Petit Pois – French Tapas in Brighton’s Lanes
Petit Pois Brighton is located in the famous Ship Street, steps away from the bustling seafront and historic Lanes. This French bistro-style formula is something a bit different in a city with lots of dining options.
Lucy tries takeout
When’s the last time you sat down to a three-course dinner? A proper, relaxed evening meal when you chose exactly what you wanted from the menu, rather than compromising with the rest of your household? Or, even better, you treated yourself if you’re dining solo? The new ‘Menu Delivered’ service from Petis Pois allows you to do just that. Hidden away on Ship Street, this French bistro serves classics with a twist, and the menu is divided into nibbles (starters), meat, fish, veggie dishes and sides, just as it would be if you were dining in-house.
Last Friday, my partner Tommy and I ordered a three-course treat. Starting with ‘nibbles’, I chose the goats cheese croquettes, which were golden, crisp and filled with salty, warm cheese. Tommy went for duck rillettes with toasted sourdough and pickles. After crisping up the bread with a few seconds in the toaster, he smothered the rillettes (a bit like pulled duck pate) onto the toast and topped it with cornichons. Portions are generous, so there was plenty for me to try too.
For mains, I chose one of my all-time favourites: Bouillabaisse. A meal in itself, my stew was packed with big chunks of hake and plaice, with shell-on mussels, salty samphire and potato, crowned with a huge tiger prawn. The broth was thick, rich and deeply savoury – no need for extra seasoning here. I also ordered a mixed salad, which included sweet chunks of red and yellow beetroot, and a zappy house dressing. Tommy ordered the pork belly, which was melt-in-the-mouth soft with perfectly crispy crackling. It came with roast garlic mash, greens and gravy, which was served in a pot on the side.
For dessert, I opted for crème caramel, which had bitter-sweet runny caramel as well as crunchy caramel pieces. Tommy chose a twist on a strawberry cheesecake: a sponge-like base, cheesecake filling, big strawberry chunks and strawberry gel topping – a perfect finish for summer dining.
Menu Delivered is available lunchtimes and evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (12-3pm and 6-9pm). You can order through Deliveroo, or collect direct from Petits Pois restaurant – to place a collection order, call 01273 911 211. Everything arrives hot and ready to eat, so you could even grab your paper bag and take it the beach (just don’t forget the cutlery).
A dream come true – Petit Pois Brighton
Husband and wife team, David and Ivana were formerly Head Chef and front of house at nearby Riddle and Finns, before achieving their life long dream of opening their own restaurant. Together they serve up a carefully curated menu inspired by well-known French classics, with a modern twist.
Quality dining without the price tag
Petit Pois is a well-known foodie destination in the city, where quality, professionally cooked dishes, impeccable service and an entirely French, handpicked, wine list all come at affordable and very competitive prices.
Something for everyone at Petit Pois Brighton
The menu boasts a wide range of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes with a couple of vegan options to cater to the Brighton dining scene in full. Each section on the menu has plenty of dishes to choose from, with four choices in each of the main course options (meat, fish and vegetarian). From date night to family get together, Petit Pois really is a quality venue offering brilliantly executed dishes to suit all tastes.
French is best
A handpicked and well thought through wine list is another reason to visit Petit Pois in our opinion. Featuring only French wines (naturally), many of which are natural, which for us is an added bonus. The list stands out from others in Brighton showcasing France as one of the best wine producing regions in the world. Ask the front of house team for food matching recommendations to really make the most of your Petit Pois experience.
Lunch in true European style
As well as their A La Carte menu, Petit Pois also offer a set lunch menu on Mondays-Fridays, 12 pm until 7 pm. The menu changes daily, and the prices are £11 for two plates and £15 for three.
Sunday roasts
It isn’t just pubs that serve delicious roast dinners in Brighton. Petit Pois offers a four choice roast menu on Sunday’s in their cosy, welcoming restaurant. All dishes are served with duck fat roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, honey roasted carrots and red wine jus. Pre-booking essential.
Make a reservation…
- Check out Petit Pois’ full menu
- Make a reservation on 01273 911211
I’ve been to Petit Pois three times all for special occasions and couple for surprising my partner. Never disappointed! Dishes well balanced, honest portions and very good quality. The nice french twist on Sunday roast is one of the nicest things I remember of this place, all with nice ambiance, accurate wine list and great products.
I’ve just discovered they will open as a take away! This fill my heart of hope for coming back to gourmet life!
Great little restaurant, charming atmosphere
A fantastic little restaurant that is serving up French classics with a modern twist. The fish soup is to die for and such incredible value. Was very excited about the menu before I visited and was not disappointed when I ate there. Definitely worth a visit and their lunch set menu is an amazing offer
Just been to this lovely little restaurant for a pre birthday treat, fantastic company(hubby), food, service and drinks and incredibly reasonable. Unusual in the sense it is French tapas but that just makes it better as you can try more! We had frogs legs, salt cod fritters, mackerel escabeche, aged sirloin steak, artichoke barigoules, scallops followed by a trio of creme brûlée and macarons. Fantastic!! Highly recommended, we will be back!
I have been waiting for this treasure to open and it was worth it. Congratulations to an amazing place what a delight!