Looking for a restaurant with that picture-perfect view, experimental sharing plates, or a menu that can whisk you off on a gastronomic trip to Asia? Or perhaps the sound of a 13-course culinary exploration from a renowned chef piques your interest...
Whether you’re visiting our Islands for the first time and are wondering where to dine, or are simply looking for new dishes to sample on your next trip, we’ve got the culinary scoop.
Local Produce
No trip to the Islands of Guernsey would be complete without trying the local produce - and there is plenty to explore.
The Bailiwick is one of the few places in the world that can boast that every oyster consumed in the Islands is reared locally. Fed by the clear, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf Stream, these Pacific Oysters have worldwide appeal and are the perfect addition to a day trip to Herm. Local restaurants also have plentiful stocks of other fish and shellfish from our waters, including fresh sea bass, scallops and ormers.
Guernsey cows are also famous for their produce, which is used to make some of the most delicious dairy products, including rich milk and cream, as well as ice cream that you can sample from one of our beach kiosks. You could even try some local goats’ cheese from the Guernsey Golden breed.
To top off your local culinary explorations, why not visit a hedge veg stall? These miniature roadside shops feature homegrown fruits and vegetables, which you can purchase by leaving money in an honesty box.
Vraic
Run by Head Chef Nathan Davies, Vraic is a multi-course tasting menu restaurant. Named after the Guernésiais word for seaweed, ‘Vraic’ emphasises the connection between its dishes and the Guernsey community, as the restaurant works closely with local seaweed foragers, farmers and fishing boats.
Celebrating the best of local produce, complemented by notes of Davies’ Welsh upbringing, the restaurant's core ethos is sustainability. From the kitchen processes through to the menu itself, Vraic focuses on working with nature and wasting as little as possible.
Davies draws heavily on his rural roots, crafting plates reminiscent of the wild natural beauty of his homeland. Enjoy a 13-course culinary tour of the British Isles, with seasonal ingredients cooked over an open fire. You will also find a wine list and bar menu, offering both classic and inventive drink options.
Dining With a View
If you’re looking for a bite to eat with a side of scenic beauty, you will find plenty of choices on our Islands.
The award-winning Fermain Beach Cafe is set against the backdrop of Fermain Bay, hidden on the east coast of Guernsey and only a short cliff walk from St Peter Port. Offering delicious sandwiches and salads, traditional cakes and ice cream, hot drinks and glasses of bubbles, this is the ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon by the sea, or to take a break from your hiking exploration.
If you’re looking for a similar dining experience on Herm Island, Shell Beach Cafe offers light bites and stunning views across Herm’s east coast, and you can even hire a deckchair to soak up the sun.
Alternatively, stop by the Renoir Tea Garden, overlooking Moulin Huet Bay, and enjoy the same view that inspired Renoir, the 19th-century painter. Discover the landscapes that served as artistic motifs for 15 of his Guernsey-based creations, then enjoy craft teas, Guernsey crab sandwiches, bean jar coffee, and authentic Guernsey Gâche.
If you’re looking for a touch of elegance for your lunch or evening meal, La Reunion offers gorgeous west coast views with a balcony overlooking Cobo Bay, as well as a cocktail bar and seasonal menu to sample.
Alba
A recent addition to St Peter Port, Alba is located in the historic Market Square and draws inspiration from classic French, Spanish and Italian flavours.
Fusing a 1920s Cuban and Mexican-inspired cocktail bar with an open-kitchen restaurant and conservatory, the ground-floor dining area opens directly onto Market Square, creating a vibrant ambience and providing alfresco dining in the summer months.
With a focus on local ingredients and wood-fired cooking, the menu will leave you spoilt for choice, with dishes including lobster tagliolini, Guernsey crab and duck confit. You will even find seasonal offerings, such as their summer gnocchi and Alba's 'Summer of Spritz' drinks menu.
If you’re looking for a drink, the Latin-inspired bar hosts a vast selection of tequila, rum, margaritas, daiquiris and more, as well as mocktail options. With special additions such as live DJs and monthly Sunday lunches, Alba is a buzzing hotspot to add to your St Peter Port itinerary.
Evenings in St Peter Port
If you’re planning to spend more time in St Peter Port, you will find everything from casual sharing plates to steakhouses and wine-tasting.
In Lower Pollet, a small-plate Spanish tapas bar, Tinto, spotlights 20-25 classic dishes at any given time, changing seasonally. Designed for sharing, order a selection of dishes and make sure to leave room for churros afterwards! Boasting an extensive wine list from Spain, Portugal and South America, as well as over 50 different gins, this casual dining experience makes for a perfect leisurely evening.
If you enjoy a laid-back ambience, why not try Rosso. This harbour-front Italian restaurant features hand-made stone-baked pizzas, plus a handpicked selection of Californian and Italian wines to pair with your meal, as well as classic cocktails. Newly renovated, the restaurant's natural earthy tones create a modern dining atmosphere that will be enjoyed by all.
For wine connoisseurs, Rouge is a chic wine and cheese bar, with an ever-changing list of over 120 red, white, rosé, sweet, sparkling and fortified wines, as well as a selection of spirits. Enjoy a glass of something different, or your favourite beer or gin, and order some cheese and charcuterie. Each month, Rouge also offer a mixed case of 6 bottles, themed by country, style or grape, for a set price, or you can order a custom-made platter to take away. Perfect if you’re enjoying a self-catered stay on the Island!
Fukku
Established in 2022 as a Japanese Izakaya, Fukku has evolved into a restaurant, now located on Smith Street in the centre of St Peter Port.
Respect for ingredients is at the heart of Japanese cuisine, as well as simplicity and attention to detail. Fukku sources produce from Japanese merchants and local suppliers, and uses traditional preparation techniques to create meals that are both authentic and delicious.
The menu covers a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to sample everything from sushi and sashimi to ramen, bento boxes and salads, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. With their open kitchen, diners can enjoy watching the chefs at work, or even sit by the bar and let the team craft a bespoke meal.
The drinks menu also takes inspiration from Japan, with the inclusion of sake, whisky and Japanese-brewed ales and beer, alongside wines and non-alcoholic soft drinks.
International Cuisine
A culinary tour of our Islands would not be complete without visiting some of the local restaurants that take diners on a trip beyond our shores.
China Red, voted one of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK, is a family-owned restaurant on the east coast of Guernsey, a short walk from the centre of town, serving authentic Chinese food, dim sum and Chinese teas.
You can also try Buho, a Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere that combines contemporary and traditional techniques to create dishes that celebrate the best of Latin America. Featuring customisable street food dishes and an extensive cocktail selection, there's plenty to keep you coming back for more. There is also a balcony for summer dining, overlooking neighbouring islands Herm and Sark.
Bangladeshi cafe and bar, Dhaka, is a great place for a light bite or an extravagant sit-down meal. With both traditional and street-style food, as well as an exotic grocery store with an array of spices and goods, a visit is not to be missed.
For an Indian meal, Taste of India has a carefully curated menu, achieved through years of experimentation. By meticulously blending spices, seasonings and flavours to create distinct dishes with Goan flair, the menu boasts endless combinations, each with its own distinctive flavour.
Wherever you plan on dining, we can’t wait to welcome you to our Islands on your next trip. Keep an eye out for more guides to exploring Guernsey and start planning your getaway.
