Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in West Sussex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

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

Cassons

4.9

4.9 (28)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Chichester

About the restaurant

Inspired food in relaxed surroundings has been the watchword for Casson's since it opened. One of the few truly independent restaurants left in the Chichester area, This is fine dining, all cooked on site, using the best seasonal and local ingredients.
The husband and wife team, Viv and Cass have been running Cassons for 21 years, and take delight in making your visit memorable on every level.
There is a carefully crafted wine list featuring nearly 100 wines from the old and new world.
Our experienced Front of House team will ensure that the service matches your eating experience.
We have been featured in The Michelin Guide for many years.
As we do 'cook to order' we can cater for the majority of food allergies.
We are constantly looking to improve our food and service with those touches that make the difference between going out to eat or going out for a meal.
We are not just a special occasion restaurant. We just make every occasion special.
Plenty of off road parking.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Very enjoyable evening as always . Menu excellent and viv had e xcelled

Ami Bistro

4.7

4.7 (785)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Worthing

About the restaurant

Ami Bistro is a relaxed and welcoming restaurant that provides a warm, intimate ambiance. Our exclusive menus are refreshed quarterly and take full advantage of seasonal produce. We boast a wide selection of gluten free dishes, and some impressive vegan and vegetarian plates as well. We are a family friendly restaurant and we offer a fantastic children’s menu with some firm favourites alongside more grown-up options.

Please note, on Tuesdays, we only offer our special tapas Tuesday menu, and not a la carte. Please visit our website at www.amibistro.co.uk for more information.

Top review

Debbie

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

We went for a special occassion and had a beautiful meal, all freshly cooked. They also catered for "gluten free" guests which 1 of us needed. We'd definitely go back!

Le Flamant

4.7

4.7 (47)

£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

Sara

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

I took a very dear friend for an early supper and tried some of the larger plates. What a treat! The scallops, seabass and pork loin were devine. My friend travels extensively and eats in top resturants and was very impressed and will return with her husband. The service was attentive but not intrusive - excellent all round.

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Chichester

4.6

4.6 (1272)

£25 and under

British

Chichester

About the restaurant

You'll find Bill's Chichester restaurant smack bang in the middle of the Butter Market (we promise we serve more than butter) in a beautiful Grade II-listed building. Our walls may be old, but our menu and ingredients are always fresh. Pop in from 8am and check out our tempting breakfast menu. Picture fluffy stacks of pancakes, hearty sandwiches and the classic full English - all served with a dash of Bill's flair. Our doors remain open 'til late, so whether it's brunch, lunch or dinner, we've got you covered (including gluten-free options). Grab a seat at Bill's after strolling the Chichester cobbles, and let us take care of you.

Top review

Sanny

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Incredible staff. Lovely to always dine with our sister company. Managers are so attentive and caring. Brilliant spot to visit when in Chichester.

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Experience

Small Group Dining Menu

Experience

Group Dining Menu

Experience

Set Menu for Celebrations

Amberley Castle Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (89)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Arundel

About the restaurant

"Amberley Castle has a long held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.

Enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire or The Great Room, built-in 1165 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester, a fine example of Norman architecture with its high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestry and suits of armour.

The dress code for the dining room is smart casual.

Please note that we welcome children of all ages to dine in the restaurant as long as their parents are well-behaved!

Top review

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Great food. Really great food. Was very hot in the restaurant, on the hottest day of the year, but we loved the castle setting and look forward to coming back.

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Festive Afternoon Tea

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Horsham

4.4

4.4 (1292)

£25 and under

British

Horsham

About the restaurant

After moseying around the market and testing your haggling skills, you're bound to have worked up an appetite. That's where Bill's comes in. Our Horsham restaurant is in the heart of the town and is as pretty as its historic streets, whether you sit inside or out. Put your bags down, grab a seat and check out our mouth-watering menu, spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you fancy tucking into a full English, treating your taste buds to Bill's big brunch, or indulging in our triple chocolate brownie, there's something for everyone at Bill's Horsham.

Top review

Fay

Dined on May 24, 2025

Overall, all good, Bill's is always nice!! Our waitress was very patient with my Dad, and didn't rush him when he was ordering etc. The only one thing I noticed was it look a while for our dishes to come out, but it was a very busy Saturday evening, it didn't spoil the quality of the food, which was yum!!! Will visit again for sure!!!! 😊

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Experience

Small Group Dining Menu

Experience

Group Dining Menu

Experience

Set Menu for Celebrations

Dem Shish Crawley

4.4

4.4 (50)

£25 and under

Turkish

Crawley

About the restaurant

Award-winning Turkish eatery for social drinking and dining. First-class Turkish cuisine, signature cocktails hosted in the finest setting in Sussex.

Top review

Rebecca

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Stunning restaurant with amazing food and cocktails 10/10

Côte Brasserie - Chichester

4.3

4.3 (88)

£25 and under

French

Chichester

About the restaurant

Côte Brasserie in Chichester offers delightful French dining in the heart of this charming Cathedral City. Located near Chichester's historic landmarks, the restaurant is an ideal spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely lunch, a pre-theatre dinner, or a special occasion meal, whether you're seated indoors or enjoying the fresh air at one of the outdoor tables. The brasserie's menu features a wide range of classic French dishes, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From the rich flavours of Beef Cheek Bourguignon to the light and refreshing Tuna Niçoise.

Top review

tomVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Food as good as ever but service slow. Only one member of staff visible who was doing his best

Farmer, Butcher, Chef

4.3

4.3 (97)

£26 to £40

British

Chichester

About the restaurant

Located just outside Chichester, at the heart of the Goodwood Estate, Farmer, Butcher, Chef celebrates the beef, pork, and lamb reared at Goodwood Home Farm. Aptly named, the farmer, butcher, and chef collaborate to discuss the available cuts of meat, which are featured in our hearty Butcher’s Boards and a constantly changing seasonal menu.

Awarded two AA Rosette's, it has a relaxed atmosphere with quintessentially British interiors by Leveson Design. With a bar and beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy live music and BBQs throughout the summer months, alongside a full calendar of events, the restaurant is a space to enjoy exceptional food with friends, family and dogs are very welcome too.

Goodwood has been farmed by the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years. Susan, Duchess of Richmond was one of the Soil Association’s earliest members. Her belief in organic food and animal welfare were instrumental in Goodwood Home Farm becoming the first 100% organically fed dairy in the country.

Top review

Dannii

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Wonderful meal for a friends birthday - we went for a butchers board which was delicious with a selection of well thought out sides and a tripe chocolate dessert - was delicious would definitely visit again, the restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with a lovely ambiance and the central feature table a great centre to serve from to keep tables free from clutter - very attentive staff would highly recommend!

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