Sylvan Oak Restaurant

"What truly sets the worlds best restaurants, such as the Sylvan Oak, apart? The never-failing ability to deliver an amazing experience every single time. Few restaurants can achieve this. Quite a few restaurants can give you an amazing experience once or twice only to let you down the next time. But the Sylvan Oak is truly world class, being one of the very, very few that every single time, with the utmost expertise, delivers a perfect experience, somehow seemingly outclassing it's previous best. I've eaten here at least 5 times in the last few months, as a table of 1, 6 and 9. It doesn't matter how many or few people we are, or how busy they are, every time the incredible team at the Sylvan Oak deliver a mouthwatering experience with the very best service. And it's not just me - I've lost count of the number of tables next to me commenting 'as usual that was the best Ben' - which also demonstrates another accolade - it seems half the guests are on first name terms with the staff, another sign of their exquisite service and the genuine relationships they've built with so many guests. For a totally transformational experience, you must try the Sylvan Oak. The food is the very best - imaginative dishes with items you'll rarely see at other restaurants, such as red deer loin, beef wellington, partridge, foie gras, all cooked so unbelievably perfectly you didn't know it was possible. I've eaten scallops probably near hundreds of times, foie gras dozens of times and none have been anywhere near as exquisite as at the Sylvan Oak. So many incredible complementary flavours abound on each plate, creating the most delicious taste sensation you'll ever have. The service is on another level. Its attentive, with perfect timing. The staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome, finding time to build a little genuine conversation with each table, and it's not just 1 or 2 times the head chef has come out to talk to customers. Obviously this isn't every time, but I can't remember the last time I've seen this anywhere else and shows how much the Sylvan Oak cares about it's customers and goes the extra mile to give the very best experience. The drinks menu is incredible, with a wide variety of best-in-class items. They recently launched a cocktail menu which is extraordinarily dangerous! Each cocktail is far too delicious and, as with everything else, is so expertly mixed it covers up the overly generous 50% alcohol within, meaning you (or at least I) will have no idea how much alcohol you are drinking - be careful! Fine dining but with a friendly, personable atmosphere. Incredible. I just can't wait until they launch a tasting menu - if you could eat a little of every one of their immeasurable dishes in one sitting, you truly would be in heaven! All in all, I'm not sure you'll find a better restaurant in the world. Certainly not in Sussex and probably not in the UK. For me, winner of best restaurant worldwide in every single category other than 'panoramic sea views across a Mediterranean coastline' - sadly Findon can't support that!"

"What a great place for a special dinner! The ambient, the service, the food. All top notch! Thank you for a lovely evening!"

"Had the pleasure of celebrating my 60th birthday here. The food was outstanding, the ambiance was perfect and the staff were attentive and friendly. So lucky to have this gem in Findon, we will certainly return soon. Highly recommend"

"Perfect spot for our 25th wedding anniversary meal. Perfect starter, fillet steak so tender like cutting butter. Mango cheesecake awesomeness. Friendly, attentive staff. Wonderful little restaurant."

"Wow, what a treat this fabulous restaurant is, a hidden gem in Findon village. Everything is absolutely amazing, the staff, service, menu, wine list and incredibly delicious food. Went with my partner for the first time on New Year’s Eve, we have tried a couple of times to get a table but it’s always been fully booked before. So lucky to get a table and can’t praise this place enough. Bigger inside than it appears from outside. Can’t wait to revisit. I have to say probably the best restaurant in the area, fine dining at its best. Beats the ivy and pitch hands down. A must visit."