Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Michelin Star Restaurants Brighton and Hove, 2026
Our top picks
History has been made! Brighton and Hove finally clinches its first Michelin star in over 50 years, thanks to the visionary Maré by Rafael Cagali. This achievement marks a seismic shift for the city’s gastronomic reputation.
Maré restaurant in Hove, is a refined love letter to the sea, blending Rafael’s Brazilian heritage and Italian roots with premium Sussex produce. Expect high-concept dishes that dance with vibrant flavours and artistic precision. It is the ultimate destination for adventurous foodies seeking world-class technical cookery in a sophisticated coastal setting. A truly breathtaking win for our local independent scene and this Hove restaurant.
*The Michelin Guide to Brighton – updated 9th Feb 2026.
MICHELIN STAR ⭐️ RESTAURANTS BRIGHTON 2026 ROUND-UP
The culinary landscape of Brighton, Hove, and the wider Sussex area has undergone a spectacular transformation over the last few years, culminating in a historic 2026 for the region.
For decades, Brighton was often cited as the largest city in the UK without a Michelin Star, but that narrative has been firmly put to rest. Today, the area is a bona fide gastronomic destination, boasting a collection of starred venues across Sussex and Bib Gourmand recipients that reflect the diversity, creativity, and sheer quality of our local independent restaurant scene.
One MICHELIN STAR ⭐️ Maré by chef rafael
Claiming Brighton and Hove’s first Michelin Star in fifty years, Maré is a world-class destination. Rafael Cagali masterfully fuses his Brazilian heritage with eclectic global accents, from Mexico to Japan, all anchored by premium Sussex produce.
The vibe is effortlessly chic and modern, yet the service remains heart-warmingly personal. While the menu invites sharing, the legendary ‘baba au cachaça’ is a solo indulgence you won’t want to miss. It is coastal fine dining perfected.
Read our interview with Rafael Cagali.
Knepp Wilding Kitchen - Green MICHELIN Star ⭐
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword at Knepp Wilding Kitchen; it’s the reason they exist. Recently awarded a Green MICHELIN Star, the team is proving that hospitality sits at a vital crossroads of ecology and culture.
Born from a landscape where rewilding has boosted biodiversity by over 900%, the kitchen serves as a direct expression of the land. Founders Ned, Lia, and Alex see the award as a testament to a changing industry – one where the food system works in harmony with nature. This recognition belongs to their dedicated team and the curious diners who support their vision of a more sustainable, “wilder” future for Sussex.
Restaurant Interlude - One Michelin Star, One Green Michelin Star ⭐️
Set within the historic 240-acre Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, this intimate Sussex restaurant resides in a grand Italianate mansion. Famous for its rhododendrons and resident wallabies, the estate provides the seasonal ingredients for Chef Jean Delport’s inspired ‘Estate Experience’ tasting menu. Delport’s South African heritage is artfully woven throughout, notably in the signature carrot biltong. To complete the experience, the wine list showcases exceptional bottles from the estate’s own Benguela Cove vineyard, ensuring a truly unique, land-to-table journey.
Sussex Star - Ben Wilkinson at The Pass ⭐️
South Lodge is a stunning country house hotel currently undergoing refurbishment. Its restaurant The Pass is led by the talented Ben Wilkinson, whose calm, focused kitchen produces impeccable modern British cuisine. Guests at the high-topped tables can watch the team skillfully transform exceptional produce, such as wild fallow deer and day boat turbot, into sophisticated dishes. With flavours that build beautifully toward standout desserts, every plate is delivered with genuine pride and technical brilliance.
Gravetye Manor’s Star Is Shining ⭐️
Set within 35 acres of stunning gardens once owned by William Robinson, this quintessential country house hotel blends historic charm with a striking contemporary restaurant. The kitchen garden provides the heartbeat of the menu, with homegrown produce transformed into visually exquisite, flavourful dishes. A standout example is the garden salad – a seemingly simple yet delicious celebration of the estate’s harvest. With ornate interiors and carefully executed cooking, it offers a sophisticated dining experience that perfectly bridges the gap between heritage and modernity.
Michelin Special - etch. By Steven Edwards
Described as a ‘Michelin Special’ on the Michelin Guide and housed in an attractive former bank, etch. features an open kitchen where Steven Edwards’ ambitious, technique-driven tasting menus take centre stage. Signature dishes like the Marmite brioche and inventive ‘dippy egg’ showcase bold flavours and intriguing textures. The wine list champions Sussex producers, while the basement Ink Bar – a nod to the building’s past as a tattoo parlour – serves expert cocktails.
It’s a sophisticated, high-energy dining destination that perfectly blends local heritage with modern culinary flair.
The Bib Gourmands: Exceptional Quality and Value
While Stars grab the headlines, the Bib Gourmand- awarded for “good quality, good value cooking”- is often the category most beloved by locals. In Brighton and Hove, this category is thriving, highlighting venues that offer world-class food in a more accessible environment.
Burnt Orange remains a cornerstone of this category, offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu centered around wood-fired cooking.
The Flint House, located in the iconic Brighton Lanes, is another Bib Gourmand stalwart, famous for its counter dining and creative small plates.
For those seeking international flair, Palmito brings vibrant Latin American and Asian-influenced small plates to the table.
Cin Cin in Hove, known for authentic Italian flavours, has retained its Bib for 2026 for the ninth year. Here is what they posted on the Cin Cin Instagram.
Very proud to continue to hold our Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for a 9th year! It’s testament to the hard work and dedication Jamie Halsall and all the chef team put in all year round to maintain our consistency and commitment to modern Italian seasonal cooking. And thank you to all our customers and supporters over the years – the Bib is nice but you are the true stars.Grazie mille!
The Michelin Selection: Brighton and Hove’s Finest
The Michelin “Selected” category highlights restaurants that offer high-quality cooking and are firmly on the inspectors’ radar. This list is a testament to the depth of talent in the city.
Seafood lovers are spoilt for choice with the legendary Little Fish Market in Hove, where the focus is on the ultra-fresh catch of the day, and the innovative Dilsk, which brings a modern British touch to the seafront. Wild Flor in Hove continues to impress with its classic techniques and exceptional wine list, while Furna offers a sophisticated take on modern cuisine in a stunning setting.
While Amari showcases refined Spanish cooking and Tutto gives us smart Italian dining with ragu that changes with the season, Embers gives us smoky flavours which are perfect for sharing.
The Set remains one of the city’s most unique dining experiences, offering an intimate, chef-led journey, and The Gingerman continues its long-standing reputation for reliable, high-end modern cooking.
Not to be forgotten are the elevated pub experiences found at The Ginger Pig, proving that Brighton’s casual dining is of a world-class standard.
Beyond the City: Sussex’s Hidden Gems
The Michelin influence extends well beyond the city limits. In Lewes, Dill has earned high praise for its innovative approach, while The Ginger Fox in Henfield remains a must-visit for refined rural dining.
Further afield, The Cat Inn in West Hoathly and The Parsons Table in Arundel offer quintessential Sussex charm paired with top-tier cooking. In West Sussex, Knepp Wilding Kitchen and Chalk represent the best of “estate-to-fork” dining, focusing on conservation and sustainability.
A Scene Reaching Its Zenith
The 2026 Michelin Guide proves that the hospitality scene in Brighton, Hove, and Sussex has truly arrived. From the historic Stars at Maré to the consistently brilliant Bib Gourmand and Selected winners, the region offers a depth of talent that is hard to rival. As we celebrate this decade of growth, the message is clear: support local, choose independent, and enjoy the world-class food right on our doorstep.
