Guernsey Restaurants

Guernsey is well-known for its food and the island is home to a wide range of eateries from classic French and English cuisine to Italian, Chinese and Indian. A wide range of alcoholic beverages are on offer and spirits, beers and wines are quite cheap compared to the mainland.

Local cuisine

Locally caught seafood is always tremendously fresh. Lobster is a favourite but not always on the menu, so just ask the waiter. In some cases, you will need to order it a day in advance. Traditional cuisine includes hearty country dishes such as Bean Jar, fresh vegetables, which play an important part in the islands cooking due to its mild climate, as well as a good variety of breads and cakes. From January to April, if you are lucky, you can sample ormers, or abalone, a kind of shellfish. The traditional way to cook ormers is in a casserole.

Having been British for almost 800 years, tea is a staple drink in Guernsey. A mandatory accompaniment to each 'cuppa' is a slice of Guernsey Gche, a kind of fruit loaf served at beach kiosks and usually served toasted with Guernsey butter spread thickly on top. Guernsey used to be famous for its cider, which it produced enough of to export. The production has now been revived with great results. The island is also home to a long brewing tradition with local beers available in bars and restaurants. The local lager is labelled Breda.

Where to eat

Guernsey has ample places for good eating with more than 80 restaurants, many of which line the winding cobblestone streets of St Peter Port, the tiny capital. Other choices, including the most renowned, can be found amid the islands many country lanes. Guernseys beach kiosks are famous for their crab sandwiches and Guernsey cream teas. There are two self-service restaurants in St Peter Port.