Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Lunch in Brighton and Hove
Our top picks
Fancy lunch in Brighton?
Lunch in Brighton has never been so amazing. Be it a pit-stop between The Lanes and the North Laine, a luxurious lunch with on Brighton seafront, or a family beach day re-fuel. There’s no shortage of choice in our foodie city. Never have a lunch fail in future, with our guide to the best lunches in Brighton and Hove.
Seafront Lunch in Brighton
A decadent lunch in Brighton, set within arguably Brighton’s best known hotel. The all-day dining menu at the stunning Cyan restaurant offers a decadent spread of seasonal plates of varying sizes. Nibbles, small plates for the grazers, large plates which are perfect for a main or for sharing and large sharing platters which offer some exquisite examples of Sussex’s finest and seasonal produce. A decadent setting for lunch in Brighton, located within the super impressive Grand Hotel Brighton.
Lucky Beach is one of those cafes that locals want to keep a secret…with its beachfront location and fresh n funky menu you’ll have to get in early to nab a seat. But it’s definitely worth a short wait in order to fill your boots with a delicious lunch or brunch on Brighton seafront, with impressive food offerings, including top-notch Brighton burgers.
Open year-round, Lucky Beach Cafe serves up some of the best cafe food in Brighton. Local, sustainable and mostly organic food and drink is served by a team of friendly staff who are keen for you to get the most out of your visit to both the cafe and Brighton!
LA indie style coffee house meets New York bar and diner. The food is of superb local quality and the decor and atmosphere cool, stylish and relaxed. If what you need at lunchtime is a big meaty burger, this is definitely a good choice. Although they feature a range of other dishes in their menu, their ‘Dirty Burger’ is fast becoming legendary as one of the best lunches in Brighton.
Offers outside seating, to gaze over at the i360, The West Pier and the Brighton Seafront.
A Brighton lunch at Shelter Hall is no slapdash affair. With seven independent restaurants serving modern cuisine, thoughtfully assembled and housed under one roof, this food hall offers the guest a culinary experience akin to no other available in the city. On dry days guests can enjoy unparalleled alfresco dining, panoramic sea views come as a fortuitous bonus with this venue. Inside you will find ample seating on the ground floor as well as mezzanine and balcony seating is also available.
The Salt Room has created such hype and a wave of excitement since hitting Brighton! The same owners as the critically acclaimed Coal Shed, they’ve created an impressive venue oozing with style and a Brighton lunch menu which tantalises the taste-buds with the freshest fish, seafood and local produce available. Make sure to check out their great deal set lunch menu.
This lively, all-around venue is situated smack bang on top of the seafront, just west of the Brighton Pier. It’s a perfect location for an alfresco lunch with friends or colleagues if you want some good, honest food in a comfortable setting with sea views you just can’t beat. Serving classic lunchtime dishes such as Brighton fish and chips, handmade Sussex burgers and sandwiches it’s a perfect spot for a lunch in Brighton, especially if you are a visitor.
Lunch in The Brighton Lanes
Discover enticing lunch options at Kindling restaurant, located in the vibrant Brighton Lanes. Their lunch menu showcases a fusion of flavours with a touch of flame, as 85% of their dishes undergo a flame-grilling process. From the menu, innovative choices include the wood-fired Cornish mackerel with fennel and orange salad, or the flame-grilled halloumi with charred vegetables. Kindling’s dedication to culinary excellence has earned them a coveted spot in the Michelin guide.
One of Brighton’s well-known pubs, The Black Lion, is situated in the heart of the Lanes just near the seafront on Black Lion Street. Not only does The Black Lion have a good reputation for a music-filled night out, but its amazing food is also an attraction to many people.
Available for lunchtime, early evening or weekend dining. The kitchen is open from 12 pm until 8pm Monday-Friday, 12pm until 7pm Saturday and 12pm-6pm on Sundays (or until the last roast is served). A wonderful option for lunch in Brighton in the centre of the Lanes. We recommend booking a table for Sundays as their popular Brighton Sunday Roasts are subject to availability and the kitchen is open until they sell out. You can also enjoy your food in their heated Brighton beer garden.
Voted the best restaurant in Brighton in 2022. Situated in the Old Coach House on Middle Street, Burnt Orange boasts a luxuriously decked out restaurant and secluded sunlit courtyard (sun permitting). Burnt Orange mixes comfort with quality and serves up seasonal small plates and creative cocktails, plus a well-curated wine list to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Be prepared to block out your afternoon if you do go for Brighton lunch here, Burnt Orange has a habit of making you eat a little slower, talk a little longer and sip a little deeper. Sounds like a great idea right?
The Coal Shed on Boyce’s Street has been a popular destination for over 10 years and was the first of it’s kind to introduce the Josper grill for chargrilled sealed in flavour and exquisite meats.
At lunchtime you can enjoy two or three courses from the a la carte menu (£20/ £24) from 12 – 4pm Monday to Saturday. Making it an affordable option on a luxury Brighton lunch in the Lanes.
The Brighton lunch menu at the Coal Shed is great value, likewise their early evening menu is very affordable.
Serving ‘award winning’ South Indian Street food, the Curry Leaf Cafe is an innovative option for Brighton’s food scene. A relaxed, modern cafe, it’s the perfect place for a Brighton lunch if you fancy something a little bit different.
The menu is a fantastic range of fusion style dishes, catering for all tastes. And as with any good Southern Indian cuisine, there’s plenty of great craft beers on offer to go with it.
Curry Leaf Cafe give you a wonderful option to for a Brighton lunch too, if you want their food delivered to your office.
When it comes to lunch in the Lanes, Vios Cafe is your ultimate Mediterranean oasis. Founded by Greek brothers Constantine and Philippos, their meze is unrivalled. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of Greece as you relax on their sunny terrace. Savour their loaded sourdough and mouth watering toasties, in addition to their authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Accompanied by Greek wine and traditional ouzo or tsipouro, let Vios Cafe transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean, right in the heart of Brighton.
Brighton’s oldest pub, it’s no wonder they host Brighton’s Ghost walk here. Having established in the 1500’s it certainly has a lot of history to learn and to wonder about. Over the years it has increased its reputation for a food pub, and now boasts a mouth-watering menu filled with quality, home-cooked food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Great for a cosy, Brighton pub lunch. A top spot to watch the world go by and see the energy and characters Brighton has to offer.
Lost in the Lanes cafe bar and restaurant, tucked away in Nile Street, is open seven days a week. Offering breakfast and lunch everyday plus dinner service every Saturday night. All food is made using fresh, local ingredients, with an emphasis on simplicity and seasonality. Head Chef Sophie Taverner has worked in Michelin and Mediterranean restaurants and always delivers something creative and unexpected, from Sussex Lamb to Ribollita.
The décor is contemporary, stylish and accessible. Expertly mixed Brighton cocktails and a well thought out wine list make Lost in the Lanes a delightful find for leisurely Brighton lunches while visiting Brighton’s famed shopping area. Offering small plates and great alfresco dining in their cosy cobbled enclave too! Bookings advised at www.lostinthelanes.com
Open from midday daily the Rum Kitchen brings the taste of the Caribbean to the shores of Sussex. The food at Rum Kitchen is all freshly made – think jerk barbecue, burgers, spicy chicken wings and plenty of veggie and vegan options. There are also specialist rum-based cocktail offers daily until 7pm. Rum Kitchen is situated in the heart of the Lanes and a short walk from the seafront – perfect for a lunch visit if you’ve been shopping or catching some rays on the beach.
On the list of our favourite lunch spots in town, Petit Pois Brighton French restaurant offers a set menu Monday-Friday from 12 pm – 7 pm that is well worth checking out. Ex-head chef of Riddle and Finns, David Roy, now heads up the kitchen here alongside his wife, Ivana, leading Front of House. French classics with a modern twist is what to expect at Petit Pois. Think market fish with bouillabaisse and pork belly with garlic mash (menu changes daily, these are examples only).
‘Where vegetarianism is an indulgence, not abstinence’, Terre Terre has been changing views about vegetarian cuisine for decades. Their imaginative and contemporary cuisine has won them Michelin Guide approval and the team at Terre a Terre have proven that their expertise can really push the boundaries of traditional cooking by creating the most exciting and delicious dishes. A lunchtime experience to behold, vegetarian or not. In January 2023 they were voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world for vegans, by the Financial Times.
With an almost fanatical following, MOSHIMO is a Japanese restaurant seen by many in the city as a Brighton institution. It’s the city’s original conveyor-belt sushi bar serving handmade and sustainable sushi with a hot food menu, perfect for a light Brighton lunch. All fish is the highest grade and sourced as locally as possible so you can be sure you are doing your bit for sustainability.
Indulge in Permit Room’s diverse lunch options—salads, chaat, and flavourful curries, satisfying your cravings day and night. We enjoyed an RB work lunch featuring the Spicy Chicken Puff, Crispy Spinach Chaat, and Cauliflower Moilee curry with a side of fresh naan. For vegans, vegetarians, and meat enthusiasts, there’s a variety to choose from.
A Brighton lunch at Post House is a must. Their beautifully curated sharing plates menu is elegant and exciting. The dishes are made from the best in local and seasonal ingredients, they are presented with beautiful consideration and offer delicious explosions of flavour. Enjoy modern cuisine in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes and because they are made for sharing you can order more than one dish!
You can enjoy the Asian flavours of Umami Nation at The Mes from Monday to Friday. Think American dishes like burgers and fries infused with Asian flavours and ingredients. You’ll find kimchi-loaded fries, beautifully fluffy Bao buns and some seriously tasty noodles and salads to tuck into. Being located in the heart of the Lanes makes The Mes an ideal place to stop off for lunch – the only thing is you might not want to leave!
Coppa Club has arrived in Brighton and brings a whole new vibe to town when it comes to all-day-dining. Choose from either the brunch or all-day menu, giving endless choice no matter who you visit with. Swing by for a 1 pm Brighton pancake stack after a busy day has made you skip breakfast, or stay for the long run catching up with a group of friends over a few bottles of wine from their expertly chosen list.
A great option for a Brighton lunch stop.
Lunch in The North Laine area
Open from midday daily, Al Duomo serves freshly made authentic Italian food. It’s a perfect spot to stop for a quick, or leisurely, lunch. In the summer months enjoy dining alfresco with their suntrap terrace and views into the Pavillion Gardens. Seafood is something of a speciality for Al Duomo, using locally and freshly landed catches. Finish your meal off with some of their delicious gelato, which is also made in-house.
Open from midday daily, Al Duomo serves freshly made authentic Italian food. It’s a perfect spot to stop for a quick, or leisurely, lunch. In the summer months enjoy dining alfresco with their suntrap terrace and views into the Pavillion Gardens. Seafood is something of a speciality for Al Duomo, using locally and freshly landed catches. Finish your meal off with some of their delicious gelato, which is also made in-house.
What better way to enjoy the exquisite contemporary tasting menu at Furna restaurant Brighton than over a long, leisurely lunch, with great wine from the outstanding cellar. Using nothing but the finest seasonal ingredients, chef-patron Dave Mothersill’s cooking is inspired by his childhood memories, family and travels. The ever changing menu exemplifies the best of modern British cuisine meaning lunch at Furna is sure to be unforgettable.
Situated just on Trafalgar Street in the North Laine is the relaxed, chic, Mange Tout Bistro. Driven by a desire to use local and fresh ingredients with real cooking and authentic taste, you can expect a varying menu replenished daily on their ceiling-high blackboard, as well as a stable of brunch and small plates served until 3 pm. If you haven’t got to rush back to the office this is a great spot for some people watching with their outdoor seating area and a fine selection of low intervention organic wines.
Open for lunch seven days a week MEATliquor on York Place is ready to grant your indulgent lunchtime dreams. The cult burger joint has a tongue-in-cheek offering that highlights the owner’s creativity and sense of humour. As fun as it is devilishly delicious the tantalising menu of burgers, sides, sauces and beverages make for a very tempting lunchtime treat. MEATliquor also offers lunch deals, so you can get more bang for your buck here on selected days.
Lavash restaurant in central Brighton is perfectly located for lunch while out and about in town. It’s an independent family owned restaurant serving superb quality Middle Eastern street food. You can grab and go, or stay in and dine with a menu of freshly prepared delicious favourites such as falafel and hummus wrap, grilled halloumi and tzatziki, lamb kofta shish, chicken shawarma and many more. Everything is prepared fresh, to order and using quality ingredients for authentic flavour. They’re also available for delivery on UberEats if your kebab craving and workload are at odds with one another.
Tinto Taperia is open every day for you to enjoy a lunch of exquisite Spanish cuisine. Enjoy Brighton tapas, paella made to order and stunning seasonal specials. Located in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine and next door to The Theatre Royal, this charming, contemporary restaurant offers a lively lunchtime setting. Should you wish to indulge in Spanish liquors and wines with your lunch then you’re in the right place to do so.
Lunch like the Italian, with delicious small plates, quality drinks and impeccable hospitality. Tutto Brighton offers a little slice of Italy in the heart of our city and knowing the ‘art of Italian dining’ this is something you’re going to want a slice of! Set in a 1930’s banking building, with chic and classic interiors, Tutto’s appearance matches its elevated offering. You can enjoy a selection of small plates or let the chef decide for you by opting for the ‘taste of Tutto’ set menu. There’s alfresco dining available at both the front and the back of the restaurant and a wine list that’s well worth returning for.
La Choza has been causing quite a stir! They invite potential diners to ‘drop in and enjoy affordable, healthy, tasty slow-cooked Mexican street food.’ The menu is simple and uncomplicated as the fresh and vibrant ingredients speak for themselves. They also have a venue on Church Road in Hove.
Starting out in London in 2008, Brighton now boasts a popular Franco Manca. The emphasis is on good quality ingredients cooked in the traditional methods by chefs from Naples. Don’t expect fancy toppings and a huge menu – Franco Manca is keeping it simple and authentic. A perfect stop if you’re going for a quick lunch with its efficient service, good prices and being sourdough, it’s easy on your gut so you won’t feel sluggish after this pizza!
Calling itself a Boho Bistro, Kooks is situated in a prime spot in the North Laine. Keeping things simple with a touch of the inventive you won’t find tiny portions or any type of foams or glaze here, but just good honest food served in a down to earth setting. And not forgetting some great music to listen to as the owner, Tim Healey, is a talented musician and creates his own playlists for the restaurant.
Kemptown & Hanover
Set sea facing in Kemptown and serving lunch to the dinner menu of internationally inspired small plates, DaddyLonglegs has something that will tickle every taste. The menu changes bi-weekly so only expect the same great quality when you return (which you will) as the dishes will be different. If you’re looking for a lunch time tipple then their natural wine list should have you salivating. Dining alfresco? Then head to the back of the restaurant to discover their exceptional lawned beer garden, which is the perfect spot to catch some lunchtime sunrays.
Discover the unforgettable lunch experience at Dilsk, the pioneering Brighton restaurant that champions sustainable ethics and progressive cooking practices. Located in Drakes Hotel, Dilsk offers a relaxed fine dining atmosphere with impeccable attention to detail and masterful culinary flair. The five-course tasting menu is available for £55, while the full 10-course menu costs £95, with both options showcasing seasonal ingredients from Sussex. Immerse yourself in the gastronomic adventure and complement your meal with the tantalising cocktail menu, wine flights, or exceptional alcohol-free range. Come hungry and allow Dilsk to guide you through their outstanding dishes.
Looking for a delightful lunch spot in Brighton? Look no further than FUMI! FUMI is located a stone through from Kemptown, just one road back from Edward Street and in the new Circus Quarter of the city. This cultural hotspot offers a lunchtime experience that will tantalise your taste buds with their stunning bento boxes. From 12 PM to 4 PM, immerse yourself in FUMI’s lunch menu, featuring an array of flavourful options. Indulge in the artfully crafted sushi rolls, vibrant rice bowls, and delectable bento boxes. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, FUMI’s inviting atmosphere and exceptional menu selection make it the perfect choice. Elevate your lunch break with a culinary journey at FUMI in Brighton.
Serving from 7 am-5 pm, Redroaster is the place to go if you’re looking for a sophisticated lunch. With exciting dishes from their talented team, you’ll find dishes like his epic Chicken Kiev with Black Garlic, Charred Gem & Onion Hash, alongside many brunch favourites with a twist. Redroaster’s a great spot for a Brighton alfresco lunch with it being South facing, or take a seat in their sleek, botanical style cafe.
Starfish & Coffee is located right next to the beautiful Queens Park in Brighton and specialises in brunch, pastries, homemade cakes and excellent tea & coffee. At Starfish & Coffee, they ensure all ingredients used are of the highest quality and at their peak of freshness. From pancakes with bacon & maple syrup to a luxurious eggs Benedict or a big slice of fresh homemade cake.
This is a multiple award winning venue close to Hanover in Brighton.
Find Nanima Kitchen and Cafe in Kemptown Village, serving the freshest, most delicious lunches daily. The family team behind this delightfully personable cafe take pride in the nutritious and flavourful pan-Asian dishes that they serve – and rightly so. The daily changing menu is served canteen style, which means you build your perfect lunch, adding sides and sauces as you go. There are always meat-based and vegetarian mains along with rice and noodles to choose from. Arrive early enough and you’ll get to enjoy their Asian inspired sandwiches – but hurry because once they’re they’re gone.
Pizza for lunch? Why not, it’s fast, filling and at Purezza it’s 100% vegan. Purezza has been on its spot on St James’ Street since 2015 as the UK’s first entirely vegan pizzeria. Their secret recipe for plant-based mozzarella and authentic sourdough bases have earned them numerous national and local awards. For weekday lunchtimes they offer a slightly smaller pizza and a paired back menu of five options at just £5 each. A quick and efficient Brighton lunch.
Seven Dials / Brighton station area
The Chimney House has everything a ‘proper pub’ should and more. The food is proper ‘pub grub’ but delivered in a polished way and created using the finest quality, local ingredients. They sell local jams and chutneys on the bar and have a selection of interesting art on the walls. The menu changes seasonally and the kitchen is open plan so you can watch the chefs as they work.
Small Batch Coffee Roasters are renowned for their coffee through Brighton, Hove and beyond. While picking up your favourite lunchtime caffeinated pick-me-up, you can also grab a tasty sandwich, salad, pastry or savoury all made fresh thanks to their Small Batch Bakery and Kitchen. Three of the shops (Goldstone Villas, Norfolk Square and Seven Dials) also have kitchens, so you can enjoy a freshly made all-day brunch (or lunch if you’ve already had breakfast, they don’t discriminate).
Serving up lunch and dinner in the thriving heart of Seven Dials is the talented team of Space and Thyme at The Good Companions. The kitchen is open from noon until 9.30 pm Monday to Saturday (changing to an evening menu at 5.00 pm) and roasts on Sunday. This spacious pub, restaurant and garden offers a range from light bites and sandwiches to full classics with a 2 for 1 offer on burgers Monday to Wednesday lunchtime and a good selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and options.
London Road / North Brighton
100% vegan, the menu at Smorl’s Kitchen is dedicated to all things chickpea. From delicious pitta’s filled with earthy homemade falafel to huge salad bowls filled to the brim with goodness. Why not try their famous warming spicy falafel-based Bolognese, served with oven-roasted Hasselback sweet potatoes? Or their seasonal Waffalafel? A falafel and waffle combo with stuffed mushrooms, shakshuka, and aubergine puree.
Another favourite of ours is a slice of the savoury Mezze cake, made up of layers of falafel, pitta bread, houmous, butternut squash, courgette, carrot and beetroot, sun-dried tomato, spiced bulgur wheat, and caramelised onions.
Being only open for lunch on Saturdays means daytime visits to Kitgum are limited to one day per week, so if you love them or need to try them you’ll need to book to secure your table. Serving Gujarati and East Africa inspired small plates, local beverages and heaps of upbeat lushness, this lively restaurant is packed with charm, buzzing with energy and infused with the delicious smells from the open kitchen.
Lost Boys Land on London Road is the chicken shop for the discerning adult who refuses to grow up. Open from midday on Wednesdays through to Saturdays they serve Southern buttermilk soaked chicken, that completely reimagines the chicken shop experience. Homemade sauces in a range of flavours and heat crown the experience where you’ll be offered the option to dunk, drizzle or drench, depending on how saucy you want your lunch break to be!
A friendly café on York Place, a stone’s throw from London Road. Great for breakfast, brunch and lunch, providing a huge range of dishes including a wide ‘free from’ range. Their coffee is amazing and to go with it they always have a tempting range of homemade cakes. If you just want a quick bite in your lunch hour or a relaxed, leisurely lunch with friends Moksha is a great choice.
Carlito Burrito is as authentic as you can get. The food, the vibrant décor and the warm and lively atmosphere. Big on quality, authenticity and freshness, their tacos are homemade every day, the chilli’s imported from Mexico and quality Sussex produce. If you like the variety and the act of sharing, the tapas are the way to go. With a classic Margherita and Churros to finish, what more could you want.
Brighton Marina
The Cherry tree is an independent café situated in the inner harbour at Brighton Marina with a lovely warm atmosphere and lots of sun-drenched outside seating. Serving traditional brunch/lunch options such as eggs benedict and a variety of sandwiches, The Cherry Tree also offers weekend specials that vary throughout the seasons – think mac n cheese in the winter and fresh salads in the warmer months.
Positioned perfectly on the waterfront with views over the bobbing yachts, The Watershed is open from midday for lunch. The kitchen is run by Space + Thyme creating fresh high-quality meals using local produce. The daytime menu has pub classics, small plates and sharing platters.
Hove
For a lunch that’s worth venturing over the Brighton border from head to Baked. The inviting, family-friendly, neighbourhood cafe is enviably set on the sunny side of the street, on a south-facing corner of Church Road, Hove. Whether it’s a lite lunch with a side coffee you’re after or a leisurely cocktail accompanied luncheon with friends, Baked provides both. Being just a short stroll from the idyllic Hove coastline, the cafe provides the perfect setting for resting after a seaside stroll.
When it comes to lunch, Cin Cin in Hove is an excellent place to visit. This award-winning neighbourhood restaurant boasts modern interiors and open bar seating – perfect for a work lunch or a leisurely meal. Their menu changes monthly with the seasons, so you can expect something new with each visit. The lunch menu is served from Thursday to Saturday, 12-3pm, and offers a two or three-course set menu. We are excited about trying the Taglierini with shellfish sauce, tomato, and preserved lemon, followed by the Honeycomb ice cream affogato for our next lunch!
Hove’s modern grill restaurant, Carne, is open from Thursday-Sunday for lunch. Whether you’re looking for a steak lunch, a quality burger or fish dish there’s something for everyone – including vegetarian options. You’ll find Carne along Hove’s busy Church Road which is a short walk from the seafront – perfect for an after-lunch stroll. Carne is the restaurant to go to for a sophisticated lunch or relax on one of their sofas in the lounge with a drink – the coffee is great. The ingredients and produce are locally and ethically sourced. The beef is all British and the highest quality – there’s specialist equipment such as the ‘synergy grill’ and age-drying cabinet to bring out the best flavours. The restaurant has been decorated with sleek and modern interiors including dark wood and cushioned seating to give an air of opulence throughout your visit. You’ll always be warmly greeted when visiting Carne.
Starting at 12pm, Jo and Co in Hove offers their full menu, featuring an array of delightful salads and sandwiches perfect for a light lunch. The Asparagus, Broccoli, and Halloumi Salad presents a fresh and flavourful option, while the Philly Steak Sandwich, complete with sliced steak, onions, raclette cheese, and mustard mayo on toasted sourdough, promises a mouthwatering choice. Additionally, their lunch menu includes a variety of mains and sharers to cater to different preferences and appetites.
When you’re in the mood for a grazing lunch as a means to catch up with friends, there are few better options than a cheese and charcuterie board paired with some quality wine. Cases Curds and Whey on Western Road is the coming together of two city juggernauts; The Great British Charcuterie and L’Atelier du Vin. Mingling together for your delight, here you’ll find the very finest artisan cheese and meats from small British producers using traditional preserving methods and a fine wine selection spanning all budgets and occasions. This is simple lunch, done exceptionally.
Set aside two to three hours for nine-course lunchtime dining at etch. Or dip your toes in with the “Introduction to etch.” four-course tasting menu. Dining here offers an unparalleled experience to others in the city and is a culinary journey of excellence that simply can’t be rushed. Expect the best at etch, over the four or nine courses of innovative tasting plates that will take you to new culinary heights. The restaurant is stylish, sophisticated yet unpretentious with service that is fit for a king.
Fourth and Church offer a set lunch sharing menu which offers excellent value for money. It runs every day from Wednesday to Saturday with five-course at just £20 per person. Their style is classic and ingredient-led, fusing traditional and modern cooking techniques to elevate the quality of produce. Natural, low-yield and organic wines are a speciality of theirs, making lunch here one best coupled with a glass of something special.
One of our favourites is the Hove Place Bistro pub and Gardens. Their great big heated gardens are as great as ever. Perfect for enjoying lunch with a drink in the sun, either choose from their modern pub menu, opt for a freshly made focaccia roll, or share a Deli Board which celebrates local produce. The Sunday roasts are extremely popular so be sure to book in advance. A good venue all year round, but particularly when the weather is nice enough to enjoy lunch in the garden.
The George Payne in Hove is a light and roomy community pub with a menu of modern pub food that’s freshly prepared in-house. They’re dog friendly and child friendly making them a good meeting place to catch up with friends and family. The kitchen serves from 12pm daily and offers pepper the menu with affordable weekday eats. The large garden makes The George Payne a good daytime destination in warmer weather.
The beauty of Market’s menu is the wide choice of tapas and small plates ideally designed for sharing. Choose as you wish from the Butcher, Greengrocer, Fishmonger, Cheesemonger and Baker.
Each header houses four dishes and there’s enough scope to enjoy a light lunch – just order as many plates as you see fit. Prices range from £3 to £9. Tuesday to Thursday they offer a menu del dia, which includes three dishes for £12. They also offer a super selection of meats and cheeses from The Market Deli. The Chef’s Board offers a taster and at £20 is big enough for two or even three to share, you can’t go wrong!
Open from 10am daily and serving food from noon, Paris Wine Bar in Hove is a popular spot among locals for its modern British tapas menu and an extensive list of quality wines. The atmosphere throughout the bar is cosy and conducive to sticking around for the long haul, grazing your way through both the wine and food menus. At the back of the bar is a large garden area that’s shielded from the elements and the hustle and bustle of Church Road.
Perfect for lunch, the menu at Nostos is set up in sections – Starters, salads, sides, spreads and mains. Choose a few salads for a late summer lunch with friends, or some starters to share along with some spreads at a working lunch with colleagues. Due to the nature of Greek cuisine, dining at Nostos is also a very healthy option as the menu here is very vegetable led, perfect for those mid-week guilt-free meal times.
Dining at Pesca is an experience that can be enjoyed until 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Their all-day menu offers homemade Italian cuisine. Here you’ll find perfect pasta, antipasti and mains like fresh fish and succulent steak. If you’re looking for something special at exceptional value then their lunchtime two-course set menu with wine should be just the ticket and really when the pasta is this good you might find your booking back in for dinner!
The Poets Ale and Smokehouse serves food daily from 12pm. The menu celebrates feel-good food that’s locally sourced with an emphasis on their in-house butchery and smokery. You’ll find classics done well with extra oomph here, such as loaded nachos or fries with BBQ pulled pork or brisket chilli, beef brisket hog burger with beef steak patty and BBQ pulled pork and smoked chicken shish. The BBQ sharing plates and meaty sharing platters are an indulgent feast fresh off Head Chef Mark’s hand picks of the best seasonal and local meat and game. It’s not all meat mayhem here, you’ll find some well considered veggie and vegan options as well as a kids’ menu of easy pleasers. On Sundays, the classic lunch (served until 8pm) gets the smokehouse treatment and receives high local praise.
If you’re looking for a spot of lunchtime luxury then Rockwater is a great option. Located on Hove’s stunning seafront, the multi-venue houses an array of fantastic all-day restaurants, cafes and bars. From the top, the terrace serves seafood and Asian inspired small plates and sharing plates. The bar and kitchen, on the first floor, serve gastro-classic dishes and both have fantastic beverage options. On the lawn, you’ll find both the lodge and bar where pizza and burgers are available. When the weather is on your side you can dine or grab a bite to go from one of the six shacks by the sea, where the offering changes with the seasons.
The Stirling Arms pub in Hove is tucked away off the main thoroughfare of Church Road and is a good escape destination if you’re looking to relax over lunch with some peace and quiet. They serve a menu of quality Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on locally landed fish and butchered meats. Their drink offering (if you’re looking for a wet lunch) is quality, with a good selection of wines, premium spirits and Cask Marque Ales. Children are welcome until 8pm and dogs are welcome until closing. The newly revamped terrace is a suntrap throughout the summer days, enhancing that Mediterranean feel of your lazy lunch even more.
The Railway Inn in Portslade is a popular community pub that’s family and dog friendly. It’s a large, open and light space with a rear garden, a well-stocked bar and friendly team. The food is Mexican and Asian street food with some pub classic options in there too, so there’s likely to be something for everyone. The Railway Inn has regular weekday meal and drink offers that make for some tasty lunchtime savings. There’s also a kids menu which offers both easy pleasers and something a bit more adventurous.
The Urchin craft beer and shellfish pub is a wholly unique concept. Entirely dedicated to shellfish, matched with a range of over 100 craft beers the Urchin is something Brighton has never seen before. Seats 30 covers in the restaurant, the menu predominantly features prawns, lobster, crab and scallops.
Whether you’re seeking a casual and well-priced weekend lunch spot to catch up with friends or a weekday meeting venue, Wabi Sabi restaurant in Hove has got you covered. From 12pm – 3pm daily (apart from Monday), they serve their lunch bento boxes tailored to satisfy your lunchtime cravings. These bento boxes offer a light and satisfying lunch, featuring a combination of rice, salad, and miso soup. To suit different dietary preferences, Wabi Sabi offers a choice between chicken, fish, or a vegan option, making sure there’s something to please everyone. So, whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely lunch or the perfect lunch break spot, Wabi Sabi’s lunch bento boxes are an excellent idea.
The Farm Tavern in Hove serves delicious Eastern European small plates which served Thursday through to Saturdays. These are the perfect accompaniment to your drinks and to share with friends. We love the sound of the Pierogi Dumplings or the Duck Breast with Sour Cherry Sauce. Or of course, if it’s a Sunday lunch you’re after then you’ll want to read about theirs here.
Wild Flor cater for lunchtime diners that seek relaxed elegance at a great value. They have curated a set menu that mirrors the sophisticated setting. With it being situated on the Church Road, it’s easily accessible and invites its guests to fully relax whilst they dine, so whether you’re on a sit down and dine lunch break or refuelling from a Saturday city shopping trip you’ll be sure to leave feeling all the benefits of their first class hospitality.
Little, authentic Italian restaurant on Western Rd Hove. Rustic and uncomplicated, Morelli Zorelli’s provides a true Italian experience. The artisan pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven in front of you. The dough balls are prepared and refreshed every day using authentic ingredients flown over from Italy. Cater for gluten-free and vegan.
Neapolitan pizzeria Fatto a Mano, serve traditional wood-fired
Sussex
CrabShack, in Worthing, is a family owned and run seafood restaurant and beach bar with a large terrace overlooking the sea. The shack is a great pitstop for lunch as it’s warm and welcoming, with a variety of fishy dishes to suit your hunger on the day. The restaurant serves lunch Tuesday to Sunday with the last booking being at 3pm, before they prep for dinner service. Summer is busy most of the time so do book ahead.
The Cricketers in Worthing offers a delectable lunchtime food menu, available from 12-4pm. Whether you prefer a light bite or a heartier meal, their menu has something for everyone. Enjoy mouthwatering options like the classic Fish Finger Ciabatta, the flavorful Chicken Caesar Wrap, or the comforting Baked Jacket Potato topped with your choice of filling.
Serving lunch between 12 pm – 3:30 pm Mannings Health has a well thought out menu of lunchtime offerings for you to enjoy alongside the epic views of the vineyard and the golf course. With wines from the family South African estate, and their own UK wines joining the menu soon. The cheese fondue has caught our eye.
Head to Hurstpierpoint, explore the countryside, peruse the many treasure troves along the chocolate box highstreet and check in to Morleys Bistro for lunch. A sophisticated and stylish countryside restaurant that serves a menu of French inspired dishes, offers a superb wine list and cocktails that you’d swap out dessert for.
Just fifteen minutes outside of Brighton in the picturesque village of Hurstpierpoint, The New Inn is a gastropub with a wonderful menu of modern and classic lunches, a major feature of which is their use of local Trenchmore beef and a Josper grill, largely regarded as the best grill in the industry. Beer and wines are also a celebration of things local with wines from Albourne Estate just a short distance up the road. The menu features weekly specials including a weekly vegan special.
North of Hurstpierpoint you’ll find a charming pub called the Sportsman. Known for its warm, hospitable service, exceptional food offering and bountiful selection of cask ales. The food served here is of an exceptional standard, by using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients they’ve ensured that the menu of gastropub favourites is of the highest quality.
Experience a delightful lunch at The Fig Tree in Sussex. Their lunch offering presents a choice of two or three exquisite courses, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. Indulge in dishes such as roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, followed by a delectable pan-seared sea bass with citrus butter. The Fig Tree welcomes guests for lunch on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, allowing you to enjoy their culinary delights during the day. Lunch serving times are midday until 2pm.
Wine and dine your lunchtime away in Sussex in the Tasting Rooms at Rathfinny wine estate. From Wednesday to Sunday guests can enjoy the Michelin awarded, weekly changing three-course menu of modern cuisine, alongside the stunning views of the vineyard and sip on the fruits of its yield in the process.
The Wheatsheaf serves up modern gastro pub cooking with a European fusion and a dash of South American colour thrown in for good measure. Seasonal food is served in a venue well equipped for all seasons, with a beer garden, light, airy dining and cosy fire. Keep up to date with their special offers, such as lunchtime set menus, on their website.
One of our favourites is the Hove Place Bistro pub and Gardens. Recently the food has improved, it has had a bit of a facelift and their great big gardens are as great as ever. Good venue all year round, particularly when it’s nice and warm for their garden. A Hove stalwart in an area that needed a decent pub and now they have one.
Wingrove House in the village of Alfriston on the outskirts of Brighton, boasts 19th-century colonial style, manicured gardens and seasonal menus. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch. There is a 2-course lunch available from Monday to Saturday and a 2 or 3-course dinner, also available daily.
