Restaurant Brighton's guide to

Alfresco Dining

Our top picks

Alfresco Brighton

Tinto Taperia is located on New Road, next to The Theatre Royal and opposite The Pavillion Gardens. The restaurant is on a pedestrianised street, so the outside tables are the ideal spot for people watching. This area of Brighton is often bustling with street performers and musicians, especially in the Summer. So who knows? – you might even get some free entertainment while you’re dining alfresco! Tinto Taperia offers exquisite Spanish cuisine with an easy-going atmosphere serving both lunch and dinner. Among the traditional tapas and paella dishes, there are many other Spanish delicacies available including their weekly-changing specials board. As you might expect, there is a focus on great Spanish wines on the drinks menu too, so you can really feel like you’re on holiday while sitting on the terrace amongst Brighton’s lively crowd.

Right in the heart of Brighton’s bustling theatreland, adjacent to the historic Theatre Royal and Brighton Dome, you’ll find Furna Outside. With a menu designed exclusively for this sunny terrace, Furna Outside offers ingredient led sharing plates to enjoy alongside a glass of wine from their magnificent list or one of their unique, handcrafted cocktails. Expect dishes of fresh lobster, hand-dived scallops, Curing Rebels charcuterie and cheese from Courtyard Dairy. The terrace is open 12-5 from Wednesday to Saturday, weather permitting. You can’t book, so just pop down for an indulgent afternoon with friends.

The DaddyLonglegs offers a fantastic and expansive rear garden, conveniently located near Brighton’s seafront in the vibrant Kemptown neighbourhood. This charming space boasts a lush lawn, an inviting raised terrace, and large sun umbrellas to provide shade on sunny days. It’s the perfect setting for their summer barbecues and serves as a hidden gem among the city’s backstreet beer gardens. You can expect excellent food, and a wine and beer selection to complement the lovely outdoor offering.

Arcobaleno in Kemptown is a bar-restaurant serving Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community, their friends and allies. There’s plenty to do at Arcobaleno as they keep a very full social calendar, including entertainment from local performers and artists. The food is ideal for groups with a menu of Maltese influence sharing plates all made fresh to order. Their rear garden provides shelter and a slightly festival vibe, keeping things casual and friendly. 

With their multi-level roof gardens filled with plants, you’ll find an oasis at Oculist far above the hustle and bustle of the Lanes below. This is where you want to be on a sunny afternoon, sampling one of their delicious cocktails or a pint along with some good music. Fear not, there’s food to accompany your drinks on the roof garden. Choose a few dishes from the Middle Eastern BaBBab menu to share. The Chicken Shawarma with harissa hummus and flatbreads goes down a treat. Look out for their upcoming events because they often have DJs on the roof terrace.

*The kitchen at the Oculist will be closed until spring 2024

The Cricketers, located in Brighton’s iconic Lanes area, is a historic pub with a charming outside seating area perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of this bustling part of town. The pub has been a local landmark since the 16th century and boasts an impressive selection of real ales, ciders, and pub grub. The outdoor area offers ample space to dine, drink and enjoy the vibrant street life.

Welcoming folk of the Preston Park area and beyond, The Cleveland Arms is the definition of a community Brighton pub. The venue itself is a modern, light but cosy and welcoming space. The Cleveland Arms boasts a beautiful outside suntrap terrace overlooking Blaker’s Park on a residential and quiet street, great for kids to let off some steam while you enjoy a pint in the sunshine.

Alfresco dining in a globe style pod with a wooden table and chairs inside the pod on a sunny day. A feature in the Romantic Restaurants Brighton Guide
Photo credit: Coppa Club

Brunch in a bubble to dinner in a dome. The Coppa Club, in the Lanes offers all day dining with four Igloos providing shelter and a sense of exclusivity. The menu is modern mix of every day dishes and something more celebratory so well suited to any occasion. Making Coppa Club a good alfresco all-rounder whatever the occasion and whatever the weather. 

Burnt Orange on Middle Street in The Lanes is the newest venue to join the Coal Shed  and Salt Room family. Located in the old coach house there is a beautiful gated and secluded alfresco dining space with original cobbled floor and walls strewn in jasmine. Burnt Orange is all about fusing quality with a relaxed atmosphere and this sheltered yet sunny courtyard is the perfect place to while away a few hours over creative cocktails and jewel-like flavoursome small plates. Voted best restaurant in Brighton in 2022. 

You can enjoy superb alfresco dining at Brighton Cocktail Company, Seven Dials. Escape to their spacious and charming walled garden, a hidden oasis perfect for enjoying your meal in the fresh air. Whether it’s a sunny brunch or a romantic evening, the garden provides a picturesque setting for your dining experience. Relax and unwind while savouring the diverse menu, paired with refreshing cocktails or local wines. With comfortable seating and heating available, Brighton Cocktail Company ensures that your alfresco dining experience is enjoyable, memorable, and immersed in the beauty of the outdoors. Call ahead at the weekends to check the garden isn’t being used for a function.

Bohemia benefits from having two fantastic areas for its guests to drink and dine alfresco. The front of Bohemia is set on the cobbled streets on the Lanes, offering guests the perfect spot for people watching from the comfort of the heated terrace. Bohemia’s “Veuve Clicquot” Roof garden has been revamped with now has additional heaters, speakers and offers guests ample space for safe socialising. Bohemia is open seven days a week from midday each day.

Food is served on the terrace daily from12-9pm.

This lively pub, venue and kitchen are some of Brighton’s best-known spots. They serve popular pub grub daily and cater for a wide variety of dietary needs. If you’re looking for a great Sunday roast, then The Black Lion is a top option and has been awarded a top 20 position for Best Roast in Brighton in the BRAVOs 2020. All can be enjoyed outside in one of their wooden booths, all offering heating, cover and table service.

Donatello won the 2020 BRAVO award for family friendly. The large venue has ample outdoor seating in the Lanes and a raised terrace where families and groups of six (or two households) can enjoy famed hospitality and freshly made pizza and pasta in a venue that sits at the very heart of the city in more ways than one. 

The redevelopment of York Place has widened the pedestrian area and improved the appeal and appearance of Valley and Victoria Gardens bringing a more Mediterranean feel to the area. Lost Boys Land. Here Lost Boys Land have extended their late 80s early 90s immersive experience into a courted street side dining area perfect for everyone who refuses to grow up but still demands superior quality in their chicken.

Located in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, Vios Cafe is a charming Mediterranean spot that offers more than just great coffee. Start your day with their silky coffees and delightful smoothies, paired with delicious breakfast and lunch options. Indulge in their freshly made meze, best enjoyed on their street terrace, where you can soak up the sun and sip on a glass of Greek wine or specialty ouzo or tsipouro. Don’t worry about cooler days – the heated terrace and awning keep the Mediterranean vibes alive all year round.

Enjoy delicious Tex-Mex inspired cuisine at The Mesmerist every weekday, complemented by their brilliant bottomless brunches every Saturday. On Sundays, opt in for their knockout Sunday roast accompanied by refreshing and reviving options like their Bloody Mary. Covered seating under large umbrellas awaits at the entrance, while upstairs, guests can discover the lush roof garden. Be sure to head to the rooftop promptly to secure your alfresco feast spot.

Al Duomo is the city’s oldest and longest-serving Italian restaurant. It’s so named because it sits next door to the Royal Pavilion and the India Gate entrance to the beautiful pleasure gardens. As such it’s a truly superb spot to stop for some dining on authentic Italian food, enjoyed in the authentic Italian way – al fresco. Everything at Al Duomo is made fresh and from scratch, you can taste the authenticity in every bite and what’s better than eating pizza under the sun?

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is an excellent choice for alfresco dining in Brighton, thanks to its picturesque terrace on the south-facing side of the Metropole Bar. With panoramic views of the iconic West Pier, this terrace offers a truly enchanting setting to enjoy drinks and food. Bask in the warm sunshine, feel the gentle sea breeze, and take in the breathtaking seaside vista. Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon cocktail or a delightful meal with friends, the terrace at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole provides an idyllic and unforgettable al fresco dining experience in the heart of Brighton.

The outside seating at The Dorset spills out onto the pedestrianised North Laine during weekends and bank holidays. The crowd at The Dorset present an enviable view, filling up benches, sipping cool beers, tucking into quality pub-grub and filling the street with laughter and good times. You’ll be sorely tempted to join them, and why not? Some moments are there to be seized and the shops will still be there tomorrow.

Down on Brighton beach, set between the two piers, Shelter Hall creates a whirlpool of bustling energy. Diners in search of a beachfront destination will want to make sure they come down and experience the full glory of the food hall. Seven caterers deliver exceptional feasts for all. From award winning meats and locally sourced seafood to uncompromisingly authentic Italian and fresh flavours to sweet treats, there is something for everyone. The impeccable location lends itself to unbeatable alfresco dining opportunities, spacious, with panoramic views of the seafront and food delivered to the table.

Dining at Terre à Terre is a culinary vegetarian experience like no other. The innovative menu provides intoxicating  flavours, sublime textures, and a combination of ingredients that few have the imagination or daring to put together. Dine at Terre a Terre and it will change the way you view vegetarian cuisine forever. This Iconic and acclaimed Brighton restaurant has small rear terrace which is open for you to enjoy during the warmer months. 

Japanese restaurant Moshimo is the city’s original conveyor-belt sushi bar serving handmade and sustainable sushi, the perfect kind of food for some alfresco dining. And what better place to eat it than on Moshimo’s Hiroba deck which emulates the experience of sitting on tatami mats in Japan.

Tutto Brighton offers an authentic slice of Italian culture in the heart of our city. The emphasis of this impressive restaurant is on simple, well-made food, quality drinks and warm hospitality. Tuttu provides a space that invites leisurely socials to be enjoyed any time of day or night. As well as the impressive dining room there is also a covered intimate courtyard to the rear and a large street-side terrace that begs to be enjoyed on a sunny day with a (insert Italian cocktail of choice) while you watch our piece of the world go by.

The place to be on a summer’s evening and a great spot to enjoy a West Pier sunset. When the sun’s out OhSo gives you a beachside atmosphere like nowhere else and if you’re after a perfect sundowner cocktail then look no further. Ideal for breakfasts, lunches and dinners – always open when the weather is good.

Situated at the bottom of Preston Street with views of the West Pier, The New Club takes full advantage of its enviable position. With full glass doors opening onto the streetside dining area this is the place to be for brunch, lunch and cocktails when the sun’s out.

With two sites in town, Trading Post Coffee offers two distinct alfresco Brighton options to go with their excellent coffee and wholesome daytime menu; sit outside and watch the world go by on the busy Ship Street or rise above it all with the rooftop terrace on Kensington gardens.

The original Purezza in Kemptown expands its coverage in the summer months with some streetside dining. Here you can enjoy pizza from the UK’s first entirely vegan pizzeria, sip creative and classic cocktails and take in the local colour of the Kemptown community. Purezza creates authentic Italian sourdough pizzas with familiar toppings made 100% plant-based, as well as inventive pizzas that really celebrate veg. You’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from the seafront and Purezza also does takeaway if you fancy an all-plant pizza party on the beach.

Nourishing whole-food and unbeatable delicious real food can be enjoyed alfresco at the Smorl’s Kitchen in The Open Market. Their menu is made up of plant-based wonders which are both flavoursome and vibrant. You really need to try it all. So treat yourself to a Smorl’s and get supercharged from within.

Whether it’s day or night, rain or sun, visitors at Permit Room can relish the experience of alfresco dining. The rooftop terrace, equipped with a retractable roof, blankets and heaters for cooler evenings. Alternatively, you can opt for an outside table at the entrance, perfect for indulging in a bit of people watching.

Moksha Café is the quintessential family café in Brighton. The home-made cakes and meals, along with lovingly made coffee and friendly staff is what makes Moksha a fond favourite in the local area. Located on York Place in the London Road area, the café has an east-facing aspect ideal for enjoying their award-winning brunches in the sun.

The Salt Room boasts a large outside terrace with 60 covers and outstanding views overlooking the West Pier and a stone’s throw from the iconic Brighton British Airways i360. Offering award-winning seafood and a beautiful Brighton cocktail bar for pre or post dinner drinks.

Located in the heart of the Lanes, Rum Kitchen offers an inviting atmosphere with outdoor seating that’s a short walk from the seafront. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying a refreshing cocktail or two alongside friends. Take a moment to select your preferred drink from their enticing collection using speciality Rums, then peruse their Caribbean menu to find the perfect accompaniment.

The Roundhill Pub offers streetside seating equipped with awnings and heating, making it a great spot on a sunny afternoon or evening, where it catches plenty of sun. Peruse the menu and order a selection of vegan small plates to accompany your drink of choice—whether that’s a local beer, non-alcoholic cocktail, or crisp glass of wine. The Roundhill is a friendly community pub that serves lunch, dinner, and their famous vegan Sunday roasts. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for upcoming events such as open mic nights, quiz nights, supper clubs, and more. 

During the summer months, English’s of Brighton opens out onto the terrace in front of the restaurant. Pretty parasols form a canopy under which diners can shelter from midday sun and heaters offer a bit of extra warmth on chillier days. Situated on the corner of East and Market Street in the heart of The Lanes, this has to be one of the very best people watching spots in the city, perfect for a plate of delicious seafood, a crisp glass of wine and a catch up with friends. 

Hove

Street-side dining at its best, south-facing, a short stroll from Hove beach and a brunch offering that’s worth crossing the Brighton border for. Baked serves a divine selection of breakfasts, brunches and lunches. The countertop goods are freshly baked and offer a tantalising spread of pastries and freshly baked cakes for you to salivate over. It’s worth noting that should you choose to dine alfresco here, then you won’t be limited to coffee and tea, if sipping on cocktails and basking in the south-facing glory of the sun or under the heated shelter of the awnings, sounds up your street, then you now know where to head to!

Western Road joins together the hustle and bustle of Brighton city centre and the genteel milieu of Hove. Situated in the very middle of Hove is Curds and Whey, bringing together some of the finest cheese and charcuterie from The Great British Charcuterie and possibly the largest selection of fine wines from acclaimed L’Atelier du Vin. Street-side seating provides all the theatre needed for a spot of people watching while indulging in the fine pairing of charcuterie boards and quality wine.

Hove’s modern Italian restaurant, Cin Cin, boasts a hidden courtyard that’s the perfect spot for a summer lunch or dinner. Here, you can enjoy freshly made pasta dishes, small plates, and antipasti paired perfectly with wines alfresco style. Small pooches are also welcome. Blankets, heating and an awning are at the ready for the oh-so unpredictable British weather! Please choose the ‘outdoor garden’ option when making a table reservation for your selected time to be seated in the courtyard.

Positioned on the sun-kissed South side of Church Road, Jo and Co invite you to bask in its outdoor seating. Hosting up to 12, the terrace is a hot commodity, served on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether it’s a laid-back brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a delightful dinner, their terrace is the spot. Alternatively, catch those rays with a coffee and newspaper in hand. The choice is yours!

The Hove Place Bistro and Gardens is a popular casual bistro style pub in the heart of Hove located close to the seafront in the Palmeira Square area. With arguably the best outdoor space in the whole of Hove, here you have plenty of outdoor seating in the heated beer garden. With a great mix of people, it is a super place to enjoy an evening drink or a bite to eat from the bistro menu. A standout Hove pub, with a huge outdoor space, definitely worth checking out.

Share modern tapas style small plates and drink fine wine with friends in true Spanish style at MARKET Restaurant. Street-side alfresco dining, captures the true ambience of Spain. Framed by the vibrant exterior of the building and caught in its sun trap, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re at a restaurant in Hove

We may not have the weather of the Med but thanks to Nostos we can have the cuisine. Let your tastebuds transport you to the Aegean islands with the authentic Greek food from this popular neighbourhood restaurant. Its open vista and street side seating is a lovely sunny spot wiling away an afternoon dreaming of distant shores. 

Oeuf Café in Hove is a breakfast and brunch cafe set on the spacious and grand Third Avenue. The impressive black and white tiled terrace is decked with tables and chairs, perfect for a morning cup of coffee and pastry in the early summer sun. At the rear of the roomy Parisian Chic restaurant, there’s a walled garden that’s perfect for care-free afternoons with a menu packed full of delicious locally sourced, freshly made dishes and maybe a little cocktail in the sunshine too

Step through Paris Wine Bar on Church Street Hove, to discover their large, sheltered and secluded rear courtyard. Beautifully decorated, this area transitions from indoors to outdoors seamlessly. It’s a great find in Hove where you can bask in the sun, away from the high street and enjoy the extensive wine list and modern British tapas menu.

Dine alfresco at Rockwater and enjoy the venue’s impeccable sea-facing benefits. Designed to remind one of passing ships, the building in Hove overlooks the beach at the front and a large green lawn to the rear which, let’s face it, is the best of both worlds! Each time you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to try a different menu from one of the multi-venue options in this restaurant. For alfresco opportunities, choose The Roof Terrace for stunning  Asian-inspired small plates. Or you can enjoy fresh pizza on the lawn in the warmer months. The only thing left to do is decide where to try first.

The Urchin in Hove offers its diners and drinkers a unique culinary experience in that it pairs home-brewed beers with its menu of seafood delights. Oysters and ales, scallops and stoats can be enjoyed together from their beer garden. They scooped first place in the BRAVOs for Best Team in town, so you can rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of.

Sussex

Albourne Estate is just an 8 mile journey out of Brighton and easily accessible by public transport. The Tasting Room at Albourne Estate is open from 11-5pm until harvest in October. It boasts a southern aspect with spectacular views over the vineyard and the South Downs, a deck area and teepee are perfect for sipping their award winning single estate wines right where they’re made. Picnics are also available from the tasting rooms which you can take out into the vineyard and explore. The last Friday of each month is Supper Club with a local food vendor setting up on the lawn, music, wine with a mini festival atmosphere and fun for all. Dogs are welcome provided they’re kept on a lead.

Idyllic Sussex-based tap house and restaurant, The Cider Tap, has an alfresco dining offering of epic proportions. The venue is set on the grounds of Wobblegate Farm – which is where a lot of the seasonal ingredients are sourced from. With a west-facing outside dining area that’s enveloped by trees and fields, it’s easy to forget that you’re only 13 miles from Brighton. The days at The Cider Tap are fuelled by great drink and food by The Syndicate Kitchen, and the evenings are warmed by log burners that add the extra sparkle to the setting of this impressive venue.

Albourne Estate is just an 8 mile journey out of Brighton and easily accessible by public transport. The Tasting Room is open on weekends from 11-5pm from April through until harvest in October. It boasts a southern aspect with spectacular views over the vineyard and the South Downs, a deck area and teepee are perfect for sipping their award winning single estate wines right where they’re made. Picnics are also available from the tasting rooms which you can take out into the vineyard and explore. The last Friday of each month is Supper Club with a local food vendor setting up on the lawn, music, wine with a mini festival atmosphere and fun for all. Dogs are welcome provided they’re kept on a lead.

At The Fig Tree in Hurstpierpoint, you can enjoy the delightful experience of alfresco or terrace dining. Located in the charming Sussex village, this family-run restaurant offers a warm and inviting ambiance that extends to their outdoor seating area. With a focus on seasonal and local produce, The Fig Tree showcases culinary creativity and expertise. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a private celebration, their alfresco and terrace dining options provide a delightful space for pre and post dinner cocktails.

Morleys Bistro is a relaxed, comfortable and dog friendly restaurant that is nestled in the heart of the historic village of Hurstpierpoint. They have a beautifully spacious and sunny garden where you can enjoy a glass of quality wine while dining on delicious, classic bistro dishes prepared with seasonal and local ingredients.

The New Inn in Hurstpierpoint has a south-facing garden that gets all day long sun during the summer months. The large lawned garden is fully enclosed with a play park for kids. Complete with their outdoor decking, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy on a sunny day. The addition of a kitchen garden  provides much of the vegetables that go into the gastropub menu, while the beer garden itself is a beautifully maintained example of an English country garden.

It really doesn’t get more alfresco than dining in the middle of a field at Woodfire Camping! Offering something very unique; owners Griff and Stella serve up delicious, hearty food made using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and cooked over a huge fire. Everyone enjoys the same dish, with meat or plant-based / non-dairy options. Woodfire Camping also offers a series of Feasts where guest chefs create live-fire fine dining. You’ll sit on benches at long, sociable trestle tables surrounded by glorious countryside, forests and The South Downs. Watch the sun go down and find yourself under a canopy of dazzling stars.

This tradtional country pub serves home cooked food from breakfast through to evening meals. During summer days and evenings there is dining seating in both the rear garden and on the green at the front. Additional cabin pods have been added, providing a rustic intimate outdoor dining experience, suited to all weather alfresco dining.