Restaurants Brighton guide to
COMFORT FOOD
Our top picks
When it’s nasty on the outside you want something that will help you feel good on the inside. Comfort food is food that makes you feel warm and cosy whatever the weather and may tend to be a bit carb heavy, but nobody cares about your beach bod when you’re wearing a woolly jumper. So brace yourself to hit the cold dark streets, it’ll be worth it because what awaits you is a lovely big comfort food cuddle.
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Hearty, Home cooked and Homegrown
The first meals that spring to mind when seeking absolute comfort are the dishes that we associate with warm, round bellies that are full of the meals cooked by mum or dad. The home cooked pies and best of British sausages are certainly one of the most sought after cuisines. Luckily for you, many Brighton pubs (and we have about nine hundred) have taken the “home cooked” approach and run with it. For a list of venues serving the best and most comforting gastro classics, head here.
Plant Power
While some associate hot, filling, carb heavy meals with being the food equivalent of a snuggly duvet and settle on those dishes for winter comfort. Others will sway more to the fresher, leaner and let’s face it greener pastures of cuisine. If you’re looking for a plant based lunch that will warm your cockles and give you the nutrients that your body is craving, then head to the Open Market and check out Smorl’s. Their dishes are made fresh daily, with deliciously organic goodness layered on fresh vibrant flavours. If you’re looking for a more high end plant fix, then Terre a Terre is for you. Here’s a list of plant based restaurants in Brighton and Hove.
Fatto A Mano
Fatto a Mano is a fantastic option for comfort food in Brighton, thanks to its delicious and authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. These pizzas are known for their thin, soft, and chewy crusts, topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients that make each bite a delight. Fatto a Mano’s three venues across the city—located in Hove on Church Road, Preston Circus on London Road, and North Laine on Gloucester Road—offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Popular with families, Fatto a Mano is budget-friendly without compromising on taste. The irresistible pizzas and the warm ambiance will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual meal or a family outing, Fatto a Mano delivers comfort and satisfaction every time.
The Eight Bells Jevington
Award-winning Sussex pub, The Eight Bells, takes comfort food to new heights. Indulge in pub classics like Fish and Chips, Pies, Sunday Roasts, and Beef Wellington for Two, alongside a variety of weekly specials. Settle into the inviting atmosphere next to a roaring fire, and savour exceptional dishes paired with a glass of your favourite local ale. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy hearty, high-quality comfort food in a warm, welcoming setting.
Noodles at Shaanxi
Shaanxi on Preston Street is a top spot for noodle lovers in Brighton, serving up authentic hand pulled Biang Biang noodles straight from China’s Shaanxi province. These thick, chewy noodles soak up bold, fragrant sauces, making each dish packed with flavour. Whether paired with slow cooked beef, tender lamb, or fresh vegetables, every bowl is a comforting delight. Beyond Shaanxi, Brighton has plenty of incredible noodle spots to explore. Check out our Brighton noodles guide, where we also recommend fantastic places like Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Moshimo, and Nanima Asian Kitchen and Cafe, each offering their own unique take on this much loved dish.
The Duck Inn, rottingdean
The Duck Inn in Rottingdean is a haven for comfort food enthusiasts. Their menu features hearty classics like the Duck Inn double cheeseburger with ketchup, pickles, and fries, and traditional fish and chips. Sundays are special, offering a variety of roasts, including vegan options, all crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The pub’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, combined with its focus on quality and simplicity, makes it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal.
Hygge
For those not familiar with the Danish concept, “hygge” is a state of cosiness accompanied by feelings of wellbeing, contentment and comfort. To achieve instant hygge head down to the seafront for views of the steely cold sea while you tuck into locally sourced burgers at Lucky Beach Cafe. Or, The Salt Rooms to experience the winning combo of fresh sea views from warm venues full of enticing food aromas. If you’re flexing nautical down by Brighton Marina, then you’ll want to make sure you scope out Malmaison. They have a large sun terrace, set right on the harbour. Yacht side, boutique hotel dining at its best. Ohso Social offers its diners some of the best views in Brighton. It’s set right on the seafront and the large alfresco dining area ensures panoramic views of the sea and top-quality, freshly prepared pub classics.
Messy food
Go paleo and eat with your hands, food that demands contact (and lots of napkins) is great for the feel-good factor. Go big at Shelter Hall, where you’re bound to find several kitchens that can provide your paws with pleasing fistfuls of Brighton comfort food. Or grab a sexy sandwich on the go or for delivery from Social Board Brighton and indulge in their mouthwatering signature sandwiches.
Picture: Social Board Brighton
International Cuisine at Twisted Lanes
Comfort food at Twisted Lanes is a joy to behold. This restaurant and cocktail bar offers a stunning brunch menu until 2pm, featuring favourites like Full and Vegan breakfasts, granola bowls, Eggs Florentine, Benedict, and Royale, Buttermilk Pancakes, rostis, avo-toast, and sandwiches. Enjoy a good selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks, and fabulous brunch-time cocktails. After 2pm, the menu transitions to internationally-influenced small plates perfect for sharing, such as Twisted Crab Cakes, Slow Cooked Short Ribs, Padron Peppers, and Crispy Squid. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, ensuring something for everyone. To wash it all down, Twisted Lanes serves some of the best cocktails in town.
Dahl-icious
As a comfort food, there’s nothing quite like dahl, easy on the digestion, wholesome and warming. The combination of chilli, ginger, turmeric and garlic are also well known to stave off winter ailments. Brighton is lucky to have some great authentic Indian restaurants, all offering their take on the ubiquitous Indian favourite. See our selection of the best Indian Restaurants in town.
We went on a two hour thali making class with Brighton Cookery School, you can watch the quick version here on our Instagram reel.
Beach House Worthing
Comfort food comes in many shapes and sizes, offering contentment and satisfaction. At Beach House Worthing, certain favourites will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s one of their legendary burgers enjoyed with a pint overlooking the ocean, a pint of prawns, a dish of your favourite mussels, or whitebait with your favourite aioli, Beach House has it all. This Worthing seaside gem embodies comfort food, making it a real winner for us.
Italian Influence
From pasta to pizza and seafood to sundaes, the Italians know how to conjure deep stomach contentment. Al Duomo and Donatello, are setting constant high standards for their authentic Italian dishes and offer a fantastic service for the little ens. Vegan’s and pizza fiends will be pleased to hear that Purezza, Brighton’s own 100% plant-based pizzeria has not one but two local restaurants, you can now find them in Brighton and Hove, actually.
Here’s our pick of local Italian restaurants.
Roast-ess with the mostess
Brightonians are known for their love of the ‘Sunday session’, so there’s no surprise that our city’s roast bar is at an all time high. The hearty meal accompanied by good friends and maybe a craft beer makes winter worthwhile and can add the comfort we crave during those bleaker months.
Step aside Aunt Bessie, the gloves are off with this list of the top 20 BRAVO best roast royalty!
Here we have a list of some more of our favourite roast serving venues in Brighton, Hove and Sussex. And if you’re craving the comfort of a plant-based calibre then head to our vegan roast page for what you need.
Boss burger
Come rain or shine there’s always time for a comforting and indulgent burger with your buddies. We’re not short of venues serving the bun and patty treat, but knowing where to find the boss of all burgers is not always straightforward. Fortunately for you, we’ve taken several for the team and have narrowed down the options to this bite-sized list of venues that serve burgers that are worth more than a bite. We’ve also put together a guide to the city’s best plant-based burgers, so if you’re not in the mood for moo, this is the one for you
