Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Preston Park Brighton - Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes
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Preston Circus and Preston Park Restaurants Guide
The area around Preston Circus and Preston Park is home to a fantastic mix of Brighton restaurants, pubs and cafés. At the heart of Preston Circus you’ll find the ever-popular Fatto A Mano, serving authentic Neapolitan pizza. Nearby, Curio Café and Bar offers creative small dishes, wine and cocktails, while just along Baker Street, close to Brighton Open Market, Bonsai Plant Kitchen delights with bold Japanese-inspired plant-based plates. Add in cosy pubs near Blaker’s Park and The Level, and the Preston Park restaurants scene has something for everyone.
Preston Park and Preston Circus
Fatto A Mano at Preston Circus was the first of three Pizzerias for this very successful group. It’s nearly always full, with dining close up — Italian style — among fellow Neapolitan pizza lovers. From freshly made dough and sauces to bold toppings, it delivers authentic Neapolitan flavour in a warm, bustling kitchen-to-table setting. Whether for a Brighton lunch, date night, or pizza with friends, it hits the mark. Located near to Preston Park, on London Road just near the Preston Circus fire station.
Tucked into Preston Circus, Curio Café Bar is a European-inspired neighbourhood spot that feels effortlessly welcoming day and night. By morning you’ll find excellent coffee from Milk Shed, pastries, and cleverly built sandwiches like the Salt Beef & Pickles or Brighton Smoked Salmon. As the day unwinds, it shifts into small plates, British charcuterie, meat-free marvels, and curated wine, wine on tap, and low-/no-alcohol options. The vibe is relaxed with good music, wine tastings, themed supper nights, and regular offers like the Street Lottery and Last Drop Sundays. Perfect for both casual gatherings and nights out.
The Cleveland Arms, tucked beside Blaker’s Park, is a family-run gem that’s far too good to be reserved just for locals. This traditional Brighton pub blends its heritage charm with a light, airy conservatory and modern touches that make it feel fresh and welcoming. On the menu, expect elevated pub classics and hearty comfort food, all cooked with care and a focus on locally sourced Sussex ingredients. With its friendly atmosphere and quality cooking, The Cleveland Arms has become a go-to for food lovers across Brighton.
The Roundhill Pub, located just a short walk from Preston Park, is Brighton’s original vegan gastropub. Nearly every dish is 100% plant-based, including their award-winning Sunday roasts. Expect inventive global small and large plates, seasonal specials, fresh bowls, and standout cocktails. The vibe is warm, bright, relaxed — a welcoming pub atmosphere with natural lighting, lush greenery, and plenty of outside seating to soak up the sun.
Just a five-minute walk from Preston Circus, Bonsai Plant Kitchen on Baker Street brings bold, inventive plant-based dining to Brighton. This stylish yet laid-back spot is all about flavour, serving creative small plates and sharing dishes that pack a punch. Inspired by Asian street food and modern cooking techniques, the menu is entirely vegan without ever feeling restrictive. Whether you’re after a lively dinner with friends or something a little different on date night, Bonsai Plant Kitchen delivers a vibrant, memorable experience full of colour and taste.
Pizza 500
Tucked away in Preston Circus, Pizza 500 is a cosy, quirky spot that delivers a big slice of authentic Italian charm. Don’t be fooled by the small space—this place serves up homemade pizzas alongside a tempting range of traditional Italian dishes. Their signature homemade Italian sausage is a standout, and the gelato is not to be missed. Warm, inviting, and full of character, Pizza 500 is the perfect little hideaway for anyone craving real Italian flavours in the heart of Brighton.
Photo credit: Pizza 500 Facebook
Lost Boys Chicken at The Joker has become a multi-award-winning Brighton institution, famed for its bold flavours and lively atmosphere. Based at the heart of The Joker pub, their menu celebrates American-style indulgence, with New York-inspired wings, stacked juicy Brighton burgers (or “sandwiches,” as they call them), and plenty of messy, crowd-pleasing sides. It’s the kind of food best shared with friends, where getting a little sauce on your hands is part of the fun. No wonder they’ve been voted #1 in the BRAVO Best Pub Grub category.
Intimate, and lively with exceptional food and service, Kitgum is one of the culinary must-tries of Brighton. Combining recipes from Gujarat and East Africa and reimagining them with a European twist. This Preston Circus restaurant has an offering that’s unique to the city. The food here comes as small plates and there’s no doubt you’ll be happy to sample more of the menu. The menu is beautifully balanced, offering 50/50 meat and veg dishes to not leave anyone out. Beverages are sourced (generally) from within a 20-mile radius and on warm days there are street-side tables available.
Kusaki, near Preston Park, is Brighton’s plant-based Japanese restaurant doing something wonderfully different. Taking its name from the Japanese word for “plants,” Kusaki blends vibrant seasonal vegetables, sushi counter highlights and botanical cocktails in a serene, light-filled space inspired by nature. Under talented chefs, the menu is creative, colourful and carefully balanced — think sharing bento at lunch, inventive small plates, and dishes that showcase texture and umami without meat or dairy. A must-visit for vegan fine casual dining in Brighton.
The Preston Park Tavern
Tucked just behind Brighton’s expansive Preston Park, The Preston Park Tavern is a family-friendly pub that’s both welcoming and lively. With warm wooden interiors and an open-plan kitchen that delivers hearty fare daily, it’s perfect for casual dining. The drinks list impresses with excellent cask and bottled beers and a thoughtful wine selection. Whether you fancy a top-notch burger, a Sunday roast, or just a relaxing tipple by the garden or wood burner—in summer or winter—it hits the spot.
The Park View
The Park View is a charming Brighton pub and restaurant tucked away on Preston Drove, just a stone’s throw from Preston Park. It blends traditional British pub hospitality with quirky character and individuality — think warm interiors, a welcoming vibe, and touches of contemporary style. Its food menu and drinks selection are strong points, with something to suit most tastes. The pub is also dog-friendly and offers plenty of outdoor seating, events and entertainment throughout the week, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors.
Café Domenica
Café Domenica is Brighton-based charity café with three lovely locations — Preston Road, Plus X on Lewes Road, and Jubilee Library downtown. Their Preston Road site (5-7 Preston Road, BN1 4QE) features seasonal menu items in a warm, community-focused atmosphere. The Plus X café serves hungry professionals, ideal for relaxed lunches or coffee breaks. The Jubilee Library café offers a calm, peaceful spot to enjoy freshly baked cakes and coffee between study or work sessions.
Fresh, local, and lovingly prepared, Café Rust at Preston Circus is a neighbourhood favourite for relaxed dining. Serving up ‘proper’ produce, it’s the go-to for everything from a quiet morning coffee to a hearty Brighton brunch or leisurely lunch with friends. The warm, homely atmosphere pairs perfectly with a rustic, stylish interior that’s as photogenic as it is inviting. With its unpretentious charm and focus on quality, Café Rust captures the essence of Brighton café culture—welcoming, creative, and deliciously down-to-earth.