The best seafood and fish restaurants in Hove

Rockwater in Hove combines beach-house vibes with sea views, fresh seafood, and a mix of dining spaces ranging from a rooftop terrace to a stylish pub and seasonal beach shacks. Fans of seafood will want to make their way upstairs to the roof to enjoy heaving platters of the finest South Coast shellfish paired with delicate vintages while taking in the seaside panorama. Beyond food and drink, Rockwater hosts varied live entertainment, workshops, wellness sessions, and more, and offers exclusive perks through its Open Water club.

Found on the eastern end of Hove, The Little Fish Market is chef Duncan Ray's award-winning base of operations adhering to a simple setup – one chef, one menu, one sitting. It's among the more intimate and in-demand dining experiences in Hove, revolving around a changing tasting menu that celebrates the freshest fish and seafood available, usually brought in from the Sussex coast that morning. The cooking is elegant yet unfussy, refined yet accessible.

The Urchin is a popular local boozer that also doubles as one of the best seafood restaurants in Hove. The casual pub setting and good beers crafted in the basement brewery provide the backdrop to a menu split between trusty all-timers such as lobster or scallops and a changing specials board where the chef is let off the leash. On Sundays, instead of a traditional roast, they bring out giant pans of seafood paella.

Marrocco's on the esplanade is known primarily for its top-notch gelato, but seafood fans will want to put it on their list as well. The family-run Italian restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood daily, with the menu including classic dishes such as lobster, fritto misto, various seafood pastas, and whole fish off the grill, alongside Italian favourites such as risotto and pizza. It's a warm and charming spot, and once you're done, the ice cream for dessert is right there.

Even (or especially) at the seaside, seafood can run up quite a price tag, but it doesn't have to. Fish 'n' chips is a timeless British seaside favourite and Wolfies of Hove is one of the best spots to load up on fried goods in the area. In addition to classics like battered fish, saveloys, and pies, the chippy offers its signature mixed seafood special – butterfly prawns, squid, scampi, calamari, whitebait, and chips at a bargain price.

Named after a famous modern-day shipwreck, Athena B pairs the charm of a traditional chippy with a warm, inviting interior of white tiles, exposed brick, and wood panelling. The family-run fish restaurant in Hove has built its reputation on award-winning fish and chips made to exacting standards – only sustainably sourced fish and freshly peeled Grade A potatoes make the cut. Vegan options are available here as well.

Sea Breeze Fish & Chips in Hove gives the traditional chippy a stylish refresh, with a sleek black-and-white interior and wall art setting the tone. The menu, however, stays true to tradition, offering a choice of fish fried to crisp golden perfection, alongside familiar favourites like burgers, pies, and sausages.

Ramsbottom Fish & Chips in Hove combines nostalgic interiors with the charm of a traditional chippy, offering both dine-in seating and the classic takeaway experience. The menu covers all the enduring favourites – crispy battered fish, golden scampi, hearty burgers, and more. Everything is freshly prepared, generously portioned, and easy on the wallet.