Brighton Restaurant Award Winners

The Best Restaurants in Brighton

BEST RESTAURANTS IN BRIGHTON – THE TOP 20 THIS YEAR

The Best Restaurant in Brighton category is always the most hotly contested in the public voted Brighton Restaurant Awards. In 2023 voted in your thousands and returned your verdict. Every restaurant on this list is as unique as it is wonderful with each boasting a great menu, a fabulous team and a memorable ambiance. We truly hope you have the chance to visit as many of these Brighton and Hove restaurants as possible.

And the winner of the BRAVO Best Restaurant in Brighton goes to – Burnt Orange – for the second year in a row. Huge congratulations to the team. 

If you wish to vote for your favourite or best restaurant in Brighton in this year’s BRAVOs then they have just started and run until March 14th 2024. 

First place

Still a relative newcomer to the Brighton Lanes, Burnt Orange’s flame is burning bright. Taking top spot for a second year in a row, this brilliant Brighton restaurant strikes the perfect balance between comfort and glamour, finding its home in the beating heart of Brighton. The menu is designed for sharing and takes inspiration from the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean basin. The very best seasonal ingredients are cooked over wood-fire giving the excellent food its distinct flavour. Match this with an outstanding wine-list, hand-crafted cocktails and a passionate team and you’ve got a truly winning formula to be voted top spot for the best restaurants Brighton has to offer. 

Second place

The remarkable young team at Bonsai Plant Kitchen are showing Brighton the limitless delights of vegan food. They’ve gone from humble beginnings as a lockdown takeaway, via pub pop-up, straight to the dizzying heights of #2 Best Restaurant Brighton in just two years, showing us all what passion and determination can do. With a fresh take on South-East Asian flavours, their plant-based ingredients are lovingly prepared and cooked on Japanese coals. With cool music and banging cocktails, Bonsai Plant Kitchen is fun fun fun but with seriously good food. Y’all can’t get enough…neither can we and neither can Grace Dent!. One to watch for the future and taking the number 2 spot as Brighton’s best restaurant. 

Third place

A jewel in Brighton’s foodie crown, Terre à Terre is a pioneer of vegetarian fine dining and one of the most influential restaurants in the city. Always at the vanguard of sustainable and ethical cuisine, Terre à Terre has a playful and innovative approach and diners can look forward to finding much-loved favourites like their vegetarian tapas, alongside exciting additions to the menu from new head chef, Danny Yates. The wine list features the best British, organic and biodynamic wine available. Terre à Terre celebrated their 30th Birthday in 2023 and 30 years on they still one of Brighton’s most recognised restaurants. 

fourth place

Everything about award-winning chef Duncan Ray’s elegant, pared-back fish restaurant speaks of elegant simplicity. But there is nothing simple about the offer at The Little Fish Market in Hove. The finest ingredients are painstakingly sourced. The 12-course tasting menu is expertly designed to let ingredients sing. The mouthwatering dishes are prepared with near-obsessive precision. And if you are lucky enough to join them for dinner, you will be given the very best welcome by their charming team. Wine pairings are expertly curated by Keeling & Andrew and Noble Rot. We’re so happy this BRAVO will join the accolades enjoyed by this outstanding Brighton restaurant.

FIFTH place

The epitome of modern British fine dining, Etch has been gifted to Brighton and Hove by the largess of MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards. Etch offers weekly changing tasting menus which showcase the very best British produce in a beautiful and elegant space. Designed to surprise and delight, Stephen’s artful menu, luxurious Hove restaurant and exceptional team provide the kind of culinary experience – and excellence – that really should not be missed. Michel Roux Jnr himself described Steven’s food as being ‘fault free’ – it’s a big shout. We suggest you visit Etch as soon as you can to find out exactly why. Steven and etch. have also occupied the no.1 spot for the best restaurant in Brighton. He was winner of the best restaurant Brighton accolade in 2019.

sixth place

The Salt Room stands tall as one of the best restaurants in Brighton, captivating diners with its unparalleled dining experience where all their shellfish and meat dishes are cooked over coal. Located on Brighton’s seafront, this seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the sea and The West Pier ruins, alongside a menu that showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients. From their expertly grilled seafood to their innovative flavour combinations, each dish is a masterpiece that delights the senses. With its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and commitment to culinary excellence, The Salt Room promises an unforgettable dining journey that perfectly captures the essence of Brighton’s vibrant food scene in a modern British way. The Salt Room are also winners of Best Team at the 2023 BRAVO Awards. Private dining is available at The Salt Room for up to 16 people. 

seventh place

Wild Flor has rightfully earned its place among the top 20 restaurants in Brighton, captivating diners with its exceptional culinary offerings and winning the hearts and stomachs of our 2023 BRAVO voters. A restaurant in Hove and founded in 2019, this renowned establishment boasts an innovative and seasonally driven menu that showcases the finest Sussex ingredients. With their thoughtfully crafted dishes and carefully curated wine selection, Wild Flor delivers a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. The inviting ambiance and impeccable service further enhance the overall experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable culinary journey in Brighton. Explore the Wild Flor website to discover the delights that await. Featured in the Michelin and Good Food Guide. Private dining available for up to 28 people. 

eighth place

The Flint House, situated in the heart of Brighton’s Hannington Lanes, stands out as one of the city’s finest dining destinations. As part of the acclaimed Gingerman Group, this Brighton restaurant offers a remarkable culinary experience that tantalises the taste buds. With a focus on using the finest seasonal ingredients, The Flint House presents a menu of exquisite dishes complemented by carefully selected wines and cocktails to match. Impeccable service and a stylish atmosphere further enhance the dining journey, making it a must-visit for those seeking exceptional gastronomy in Brighton and another standout offering from acclaimed chef Ben McKellar. Jay Rayner describes The Flint House in his 2019 review. ‘This new place in Brighton is spot on…it’s about solid dishes that don’t sacrifice substance for looks’.

Ninth place

Bincho Yakitori, located on Preston Street in Brighton, is undoubtedly one of the city’s finest dining establishments, securing a well-deserved place among the top 20 restaurants. With its authentic Japanese cuisine and unparalleled flavours, it has become the go-to spot for Brighton’s esteemed chefs. Bincho Yakitori’s mastery of expertly grilled skewers and delectable dishes sets it apart. Its reputation as a favourite haunt of local chefs speaks volumes as Bincho has been in the BRAVO top 5 best restaurants in Brighton for 5 years. 

Tenth place

Petit Pois, located in Brighton’s Lanes, effortlessly secures its place among the city’s finest dining establishments. This rustic and charming French restaurant, owned by the talented duo Ivana and David Roy, offers an unforgettable culinary experience. With their passion for French cuisine and attention to detail, they have created a menu that exudes authenticity and captures the essence of French gastronomy. The warm and inviting ambiance perfectly complements the exquisite dishes, ensuring a memorable dining journey. Their French wine list is curated using wine producers from the regions of Burgundy, Alsace, Languedoc and Bordeaux. Indulge in the culinary delights of Petit Pois and discover why it is celebrated as one of Brighton’s top restaurants.

Eleventh place

Plateau in The Lanes is a laid-back wine bar and Brighton restaurant offering an exceptional selection of naturally produced wines, complemented by modern European sharing plates. Esteemed in the Brighton hospitality community, Plateau has carved a niche with its biodynamic wine list, relaxed atmosphere, and a contemporary approach to social dining. Recognised among the best restaurants in Brighton, Plateau stands out for its arguably best-in-town cocktails and wine. The sharing-oriented menu, vibrant ambiance, and sun-soaked southern-facing pavement seating further contribute to its allure. Plateau goes beyond mere dining; it’s a hub for discovering wines through natural wine tasting events and engaging meet-the-producer evenings.

Twelth Place

Fourth and Church exemplify excellence across various aspects of hospitality, solidifying its position as one of Brighton’s top restaurants. Located on Church Road, this restaurant in Hove boasts a super-stylish and airy setting, offering elevated, seasonal tapas alongside a delightful selection of charcuterie, cheeses, amazing wine, and beer. Voted the number one Wine List in the Brighton Restaurant Awards too, Fourth and Church in Hove provide a laid-back service coupled with extensive wine knowledge that patrons can savour on-site or take away. Fourth and Church features bar-side counter dining, intimate individual tables, and an exploration-worthy subterranean area for those seeking a private dining experience.

thirteenth

Market is the ultimate destination for those seeking Anglo-Spanish tapas paired with wine and cocktails, all within a stylishly classic venue. Picture emerald subway tiles creating a chic ambiance at this Hove restaurant. Inspired by Camden ‘Market’ in London as this is where the restaurant sign is from, every aspect of this Brighton restaurant exudes coolness with subtle menu innovations. Embracing the market theme, Market offers a variety of produce from the butcher, the baker, the cheesemonger, and more. Don’t miss out on their impressive Sunday roast dinner. Ideal for small groups, the sharing plate concept shines here, and there’s even a ‘Down Market’ area at the back for those looking to indulge in private dining or group parties with your own private bar area. 

Fourteenth

PALMITO

Palmito emerged as a fresh addition to Brighton’s restaurant scene in 2023, swiftly capturing national attention with rave reviews and catapulting itself among the top 20 best restaurants in Brighton from out of nowhere. Food journalist Grace Dent applauds its diverse menu, spanning Latin American, southern European, and South Asian influences, reflecting the owner’s eclectic tastes and Ecuadorian routes. With a cosy 20-seat capacity, Palmito and owner Diego offer an intimate Brighton dining experience, spotlighting seasonal small plates and a curated wine selection, promising a delightful journey through global flavours. Palmito is a popular Hove restaurant located on Western Road so make sure you book well in advance.  

FIFTEENTH

The Brighton restaurant is located in Brighton’s Lanes area at the entrance to a super cute twitten. Michael Bremner‘s intimate thirty-cover Brighton restaurant, 64 Degrees, offers a sensory feast for diners. The open gantry kitchen buzzes with activity, captivating guests with the anticipation of culinary delights and offers a perfect social dining setting. Since its inception in 2013, 64 Degrees has garnered numerous local and national awards, including the prestigious title of best restaurant in Brighton at the BRAVOs on consecutive occasions. With its emphasis on small plate dining, minimalistic decor, and communal tables, 64 Degrees invites guests to immerse themselves fully in the dining experience, watch the chefs at work and showcase a Sussex menu with plenty of local Sussex produce. Michael Bremner’s distinction as a Great British Menu winner further elevates this Brighton restaurant’s status, making it a truly unique culinary destination in the city.

sixteenth

The Chilli Pickle Indian restaurant is situated at the entrance to North Laine on Jubilee Square, The Chilli Pickle stands as one of Brighton’s best restaurants. Co-owners Alun and Dawn Sperring draw inspiration from their travels across India, infusing their Brighton restaurant with standout Indian flavours. Regular pilgrimages to the continent fuel the restaurant’s dynamic menu, showcasing Alun’s culinary prowess and diverse regional influences. The Chilli Pickle offers a thrilling Brighton dining experience, abundant in theatre and colour, with excellent options for vegetarian and vegan diners. The Chilli Pickle has regularly been voted among the top 100 restaurants in the UK and has led among the front runners in the Brighton restaurant scene since 2008.

 

SEVENTEENTH

Cyan restaurant in Brighton offers a captivating setting opposite the picturesque Brighton seafront within the iconic Grand Hotel. Dine in style at the grand circular bar-dining area, where you can witness the talented culinary team at work, or opt for a more relaxed experience at one of their sea-facing tables. With menu items from the grill, Champagne & Oysters, a strong vegan and vegetarian offering there is plenty for everyone, including the kids. With a menu featuring small plates, standout Sunday roasts, and incredible cocktails, Cyan promises unforgettable dining moments. Conveniently situated at the entrance of the Grand Hotel, guests can also indulge in pre or post-dinner drinks, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable evening by the sea.

EIGHTEENTH

Riddle and Finns, a beloved seafood institution in Brighton, seduces diners with its exquisite offerings of fresh fish, lobster, Champagne, and oysters. Renowned for its elegant marble top dining tables and enchanting candelabras, the original Riddle and Finns nestles in Meeting House Lane, nestled within The Brighton Lanes. Its latest iteration thrives in a seafront location, perched above Brighton’s Shelter Hall food market, breathing new life into this Brighton success story. With a commitment to locally sourced quality fish and a passion for seafood, Riddle and Finns continues to delight patrons with its coastal charm and culinary excellence, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience by the seaside.

 

NINETEENTH

MANGE TOUT

Mange Tout stands as a cherished French-run bistro nestled in Brighton’s vibrant North Laine area, delighting patrons since 2009 with Gallic classics and daily specials from breakfast to dinner. This Brighton institution, open seven days a week, prides itself on its fresh, quality-focused menu, complemented by locally roasted coffee, sustainably sourced tea, and a selection of natural wines. Mange Tout’s commitment to excellence shines through in every dish, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of French cuisine while embracing the eclectic spirit of Brighton’s dining scene. It’s a destination where food, community, and tradition intertwine harmoniously.

TWENTIETH

Latinoamerica, the pioneering Argentine restaurant in Sussex, remains a culinary gem in Brighton and Hove, celebrated for its fusion of steak and South American wine. Blending Italian and Spanish culinary traditions with the vibrant flavours of South America, Latinoamerica exudes vitality and taste and is one of the best steak restaurants in Brighton. Noteworthy sharing steak options like the Amex pay homage to their dedication to Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. With a private dining room accommodating up to 28 guests, Latinoamerica is the perfect venue for group celebrations and an excellent choice for a Hove restaurant.

UBER Eats is Proud Sponsor of Brighton's Best Restaurant
SPONSOR
Take a look at your other BRAVO winners
Best restaurant
Sussex finest
Best brunch
Plant Champions
Best cocktail
Best local
Best for family
Best team
Best cafe
Best afternoon tea
Best roast
Best wine list
Best int. cuisine
Most sustainable
Eat well for less
Good to go

Q
&
A

There are an increasing number of vegan restaurants in the Brighton top 20 best restaurants year on year. This year Bonsai Plant Kitchen (vegan) and Terre á Terre (vegetarian) finished in the top 3 and many of Brighton’s best restaurants offer plenty of strong vegan options.

According to the Brighton Restaurant Awards 2023, the public voted most popular restaurant in Brighton right now is Burnt Orange. They have been voted the public favourite for the second year running. The top 20 best restaurants can be seen here.

Brighton has a number of chefs who have appeared on Masterchef the Professionals and they include Steven Edwards from etch. Kenny Tutt from Shelter Hall (Patty Guy) and Duncan Ray from The Little Fish Market is always highly regarded in the National Restaurant Awards. A round up of the best quality restaurants voted by the public can be discovered here.