The best restaurants Channel Islands

Timetable

After a hearty breakfast, lunch is generally light and eaten on the go between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Dinner is eaten at English time, i.e. around 7pm, after a visit to the pub. Restaurants close early and often don't serve after 9:30pm. Dinner is hearty and often includes fish or meat, starchy foods and vegetables.

Budget & Tips

The cost of living is generally equivalent to that of the UK. However, fresh produce is more expensive than on the mainland (as it is all imported). The Channel Islands aren't exactly a cheap destination when it comes to eating out. Count on £5 to £8 for a sandwich, £10 to £15 for fish and chips or a simple dish in a budget restaurant, £15 to £30 for a dish in a more upmarket restaurant or steakhouse, and £60 to £100 for a meal in one of the archipelago's luxurious restaurants.

So don't hesitate to play local and take advantage of the hearty breakfasts served in the vast majority of hotels, bed & breakfasts and guesthouses, before grabbing a bite to eat at lunchtime - a good fish and chips, for example. What's more, some inexpensive beachside restaurants offer BYOB(Bring Your Own Bottle), so you can bring your own drink. A great way to keep your bill down.

What costs extra

In restaurants, if service is not included (it often is, but check the bill), leave a 10% tip. In pubs, service is included, but there's nothing to stop you adding a few coins if the service was particularly pleasant... or if you'd like to be noticed so you can be served more quickly on your second round.

The local way

In the Channel Islands, breakfast is generally very hearty, in the Full English Breakfast style (eggs, bacon, sausage, white beans in tomato sauce, toast, etc.). Time is spent at the table before starting the day. Almost all hotels and restaurants offer this meal, so important to the inhabitants of the archipelago. Cream tea is also a not-to-be-missed moment on these islands, a truly sacred moment in the afternoon.

Kids

Please note that most restaurants, and especially pubs and other drinking establishments, do not accept children after 10pm. Keep this in mind when you go out for dinner.

Smokers

As in France, smoking is banned in pubs and restaurants. Except on the terrace, of course.