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, celebrates both classic and contemporary dishes designed to delight your senses.

For a truly immersive experience, guests are invited to join us and sit at the pass, where you can watch the magic unfold in our open kitchen.

Whether you're joining us for a special occasion or a casual meal, Orla promises an unforgettable dining experience where exceptional food meets genuine hospitality.

Top review

Richard

Dined 5 days ago

Timely response to answerphone message asking to my extend booking by 1 extra cover. All the dishes were very tasty and excellent value. Locally sourced and beautifully presented.

Three Horseshoes, Lickfold

4.5

4.5 (203)

£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

AlanVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Excellent food (as always) but ambience reduced by lack of other customers - perhaps a reflection on the hot weather.

Piccolino - Chichester

4.5

4.5 (90)

£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

Robin

Dined 5 days ago

3 of us dinned pre theatre on 27th June. Excellent smooth and timely service . Food was excellent. We had the Lasagna Wagyu and Risotto Frutti Mare followed by Affogato and Gelato. The affogato was served in Martini glasses which is such a simple but brilliant way to serve it. We all enjoyed the evening .

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