Roll with the lobsters near Derek Jarman’s house in Dungeness, Kent
Dungeness is a wild and beautiful place, a stretch of coast that knows fierce winds. Artist and gardener Derek Jarman’s cottage lost its roof at least once, and the wind often played havoc with his planting. Tough plants survive on this vast shingle beach, and just as tough is the Snack Shack, whose opening times depend on the weather, as its website says. On fine days, it’s a perfect spot for lunch while exploring the peninsula. If you’re lucky, they’ll still have lobster rolls and other freshly caught seafood treats. Paying tribute to Jarman and eating outdoors here is good for the soul.
Charlotte
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Captain’s tables on the Brittany coast
Captain Marée, a 30-minute bike ride from Vannes in Brittany, is a collection of mismatched tables and chairs next to two shacks on a shellfish farm in the Gulf of Morbihan. Here, you’ll find a simple menu with fresh oysters and mussels, all served by friendly staff. The place offers wonderful views of the gulf, and if you love seafood, few spots can match the quality or the welcoming atmosphere.
Kelvin Atkins
Watch for seals on the Isle of Arran
Cladach Beach House is tucked away at the end of the beach in Brodick, on Arran. Enjoy outdoor cocktails (with a large dinosaur sculpture) if it’s sunny, or cozy up by the fire inside the shack by the big windows if the weather turns. It’s a charming mix of homemade and stylish, perfect for watching seals.
Clara
Select your fish from the daily catch near Narbonne, France
La Perle Gruissanaise is at the end of the wild, reclaimed part of Chalets beach, not far from Narbonne in the south of France. Pick your fish from the day’s catch, and the chefs will cook it expertly, along with a selection of homemade sides. Then grab a carafe of chilled local wine and take a seat on the wooden benches. There’s no table service and no reservations—just great food and drink, with uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean to the horizon. Alternatively, they’ll put together a fantastic platter to take away and enjoy at home or on the beach.
Doug
A thatched classic in County Sligo, Ireland
The west of Ireland is a rugged place full of hidden spots. In one of them is the Beach Bar at Aughris Head, Templeboy. Follow the handmade signs that lead you off the main N59 Sligo road. Eventually, the road ends at the curving beach, overlooked by the thatched Beach Bar. There, you can enjoy a bowl of chowder, local seafood, and hearty classics, alongside friendly locals. On a fine day, sit outside and take in the stunning view across the sea to Sligo and beyond.
Tony Moon
Watch the sunset over the Libyan Sea in Crete
Perched above Matala’s legendary bay in southern Crete, Petra & Votsalo (on Facebook) is a lovely beachside taverna. Harris, the owner, greets everyone like family and sets a relaxed, unhurried tone. Two courses and a cold beer cost about €20. The terrace glows as the sun sets into the Libyan Sea. Order a starter of creamy, flaky tiropita cheese pastries, followed by rich, tender stifado and an ice-cold Mythos. Finish with complimentary family-made raki as the waves roll in and the light fades over the bay.
James Merriman
Cocktails in a medieval tower on the Adriatic in Croatia
Massimo cocktail bar (on InInstagram is the place to catch the sunset on Korčula, Croatia. Space is limited, so get there early. And if you’re not a fan of heights or struggle with steep ladders, skip it! Your drinks are sent up by pulley from the bar below, and as you sit at your table on top of the medieval tower, you can see for miles across the sea to the nearby islands. The margaritas come highly recommended, but remember you have to come back down the same way, so it’s best to stick to one or two.
Gill
A beach bar for all seasons near Lisbon
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Photograph: Volodymyr Goinyk/Alamy
Bar do Guincho in Cascais, near Lisbon, is a rare find: a beach bar for all seasons. It’s perfectly placed for stunning Atlantic views and combines a rustic, welcoming feel with a lively atmosphere. I’ve enjoyed sunshine and a cocktail on the terrace after relaxing on the beach, but I’ve also cozied up by its blazing log fire in autumn with a warming bowl of fish soup. It’s an easy day trip from Lisbon too – trains run every 30 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and the journey takes 40 minutes. Then you catch the regular No. 15 bus or a taxi to beautiful Praia do Guincho, which takes about 20 minutes.
Nicoletta
Seafood shack on the Black Sea, Bulgaria
Where Bulgaria meets Turkey on the Black Sea, you’ll find the sleepy resort of Sinemorets. The place has an eccentric feel, but nowhere more so than the seafood shack Taliana (on Instagram), which sits right on the rugged coastline. Mussels are a must-try, but everything is as fresh as you’d expect from the location – and incredibly good value. After driving halfway across the country on a slightly ill-advised trip, we arrived a bit desperate, bedraggled, and starving, so it was great to get a warm welcome and probably the tastiest meal of our whole trip.
Tim Alderson
Winning tip: Puglia perfection, near Gallipoli, Italy
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Lido Conchiglie. Photograph: Giuseppe Colasanto/Alamy
Visible from the wide sandy beach at Lido Conchiglie, near Gallipoli in Puglia, Scapricciatiello (on Facebook) sits on a rocky spur reaching out into the sea. With its plastic chairs and paper tablecloths (which double as menus), it could never be accused of being all style over substance. But what it offers instead is hard to beat: delicious, fresh local seafood, enjoyed beside turquoise waters. Adventurous diners can follow local tradition and try the cozze crude (raw mussels), while other choices include spaghetti with mussels or clams, followed by fritto misto or grilled swordfish.
Katharine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic No reservations no waitersjust great sea views food and drinks readers share their favorite beach bars in Europe
1 What does no reservations no waiters actually mean
It means you just show up find a spot yourself and order your food and drinks directly from a counter or kiosk Theres no host seating you and no one taking your order at a table
2 Why would I want a beach bar with no waiters
Its usually faster more relaxed and cheaper You dont have to tip for table service and you can grab your drink and go straight to the water without waiting for someone to bring it to you
3 How do I get my food and drinks if there are no waiters
You walk up to the bar or a service window place your order pay and carry your items back to your spot Its like a casual café or a food truck on the beach
4 Do these bars still have good food
Absolutely Many are famous for fresh simple food like grilled fish local seafood snacks salads and excellent cocktails The focus is on quality ingredients and the view not fancy plating
5 What happens if the bar is crowded
Since there are no reservations you just wait in line at the counter Once you have your order you find a free spot on the sand a rock or a shared bench Its very informal
6 Can I bring my own chair or umbrella
It depends on the specific bar Some have their own loungers or cushions for rent while others expect you to sit on the sand or use their basic seating Check the bars description or photos before you go
7 What are the best types of beach bars in Europe that work like this
Think of rustic chiringuitos in Spain simple beach shacks in Greece and casual kiosks on the Amalfi Coast or in Croatia Theyre often hidden in coves
8 Is it safe to leave my stuff to go order
Its a common
