Rye is home to exceptional cafes ranging from traditional tea rooms tucked down cobbled side-streets to specialty chocolate houses near the historic Landgate.
Whether you’re after freshly baked pastries on High Street, afternoon tea service in 16th-century buildings, or sourdough breakfast in cosy atmospheres, this medieval town delivers.
Here are six standout cafes offering delicious coffee, homemade treats, and authentic Rye charm.
Knoops
Best For: Chocolate lovers and indulgent treats
Located at Tower Forge near the Landgate, Knoops delivers probably the best hot chocolate you’ll experience.
Choose from more than 20 different percentage chocolates from white to super-strong dark then customize with orange zest, cinnamon, or even a booze shot.
Summer brings incredible chocolate milkshakes and chocolate milk. It’s indulgent, but absolutely worth it for chocolate lovers seeking something special.
If you’re exploring the wider region, you’ll find that these signature drinks rival the famous artisanal shakes found at the top-rated cafes in canterbury.
Atmosphere: Specialized chocolate house with indulgent vibes and expert customization options
Menu Highlights:
- Hot chocolates with 20+ chocolate percentages
- Customizable extras: orange zest, cinnamon, booze shots
- Chocolate milkshakes (summer)
- Mochas and chocolate milk
The Cobbles Tea Room
Best For: Traditional afternoon tea experience
Tucked down a tiny cobbled side-street at Hylands Yard off The Mint, The Cobbles is perfect for traditional afternoon tea.
They serve a good selection of loose-leaf teas alongside home baked cakes, scones, and cream teas.
Light lunches like toasties and jacket potatoes round out the menu. There’s a little garden out back for sunny days, ideal for a proper English tea room experience.
This quality makes it a great stop-off before heading down the coast to sample the best coffee brighton offers.
Atmosphere: Charming traditional tea room with little garden for outdoor seating on sunny days
Menu Highlights:
- Loose-leaf tea selection
- Home baked cakes and scones
- Cream teas and afternoon tea
- Toasties and jacket potatoes
Mermaid Street Café
Best For: Great breakfast and homemade treats
At the foot of pretty Mermaid Street, this cafe occupies a prime spot with jolly, slightly beachy decor.
The front counter groans with cakes, pastries, and treats. Grab takeaway coffee or ice-cream, or sit for great breakfast prepared by the hotel kitchen upstairs.
Their Scotch eggs come highly recommended, alongside homemade sausage rolls, quiches, and freshly baked scones. Welcoming and reliably good.
Atmosphere: Welcoming cafe with beachy decor at prime Mermaid Street location with hotel kitchen quality
Menu Highlights:
- Great breakfast (hotel kitchen prepared)
- Scotch eggs (recommended)
- Homemade sausage rolls and quiches
- Freshly baked scones and pastries
Whitehouse
Best For: Historic setting and artisan bread
Housed in a stunning 16th-century building with a handsome Georgian frontage on High Street, Whitehouse is an all-day dining spot with serious character.
Two dining areas feature original fireplaces and Elizabethan panelling alongside chic modern furniture.
They’re the base for The Lazy Baker, whose most delicious bread stars in everything from eggs benedict on sourdough to hearty sandwiches. Beautiful setting, quality food.
Atmosphere: Historic 16th-century house with original fireplaces, Elizabethan panelling, and modern chic styling
Menu Highlights:
- The Lazy Baker artisan bread
- Eggs benedict on sourdough
- Healthy hearty sandwiches
- All-day breakfast and lunch
The Apothecary
Best For: Cosy atmosphere and relaxed vibes
This lovely cosy cafe at 104A High Street wins on atmosphere alone.
Comfy chairs, relaxed vibes, and a perfect spot for an afternoon slice of cake with a proper cup of tea.
It’s the kind of place you settle into and don’t rush to leave. Simple offerings done well in a genuinely welcoming space. Ideal for a quiet break from exploring Rye’s busy streets.
Atmosphere: Lovely cosy space with comfy chairs and relaxed welcoming vibes for afternoon breaks
Menu Highlights:
- Slice of cake
- Proper cup of tea
- Comfortable seating
- Quiet atmosphere
Haydens
Best For: Quality brunch and bagel breakfast
At 108 High Street, Haydens is a great choice for brunch or lunch.
Their bagel breakfast is absolutely delicious, genuinely one of those meals that stays with you.
The menu focuses on fresh, quality preparation, and the whole experience feels relaxed and welcoming. If you’re looking for a proper morning meal in Rye, this is a must visit spot.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming High Street location with fresh quality breakfast preparation focus
Menu Highlights:
- Bagel breakfast (highly recommended)
- Brunch options
- Lunch menu
- Fresh quality preparation
