From glorious gardens to stunning seascapes, and not forgetting fabulous food, we bring you the best places to eat this summer.

There's nothing like a relaxing meal, a couple of drinks and a sea view. Here, we round up 12 places where you can enjoy all three...

The Crabshack

2 Marine Parade, Cnr. of Warwick Road, Worthing BN11 3PN

A family-run seafood restaurant on Worthing seafront, CrabShack's terrace overlooks the sea. Enjoy a laid back atmosphere and menu options such as dressed crab, crispy squid, Sussex smokie and CrabShack cockle popcorn. The CrabShack.

East Beach Café

The Promenade, Littlehampton BN17 5GB

As locals know, this used to be a burger stand, but those days are long gone. The building alone is worth stopping by for. Made by local welders in 2006, the exterior of the café is an architectural wonder.

The aim of building it was to create jobs for local people and champion local produce. Come for breakfast, lunch, supper, or maybe even just a glass of wine. The menu includes light lunch options, fish and chips, chicken breast and more. East Beach Café.

The Fish Factory

51 Brighton Rd, Worthing BN11 3EE

I urge you to try the dressed crab because if you like seafood, it really will make your day so much better. It's great value for money here, and the menu is fantastic with the gourmet fish burger, whole-tail scampi and cod goujons. As a result, it's understandably popular, but there are plenty of seats, so it's not often a problem. The Fish Factory.

The Salt Room

106 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU

This Brighton seafront restaurant (located next to the Hilton Brighton Metropole) scene has the USP of seafood cooked on the Josper grill made locally famous by the owner's other restaurant, The Coal Shed. There's a lovely terrace where you can people-watch. The Salt Room.

Riddle and Finns

12b Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB

Located right on the pebbles of Brighton Beach, in King's Road Arches, this is a spectacular place to enjoy Riddle and Finns' excellent fish and seafood. It's a champagne and oyster bar, so do the thing properly and treat yourself to some of each, perhaps followed by a fruits de mer platter. Riddle and Finns

Webbe's at The Fish Café

17 Tower St, Rye TN31 7AT

Local seafood champions Webbe's have outposts at various Sussex locations as well as here in Rye. Depending on seasonal availability, the menu might include sesame and wasabi salmon, pan-fried fillet of turbot and char-grilled sirloin of beef, all cooked with consummate skill. Webbe's at The Fish Café.

The Lobster Pot

Canning Rd, Bognor Regis PO22 7AF

Sit in the sunshine right on the beach, whether it's for a coffee, a hearty breakfast, a seriously good sandwich or a perfectly cooked evening meal. The grilled mackerel salad and the kiln-smoked salmon Nicoise are delicious. The Lobster Pot

The Gallivant

New Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB

With an absolutely stunning location on Camber Sands, the food has quite a bit to live up to. But it manages that and more, featuring homemade gnocchi, Roasted Dungeness skate wing, aged onglet steak and pork shoulder. The Gallivant.

The Beach House

23 Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PS

Sister bar to Celebration of Sussex Life Award winner The Corner House is this cafe located right next to the pier. With a beachfront terrace perfect for watching the world go by and an inside area with an open kitchen, expect a really relaxed atmosphere at The Beach House. Enjoy a burger, homemade chilli corn carne, cod and chips or some of the light bite options. The Beach House.

Billy's on the Beach

Bracklesham Ln, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester PO20 8JH

Whether it's chicken, dessert or a cappuccino that you're after, it's all done brilliantly here, and you can guarantee it'll be served with a smile. A relative newcomer to the area, Billy's has quickly established itself as a local gem with main menu options including Billy's fish & chips, beach burrito and whitebait. Billy's on the Beach.

Pagham Beach Café

2 Beach Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 4SX

Friendly staff who splendidly never seem to make you wait for your food, no matter how busy it is - and it certainly does fill up. American diner-style décor makes for a relaxed, chatty atmosphere and straightforward food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) done really very well. Pagham Beach Café

The Anchor Bleu

High St, Bosham, Chichester PO18 8LS

This old pub has beautiful views over the harbour in the peaceful little village of Bosham. They serve simple, tasty food such as The Anchor Bleu Burger, fish & chips and calamari rings. Be very careful where you park on the shore if the tide is out - cars have been known to disappear underwater! The village car park is a lot safer. The Anchor Bleu.

Eat @ The Stade

30A Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW

This light, contemporary café by the sea in Hastings Old Town is family-friendly. Situated opposite the Jerwood Gallery in the Stade Open Space, it offers simple food done well and has plenty of veggie options. There's a play area with toys and books, lots of highchairs and plenty of room for pushchairs. Great for breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake. Eat @ The Stade.

More

- The best restaurants in Sussex - Whether you're looking for fine dining, pub food, a romantic meal for 2 or a taste of something from further afield, eating out in Sussex really has something for everyone. Here's our guide to the best local restaurants and pubs