Best Brighton Restaurants

If you’re planning a trip to Brighton, then you’ll need to know the best places to eat!

Brighton is known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere – and it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the most delicious restaurants in England!

From down-to-earth British pubs with traditional comfort food dishes, to fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the beach – there’s something for everyone.

So grab your fork and knife and let’s take a look at Brighton’s must-try restaurants!

TASTING MENU

etch. by Steven Edwards

etch. by Steven Edwards is one of those restaurants you hear about long before you finally get a table, and it more than lives up to the anticipation. Set on Church Road in Hove, this fine dining restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons, with each dish as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Steven Edwards, a MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, brings a quietly confident approach to modern British cooking that has earned etch. a 4.9-star rating from over 500 Google reviews. Book well in advance and treat yourself to one of the best dining experiences on the south coast.

THAI

Chilli Brighton

Tucked down Prince Albert Street in the Lanes, Chilli Brighton serves authentic Thai food with a specially curated cocktail menu you won't find at their other locations. The menu covers all the Thai classics done properly, from fragrant curries to perfectly balanced stir-fries. Their blueberry sour gin cocktail is a standout worth trying alongside your meal. A reliable neighbourhood favourite with a 4.7-star Google rating.

RAMEN

Tonkotsu Brighton

If you are craving a proper bowl of ramen, Tonkotsu on New Road is the place. Noodles, broths, katsu curries and gyoza are all made from scratch, and the result is rich, deeply flavoured bowls that warm you from the inside out. Their weekday lunch deal at £10 for ramen plus a side is one of Brighton's best value meals, and the theatre deal with the Theatre Royal at £15.95 for a starter and main is worth knowing about. Sat right next to the Royal Pavilion, it's dog friendly, has solid vegetarian options, and is open daily from noon until 10pm.

MODERN INDIAN

Indian Summer

This is not your average curry house. Indian Summer on East Street has been a Brighton institution for years, and they continue to keep their menu fresh and exciting. Start with the buttery tikka paneer and crispy pakora before moving on to a spread of curries with fresh bread and rice. The cocktails, crafted by bartender Scott, are every bit as impressive as the food. With 4.6 stars from nearly 2,000 Google reviews, this is one of those places the whole city seems to agree on.

NEAPOLITAN

Fatto a Mano

Everyone told us to try Fatto a Mano, and it did not disappoint. Proper Neapolitan pizza made fresh in front of you and fired in seconds, with that perfect char around a soft, airy crust. The vegan burrata pizza with its beetroot base is a revelation, but whatever you order, do not skip the truffle arancini dipped in truffle mayo; it is the best we have ever tried. Finish with the gelato sandwich, which is as much a piece of art as it is a dessert. With locations in North Laine, this is wood-fired pizza at its finest.

SUSHI

Oshi Brighton

Oshi is our top pick for sushi in Brighton. A cosy, authentic spot on Trafalgar Street where the sushi is unreal and the ramen never misses. The menu covers Japanese and Korean favourites with the kind of precision and flavour that keeps regulars coming back week after week. With 4.6 stars from over 1,200 reviews and a loyal local following, this is one of those places where everything on the menu delivers.

CHARGRILLED

Embers Brighton

Tucked away on Meeting House Lane in the Lanes, Embers is a wood-fired restaurant that takes steak seriously. Everything is cooked over flame, and you can taste the difference in every bite, from the perfectly charred cuts to the smoky sides. They have recently launched a weekend breakfast menu featuring chicken waffles with bacon jam and honey jalapeno dressing, steak and eggs, and what one regular described as their "dream breakfast." Generous portions, a spot-on atmosphere, and 4.8 stars from nearly a thousand reviews make Embers one of our favourite finds in the Lanes.

SRI LANKAN

The Coconut Island

The Coconut Island on Western Road is not just a dinner, it is a full night out. Authentic Sri Lankan street food with bold spices, sharing plates of curries, hoppers, kothu and battered bites, all served in a space covered with hand-painted Sri Lankan murals and beach canopy seating. The cocktails are something else entirely, with drinks served in whole pineapples that make you feel like you are on holiday. Fiery flavours, a party atmosphere and island energy make this one of Brighton's most fun dining experiences.

ELEGANT JAPANESE

Fumi Restaurant

Fumi on Circus Street is elegant Japanese dining at its best, with standout sushi and cocktails that make it the perfect choice for a special occasion or date night. The menu is refined without being fussy, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. With 4.8 stars from nearly a thousand Google reviews, this is a restaurant that consistently delivers something memorable. Book ahead for an evening here; you will not regret it.

MEXICAN SMALL PLATES

Halisco Brighton

Halisco on Preston Street serves delicious Mexican small plates in an intimate, cosy setting that makes every visit feel like a proper night out. The food is fresh and packed with flavour, but the real star might be the spicy mango margarita, which we would argue is the best in the city. It is the kind of place where you order one round of drinks and end up staying for three. With 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews, Halisco has firmly earned its place as one of Brighton's favourite Mexican spots.

MODERN ITALIAN

Tutto

Tutto on Marlborough Place serves fresh, seasonal Italian dishes and sharing plates in a beautifully designed space that sets the mood from the moment you walk in. The beef carpaccio and carbonara are both must-tries, and the pistachio tiramisu is the kind of dessert you will be thinking about days later. Perfect for date night or a relaxed meal with friends, this is modern Italian cooking done with real care. With 4.7 stars from over a thousand reviews, it is clear Brighton feels the same way we do about Tutto.

SEAFOOD

Riddle & Finns

This restaurant is for seafood enthusiasts and perfect for special occasions with its all day international menu which caters to all tastes. Riddler & Finns only use fresh and local ingredients cooked by the passionate chefs to create nourishing and flavoursome dishes. It’s a very popular place to stop for a bite to eat whilst exploring Brighton’s Lanes.

EUROPEAN

The Flint House

Part of the well established Gingerman Restaurant Group, The Flint House located in The Lanes offers counter-level dining with small plates paired with fantastic wine by the glass and served by the friendly and attentive team. There’s a good selection of cocktails you can enjoy in the first floor cocktail bar or rooftop terrace whilst watching the world go by. Having received fantastic feedback from diners, it’s definitely worth visiting when in Brighton.

MEXICAN

La Choza

La Choza is Brighton’s first authentic Mexican Street Food restaurant, nestled in the heart of the North Laine.  A simple menu is served, where you choose between burritos, tacos, quesadillas and tostadas before picking from one of the mouth-watering fillings and sauces to go in it.  La Choza is excellent for a quick lunch on the go, or you can sit in and try the delicious selection of frozen cocktails. Most of the menu is priced between £5 – £7.50, so this place is perfect if you are on a budget.

Vegetarian

Food for Friends

One of the most popular restaurants in Brighton, Food for Friends, located in The Lanes, has been serving delicious food to residents of the city and its visitors since 1981.  The ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and the menu offers tasty and affordable dishes, with gluten-free and vegan options available.  You will dine in a relaxed atmosphere served by friendly and attentive staff.

Greek

Adelfia

Family run by two brothers, Adelfia invites you to experience authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Brighton.  You will be welcomed by friendly owners and staff and served generous portions of great-tasting food.  There’s also live Greek music and entertainment on selected dates- booking is essential!

Anglo-Spanish

Market

A fantastic restaurant offering a selection of meats and cheeses from Sussex and Spain, amongst tapas and small plates, all created with big flavours and served from the open kitchen by friendly and welcoming staff.  With the menu changing regularly, you are in for a treat!

Italian

Donatello

Donatello is a vibrant, family-run Italian restaurant that has been part of Brighton’s restaurant scene for many years.  They serve authentic Italian food made with fresh ingredients and at reasonable prices.  The portions are very generous, and plenty of space exists for large groups.  They can accommodate close to 400 people inside and 50 people al fresco.  They also have over 20 vegetarian options available.

Spanish

Casa Don Carlos

One of our favourite places to visit as often as possible.  Casa Don Carlos is popular throughout the day and evening, so always book to guarantee a table—a small restaurant but big on taste and great atmosphere.  Excellent quality, traditional Spanish tapas served by friendly and happy staff that make you smile.  A delightful and fun place to dine.

Indian

The Chilli Pickle

The Chilli Pickle remains a true Brighton institution. This vibrant spot brings the incredible, kaleidoscopic flavours of regional Indian cuisine right to the heart of the city. By day, the menu focuses on light bites, vibrant salads, and authentic street food. Come evening, it transforms into a full sharing experience, featuring classic and creative twists on regional curries, succulent kebabs, and their signature Barbecue Surf & Turf.

European

The Gingerman Restaurant

Part of the Ginger group of restaurants, including Ginger Fox, Ginger Pig & Ginger Dog, the Gingerman is, in our opinion, the finest of the four.  Looking around, you can see the delight and ecstasy on the faces of the other diners.  It’s where you want to crane your neck to see what others are eating because you simply don’t want to miss out.  Service is impeccable, and the chef is at hand to make recommendations or answer questions.  A small but perfectly formed restaurant which will leave you feeling like you’ve had THE meal of your life

japanese

Bincho Yakitori

Bincho Yakitori brings the late-night energy of a Tokyo izakaya straight to the heart of Brighton. Born out of the founder's time living and working long hours as a chef in Japan, the restaurant perfectly captures the authentic, tavern-style drinking and dining experience. The menu is a love letter to Japanese comfort food and expertly grilled yakitori, meant to be shared over drinks in a laid-back, bustling atmosphere.

plant based

Bonsai Plant Kitchen

Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a multi-award-winning, Tokyo-inspired neighbourhood restaurant bringing serious flavour to Brighton. Born in Brighton but fuelled by fire and Japanese tradition, everything in their kitchen revolves around a traditional bincho grill using premium Japanese coal. This time-honoured method infuses their menu with the unmistakable smoky, umami-rich BBQ flavours that define Tokyo street food culture.

HONG KONG

Aberdeen Seafood

Aberdeen Seafood brings the flavours of Hong Kong to Brighton’s seafront, sitting right opposite the West Pier on King’s Road. Inspired by the famous floating seafood markets of Aberdeen harbour in Hong Kong, the menu is packed with generous portions of fresh seafood and Asian dishes at very reasonable prices. The beef flat noodles and whole sea bass are standout choices, and the baked lobster with cheese on E-Fu noodles is fast becoming a local favourite. Owner CK is a passionate and welcoming host who will happily talk you through the menu and the story behind the restaurant. With exposed brick walls, a laid-back atmosphere and pavement seating with sea views, it’s a brilliant addition to Brighton’s dining scene.

WOOD-FIRED

Burnt Orange

Burnt Orange is one of those restaurants that makes you proud Brighton has such an incredible food scene. Set inside a beautifully converted 16th-century coaching inn on Middle Street, just moments from the seafront, the menu is built around small plates cooked over wood fire, blending Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours with seasonal British ingredients. The lamb cigars are legendary for good reason, and the smoked aubergine with pomegranate is worth the trip alone. From the same group behind The Salt Room and Coal Shed, it is no surprise that Burnt Orange has been voted Brighton's Best Restaurant multiple years running and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Book ahead, especially for Friday or Saturday evenings when the restaurant transforms into a late-night cocktail bar that keeps going until 1am.

STEAKHOUSE

Kindling Restaurant

Kindling is a charcoal steakhouse on East Street in the Lanes, serving grass-fed British beef cooked over live fire in a relaxed, open-kitchen setting. The ribeye with peppercorn sauce is outstanding, but our personal favourite is the steak ciabatta: flat iron steak with caramelised onions, gouda, and peppercorn sauce on a ciabatta for £15. If you are visiting on a budget, their lunch deal is one of the best in Brighton: steak and chips or a burger and fries for £15, Monday to Saturday between 12 and 5pm. Do not skip the brisket and jalapeño croquettes to start, and leave room for the sticky toffee pudding. With 4.8 stars from over 1,200 Google reviews, Kindling is one of those places that consistently delivers whether you are popping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a proper celebration.