The best restaurants serving Italian food in Lewes South East

Ah, Crocodile Cafe—where Italian cuisine is not just food, but an art form. Quite simply, this is the best Italian I’ve ever eaten, and I say that as someone who’s twirled many a forkful of spaghetti in pursuit of the perfect bite. The food? Bellissimo. Each dish is a masterpiece, prepared with such precision and passion that I suspect Chef Davide and his kitchen team might moonlight as culinary magicians. From the first bite to the last, it’s an orchestra of flavors that leaves you utterly enchanted. The service? Impeccable. Caitlin and Renato run the front of house like a well-rehearsed symphony, balancing warmth, efficiency, and charm in equal measure. They don’t just serve you; they make you feel like you’re the guest of honor at an intimate Italian feast. And the ambiance? Super cozy, with a vibe so inviting it feels like a warm embrace. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you find yourself lingering just to soak in the atmosphere. In short, if you’re anywhere near the area, Crocodile Cafe is not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. Hats off (and maybe a standing ovation) to the whole team. Bravo!

Avoid - it will cost you! Booked weekend lunch for 1:30. Still waiting at 2pm and despite three empty tables were told there was nowhere available yet. Youth serving new arrivals was totally patronizing; control freak! Eventually served very salty soup with tiny piece of sourdough sitting in small bowl of oil. Hot drinks were barely warm and turned out to be massively over-priced. £83 for tiny lunch, lukewarm drinks in a cramped dark chilly room. Definitely not Italian. Just an expensive waste of time. Left cold, still hungry and much poorer. Zero Points for food / 'service' / 0 deg C atmosphere = NEVER AGAIN!

What a treasure! I can't believe I have lived in the area so long and not discovered Padella D'oro! The menu was extensive and very adaptable to my need for gluten-free food. The food was so delicious and reasonably priced and the lovely young lady who served us was so friendly and engaging. The atmosphere and music in the little restaurant had a really Mediterranean feel. An altogether enjoyable evening! Thankyou! Just had another delicious gluten free, dairy free meal at Padella d'Oro! Everything was amazing; we had sea bass, perfectly cooked! The waitress was lovely too; thankyou so much!

Visited the bar in Chichester at the Ghost at the Feast. The Aperol and Limoncello spritz both tasted of sea water and where totally undrinkable. When brought to the attention of the staff they replied that's the recipe and refused to remake the drinks.

On the off chance we popped on on a busy Saturday on bank holiday weekend . We’re lucky to get a table as the weather had been bad and it was quieter than expected. Owner was chatty and friendly, as were the staff. Food all delicious. Loved that I had a jug of lime to pour in my soda!

Great food, good value and should be busier for the quality. I was the only person dining on a Thursday evening. House wines were a bit average.

Went in with my grandparents and my girlfriend for a meal for the first time. Food was exceptional and the service was incredibly smooth. Younger fella with tattoos was quick and attentive with our order, whilst the friendly Italian gentleman made our evening with his colourful personality. Highly recommend this place.

Thought I would try their pizzas since i like a pizza closed and was impressed. The pizza was hot and had plenty of topping, was delivered quickly and price was comparable with previous place. Desserts sound interesting and a cut above some on offer elsewhere.

Excellent quality food and great service in combination. I've been to two other Italians in town in the reasonably short time that I've lived in the area. One was part of a chain and was disappointing at best, the other which is an independent, was absolutely abysmal! Gino's is it the absolute polar opposite of these two. A beautifully presented dining room and great, attentive staff compliment and authentic Italian menu. I came with my partner and her mum and all three of us were served perfectly cooked and delicious Italian food. What more could you want! I'm currently booking a table for valentine's Day for myself and my partner. I think that's enough of a recommendation right there! Thank you so much guys and see you soon.

I spent a lovely evening with my partner at the restaurant. The food was great, the service was good and quick, I will definitely come again.

Had Ellie Whitehead as my waitress for the night and she was so fantastic, so welcoming, so kind. Ensured that everything was suitable for our needs, constantly checked up on us making sure we had a good time and everything turned out fantastic. The most sweetest and polite girl. If you go into ASK make sure you get ellie has your waitress!!!!