Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Places to Eat in Brighton
Our top picks
Places to Eat in Brighton and Hove
Looking for the best place to eat in Brighton and Hove?
Brighton is known for its hedonistic, bohemian and creative spirit, all of which is reflected in the independent Brighton restaurants scene. From award-winning fine dining to international eats, from sensational street food to down to earth sustainably-led dining Brighton has it all.
To help you go exploring we’ve divided Brighton restaurants into Casual, Modern, Fine Dining, International and European, some fit into more than one category so we’ve tried to organise them by what they are best known for. You may also like our feature on the best restaurants in Brighton.
Listed here are just Brighton restaurants, you can find Hove restaurants here, Brighton Food pubs here and Brighton cafes here.
Casual Places to Eat in Brighton
Located on Church Road in Hove, Jo and Co stands as an award-winning cafe-restaurant celebrated for its exquisite brunch offerings. The welcoming ambiance makes it a sought-after destination for a satisfying morning or midday meal. Beyond its famed brunches, Jo and Co ventures into the evening scene on Fridays and Saturdays, offering an outstanding selection of delectable dishes that cater to various palates – and yes, they serve cocktails too. From pancakes to full English, vegan to gluten-free options, and even steak or Jo’s signature fish pie, the menu draws inspiration from the owner’s global travels, ensuring a diverse culinary experience for all.
Brighton Cookery School is a fun way to mix up your normal food-based get-together where you can learn professional cookery skills, socialise and feat on the results of your labours. Meet up, skill up and cook up at Brighton Cookery School with either a private group or by joining one of their regular classes. Party packages include everything you need, including drinks, for a restaurant experience from both sides of the kitchen.
Set on Seven Dials within a five-minute walk from Brighton Station, Brighton Cocktail Company is perfectly located to welcome guests warmly. Sustainability and quality are at the core of this venue’s offering. Try their inviting menu featuring mouthwatering flatbread pizzas, indulgent sharing boards, and light bites expertly crafted from locally sourced ingredients. These offerings pair seamlessly with their innovative selection of cocktails and local wines. There’s a secluded, secret garden to the rear, which is rare in this neck of the woods – oops, the cat’s out of the bag.
In 2017 Lost Boys Chicken set up shop in The Joker pub and soon developed an almost cult-like following for its New York chicken wings drenched in homemade sauces. Their chicken shop opened in 2022 on York Place, but that’s where the New York affiliation ends. Lost Boys Land is a reimagining of the British chicken shop using quality ingredients and delivering a far superior, but equally indulgent meal. Where in the past there’s always been a clear nod to the Lost Boys ‘golden age’ of the late 80s and 90s this has now been developed into an immersive and even interactive experience. Lost Boys Land is what the Lost Boys are all about, seriously good food and a refusal to grow up. The best place to eat in Brighton for chicken.
Lost in the Lanes is an oasis tucked away in the busy shopping area. A grand place to punctuate your day, be it for morning coffee, brunch, or lunch. Lost focuses on fresh ingredients sourced locally. The lunchtime menu focuses on six seasonal dishes that really showcase the talent of Head Chef James Flavell. Pair your meal with expertly mixed Brighton cocktails or from their carefully created wine list and you could easily lose an afternoon soaking up the luxurious experience of Lost in the Lanes in the Brighton Lanes.
Brighton beachfront all-day dining for the whole family. If you’re looking for a quintessential day out in Brighton then OhSo can keep you fueled from breakfast to sundown with a menu of seaside classics. Located next to the Palace Pier and right on the beach, you’re perfectly located to punctuate your day’s activity with reasonably priced, good quality food. Or park yourself on one of the benches for a whole day of sun, drinks and food all in one place.
Stylish and fun, Post House is a restaurant bar ideally located in Brighton’s bustling Lanes. With two floors and a spacious terrace for alfresco dining, its stunning interiors blend 19th-century features with a contemporary twist. As a trendy cafe during the day, enjoy freshly baked goods, exquisite brunch, and lunch options. In the evenings (Thursday to Saturday), savour tempting small plates crafted by Humble Plates. Don’t miss the incredible Sunday Roast from 12pm to 6pm. The cocktail bar is another standout must visit, serving masterfully mixed cocktails made to order.
Hove’s neighbourhood cafe, BAKED, situated on the sunny side of Church Road, serves a delicious array of brunches, lunches and bottomless brunches. Their menu changes seasonally and everything is freshly made. You can sit on their sunny terrace on a warm day and enjoy dishes such as their wild mushrooms on sourdough, a hearty house breakfast and many more delicious choices.
Set close to London Road and The Level, The Roundhill is an award-winning vegan pub serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts. They’ve got a lot to choose from on their drinks offering, including weekly rotating beers, handcrafted seasonal cocktails, low and no-alcohol options including 0% spirits, and a sustainable wine list. The Roundhill is a community hub for catching up over a drink, date nights, family gatherings, and their open mic and quiz nights on Thursdays are always good fun.
Guests can enjoy a medley of all the seven permanent and one pop up kitchens that are housed at Shelter Hall. The unique dining experience offers an unbeatable range of quality and value from acclaimed chef’s hailing from Brighton and beyond. The acclaimed team behind Salt Shed present a unique menu full of crowd pleasers that have been developed over six years of trading across multiple street food markets and iconic food halls. VIP Pizza is Amalfi and remains true to their authentic Italian pizza dishes. Whilst the fresh flavours of Asian street food are delivered by Little Bao Boy. Conchita’s delivers authentic Mexican street food and the sweet treats are provided by award-winning Julian Plumart. Down on the beach, oozing with social and bustling energy, entertainment and unbeatable views of the seafront.
Modern Places to Eat in Brighton
Annexed on to The Hilton Hotel on the seafront, The Salt Room offers stylish modern dining and spectacular sea views that attract local foodie residents as well as holidaying visitors. The grill restaurant is seafood led, but not exclusively so, with sustainable, locally sourced top-quality produce at its heart. The Salt Room offers an exceptional quality dining experience with an a la carte menu and award-winning Sunday Lunch sharing platters.
Tucked away in the lanes on Boyce’s street is a gem of a Brighton steak restaurant you might easily miss. Sister restaurant to The Salt Room, The Coal Shed focuses on seasonality and locality and cooks with the Josper Grill, considered the industries finest. The Coal shed is a good all-rounder for lovers of quality, suited to families and parties as much as intimate dinners. Although predominantly a meat and fish restaurant vegetarians will enjoy well thought out and creative dishes. Private dining available. One of the best places in the city to enjoy a steak.
An award-winning neighbourhood restaurant in Hove, perfect for any occasion and accommodating for the entire family. Cin Cin serves authentic Italian small plates, pasta, and antipasti, paired perfectly with a selection of wines and aperitifs. Whether you’re seeking a spot for lunch, a mid-week dinner, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, the friendly team at Cin Cin will warmly welcome you.
Cyan is a fresh new look for the iconic old lady, The Grand. This all-day eatery takes its inspiration from the bounty of the sea and the Sussex countryside (the colour cyan is a mix of blue, the sea, and green, the land). Cyan offers an all-day dining menu, a two and three-course set menu, has a special kids menu and serves up roasts on Sunday. All delivered with the standard and quality you would expect from The Grand Hotel.
Opened in June 2021, Burnt Orange is the newest member of The Coal Shed and The Salt Room family of local fame. Expect a little more fun from this younger sibling, but the same exemplary quality. Seasonal small plates are creative and perfect for sharing. The cocktails are expertly mixed and the wine list well-curated. Add a seductively comfortable and relaxed setting and a carefully pitched playlist for afternoons that melt into evenings and evenings that meander into nights.
Taking its style from gritty New York eateries, The New Club at the bottom of Preston Street has possibly the best view of the West Pier you can get. Here you can enjoy big brunches, lunches and late serving Sunday lunches, cocktails and craft beers. It’s cool, but not pretentious. Looks good, tastes good and has something for all diets. Try it and you’ll be a regular subscriber to The New Club in no time. One of the best places to eat in Brighton and watch the world go by.
Back in the days when vegetarianism and veganism were nowhere near as popular as they are today, Terre a Terre set out to bring modern creative plant-based dining to a foodie crowd. Nearly 30 years on and despite rise in competition they’re still one of the best Brighton vegetarian restaurants and perhaps the best place to eat in Brighton for vegan food. Just reading their menu sets the taste buds afire with a sense of adventure.You can expect Innovative, vibrant and contemporary flavours, texture and ingredients paired with a stunning list of organic wines, excellent atmosphere and impeccable service. Terre a Terre continues to teach the newbies what plants can do and by God we’re grateful for the education!
Coppa Club is located in the Lanes taking up one entire side of Brighton square and the courtyard, where, during the winter its igloos provide a popular alternative dining experience. Inside there is a spacious dining area and lounge making it an ideal venue for drinks and nibbles or a full family meal. The all-day menu is extensive, giving something for everyone. Brunch is an extra feature added to weekends and bank holidays.
Fine Dining | Places to Eat in Brighton
Experience contemporary and stylish fine dining at Dilsk, Brighton. Set in Drakes Hotel with a sea-facing view of Brighton Seafront, Dilsk offers an intimate and accessible dining experience with a five-course menu at £55 and a full 10-course menu for £95. The restaurant champions sustainable practices and seasonal produce, using ingredients that are largely sourced from within Sussex. Enjoy an exceptional tasting menu, crafted cocktails, and an impressive wine list featuring handpicked producers from Sussex, Kent, and other international vineyards. With an impeccable attention to detail, Dilsk promises a gastronomic adventure that should not be rushed.
Steven Edward’s Hove restaurant Etch is the MasterChef winners first restaurant and voted Brighton’s Best Restaurant in the 2018 and 19 BRAVO awards, as well as being featured in the National Restaurant Association top 100 for the past two years. Steven’s style is unique, each plate in the tasting menu has only two primary ingredients and no spices, not even pepper are used in their preparation. Instead, cheffing skill and sensitivity are used to finesses ingredients for a dining experience that is practically flawless.
While Furna Brighton is chef-patron Dave Mothersill’s first solo venture, he is one of the best known and respected chefs in the city. He spent many years working with the Blackrock Group, running the kitchen at The Salt Room, then setting up The Coal Shed London. On his return to Brighton, he became head chef at The Gingerman. Now Dave has used his vast experience to realise his restaurant dream and created the perfect environment to showcase his uncompromisingly exquisite menus.
Duncan Ray runs a tight ship at the multi-award-winning Little Fish Market restaurant in Hove. The intimate 20 cover restaurant has a predominantly seafood based tasting menu, with a small passionate team at the Front of House and Duncan and one sous chef in the kitchen. Precision is everything here and pays off with The Little Fish Market making waves nationally as well as locally. Notably, the restaurant only does one serving a night with diners being encouraged to take their time, lingering over wine even after the last perfect morsel is devoured. A standout Brighton fish restaurant and arguably the best place to eat in Brighton this year.
There are few restaurants in the city that could claim to be more iconic than English’s of Brighton. Local seafood has been served on this site in The Lanes for over a century and the current incarnation has been in the family since the 1940s. The restaurant has attracted its fair share of glamorous guests through the years and continues to attract visitors from far and wide with its irresistible combination of style and substance. Expect classic seafood dishes and an excellent wine list.
International Places to Eat in Brighton
Oculist is situated in the heart of the Lanes on Boyce’s Street, a short walk away from the beach. It’s a large venue boasting plenty of space for large groups and an amazing multi-level roof terrace for some alfresco eating. The menu serves up the mouth-watering Middle Eastern fusion dishes from BaBBab. Choose from their selection of kebabs including plenty for vegans along with their tasty sides – perfect with a drink or two!
*The kitchen at the Oculist will be closed until spring 2024
Wabi Sabi in Hove is a captivating culinary destination that brings the art of Japanese cuisine to this part of the city. This charming restaurant offers an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for immersing yourself in the flavours of Japan. The menu showcases a range of traditional and contemporary dishes, including exquisite sushi, sashimi, and flavourful ramen bowls. With an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, every bite at Wabi Sabi is a delightful journey of taste and texture.
Arcobaleno is a destination spot in Brighton’s most bohemian quarter – Kemptown. The Kemptown restaurant and bar is a large open space ideal for groups. The menu is designed for sharing and has a strong Maltese influence. You’ll find familiar flavours but under a different guise, making it both homely and original. Cocktails are a big feature with a signature menu selection that’s fun and creative. But a bar of spirits and mixologists capable of shaking you up with something classic should you desire. Live performances are frequent and mostly free, featuring local drag acts, cabaret, comedians and quiz nights.
FUMI restaurant is in a new cultural hotspot in the Circus Quarter area of central Brighton. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable dining experience that marries Japanese traditional flavours with modern twists. From beautifully crafted sushi to creative small plates, each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously prepared by skilled chefs using the freshest ingredients. Step into the elegant and inviting ambiance that envelopes you upon arrival, where attentive service and a curated selection of wines and cocktails await. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner for two, morning coffee with pancakes or bento boxes at lunch time, FUMI promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Situated on Bohemian St James’ Street is the original Purezza pizzeria. It’s a small welcoming Brighton restaurant serving a 100% plant-based menu. The success of this now national group and retail brand are with its secret recipe mozzarella style cheese, which is as close to the original thing as you’ll get without touching a cow. Toppings include meat alternatives to recreate Italian classics and creative concoctions of their own devising. Add superb plant-based desserts and cocktails for all tastes and it’s easy to see how this unassuming restaurant that dreamed big made that dream a reality. One of the best places to eat in Brighton for Brighton pizza and vegan food.
Moshimo Brighton is a stylish sushi restaurant with an iconic Shoji style building in the Brighton Lanes. They serve authentically prepared sushi using only fish that are sustainable. Moshimo’s commitment to sustainable fishing led to their incredibly successful Fish Love campaign and Brighton’s Vegan Challenge. The menu is suitable for all dietary types, with excellent vegan sushi options.
Effortlessly cool and infectiously fun, Kitgum is located on Preston Circus. The restaurant focuses on the finest flavour pairings from the east coast of Africa and the west coast of India and reimagining them with a European twist. You can dine on small plates, drink locally supplied beverages and enjoy the wonderfully friendly and upbeat atmosphere of this charming independent restaurant. Once you’ve visited, something tells us you’ll soon be back for more!
Lavash Brighton, on North Street, serves authentic, quality Middle Eastern street food. They’re perfectly placed for your visits to central Brighton, positioned squarely between pretty much every major destination. They’re open from 11am daily for a delicious Redroaster coffee and maybe a slice of baklava before hitting the Lanes and North Lane. Refuel for lunch with a falafel bowl that will leave you satisfied but not sleepy. In the evenings the lights dim and the upstairs restaurant becomes a secret romantic gem in the city centre, ready for your night to lead you anywhere.
Curry leaf in the Lanes is a brightly coloured South Indian Street Food cafe with an extensive menu of craft beers. They have won numerous awards for both the quality of cuisine and the range of offerings for all dietary requirements. A child friendly menu is also served, with more familiar dishes but authentic enough to start a young palate’s voyage of discovery.
Tinto Taperia in the North Laine is a contemporary restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine. Next door to the Theatre Royal and with views of the Pavillion Dome, it’s well situated for pre and post theatre dining, as well as an attractive setting for family get-togethers or romantic rendezvous. You can expect authentic Spanish tapas, paella made to order and weekly specials that champion seasonal ingredients. The drinks list has an impressive Spanish offering, with many of the wines, liquors and gins hailing from the same origin. If you’re after pre or post dining drinks, you can visit their sister venue Bar Valentino, which is upstairs from the restaurant.
You can enjoy delicious, freshly prepared, pan-Asian cuisine at Nanima in Kemptown Village. The intimate cafe/restaurant is family-run and bursting with personable charm – you’ll most likely find the owner Lonnie at the helm, with advice on the daily spread of tasty food. The menu at Nanima changes daily, with a fantastic selection of choices for both meat and plant-based, which typically includes a meat or veggie main, noodles or rice and then a mix and match of delicious sides. You’ll also be able to enjoy a well-considered selection of alcoholic beverages, homemade teas and other delicious homemade and impressive sustainable treats.
The fourth restaurant from the acclaimed restaurateur Razak Helalat and team, Tutto Brighton boasts an impressive lineage. Set in a reclaimed 1930s bank building on Marlborough Place which faces the recently revamped Victoria Gardens – it’s an impressive setting to match the restaurant’s grandeur. Tutto champions Italian dining culture by providing a premium experience of a la carte Italian cuisine. The team delivers Italian wines and cocktails and proudly upholds open-armed hospitality. The overall atmosphere gently ripples with a social buzz and it’s a wonderful space to enjoy any time of day or night. Tutto also has an intimate courtyard to the rear and a large street terrace if you prefer to dine al fresco.
Visit Permit Room any time, indulging in breakfast Naan Rolls, work lunches, and evenings alive with a DJ’s soundtrack. Friendly faces welcome you, catering to all, whether you seek a warm post-shopping drink, cocktails with friends, or a family celebration. The diverse menu of Indian small plates offers options for every palate, allowing you to choose as much or as little as you like. The kitchen is open until 10.30pm, satisfying late-night cravings.
Manju’s Indian restaurant is a heartwarming story in itself. Manju, now in her 80s was given a restaurant by her sons, thus achieving her life-long dream. But there’s more to Manju’s than a happy ending and a head chef whose infectious joy is captivating. Manju’s serves seriously good, pure vegetarian Gujarati food from the recipes Manju has been perfecting her whole life.
Baqueano is an Argentinian steak restaurant run by wife and husband team Adriana and Jorge. Adriana runs the front of house with irresistible warmth while Jorge works the kitchen. They offer a range of cuts you won’t find in other Argentinian restaurants and will pair these with fruity full bodied wines. You will leave vowing to return soon to this charming top-quality restaurant in between Brighton and Hove.
Planet India is an institution in the city. Low key, relaxed and homely, serving authentic pure Indian vegetarian food with a dash of heartfelt good humour. Entering Planet India is like being welcomed into a family member’s living room, and luckily you were expected! Food is wholesome, good mood food, it can edge a little on the spicy side, that’s also part of the attraction for this wonderful place to eat in Brighton.
European Places to Eat in Brighton
Al Duomo is Brighton’s longest-running Italian restaurant, having first introduced the city to wood-fired pizzas back in 1979. They still wood-fire their sourdough pizzas, as well as make all their pasta and gelato in-house for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. There’s an extensive children’s menu and lots of room, including an outdoor terrace next to the Royal Pavilion gardens, making this an ideal spot for dining Italian style, alfresco and con la famiglia.
An institution in Brighton and a key contributor to the city, Donatello’s and it’s sister restaurants have been family run since Pietro Addis opened Pinocchio in 1987. Donatello’s is a 400 seater restaurant that serves affordable freshly made Italian food. Everything is freshly made on site from pizza dough to pasta and sauces for affordable quality and freshness you can’t beat.
Located at the northern most head of the North Laine, Mange Tout is a relaxed, friendly modern French Bistro with street-side seating and large windows, perfect for observing the busy Laine life. Open for brunch, lunch light bites and evening meals at the latter half of the week, Mange Tout is all about ingredient led, seasonal cooking and low intervention wines. They’re serious about sustainability and quality, but very relaxed about everything else!
Nostos in Hove is a modern Greek restaurant (forget the Taverna clichés), serving a mix of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine. Plates are vibrant with Mediterranean vegetables, lots of seafood, skewers and slow cooked meats as well as plenty of vegan options. Close your eyes and you could almost be on the Aegean. Nostos is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week and for breakfast Friday to Sunday.
Looking for a Mediterranean culinary escape in Brighton? Look no further than Vios Cafe! This charming spot offers a delightful breakfast and lunch experience with mouthwatering options like their loaded sourdough and refreshing yoghurt bowls. The aroma of great coffee fills the air as you relax on their outside terrace, taking in the world around you. Don’t miss out on their homemade meze, perfectly paired with a glass of Greek wine. Vios Cafe is the perfect spot to indulge in Mediterranean flavours while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
This intimate French bistro in the Lanes seems capable of adapting to whatever your occasion; from romantic dinner for two to a family meal out or friends get together. The menu is unmistakably French but ingredients are sources largely locally for freshness and seasonality. Two major diversions from the traditional French bistro also take place in the Petit Pois menu, a thoughtful range of vegan options (not just “vegan the way French fries are vegan”) and a Sunday lunch menu.
Market Restaurant on the boarder lands of Brighton and Hove serves Spanish inspired small plates in a lively congenial setting. The market theme runs throughout with a menu divided into butcher, fishmonger, baker and greengrocer from which you can build a sharing menu. Weekly offers such as Tapas Tuesdays and Oyster and Cava Thursdays, means every day can be a Market day.
