A village cafe nestled in the Sussex countryside has been picked out as being among the best in the country.
OpenTable has shared its list of the Top 100 Brunch and Lunch Restaurants for 2026.
The list was created following “insights from diner reviews and demand”.
Just one Sussex restaurant made the list, with visitors often leaving rave reviews and describing it as a “gem”.
Sussex village cafe named among UK’s best by OpenTable
Making the list by OpenTable was La Follia, found in South Harting.
La Follia describes itself as a “small slice of Italy nestled at the foot of the South Downs” that serves “authentic Italian food using local seasonal ingredients and the best coffee”.
The profile on the restaurant on the OpenTable website adds: “Beautiful, seasonal ingredients, Italian store cupboard treats and the best coffee – all set amongst a wonderful world of mid century & antique pieces, where everything around you, eat at, on and with are for sale.
“We are a caffè by day – our Cicchetti (small plates) are as big in flavour as they are small.
“Our handmade focaccia is sublime and the base for our Sarnis and Toasties.
“If you come in time for breakfast, the La Follia Brillante Breakfast Roll and freshly baked Cornetti will win your hearts.”
It is not the first time the small cafe has received praise, previously being named in OpenTable’s picks for the top 100 restaurants in the UK last year.
What are reviews like for La Follia?
La Follia sits at an impressive 4.9/5 rating on Tripadvisor, but its small number of reviews suggests it may be more of a hidden gem.
One review said: “Best cafe ever, we are beyond lucky to have this place in our village.
“Delicious food drink and produce and most welcoming atmosphere.”
A second reads: “After a lovely stroll on the South Downs decided to pop into La Follia.
“Parking was easily found and a table was free for brunch time without booking.
” The food and drinks were sublime, staff attentive and lovely. Will be back.”
The food at La Follia is often praised by visitors (Image: Tripadvisor)
Several reviewers have described the cafe as a “gem” of a find.
One said: “Nestled in a picture-perfect village on the South Downs Way is an absolute gem of a find.
“Loving its look from the outside, we vowed to pop in to La Follia for a cuppa after a long walk, so unbelievably pleased we did.
Recommended reading:
“The decor, service, heck, everything, is fantastic, and with a menu like this, full of mouth-watering Italian breakfast, lunch and more, there was no way we’d make do with just a brew.
“The pistachio pesto butter beans was a-maz-ing. Come from near and far. This is a small business that deserves to do very well indeed.”
Have you visited La Follia in Sussex? Let us know in the comments.
Dining and Cooking