This Is Guernsey

Eating out in Guernsey is almost a national pastime, and you will find yourself confronted by hundreds of very different restaurants inviting you to dine out on menus from around the world.All offer excellent cuisine at affordable prices and, because the local population demands such high quality, visitors can be assured of some of the best value for money dining out anywhere.

Variety is certainly the name of the eating out game, so sample chinese, Thai, Morroccan, French and Italian cuisine. The choice is endless.

Whether you enjoy bistro style dining, a sophistated night out in a five star restaurant, or prefer a more trendy fast food eating out experience, Guernsey has it all.

A lot of locals will tell you that the best value for money menus can be found in our local lounge bars, where bar meals are served at lunchtimes and in the evenings.

These too offer expansive menus and its always a good idea to check out the specials board for some wonderful dishes at more than down to earth prices. Sunday roasts are also a real treat, and the beauty of it for families is that most places offer cut price menus for children.But no holiday in Guernsey would be complete if you fail to sample some of the delicious freshly caught fish and shellfish available locally.

Seafood specialities are to be found in abundance and again, at affordable prices.

The island prides itself on dishes based on fish caught earlier that day. Choose from melt in your mouth Dover sole, brill, sea bass, turbot or scallops. Enjoy scallops simply grilled or cooked in creamy white wine sauces, similarly mussels are another local delicacy which is a real holiday must .

Locally bred oysters are worth investing in, or ask the chef to create Guernsey’s own skate in black butter.

If you really want to push the boat out, why not order a seafood platter which tends to arrive piled high with a wide variety of fish and shellfish, including langoustines, prawns, oysters, mussels, cockles, crab and clams.

Lobsters are wonderful whatever way you choose to eat them. Simpy cooked and served with lemon, or in a thermidor sauce. But be prepared to add a little to the bill for lobster is a real treat and can be pricey.It’s always a good idea too to accompany your meal with crusty French bread - and a bottle of crisp Muscadet.

Guernsey strawberries are another delicacy it’s important not to miss - we grow our own and they have a taste not found anywhere else. Try them with just a sprinkling of sugar - and lashings of fresh whipped Guernsey cream.

Standards everywhere are very high. Not only for holidaymakers, but locals too demand great food at realistic prices, and the island’s thriving finance industry ensures that lunchtime trade is brisk.

Menus are varied, and so is your choice of food. Choose from Morocean, Indian, Chinese and Thai, or Japanese, Mexican and Italian. Exotic cuisine in Guernsey is very popular and most of the world seems to be represented on the island.

You can literally take yourself on a culinary world cruise and never leave St Peter Port.

The other good thing about eating out Guernsey-style is that most establishments offer a relaxed dress code. A few establishments expect clients to dress for the occasion, but on the whole dress code is casual.

If you want a really laid back meal out, then opt for bar suppers or hotels which run outside barbequeues, usually with generous servings of jacket potatoes and a never ending salad bar.

On warm summer evenings, locals and visitors alike take advantage of dining al fresco. Some restaurants, and many of the pubs who offer bar meals, have beer gardens which allow you to eat outside and a few of the St Peter Port bistro style restaurants have outside balconies where you can enjoy delicious local dishes while watching the world pass by.

You will also find some of the best wines from around the world at your hotels and restaurants - and a sampling of Guernsey’s locally brewed beers will make for a great evening. We pride ourselves on our ales, so don’t miss out.

Most local restaurants offer daily specials which are always good, value for money feasts, so be sure to pack a good apetite along with your swimsuit.

Dining out can be an entertaining experience. Why not choose to enjoy a belly dancing cabaret, or enjoy a disco after your meal. Many establishments have dance floors or put on live entertainment, so check them out.

You can choose to linger over a romantic dinner for two, or maybe you feel like treating the children to a fast food treat in one of the trendy cafe style restaurants. But don’t worry, eating out never breaks the bank in Guernsey.