Seaham punches well above its weight for independent food and drink — from legendary fish and chips to Indian, Italian, Japanese, proper pizza, relaxed seafood dining, and one of the finest spa hotels in the North East.
The best spots within easy reach of the beach and marina — ideal before or after a sea glass hunt.
One of Seaham's most beloved institutions — a sit-down restaurant and proper takeaway on North Terrace. Bell's cooks in beef dripping the traditional way, and the decor celebrates Seaham's mining heritage. Proper North East fish and chips at their absolute best.
A café right at Seaham Hall Beach in the car park area — the perfect spot to warm up before or after sea glass hunting. Coffee, hot drinks, and light snacks in a brilliant location by the sea. A great way to start a cold winter morning on the beach.
A Seaham seafront favourite — brilliant ice cream and sweet treats in a cheerful setting close to the beach. Whether you're celebrating a great sea glass find or need something sweet after a blustery walk, this is the place.
Perched at Seaham Harbour marina with outdoor seating and lovely views over the water. A relaxed café open daily for breakfasts, light lunches, and hot drinks — popular with locals and walkers along the harbour. Over 300 TripAdvisor reviews.
A lively bar and café next to the marina — opened 2023 and quickly popular. Afternoon tea, bottomless brunch, cocktails, beer towers, and a full food menu. One of the few evening options in Seaham with a late-night licence at weekends. Dog-friendly throughout.
Two well-regarded Indian restaurants in Seaham — both worth booking ahead for at weekends.
One of Seaham's most celebrated restaurants — ranked in the top three on TripAdvisor with over 500 reviews and a 4.7/5 average. Known for tandoori lamb chops, tandoori prawns, and mint masala. Booking essential on Friday and Saturday evenings.
A well-regarded Indian restaurant and takeaway on South Crescent, popular with locals for its lamb and chicken madras. Dine-in or takeaway, open evenings seven days a week.
Two Italian options in Seaham — a family-friendly chain restaurant and an independent bar and grill.
Part of a well-regarded North East Italian chain, Sambuca occupies the former Engineers Arms on South Terrace. Affordable and family-friendly, open all week including lunchtimes — with early dining deals making it good value. Pizza, pasta, and Italian classics.
An independent Italian bar and grill praised on TripAdvisor (4.5 stars) for fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a contemporary menu. Known for scallops, king prawns, and properly made Italian dishes.
A growing collection of independent restaurants and eateries worth seeking out.
One of Seaham's most-reviewed independent restaurants — nearly 5,000 reviews on Restaurant Guru and rated 4.5/5. Seafood is the star: Seaham Chowder, fresh lobster, and a Seaham-style Parmo are signatures. Open daily for breakfast and lunch; Thursday–Saturday evenings. Worth booking for evenings.
Seaham's independent pizza spot — proper pizza made with care. A relaxed, informal place that's become a local go-to. Great for an evening in town, popular enough that booking or arriving early is wise.
A popular independent lunch spot well regarded by locals — relaxed, friendly, and good value. An easy choice for a light meal in the town centre without going far from the seafront.
Seaham's popular American-style grill — burgers, kebabs, parmos, and more. Recently expanded into the neighbouring unit to add a proper bar serving wines and cocktails. Rated 4.5/5 from over 1,800 reviews. Halal options available. Open seven days a week including lunchtimes.
One of Seaham's most exciting recent openings — a proper gastropub with Michelin-trained chefs in the kitchen. Ranked #4 best Sunday lunch in the North East by the Newcastle Chronicle. Creative seasonal menus, local artwork on the walls, and a dedicated Dog Snug. Consistently 5-star reviewed.
A popular café on North Terrace, well-loved for its friendly service, excellent breakfasts, lunch, and afternoon tea. Accommodating of dietary requirements and a reliable, comfortable choice for a good meal any time of day.
A charming independent tea house on Church Street, known for its breakfast menu and warm atmosphere. A lovely choice for a slow morning — proper tea, good coffee, and a menu that makes you want to linger.
The historic five-star hotel has two distinct restaurants — both welcoming non-residents and both very special.
Elegant seasonal menus (2 AA Rosettes) in a stunning Georgian dining room — open to non-residents. Byron's actual drawing room (the 1815 wedding room) is part of the hotel. Afternoon tea also available Thu–Sun. Bookings essential.
The spa restaurant at Seaham Hall, open every day and welcoming non-residents. Japanese-inspired wellness dining — karaage chicken, ramen, kushiyaki skewers, and donburi bowls. The name means "moonlight" in Japanese. A genuinely different option in Seaham.
Part of the Inn Collection Group, this pub-hotel in nearby Seaton is open all day and renowned for hearty home-cooked food and famously generous Sunday roasts served 12–5pm. A firm local favourite for groups and family lunches.
The nearby Dalton Park outlet centre (just 2 miles away) has Costa, Greggs, McDonald's, Subway, and the independent Cafebar eighteen38 on site. Handy if you're combining a visit with a bit of shopping.
After a morning hunting sea glass, Bell's fish and chips on North Terrace is a Seaham ritual for many visitors. Grab a table, watch the North Sea, and enjoy proper Northern food. For an evening out, Ashoka is a real gem — book ahead at weekends. And if you fancy something completely different, Geko at Seaham Hall is one of the most interesting dining options on the Durham coast.
Early morning sea glass hunt, Tommy memorial, Bell's fish and chips, Lickety Split — then home with a pocket full of treasures.