Embers Brighton

Why you’ll love Embers Brighton

Tucked away in the heart of Brighton’s famous Lanes, Embers is a relatively new contemporary bistro that brings a fresh and exciting dining experience to the city. The ethos here is all about wood-fired eating and sharing dishes with friends, served with amazing cocktails. Embers’s menu is a delightful mix of playful yet thoughtfully-crafted small plates and larger centrepiece dishes, all cooked over an open fire. Expect big, bold, smoky flavours that elevate every dish, from charred broccoli to venison rump and whole sea bass.

Dave and Isaac, the masterminds behind Embers in Brighton, have known each other for 15 years (Dave was Isaac’s first mentor in the kitchen). Their dream of opening a restaurant together has finally come true. While they both have a fine dining background, they decided to make Embers more casual, the kind of place they’d love to go on their days off. The quality of seasonal produce is at the heart of their menu, delivering punchy yet contrasting flavour combinations and it is no surprise that Embers has already been included in the Michelin guide.

Fire-centred menu

The dining experience at Embers is centred around a mediaeval-style fire cage in the middle of the room, where guests can watch the chefs in action. This setup not only enhances the flavours but also adds a theatrical element to the dining experience.

The friendly service and lively atmosphere make Embers the ultimate destination for an unforgettable meal, whether you’re catching up with old friends, celebrating something special, or just enjoying a night out.

Embers welcomes group bookings, accommodating up to 18 people at one table, and offers the option of exclusive restaurant hire for larger parties. The in-house mixologist crafting unique cocktails makes every visit a celebration. Centrally located, Embers is the go-to spot for innovative, fire-centred dishes and a vibrant dining experience that embodies “Fire & Friendship.”

Sharing small plates

The small plates menu at Embers in Brighton offers a range of playful yet thoughtfully crafted creations. Dishes are served sharing-style, arriving at the table as soon as they’re ready. Example dishes include Cured Sea Trout, Barbequed 1/4 Chicken, Flamed Beef Heart, Hand Dived Scallop, and Woodfired Asparagus but it’s good to know that the menu changes regularly with the seasons keeping dinners experience as fresh as the food!

Centrepiece dishes at Embers Brighton

Another great option at Embers is the Centrepiece Dishes, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Some recent examples include Smoked Lamb Rump with Salsa Verde, Feta, and Smoked Peas, Hake with Pil Pil and Prawn Butter, and Cauliflower with Kimchi Barbeque Sauce, Spring Onion & Miso Emulsion, and Smoked Hummus. These dishes highlight the bold, smoky flavours created by their open fire cooking, offering a memorable, dining experience.

Sunday roasts

Embers  incredibly well-dressed Sunday roast menu is a standout concept. You can share the generous wood-fired platters or keep it all to yourself. Sample Sunday dishes include Ember Roasted Pork Loin, Sussex Beef Rump, Smoked Whole Chicken, Ember Baked Onion, and the Three Beast Feast. Accompaniments include Skillet Roasted Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese Purée, Roasted Carrot, Charred Broccoli, Hispi Cabbage, and Sage & Onion Crumb. Get yourself to Embers for a Sunday session soon!

Sunday review: Your Sunday Glow up at Embers.

Innovative cocktails

Embers boasts a talented team of cocktail bartenders who can craft a wonderful variety of cocktails designed to compliment the smoky flavours of the food. In-house specials include El Fuego, a mix of rum, passionfruit, and pineapple, the Embers Old Fashioned featuring Embers Rum and bitters, and the Cadillac Jo’ Margarita with mezcal, chilli, and lime. 

RB LOVES the theatre associated with the open fire cooking at Embers Brighton. Taking a seat at the counter opposite head chef Dave is a joy to behold, set against a backdrop of industrial chic that feels like something out of Mad Max. You’ll get a prime view of the mixologist at work, see what’s being cooked, encourage you to choose more dishes, and enjoy friendly conversations with the team. It’s arguably the best dining spot in the city! 

The Essentials at Embers Brighton

• Kid Friendly

Kids are welcome at Embers at any time of day. They’ll love the busy vibe, the excitement of the live-fire cooking and the delicious kids menu and special kids mocktails. 

• Dog Friendly

Dogs who enjoy the smells of delicious food cooking in a busy, lively restaurant will love Embers. There are water bowls and snacks available but worth noting that the dining room is compact so owners of larger breeds might think twice…

• Accessible / Wheelchair Friendly 

The ground floor is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-user are welcome to use the ground floor loo at neighbouring venue Bohemia. 

• Parties and Group Dining

Embers in Brighton is perfect for your special occasion with tables suitable for groups from 8 to 18 people and a range of set menus to suit. It may also be possible to hire the whole venue. Contact Embers directly for more information.

Community and Sustainability

Dave and Isaac source local Sussex suppliers whenever possible, and one of their most crucial partners is Mark Salanson. Based in Hassocks, Mark operates a lumber yard and supplies the logs that cook all the food, warm the plates, and heat the venue. An old-school perfectionist, Mark uses only ash and beech, kiln-drying them on-site before bringing them to Brighton. This meticulous process takes around 4 to 7 days, depending on the weather, and Mark ensures that no log leaves his yard until its moisture content is perfect.