Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Secret Gardens and Tucked-Away Terraces
Shh… The Best Secret Gardens and Courtyards in Brighton
Brighton doesn’t have many truly secret, hidden, hush-hush, wink-wink outdoor eating and drinking spaces. We are a packed, vibrant seaside city, after all. Do you really think there’s a sunny courtyard tucked away in the North Laine that only you and your mates know about? That, my friend, is just your own back garden with a fancy takeaway.
Instead, what we do have is a fantastic collection of tucked-away, little spaces that not absolutely everybody knows about.
The Restaurants Brighton team has put together the ultimate guide to the best secret outside spaces with a BN postcode. No secret password or exclusive membership required – just make sure you don’t tell anyone else about them!
The Canopy at Seven Dials
Tucked away on Dyke Road, The Canopy Cafe hides a gorgeous, secret garden complete with a massive fig tree. Nobody walking past Seven Dials would ever know it’s there, making it the perfect new neighborhood spot to bask in the summer sun.
At the helm is Great British Menu winner Michael Bremner (64 Degrees), serving up sublime all-day brunches and exceptional lunches. By night, it shifts into a cosy wine bar, hosting vibrant summer events and San Sebastian-inspired pop-ups.
Wild Flour Pizza
Tucked away in the quiet village of Ovingdean near the gateway to the South Downs, Wild Flour Pizza is a magical destination that feels like a well-kept neighbourhood secret. Unless you know it’s there, you’d never guess this family-run spot was turning out some of the absolute best artisan pizza in the city.
The real star of the show here is their adorable, sun-drenched garden seating area. It has become a cherished ritual for Kemptown residents to hike over this stunning stretch of the Downs, work up an appetite, and collect their fresh wood-fired pies to enjoy right there in the garden.
At the helm is Chris Phillips and his passionate team, serving up a meticulously crafted, 36-hour slow-fermented dough topped with freshly imported Italian ingredients. Grab a box, find a spot in the sun-drenched garden, and enjoy the ultimate post-hike reward. Head out there soon before the secret is completely out!
Bohemia
Right in the bustling heart of the Lanes, Bohemia hides its best-kept secret: a spectacular first-floor roof terrace. Entirely invisible from the cobblestone streets below, this sun-drenched sanctuary feels like a private European hideaway.
While famous for late-night theatrical cocktails, Bohemia is also a fantastic daytime spot. You can slip upstairs to enjoy live music, masterclasses, or a relaxed meal away from the crowds. Their extensive menu spans everything from light bites and classic grill mains to their signature Sunday roasts, alongside bespoke canapés for pre-booked parties.
If you want to bask in the afternoon sun without the coastal wind or heavy foot traffic, this elevated oasis is the ultimate hidden escape.
The Chilli Pickle in The Lanes
As one of Brighton’s top Indian restaurants, The Chilli Pickle is celebrated for its authentic regional Indian cuisine. With founders Dawn and Alun at the helm, this proudly independent favourite recently blew us away by revealing a brand-new first-floor alfresco terrace.
Few people know space even exists above the vibrant dining room, making this hidden terrace the perfect elevated escape to enjoy their legendary dishes. It offers a secluded, breezy spot to dive into their famous, punchy street food, iconic daytime thalis, or their showstopping oxtail madras under the sunshine.
Mac’s Cafe in kemptown
A true Brighton institution with over 70 years of history, Mac’s Café on Arundel Road is the ultimate greasy spoon without the grease. This family-run Kemptown legend is the sister venue to the iconic Roedean Café, which is famous for its own exceptional seaside alfresco views, and it brings that same down-to-earth hospitality into the heart of the city.
Recently refurbished inside and out in striking Brighton Blue, Mac’s is celebrated for serving up massive, flawlessly cooked all-day English breakfasts and traditional comfort food at brilliant prices.
The headline here is their peaceful back courtyard. Complete with colourful seating, lush greenery, and sun parasols, this secluded patio is a rare find in this corner of Kemptown. It is a genuine sun trap and the perfect neighbourhood secret for enjoying a late breakfast with a proper builders’ tea in the fresh air.
Hotel Du Vin Courtyard
Tucked neatly inside the historic Lanes and situated just seconds from the seafront, the courtyard at Hotel Du Vin is an elegant, secluded oasis that feels worlds away from the city’s busy beaches. Divided over two levels, this beautifully styled outdoor space provides a sophisticated, quiet setting right in the centre of Brighton.
It is the perfect spot for a relaxed, sun-drenched lunch or a late-afternoon cocktail catch-up with friends. The split-level layout adds an intimate, private feel, making it an excellent hidden location for premium alfresco drinks or even exclusive private hire.
Whether you are slipping away from the beach crowds for a crisp glass of wine or hosting a summer celebration, this hidden courtyard is one of the city’s most refined secret terraces.
The Signalman, Ditchling Rise
Located right next to London Road station on Ditchling Rise, The Signalman was officially crowned Brighton’s Best Pub at the latest BRAVO Awards. This brilliant neighbourhood local is steered by Romy and her super talented brigade of hospitality superstars.
While the inside is packed with cosy charm, the summer season belongs entirely to their secluded, surprisingly huge alfresco beer garden. It is an absolute sun trap, making it the perfect hidden sanctuary to escape the central city crowds.
Beyond the exceptional craft beers, they serve up one of the most incredible, knock-out Sunday roasts in Brighton. Whether you are settling in for a weekend feast or an afternoon drink under the sun, this award-winning treasure is an absolute must-visit.
Oeuf in Hove
Situated on Third Avenue in Hove, multi-award-winning Oeuf is arguably the crown jewel of the local brunch scene. Led by Amber and her exceptionally talented team, this elegant venue hides a gorgeous, sun-soaked secret garden entirely sheltered from the coastal breeze.
While the pastel-toned interior is stunning, the lush, quiet back garden is the ultimate sanctuary for an alfresco morning catch-up. When visiting, you can expect creative, egg-centric dishes alongside their absolute signature item: the legendary Frumpets™ (thick crumpets given a decadent French toast treatment). Pair one with a signature breakfast cocktail and find a table in the garden before it fills up!
