Plateau Brighton

Why you’ll like Plateau:

For more than a decade, Plateau Brighton has been the definitive place in Brighton for natural wines and inventive cocktails. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in November 2025, the Brighton restaurant and bar holds the proud distinction of being the first natural wine bar outside of London.

A Coastal Classic: The Inventive Charms of Plateau Brighton

While that pioneering spirit still holds true, Plateau is now firmly established as one of the city’s best destinations for creative small plates and thoughtful modern European cookery. Its early reliance on simple charcuterie is a thing of the past; now, a short, sophisticated french inspired menu bursting with high-quality ingredients defines the experience. It is a relaxed, casual space that excels at delivering complexity with clarity, making it the perfect spot for an intimate date, a celebratory meal or every day dining. The emphasis on ethics, sustainability, and quality shines through every dish and every glass, earning its permanent place at the top of the Brighton and Hove dining scene.

The Food at Plateau: Small Plates, Big Flavours

The kitchen ethos at Plateau Brighton is built on sharing, using locally sourced, high-quality, and fresh organic produce whenever possible. The menu changes regularly, ensuring seasonal deliciousness, but always maintains a strong, inventive edge.

Plateau’s short, regularly changing menu focuses on inventive modern European small plates built on high-quality ingredients. Expect inspired pairings that elevate the classics. Must-try starters include the signature whipped cod’s roe (taramasalata) paired with the spicy, verdant notes of zhoug, and the elegant hand-cut beef tartare. Heartier options showcase seasonal richness, such as the roasted duck with damson plum or the Sussex pork chop finished with café de Paris butter. Even simple dishes shine, like the wonderfully comforting baked mushroom rice with salted ricotta or the rustic green salad featuring robust English and Japanese leaves. The menu promises fresh, delicious sharing and sophistication.

The Wine & Cocktails: Natural, Inventive, and Award-Winning

If wine is your thing, Plateau is unparalleled. Much research has gone into compiling an exclusive wine list of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines – a reflection of the restaurant’s ideology around ethics, sustainability, and quality. They offer more than 20 wines by the glass that are frequently changing, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to discover. This dedication to quality earned Plateau multiple Brighton Restaurant Awards for their food and drink offering.

However, the drinks program doesn’t stop there. The inventive cocktails are celebrated among the best in Brighton and Hove. A passionate team of bartenders uses high-quality ingredients, small-batch liqueurs, and a curated collection of spirits to mix up genuinely artisan creations. Plateau also operates as a Brighton wine shop, allowing you to purchase a bottle to take home.

The Room and Atmosphere

The intimate dining room is a truly cosy and welcoming atmosphere set over two floors. It features bare brick walls, warm wood floors, stained glass, and eye-catching floral displays. Attracting a relaxed and slightly more mature crowd, the tables are closely set, creating a convivial, European feel.

RB loves how the atmosphere is skillfully controlled by a laid-back jazz and funk soundtrack, ensuring your conversation remains private while adding to the relaxed mood.

Crucially, Plateau Brighton operates as a dynamic social space – you can grab a seat right at the bar, perfect for a spontaneous glass of wine, or settle into a window seat to watch the world go by. On the right days, you can spill out onto the pavement and enjoy the south-facing vibes of Brighton’s historic Lanes, making it an essential alfresco spot. Open seven days a week for lunch, small plates, and dinner, Plateau consistently delivers an experience that is effortlessly sophisticated and utterly delicious.

Plateau Brighton Essentials

• Pioneering Natural Wine:

Established in 2010, Plateau was the first natural wine bar to open outside of London.

• Inventive Small Plates:

Plateau Brighton features a short, regularly changing modern European menu built on high-quality, seasonal sharing plates.

• Award-Winning Drinks:

Celebrated cocktails alongside a deeply curated list of organic and biodynamic wines.

• Intimate Vibe & Vinyl:

Cosy, welcoming atmosphere defined by bar seating, window views, and a sophisticated jazz/funk soundtrack powered by their love of vinyl.

• Seven-Day Dining:

Open every day for lunch, small plates, and dinner in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes.