384 reviews
#1 of 4 Restaurants in Herstmonceux$$$$, French, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options+44 1323 832217+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tue
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Wed
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Thu
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Fri
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sat
12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$57.00 – $226.00
CUISINES
French
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
The Sundial is a privately owned, relaxed and chic French restaurant with spectacular views of the South Downs in East Sussex. The Sundial’s à-la-carte and seasonal menus as well as its cuisine and ambience are typically French. Our restaurant in East Sussex is perfect for a meal with family and friends or an intimate dinner for two, the Sundial’s lounge bar, French restaurant and private dining room provide a flexible combination for parties, business meetings, seminars, wedding venues and group events for up to 60 people. Our restaurant can cater for upto 150 people as a wedding venue.
If you´re looking for a Fine Dining French restaurant in East Sussex, or anywhere in Sussex, you won´t find a finer French restaurant!. Our French restaurant has a Civil wedding License offering you the perfect wedding venue in East Sussex.
Restaurant also has a large car park with 16 parking spaces.
PRICE RANGE
$57.00 – $226.00
CUISINES
French
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
Contribute
4.5
384 reviews
Excellent
308
Very good
40
Average
16
Poor
15
Terrible
5
John C
East Molesey261 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We had a superb dinner at this attractive French restaurant. Top marks for food, service ambiance & value.
The set 3 course meal of crayfish terrine with tarragon, wrapped in salmon, followed by a main course of lamb (very generous portion) with broad beans (skinned) + delicious dessert @ £30 was super value for money in our view - would have cost double in Surrey!
We thoroughly enjoyed not only the food, but the pleasant ambiance & friendly service, & would wholeheartedly recommend for anybody who would like to appreciate this terrific dining experience.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sagatourist
Crowborough488 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We looked around for somewhere to get a good lunch as our usual favourite restaurant was fully booked. Sundial looked good in the reviews and had availability. The precautionary pre-arrival arrangements were good - staggered arrival times, menus for advance ordering, Covid arrangements set out.
The table layout is good although for reduced numbers at the moment and the dining room is very pleasant. Table service was excellent and our food was good. We chose 3 courses from the a la carte and these came with an amuse bouche, a sorbet palate cleanser and a pre-dessert all of which were also good and pretty good value. The wine list is also pretty extensive with some expensive specials in the cellar.
We both elected to have different fish starters and mains followed by one macaroon and one crepe suzette dessert. The cooking style is French and the portion sizes just right.
Will we return? Not sure; it was a good form of fine dining, but not a new favourite. They did well I would expect them to have a regular clientelle.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareoult
Heathfield172 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I have been coming to this restaurant for years and have always had great times, mostly backed up with great food. The main issue has always been price. It is worth it but mainly for special occasions, business meetings etc. But now they have introduced a seasonal menu @ £22 and they have an adequate house wine at £16. I have now tried their first seasonal menu and it is very good. 2 choices of starters, a fine vegetable soup or an excellent pate, then 2 choices of main, wonderfully cooked fresh salmon or a venison stew. Then a choice of cheese, or 2 other desserts which included a wonderfully sounding crumble. I think they plan to change the seasonal menu at least once a month. So depending on what you drink, it is now possible to eat at this restaurant for £40 ahead and that is a very attractive proposition. I certainly will be eating here more regularly and so should all other locals who love this reastaurant. NB. This menu is only offered for lunch and dinner on Tues/Weds/Thurs.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JozzP
Brighton74 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We had a fantastic evening at the Sundial on New Year’s Eve. Warm welcome as always, and we enjoyed canapés and champagne before going through to our table. The menu had a good choice of dishes and they were all served with just the right amount of time between courses. The food was excellent and so well-presented. Great idea of a quiz to take guests up to midnight (we won thanks to my daughter knowing the name of every one of Santa’s reindeer!!) A countdown, a complimentary glass of champagne and Auld Lang Syne rounded off a very memorable evening!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff2041 contributions
May 2021 • none
It is 40 years since I last visited this restaurant but I will be back very much sooner. It was a for a very small family celebration and, of course, we could eat only outside. There is a discrete terrace that would sit around 12 with views overlooking farmland. It is well protected and fortunately the weather was fine. There is an extensive menu of international style and the table set-up plus service is professional. The warm bread rolls with walnut are amazing and the smoked salmon with cheese starter was served in ample proportions. I had pork fillet with very unusual and tasty pasta and vegetables. The meal was finished with a chocolate dessert - beautifully presented. The owners were able to come and chat to us probably because there are few outside diners at the moment although inside will be permitted soon. Overall a fantastic experience in a friendly atmosphere. The bill for 3 was £199 including service. We did have a cocktail, lobster supplement, coffee and petit fours and a recommended great bottle of Bordeaux. We will be back.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally W
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
We have been going to the Sundial regularly for the past 20 years and have enjoyed many a Christmas Day lunch there. This year was as wonderful as always; tables were beautifully decorated with ornaments and chocolates, whilst service was attentive and considerate. We were greeted with a delicious Christmas Cocktail with homemade syrup, and canapés. The food was absolutely incredible, including a variety of dishes plus an additional fish course, all delicacies and all generously sized! The wine selection remained plentiful, providing wines from £20 upwards, and accompanied each dish perfectly. Mary, Vincent and the team allowed us to spend our Christmas Day spoiled with exquisite food, beautiful wine, and a festive atmosphere at a value you won’t find anywhere else! The only nuisance was a rude gentleman at the table next to us who moaned about everything and was even aggressive towards Mary’s daughter in the middle of the dining room, just a shame not everyone can enjoy the true meaning of Christmas!! Overall another perfect Christmas and we can’t wait to return, have already booked for next year!
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandie K
Great Bookham64 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We went with friends for Christmas lunch and had a wonderful day. We enjoyed pre-lunch drinks and canapes in the comfortable bar area and then had a delicious lunch comprising five courses. The food was beautifully presented and the portions just right. The owners are friendly and made the occasion very special. There was no time pressure and the timings between courses were spot-on. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M. Sellwood
England15 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
This restaurant is amazing. First off, the service and contact with us before the lunch was amazing, having a dairy intolerance was no problem for the chef, easily adapting and talking to us about the food. Second, the food was delicious!!! All courses, the in-between refreshers and drinks were 👌🏻 spot on.
I highly recommend this restaurant for everyone, probably 15 and above. We had an amazing time.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile781534
9 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
My partner and i were nicely greeted and made to feel very welcome upon our arrival . We sat and chose our drinks and food within a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere before being shown to our table . Petit fours and Our food courses were way below average including the desserts which my partner was unable to eat , and all of this was priced at a hefty premium! We always give reviews for the many restaurants we have dined in around the country and it is very seldom we give poor reviews but for the £185 bill that we received for 2 we expect a bit of a wow factor . The quality of the food and prices don't match.
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulwithcheryl
Eastbourne327 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We decided to have the special Seafood Menu for dinner, and very glad that we did. It was all lovely, but the crab,avocado, and radish was especially good, as were the pan-fried scallops, and the main course of red mullet fillet, mussels, squid all in a wonderful sauce was just a pure delight.
The service as always was attentive and we had a great time, even with the current restrictions.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
turbo21
London41 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We were welcomed with nibbles and the possibility of cocktails in the main foyer, before being led to our table. Unlike so many other places, this table for 2 was of a generous size: no balancing of water, flowers, glasses etc.
Equally unlike many other places there was a gentle background music, but never so loud that people needed to raise their voices - which means that the atmosphere was pure pleasure and relaxed dining.
The food was outstanding: we had rabbit filled with seafood and a beef filet - both incredibly tender with crispy vegetables and potatoes and finished our meal with Crepes Suzette. There was a choice of menus or a la carte and we could easily have eaten many other dishes.
The service was equal to the food: quiet and efficient and welcoming and friendly.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alanEastSussexUk
Hastings320 contributions
Apr 2020 • couples
Have been going to their restaurant for over 45 years , we miss it not being open because
Of the current virus drama but I can confirm having had 2 meals delivered to our home now
That this is something to try ,really the food is as good as if it was being served in their restaurant .
Makes a meal at home a special occasion , a treat .
Must mention their lobster bisque better than Sheekey s !
Written April 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alanEastSussexUk
Hastings320 contributions
May 2021 • none
We hadnt been to the restaurant for some time because of the obvious and this visit made us really appreciate how unique the Sundial is both in comparison with any local restaurant or anywhere else
The setting is perfect , everything just so , a pretty room,, a sweet little bar where we have sat perusing the menu many times - and then of course the food , on this occasion one of our best meals , scallops , asparagus soup, turbot for my wife rabbit for myself , I sometimes try rabbit in other restaurants, generally disappointing but not here , very tasty , finish chocolate mousse and crepe suzette
all good .
A lovely experience , not forgetting the service by the friendly Mary and entourage
and a mention for her husband and chef Vincent who works hard to keep the standards high .
We are lucky to have this restaurant not too far away from our home .
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caz226
Hailsham181 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
Exceeded all expectations,
We read some recent reviews and thought maybe we would not enjoy.
We started with a very open mind after being recommended to go there.
We had a lovely welcome, sat drinking an aperitif with very tasty nibbles whilst choosing our menu and wine. Many couples, groups joined in different areas, sofas, bar, etc and chatted to a few. We moved to our table, everything taken for us and then our pre starter came. We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 courses and the wonderful unexpected additional small plates in between and after our meal. We chose our wine and we were very happy with the service given , very much attention to detail. The ambiance was very typical of many fine dining restaurants we have visited over many years in France. We defiantly go back and wish we had found this sooner.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue P
Cambridgeshire25 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
We visited the Sundial for lunch whilst we were staying in Eastbourne and had an excellent meal. The Sundial is in a really pretty house, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food wonderful. A meal starts with canapes in a comfortable seating area and each course is preceded by an amuse bouche or palate cleanser - the tiny berry "choc ice" on a stick was gorgeous.
All the food was good but if I had to select one highlight, my king scallops with smoked duck breast was divine. The only disappointment was that I was driving and could not sample the wine list.
We shall be back next year when we visit Eastbourne again.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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