The Mexican restaurant Café Sol in St Lawrene Gap, Christ Church has been hit by the firebug.
The restaurant was extensively damaged by fire early this morning around 4:30.
Fire officials say tenders from both the Worthing Fire Station and the headquarters at Probyn Street responded to the early blaze.
Café Sol is one of the popular restaurants located along the heavily trafficked tourist strip and is frequented by both visitors and locals.