Kitti’s and The Kiosk

WHY YOU’LL LOVE KITTI’S AND THE KIOSK

Kitti’s and The Kiosk opened their doors early summer 2025 at Marine Drive. It’s an iconic landmark at the end of the Undercliff Walk in Saltdean and has transformed into a gorgeous seaside day to night restaurant. Kitti’s – inspired by the local seabird, the kittiwake – focuses on thoughtful, seasonal food served in a calm, coastal setting. The Kiosk is on the outer terrace where you can choose coffees, soft serve, snacks and more, perfect for the beach lovers, or walkers who need to stop in for a quick refreshment. 

Led by Tom Barlow and James McIlveen, the team behind The Duck Inn in Rottingdean, Kitti’s brings a renewed sense of purpose to this much-loved site. The space is designed to deliver consistency, warmth, charm and the most incredible views – from morning coffee to early evening meals.

Kitti’s is built to serve both the local community and those visiting the coast. Inside, the space has been refitted with a coastal palette and natural materials suited to all-day use. The food offering is clean, seasonal, and rooted in the rhythms of the South Coast.

THE FOOD

Executive Chef James McIlveen – whose career spans some of the UK’s most respected kitchens, including Silo, Plateau, and the Michelin-starred Goring – brings precision, creativity, and a deep respect for ingredients to the heart of Kitti’s culinary identity. He’s joined by Head Chef Tom Thwaites, formerly of The Tasting Room at Rathfinny. Together, they’ve built a skilled team focused on simple cooking, strong produce, and everyday hospitality done well.

The menu is pretty gorgeous, simple and really reflects Kitti’s coastal positioning. As they serve day to night expect to find brunch specials from the classic English breakfast, Kippers, Poached eggs, to a series of crisp light Waffles with sweet(er) or savoury toppings. Snacks and sides include seaweed popcorn, cider vinegar fava beans or charred English pea salad. 

The lunch to early evening menu is a selection of classics that include Fish & Chips, Scorched Shellfish Macaroni Cheese or a Buttermilk Chicken Burger, as well as changing specials. Here the catch of the day informs some of this menu. Grilled Black Tiger Prawns in a cafe de Paris butter, Crispy Whitebait or Crab, Wild Fennel & Potato salad are some seafood favourites, but elevated with care and expertise that makes Kitti’s a special place to dine. Delicious vegetarian and vegan options are available too.

THE DRINKS

Priding themselves on their locality, Kitti’s bar has a fantastic selection of local and independent drinks combined with some classics. Expect seasonal spritzes, classic serves and low-intervention wines from independent producers. Alcohol free options are readily available too from soft drinks to non-alcoholic cocktails. Everything is chosen to complement the food and the setting, with a few extras for those just passing through. A sundowner on a cloud free day, or a a glass of wine as you watch the storm clouds gather, Kitti’s is the perfect place to sit with your favourite people. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The local day boat specials are provided by Fisherman George, a local legend who sets his nets within view of Kitti’s – you can’t get fresher than that! 

RB LOVES…

Oh the view. Yes obvious, but supping a Spicy Tommy’s Margarita on Kitti’s terrace watching the beach ebb and flow with revellers is perfection. 

THE ESSENTIALS – KITTI’S SALTDEAN

• Alfresco

Kitti’s in Saltdean have a covered terrace either side of the restaurant. On The Kiosk side, pull up a table, or sit facing the sea as you lap up your soft serve. Mirrored on the the other side is for Kitti’s diners. 

• Take Away

Don’t have long enough to sit and eat, grab a takeaway from The Kiosk before you head out for that dog walk or sea swim. 

• Accessibility

There is a disabled parking space on the small road down that leads to Kittis. Access is on the level for dining, no accessible toilets. 

• Allergy-friendly 

Many dishes are available gluten free and dairy free and the staff will be happy to discuss your dietary requirements.

• Dog-friendly 

Well behaved dogs are welcome on the terrace and inside the restaurant at Kitti’s in Saltdean. Water bowls are readily available and just a short hop down the steps to the undercliff walk or beach.