It has been a while since some of our regular visitors have had the chance to come to our islands. And, in fact, a lot has changed - in terms of the restaurant scene at least! Whilst many favourites are still here, and looking forward to welcoming back more guests, there are many new places on the scene that add to Guernsey’s gastronomical reputation.
Here are a few for you to bookmark for a future visit to the Islands of Guernsey.
BALTHAZAR
Balthazar opened a couple of years ago and has quickly become the place to go for drinks in front of the harbour after work. With a cosy restaurant filled with plush benches and low lighting in the back and a sleek, long bar as you walk in, not to mention a viral disco in the ladies’ toilet, it’s somewhere you need to pop into at least once.
OTTO
Along the seafront from St Peter Port you can find one of Guernsey's newest restaurants, Otto. Sister restaurant to the highly regarded China Red, Otto is a modern Italian eatery. Offering seasonal Italian food from morning until night, their bakery and restaurant provide a relaxed and sociable place to eat. Visit them for amazing pastries and bread in the morning or pizza and pasta later in the day, all of which can be purchased to take away.
CREPE MAISON
Crepe Maison is a new player on the high street, but already hugely popular with both locals and visitors alike. Filling the gap for galettes left by the loss of previous favourites in St Peter Port, you can pop in for brunch, lunch or just a coffee. Whilst the front bar is part of the buzz, try to get a table in the back; the views over the harbour are worth it.
FUKKU
The newest venture from the team behind Guernsey's sushi bar Hook, Fukku brings Japanese street food to St Peter Port. With a focus on using authentic Asian ingredients, you will find delicious ramen, poke bowls, katsu and tempura at Fukku. The restaurant has great atmosphere and is ideal for grabbing a speedy sit down lunch or sitting down to relax of an evening.
ROUGE
Rouge is the latest opening from the Red Group restaurants collection. The others, Red, Tinto and Rosso, are all full every day of the week and this new addition is no exception. Half wine and cheese bar, half wine shop, you can enjoy a great selection of wine and nibbles with a great atmosphere and hugely knowledgeable staff.
RED GRILL HOUSE AND COCKTAIL BAR
And speaking of Red...it's back! Some may not know that Red suffered a fire in early 2020, prompting a makeover which, although delayed by lockdowns and supply chains, recently opened to roaring success. With a fresh design, a few new dishes, and yet still the same hugely varied wine list and staple menu classics, the only thing you’ll struggle with is getting a table! Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
MYLK
For locals, it’s hard to remember a time before Mylk opened its shutters. It has created a great atmosphere just below Market Square, with picnic tables and simple bites, such as paninis and galettes. It’s also a great place to pick up a milkshake or coffee in the sunshine.
WAFFLE & CO
Since this establishment opened in 2019 in the Clock Tower next to the Liberation Monument in St Peter Port, Waffle & Co has become a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. You can grab a coffee, ice cream or waffle and enjoy the view out over the harbour.
THE CORNERSTONE
Named after “The Cornerstone” which was placed in 1700 and marks the location of one of four gates that locals used to access St Peter Port, this traditional pub and bistro is just a stone’s throw away from Hauteville House, the town centre and St Peter Port harbour. It’s the ideal location for a business lunch, family get-together or simply to catch up with friends.
SORRENTO
Looking out over St Peter Port harbour, Sorrento is the new kid on the block, having only opened this summer. Serving Italian cuisine with an extensive wine selection from across the world and regional Italian wineries, Sorrento's goal is to put modern twists on classic recipes in order to bring a taste of the Almafi coast to Guernsey.
CHOP HOUSE
Chop House is a dark and atmospheric restaurant sitting next door to its sister restaurant, Guernsey’s classic brasserie, Christies. With a smokehouse style menu and interior decor reminiscent of a London lounge bar-restaurant, it has been growing in popularity since it opened, particularly for large groups and special occasions. It also has a great quick lunch menu for local office workers.
FIFTY-SEVEN
Fifty-Seven overlooks the harbour with enviable views and a modern interior. With a classic mediterranean menu focussing on seafood and fish dishes using local produce, there is something for every pallet. Fifty-Seven also has a bar upstairs serving cocktails and wine to carry on your dining experience.
THE BLONDE HEDGEHOG
The Blonde Hedgehog restaurant in Alderney is at the heart of this new hotel, serving sumptuous farm-to-table dishes and delicious homely desserts made from fresh, locally-sourced and home-grown ingredients. Their menu focuses on contemporary dining with a classic and traditional twist. It has become an instant hit with locals and visitors alike.
Good Rebel
Good Rebel offers fresh, healthy and (some) rebellious dining options. Alongside a mix of wellness juices and shots is a creative and modern menu catering to a variety of tastes. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or an evening drink whilst you relax inside or sit out in the al fresco dining area. it is located at Admiral Park and easily accessible along the seafront by foot or bike, with parking just around the back.
SHELL BEACH KIOSK BAR
And just to finish off the list, as an added note, Shell Beach kiosk on Herm now has an alcohol licence, so be sure to head over there for lunch and a chilled drink with an unbeatable view.
For a full list of all of the restaurants, bars, bistros and cafes available on The Islands of Guernsey, click here.
