The capital of Guernsey, St Peter Port, is home to award-winning restaurants serving everything from Mediterranean-inspired seafood, sushi and tapas to gastro pub-grub, French classics and pizza.
If you are looking for a great dinner where you can walk in without a booking, this list should help you find your way.
Insider Tip: Always try restaurants on the night, they might have availability to eat at the bar or space for a small party.
An Evening Out
Whether it’s an impromptu evening out with friends or a family meal, there are many restaurants offering evening meals that allow you to walk in. (Please note that some of these restaurants are also open for lunch.)
Tinto
Found in the Lower Pollet in town, Tinto is a tapas restaurant serving small and delicious authentic Spanish dishes. And with a specials list that changes daily, you can return time and time again and try something different each time. The bar seating and informal atmosphere make it perfect for popping in for an impromptu bite to eat with a drink from their extensive wine and cocktail menu.
Rouge
Sister restaurant to Tinto, Rouge is a wine, meat and cheese bar offering a cosy dining experience. Choose from their charcuterie and cheese platters, or enjoy a toastie accompanied by a drink chosen from their extensive wine selection. Rouge has well over 120 red, white, rosé, sweet, sparkling and fortified wines; and is also a cheese and wine shop. The team can design a custom platter for you to take away if you would rather head to the beach or cliffs for an evening picnic.
Christies
Located in the centre of town, Christies Brasserie offers smart art deco surroundings and a balcony with a view over the harbour. With a menu ranging from light bites to three-course dinners, you can be confident of finding something to suit your tastes. At both lunch and dinner, they have plenty of tables, meaning you can often just pop your head around the door and ask if they have availability. Even if they can’t seat you right away, you will be more than welcome to stand or sit at the bar with a drink whilst you wait.
A small Italian restaurant on Smith Street, Gusto is a hidden gem. Owned and run by two brothers with a focus on heritage dishes made with the freshest ingredients, their menu is classic and delicious. Even though they have just fifteen tables inside, dependent on the size of the groups, they will always be accommodating and try to make room for walk-ins.
Open for lunch or dinner, Dix Neuf can be found in the Arcade, with a large dining area inside, or an al fresco dining area just outside its doors. Offering traditional cuisine, modern fusion dishes and French classics, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. There are plenty of tables inside and walk-ins are encouraged.
You can relax with a G&T, champagne or cocktail in the cosy bar area whilst you wait to be seated in Balthazar, located along St Peter Port’s harbour. It's a great place to visit, with live Jazz music every Wednesday evening for you to enjoy alongside your meal. They serve locally caught seafood, steaks and a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, and can squeeze a small unexpected group in a booth in their restaurant or at the bar.
Eat-in or Takeaway
Sitting in and enjoying a meal is great, but sometimes you want to take your food to go, taking it for a picnic or back to the comforts of your own home. We have plenty of restaurants in Saint Peter Port that offer walk in seating as well as last minute take-away options.
Fukku
Whether you would like to dine in or take your food for a picnic, take a visit to Fukku in the arcade. Inspired by modern Japanese street food, Fukku offers a unique dining experience with relaxed bar seating. From ramen and poke bowls to tempura dishes and katsu curry, they offer a wide selection of dishes, including great vegetarian and vegan options.
Chefan
A local favourite, Chefan, a burger-van-turned-restaurant, can be found in the Market Square and allows you to eat in or takeaway. With excellent vegan burgers available, and the ability to ‘build your own’ perfect burger, the restaurant is a great choice that caters for all dietary requirements. You can dine inside the restaurant or al fresco during the summer. Only open on certain nights of the week, and with limited seating.
Rosso
You will find some of the best authentic Italian pizza on the Islands at Rosso, part of the Red group, along with Tinto and Rosso. Located along the harbour front with views overlooking the marina, they offer both a dine-in and takeaway service. They cater to all dietary requirements, offering gluten-free and vegan pizzas, and all of their pizzas are freshly made and cooked in the hand-made stone oven, the only one in Guernsey, at over 350 degrees. The large high table in the middle of the restaurant or the long wooden bar means they can seat small walk-in groups easily. With a great selection of cocktails and Italian starters, it is an excellent relaxed dining experience.
The Hook
The Hook is Guernsey’s sushi bar, seafood and steak restaurant, located on the seafront of St Peter Port and offering views of Victoria Harbour. Serving the freshest local seafood, fish and cuts of aged meats, they are open for lunch and dinner. It might be difficult to walk in and get a table at The Hook at the weekend, but they offer a take-away service that allows you to enjoy their food at short notice.
For Lunches and Light Bites
St Peter Port is filled with cafes and small restaurants to enjoy over a lunch or quick, light bite in the evening. If you are looking for a lunch spot where you can walk in, or somewhere quick to go before the rest of your evening begins, try:
Coco Mini Brasserie and Takeaway
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with views out to Castle Cornet, Coco is a modern French Mini Brasserie. Whether you need to rush past and grab breakfast before a busy day, need to sit down for lunch, or fancy a quick dinner, Coco serves petit déjeuner, seafood, sandwiches, steaks and great desserts alongside coffees, teas, smoothies and a selection of organic wines.
The Old Government House Brasserie
Formerly the official residence of the Island’s Governor, The OGH can cater to any dietary requirement. Located just a short stroll up the hill from the hustle and bustle of the High Street overlooking St Peter Port harbour and beyond, the family-friendly establishment serves breakfasts, lunch, dinner and traditional afternoon tea. Whilst it might be hard to walk in for your evening meal without a booking, this is the perfect location for a spontaneous lunch. In the summer, enjoy al fresco dining in their Olive Grove and cosy up by their traditional fireplaces in the winter.
Muse
Muse is a bright and airy café located in the heart of the smart residential and financial district of St Peter Port, just along the harbour-front on the outskirts of the main town. Offering a mixture of continental treats, delicious coffees and filling dishes, Muse’s calm, quiet and welcoming environment makes it the perfect place to walk in and enjoy brunch or lunch. The location is also ideal for fuelling up before an early boat to Herm or Sark, with the harbour departure point only a few minutes walk away.
The Hideaway
The Hideaway Patisserie and Brasserie, an authentic Austrian patisserie, is quite literally hidden away above the centre of town. Their outdoor terrace, with views out over the harbour, is a warm sun trap sheltered from the wind and their indoor seating area is comfortable and cosy. Just head on up the stairs to enjoy brunch, lunch or afternoon tea.
Cafe Emilia
Cafe Emilia is right in the heart of town and offers a wide range of brunch and lunch classics and Portuguese twists. Whether it’s a freshly baked cake and coffee, a delicious lunch or a full English that you’re looking for, their friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere are on hand to help you find your perfect breakfast. With a kids-specific menu as well as veggie and vegan options, this cafe is suitable for the entire family.
