Undercliffe House in Hastings

This was our third excellent lunch here but today’s was stunning. The freshest oysters followed by wonderful fish, cooked with flair and care by the team of chefs and served by a charming lady. We sat in the window of this charming little restaurant with the sun streaming in - who could ask for more?

Just amazing,the atmosphere is happy and relaxing. The whitebait is most definitely the best I have tasted in my life,and my lady was of the same opinion,,not overcooked, obviously fresh fish as they get their supplies from the fish huts opposite,so good! We had Turbot and Bream for mains and boy did it not disappoint the both dishes were cooked to perfection,no dry bits soft and well cooked from the outside in and the vegs were cooked well too.My mouth is watering just writing this down. The staff were amazing,our waitress was fantastic and happiness on legs . Just all round probably the best eating out experience I have ever had.

WOW! The amazing reviews are absolutely justified. We had a friendly, warm welcome from the lovely waitress (originally from Albania). The whitebait was the best we'd both ever had. The bream & the turbot were cooked to perfection. I encouraged 6 passers-by to try the restaurant & they all thanked me for the recommendation. We will be going back soon as we live locally. Fan-bloody-tastic!

Outstanding food, excellent, friendly service. The coffee is particularly good. Importantly for me they also played nice relaxing music. I usually want to flee a restaurant as soon as I've eaten but not this one! The loo is also clean and did not involve negotiating stairs which makes a nice change.

Refined cuisine. The special creamy garlic sauce is one of the best I have eaten The white wine is well chosen. Excellent establishment

Based on the reviews, this place should be absolutely outstanding - but it’s a real letdown. The fish was soggy and of poor quality, the service was rude, and the venue isn’t well ventilated, so you’ll end up smelling like fried fish for the rest of the day. Very disappointing.

Delicious food, amazing service, reasonable price. Highly recommend. Thank you to the staff for being super nice people 🙌

Lovely warm welcome as always food was amazing all 3 of our meals were outstanding empty plates all round see you next time we are down thank you

This is a great place to eat fish. The food is really good. So is the wine. The service makes you feel at home. Wholeheartedly recommend. If you are considering eating out in Hastings put it on top of your list, you won't regret it for an instant.

Found it from the Google reviews and despite the initial shock about how it looked the food is very special!

Wonderfully fresh fish!! Great service! 2 of us had the special Skate which was delicious. I had the bass! Really delicious food.

Lovely little place by the sea. The food was divine, the atmosphere was gorgeous and Jasper, our waiter was lovely too. Best fish and chips my husband and I have ever tasted. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to go back.

Delicious food and incredibly friendly and attentive staff. Don't judge a book by its cover, this place is AMAZING !!

I popped in for lunch (toddler and dog in tow) and the waitress was so friendly to both of them. I had the most amazing freshest scampi ever and my son had chicken nuggets which were actual whole pieces of chicken too. Wanted to come back the next day to try more of their menu but sadly they were closed. Next time!

Best seafood and any other food. Service very good.

As much as i wanted to offer 5 star, and i think ordinarily it would be. One of our party suffered terrible sickness from a dodgy oyster, we know that can happen but i do wonder if they were opened too early and left before serving? A shame as we had loved the visit, great service and superb fish, the bream, cod and skate were lovely. The service was slow that day as i think understaffed but that didn’t matter on this occasion. Oysters can be such a lottery !

That has to be the first time I rated a restaurant 5* for all three ~ because it really was faultless. The food was delicious, well prepared and presented, the service fantastic, and I loved the decor, well put together and classy. Enjoyed our chat with the chef (dfl). Well done team Undercliffe, I’m raising a glass 🍷

Dog friendly. Amazing service and amazing food. Can't stress enough how great this place is.

Excellent food, impeccable friendly service and lovely atmosphere. I had the smoked haddock linguine and it was delicious:) Thank you, look forward to returning!

What a fantastic discovery! My husband and I typically visit Whitstable for oysters, but today, on our anniversary, we chose to explore Hastings. We found this gem and enjoyed exquisite oysters, scallops, and a mouthwatering lamb shank. The waiter was incredibly attentive and even offered a sausage for our dog. The food was fantastic, the service exceptional, and we loved the 60s music vibe. Loved to see the owner singing along at times. We will definitely return, as this will be our new special Sunday spot. Thank you. See you soon.

What a fantastic discovery! My husband and I typically visit Whitstable for oysters, but today, on our anniversary, we chose to explore Hastings. We found this gem and enjoyed exquisite oysters, scallops, and a mouthwatering lamb shank. The waiter was incredibly attentive and even offered a sausage for our dog. The food was fantastic, the service exceptional, and we loved the 60s music vibe. Loved to see the owner singing along at times. We will definitely return, as this will be our new special Sunday spot. Thank you. See you soon.

This is a unique and really special place, owned and run by a guy who is clearly stubbornly passionate about delivering amazing seafood dishes to his customers. You will wait a while, and it's all part of the charm, there is no rushed service - each table's dishes dealt diligently one by one, served up without haste and for maximum quality. You get THE freshest most exceptional seafood possible, and it creates a meal to truly remember. My partner and I loved it. Lunch began at 2:30pm and (boozily) ended close to 5pm. Perfect. The daily specials seem to be the stand-out choice for most people. Outstanding oysters, mussels, king prawns, mackerel, we loved everything. Staff too are charming, with personality and skill. Go here and soak it all up!

I want to go back and try everything on the menu. What a lovely place! We both had the mussels, which were perfectly cooked and the sauce was fab. Really friendly service too. I'll definitely be back

Nice little spot. Fish, whitebait and lamb shanks were good. Service was very friendly and chef knew what they were doing Minor negs were music player was broken like a skipping old LP and coffee was poor very watery. Pace of kitchen was average so don't come in a rush

Superb fish dinner. Great value Restaurant a little quiet bit awful weather. Great service and friendly chef. Excellent experience, definitely return

It's such a nice place to eat fresh sea products. The waitress is always so attentive and ready to act in anything you might need. The chef on sight, the towels on the bathroom... Nice touches that make your experience a notch higher. If you are looking for a 2 course meal in less than one hour, forget about it. Go there and enjoy not thinking on the time. We always go to the daily specials, and so far (4 visits already) not a single day disappointed

What a great place with top notch food and service!! Amazing fresh seafood & fantastic front of house staff……Jasper was so attentive & lovely. A wonderful experience

Really fabulous: not a plate that wasn’t excellent in six starters and mains. Superb wine and service also. Wish we had known of this restaurant before - it has been here ages! We will definitely return.

Friendly service with excellent food, the staff went and fetched us fresh oysters to start which weee delicious

I would recommend this place to anyone coming to Hastings - the food was unpretentious and everything that great seafood on the coast should be - fresh fish prepared with excellent sides. We had some delicious house white to accompany it as well. Our waiter was really friendly and helped with some local recommendations, thank you so very much!

This place was wonderful. They were so nice apart from having the most delicious fresh fish my mother-in-law declared the mussels better than any she’s had in Italy and she’s Italian!!!! Fish and chips amazing. We will be back!

Perfect experience. Great food, excellent service and very friendly. Will be back (frequently)

Can’t believe there were not more people here! Such amazing food. Staff were so amazing and accommodating. If you want pompous perfection, don’t come here. If you want great food, friendliness and lovely people who are providing an exemplary and friendly service in a really tough time, this is awesome. I’d prefer this over a Michelin ^ any day

Absolute nightmare. Popped in last night based on the reviews. The guy that owns it was cooking my prawn starter in a wool jumper and shouting at his sous-chef within earshot of the table. Massively overcooked when they came out. Ordered fish and chips for a main and the fish was completely raw. Sent it back and another fight ensued and he stormed out.The waitress was very apologetic, however, and furnished me with some wine. Wouldn’t recommend.

Went for my uncles 93rd birthday. We had pre-ordered to make it easier for the staff. I had a fantastic meal., in fact one of the best Calamari dishes I’ve had anywhere. The staff were great and service was A1. All in all a great place for to go.

This is situated near the Rock-a-Nore car park by the wonderful black fishing huts of Hastings. Very friendly service and dog friendly. We both had sea bass on crushed potatoes and carrot puree with a butter and garlic sauce. One of the best fish meals I’ve ever had- and I’ve had a lot. Delicious.

Beautiful food, lovely people and super fresh fish

OMG the best food in Hastings!!! Dogs welcome, gave our dogs treats! 🥰 If you don’t come here, you’re missing out!

I took my family there despite being a vegetarian (myself). Service was fantastic, and they enjoyed their dinner. It's probably not the best option for vegetarians, as there's only a couple of choices. The fries were incredible, though.

Best food, service and atmosphere my family had in a long time! Attention to detail with the dishes (ingredients locally sourced) was second to none and owner Andy and waitress made us feel so welcome. Calamari was best I ever had and the monkfish and sea bass daily specials were delicious. Cannot recommend enough!

Popped in for an impromptu lunch and what a great stroke of luck. Excellent food and service from a great bunch of people. We’ve now found our go to place to eat when in Hastings and we will definitely be back to sample a full on meal soon.

Stopped here for lunch almost by accident and so very pleased we did. Food was excellent, as was the service from the really friendly and welcoming team. Loved the ambiance of the place. We did have one disappointment- we hadn't the time to have a full meal and sample some of the specials. We’ll just have to go back.

Best deep fried cod I’ve ever had! White wine was also fab

Wow what place amazing, great food the best humans.

I think we just discovered the best restaurant in Hastings. Really elegantly cooked fish, a lot of daily fresh options. So glad we found it, a welcome change to the normal fish and chips of Hastings.

What a great place for lunch. Fantastic value and delicious mussel chowder. Very friendly service too. Will definitely be back.

They are super cute! We traveled just to see this place and I really wanted oysters but they were out of them! They went to bring me some for me! We came from Mexico!🇲🇽 Thank you!

We had a delicious chowder here today. Fantastic food and wonderful service including a drink on the house. A perfect place for a lunch before an exhibition at the Jerwood gallery. Definitely want to come back for an evening meal. Thank you!

One of the best fish restaurants that I have had the pleasure to eat in. Perfection.

We were so disappointed with our lunch here on Saturday, having had good meals here before. Our main course of mussels took an hour to come after our starter, and the mussels looked very small and covered in a strange white foam. The waiter apologised and said that the chef was away on holiday. If they can't maintain his standards, it would far better to close.

Went for an early dinner with friends. Waited quite a long time for our starters. But service was friendly. Moules portion was a bit skimpy. It’s not a special occasion place and feels more lunch than dinner vibes.

Great food, great service. All staff are friendly.

Opposite the fishing stores and with an open to view kitchen we are glad we chose to eat here. I had local plaice with salad and really good chips and my husband a burger. The food was excellent.

My husband and I were determined not to miss an opportunity to dine here whilst in Hastings, and they didn't fail to disappoint. We received a friendly welcome from Jasper, and we were privileged to have Andy the owner as the Head Chef today. We chose the calamari starter, which was exactly what we had hoped it would be, as many restaurants fail to deliver when it comes to sourcing and cooking a perfect calamari dish. Our mains were for me the best tasting scampi and chips, accompanied by the most unique tartar sauce, and which I must add they serve the best fries you could wish for when dining out, and for my husband the monkfish was sublime. Being half Spanish my husband is very particular when it comes to seafood, and if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for everyone. Also, be mindful if you have a small appetite the regular serving of scampi is rather large, and it would be a shame to waste good food. We received a fabulous service from the team, and we couldn't fault their hospitality. No pretence here folks, just seafood at it's best 😋 Thank you, and until next time.

It's pretty expensive for what it is, food is ok, but if you want to change a plate of seafood pasta over £20, you should at least make sure there's no sand in it. Portions are also not generous.

Great food and service. Best whitebait I can remember having. Good hose wine. Highly recommended.

We came for a visit today and we ordered small battered cod, garden peas and chips. I’m sorry to say that after reading the reviews online I feel very disappointed with what I was served ! Chips were lovely and crispy, peas were under cooked, very hard and the fish was nice but the batter was watery and not crispy at all. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lovely and warming! Service was okish but when we received our bill, we were charged large fish and chips We did say something but nothing was done about it.! Would I visit again ??? … not sure I would like to add that the manager was extremely helpful and kind in resolving my complaint- thank you

Gem in Hastings for a fresh and tasty dinner - not one to miss if you're there. The prawn linguine was incredible, and the service was sublime.

I will ONLY eat at Undercliffe House when in Hastings. The Fish & Chips is simply the very best I have EVER eaten! I have been going annually & sometimes semi-annually for many years now & the food is ALWAYS consistently fantastic. Andy & his team always make you feel welcome & go all out to provide great service on top of a first class meal. I cannot recommend this Bistro enough 5*****+

This was exceptional, fantastic food in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Andy was warm and friendly. Both our meals were delicious and fresh and we would highly recommend a meal for anyone who is coming to Hastings.

Been before and highly rated this restaurant. I took friends yesterday and was embarrassed. Service friendly and polite but rather slow especially given the place was empty when we arrived. I ordered the smoked haddock with egg on top. At £20 so not cheap but I had this dish a few months ago and enjoyed it. The poached egg was slumped at the side of the fish (should have been on top) and was stringy and broken. I mentioned this when it arrived. No reaction. The white was raw inside so I left it and mentioned this when the plate was collected. No reaction. 😟

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, outstanding food. If I lived in Hastings I'd eat here A LOT.

Lovely dining experience. Delicious food and would recommend king prawn linguine and fish and chips. Attentive and friendly service.

Best seafood we have had in a long time. All cooked fresh when ordered... So good we went back twice during our stay. Dog friendly too.

We had to go back twice, it was cos nice. Seafood specials were the best... Puddings too... And a lovely coffee to finish. Dog friendly too, which was a bonus for us. We looked around town, but still came back here.

Great seafood and lovely staff! Had dinner there yesterday with my fiance and we were so happy with everything! Highly recommend!

Everything was fresh and tasty and staff was great. It was pleasure to eat there.

Great dinner. Fantastic seafood

Very welcoming, friendly, and relaxing venue. Pleasant environment with excellent quality foods

A hidden gem in Hastings, exceptional food, service, ambience. Molly looked after us with great attention to detail. The food is so fresh, fantastic if you love fish and seafood. I would definitely dine here again and again.

Service was excellent and friendly. We had 1 x starter (scallops) and 2 x specials (sea bass) from the board accompanied by a glass of white wine. The food was tasty, and I mean very tasty. We savoured every bite and we left there elated. Thank you !

The best night out with friends! The best tasting Mussels i have EVER had! Thanks to the chef/Owner and staff! WE CANNOT Wait to come back!

Had a fantastic meal! Sunday lunch... The sea bass was amazing.... The homemade mackerel Pate was to die for! The wine was crisp; fresh, & nice & cold. Perfect... And great service aswell. We definitely be back..... soon!

I love this place..! The food is of great quality, and always fresh. I’ve been a few times, and it’s never let me down. . It’s small and cozy with a touch of class. I think it’s my new favorite in Hastings.! Could not recommend enough😊

left disappointed with the service unfortunately. would not come again

Food was excellent and service was great. Nothing to dislike at all. They seem to take bookings staggered as it never seems full but there is constant flow of customers. Can’t fault it really. The waiteress with leopard hair was really lovely and friendly

Well!! a lovely beautiful meal once again , my wifetook me here for lunch and it was divine. The monk fish wow!!!. And prawns for starters . Just wonderful food and staff . Had a great afternoon

Lovely welcoming little restaurant and superb food. Highly recommended: mackerel pate, Rye Bay scallops, melted camembert, seafood linguini, king prawn linguine...everyone said how much they enjoyed their meals

We stopped here for lunch on a day trip to Hastings. The restaurant is nicely laid out with space to move between tables. It is dog friendly (with the staff interested in her, giving her attention, and treats at the ready). The service was quick and the staff were attentive. We had two Cod and chips and one portion of mussels. All were very tasty and fresh. This was followed by us all having a Sticky Toffee Pudding and, in my dads words, it was one of the best sticky toffees he's ever had! It was so good I forgot to take any photos of the food...! We would definitely visit again.

Great selection of seafood, although portion is not as large as I had imagined. Staffs were very friendly and helpful. I had their plaice and rustic chips, the chips were very good. Highly recommend their cheesecake, it comes with double cream and tasted amazing with the cheesecake. Still cider is okay.

Poor service. Rude staff. Avoid

Such a wonderful surprise at this understated restaurant so close to the beach. Fresh fresh fish and seafood, fab chef and the Best moules I have had in years and I have it a lot! Celeriac? Hubby very happy with his very fresh fish, delicious Italian white wine and fab music an ambiance. Nice loos with flannel hand towels!! The starter portions are fine for lunch otherwise it cld be a bit on the expensive side. Such an awesome find!

What a little gem, lovely staff and delicious food (plaice was fantastic!)

Just stepped out of this cosy restaurant,and want to recommend it to every fish and seafood gourmand out there! The food is terrific,the staff super friendly and thoughtful,made our dinner with two small kids very enjoyable. I ordered cod as I wanted to share something simple with the baby,well,even the cod isn't that simple there,it has its twist,and it was delicious! There are a few details that I loved - a hook for coats by the entrance,Ottolenghi cookbook that you can browse while waiting,small real towels in the bathroom.

Tasty fresh seafood, friendly service and great value. Loved the monkfish

Simply delicious food, especially the fish which is so fresh, excellent service and relaxed ambience. We had a memorable birthday celebration there and will be back soon

Such a lovely little restaurant. Less ‘trendy’ than the similar one down the road but every dish looked and tasted delicious. Nice that they offered smaller portion options for some dishes.. The fish and chips had a lovely, crisp light batter and fresh cod. Creamy, garllcky moules. And we loved the smoked mackerel pate and whitebait with homemade tartare too. Good value and lovely, friendly staff looking after us too. One small thing - we asked if we could have the window seat but were told it was booked. It was a v quiet time of day and no one sat at that table while we there. Just bad timing I guess.

A magnificent find a hidden gem top class food and top class service thankyou we will be back .

Delicious meal..Highly recommended.

I ate very well. For me and my son who are used to eating fish it was a pleasant surprise. One star less because I wonder what the point of terry cloth tablecloths in the bathroom is for drying hands and then putting napkins and paper tablecloth on the table!

We dined here for our birthdays. The food was delicious. I had the Camembert to start followed by muscles others had salt and pepper squid king prawns monk fish bream and seafood linguine. All were cooked perfectly. Lovely restaurant and lovely staff.

Absolutely loved this restaurant. The service was impeccable, the girl looked after me AND my dog so well, and the food was devastatingly tasty. Recommend scallops and king prawn linguine. So glad I found this little gem!

Great place for fresh food. Nice atmosphere lovely coffee. Fantastic background music. Highly recommended perfect

They have a best food ever in my life I see best restaurant in Hastings. Many thanks

A real hidden gem in Hastings, food and service are of a high quality, fresh ingredients and you can tell they really care alot about this, really friendly staff, will definitely be back!

The hidden gem of Hastings tucked away. The food is second to none and a really lovely atmosphere with the staff always ready for anything you need. Highly recommend, really enjoyed my time.

A very last min meal, we were visiting Hastings for the 1st time, weather was awful. Food was lovely and generous & most importantly super delicious 😋 service was very attentive . I would love to come back.

Brilliant food and cocktails, wonderful friendly and attentive staff - if you want a lovely evening with good food, this is a no-brainer. Looking forward to my next meal here already!

Superb fish restaurant with excellent service

Went there today for lunch with my two daughters and granddaughter. The staff are very welcoming and helpful 😊 and the food was delicious 😋 at reasonable prices. We will definitely be going back.