1. La Pinetata
Selinunte, Sicily
There are some beach bars that scream 'good food served here', whether its the queue forming in front at around midday or evidence of fresh fish being plonked on a barbecue in full view. La Pinetata has none of these tell-tale signs. The only clue is the clientele. Giorgio and Plaxi Locatelli are fans, and on a particular lunchtime last month I bumped into the editor of this very magazine. I was there for a family celebration with my husband, Antonio, brother Terence and close friends. The pasta dishes are simple and good, but everyone orders the fish of the day, caught that morning.
2. Habibi Mursia
Pantelleria Island, off Sicily
Habibi is a converted dammuso (a low traditional building made from volcanic rock) perched next to the rocky coast. There is only one dish on the menu - couscous with fresh fish, so book early and enjoy the view.
3. Calamari
Goa, India
This is slightly more of a restaurant than a shack, but it's not posh in any sense of the word. I particularly remember a very good south Indian seafood curry I had here. The restaurant looks onto the beach, but at the moment is also particularly well known for a large boat that grounded in the shallows, and which has never been removed.
4. Lusty Glaze
Newquay, Cornwall
The fish dishes are created as soon as the catch comes in here, and they also do Cornish tapas and meaty feasts for anyone in need of refuelling after a day spent in Lusty Glaze adventure centre, to which the restaurant is attached. Slap bang on the beach, in the daytime the restaurant has great views of the cove and out to sea, and at night you can watch the sunset over supper.
5. Star of Greece
Port Willunga, Australia
The Star of Greece is part boat shed, part beach hut, made from bits of wood and corrugated iron and filled with art and pottery. The food is 'modern Australian' - highlights include pan-fried squid and wasabi, garfish, kangaroo fillet steaks with couscous, and reputedly the best calamari in the world as well as heaps of local, fresh seafood. The restaurant is perched on the clifftop and has incredible views overlooking the port.
La Pinetata, on Pinetata beach, Selinunte
Habibi, localita Mursia, evenings only
Calamari, near Kingfisher Villa, on Candolim beach, Candolim, Goa
Lusty Glaze, Lusty Glaze Beach, Lusty Glaze Road, Newquay, Cornwall, 01637 879709
Star of Greece, The Esplanade Port Willunga, 00 61 08 8557 7420
