21 Places to Eat Outdoors in Guernsey

Summer is here! The days are warmer and the evenings are longer, so we‘ve pulled together a list of our favourite places to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining. 

Whether you’re looking for a casual catch up, a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, we think there’s something for everyone on this list.

 

 

1.  Stocks Poolside Bistro

The poolside bistro and bar at Stocks is a great place to enjoy a casual lunch on a day trip to Sark, or a relaxed evening meal if you’re staying over... and it’s definitely up there as one of our favourite al fresco destinations. The pool is tempting on a hot day, but it’s the food philosophy that really pulls us in, with the hotel's ‘Sark local’ policy, sourcing supplies from the island wherever possible.

 

2.  The Terrace at Fermain Valley

Walking down the valley, with the soothing sounds of nature and glimpses of the bay below, the scene is set for a relaxing lunch or a refreshing drink. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or catching up with friends, the views over Fermain Bay make dining here a memorable experience.

 

3.  The Imperial

The Imperial is a new favourite of ours. The terrace is a great place to stop off for a casual bite to eat and a refreshing drink after a walk to the Fairy Ring and the cliff paths beyond. Or maybe you want to round off a day on the beach at Portelet with dinner before you head home, watching the evening sunset. The restaurant is lovely, so bright and airy with a very relaxing atmosphere and stunning views out to sea.

 

4.  The Blonde Hedgehog 

The sunny terrace at The Blonde Hedgehog in Alderney offers a lovely bolt hole to escape to for a relaxing lunch. The seasonal menu offers contemporary dining with a traditional twist, and the kitchen garden is the source of much of the locally-grown produce used in their dishes.

 

5.  Le Gouffre

With a superb location right by the cliffs, Le Gouffre Cafe and Restaurant is a great  spot to combine a walk with a spot of lunch - there's even a dog friendly area for well-mannered four-legged companions.  It’s also open on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner looking out over the cliffs under the stars. 

 

6.  Cobo Bay

This bay gets a mention in its own right, as there are quite a few options here to choose from. The Beach Terrace at the Cobo Bay Hotel is a great place to sit outside and enjoy a luxurious seafood lunch, or pop next door to the Rockmount for a ‘Rocky Classic’. If you’re looking for a more casual option, you can’t beat fish and chips on the beach…watch out for those pesky seagulls though!

 

7.  The Slaughterhouse

This historical building by the harbour has a sheltered courtyard where you can sit outside and unwind with a snack and a drink from the Prosecco bar and there’s also a raised private terrace serving food and drinks, with views out over Havelet Bay. The Slaughterhouse, there is a selection of steaks and burgers on offer, but you’ll also find fish and veggie options on the menu, so there’s something for everyone.

 

 

8.  The Terrace Garden Cafe

The Terrace Garden Cafe is a great place to grab lunch or an early dinner in town in the sunshine. Its elevated position on the corner of Cornet Street gives you great island views across the harbour. As well as the regular cafe menu staples you would expect, The Terrace has a great selection of Thai noodles and Asian street food. Enjoy! 

 

9. Nineteen Bar & Grill

This popular Bar and Grill on the outskirts of town has a nice terrace on the back for al fresco dining and drinks. Why not enjoy a pre-lunch practice on the driving range, and browse the menu as you practice your swing. The restaurant is right next to the range, and you can order while you play, using their handy app. 

 

10.  Octopus Bar & Restaurant

The terrace at Octopus has a stunning outlook over Havelet Bay, taking in Castle Cornet with views of Herm and Sark in the distance. The menu has a distinctive French feel, with classics such as Moules and Croque Monsieur. It also has a dedicated menu for hungry kids, and it’s a favourite family spot for a family breakfast. 

 

11.  The Old Government House Hotel

The Olive Grove is the outdoor dining option at Guernsey’s 5 star hotel in town. Enjoy an al fresco lunch or a deluxe afternoon tea in the leafy gardens while you take in the views over the harbour and out to the neighbouring islands from this vantage point.

 

12.  Les Douvres

For a dip and dine experience, pop along for lunch to Les Douvres, a favourite with locals for delicious gastro-pub dining. The food is simple and rustic, using local produce wherever possible… but as everyone knows, it the pizza that stands out. Some may say... best pizza ever?! We're not getting involved...

 

13.  Hathaways

You’ll find Hathaways just inside the main gates of La Seigneurie Gardens, with a sunny terrace for a lazy summer lunch in Sark. The lobster and crab on the menu are caught sustainably from waters around the island and La Seigneurie kitchen garden provides the salad and herbs. Enjoy!

 

14.  The Mermaid

A trip to Herm isn’t complete without a stop off at the Mermaid Tavern, which offers casual dining in the courtyard. It’s a must during the summer months! Of course, another al fresco option in Herm is a sandwich and ice cream on Shell Beach or Belvoir Bay… summer just wouldn’t be complete without a sandy picnic on the beach! The Beach Cafe at Shell Beach in Herm is now licensed so you can enjoy an alcoholic drink if you choose while you feel the sand in your toes and soak up the atmosphere.

 

15.  Jacks in Alderney

You’ll find Jack’s at the bottom of Victoria Street in the heart of Alderney. With an outside terrace area it’s the perfect meeting hub in St Anne for a light lunch and some serious people watching.

 

 

16.  The Duke of Richmond

The Terrace at the Duke of Richmond is a hidden sun trap overlooking Candie Gardens with views out over the sea and the islands in the distance. Enjoy lunch in the sun or dinner under the stars - and if it gets chilly you can relocate to the Conservatory.

 

17.  Copenhagen 

The Terrace at Copenhagen Bar and Grill has stunning views over St Peter Port, showcasing Castle Cornet and Havelet Bay from on high. Sit back, enjoy a light lunch and take in the view.

 

18.  Crêpe Maison

Crêpe Maison is the place to go for traditional Breton galettes and crepes, with a small seating area right on the High Street for daytime casual dining. 

 

19.  COCO Brasserie

For daytime dining outdoors, COCO lets you enjoy the hustle and bustle of St Peter Port with pavement tables where you can enjoy a bite to eat and watch the world go by. 

 

 

20.  Christies

Christies, in the heart of town, is popular for the window tables at the front where you can sit back and watch the world go by, but there’s also a small terrace at the back with views over the harbour and a private dining room upstairs with a balcony where you can enjoy the view out over the sea to Herm.

 

21.  Beach Kiosks

There are too many kiosks to mention, and they all serve their own unique purpose. Whether you're looking for a quick stop for a bacon bap and a coffee, or you'd like a more sophisticated bistro cafe with crab sndwiches and scallops, there's something for everyone with our range of kiosks dotted around the island. Some are perfectly placed for a refreshing drink on a cliff walk, and of course there are quite a few traditional beach kiosks to keep you stocked up the snacks and ice creams you’d expect for a day on the beach.

We love Woodies at Bordeaux Harbour for a relaxing coffee with a view out to Herm, the Beach Cafe at Fermain for a special summer day out, the Moulin Huet Tea Room is a great way to round off a cliff walk and the food at Mim's Kiosk at Cobo is very popular choice... we hear the Mimflurry is amazing!  And that's just some of the kiosks dotted around the island.  In fact, this is probably another list in itself, right?

 

Have we missed your favourite - let us know!