If you’ve got a thing for fine foodie flavours, then the gastronomical hotspot of Brighton in East Sussex should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Located by the sea on England’s south coast, its salt-kissed web of streets is graced with countless places to eat, from sea-view restaurants overlooking the coast to cosy bistros with romantic candlelit corners to welcoming gastro pubs. So you can tease your tastebuds with the best of the best, we’ve picked out the top places to eat in Brighton showcasing a whole range of styles and influences. Here’s where to book your table.
64°
Owned by Great British Menu winner chef Michael Bremner, the pint-sized 64 Degrees restaurant is humble in proportions yet mighty in nature. Comprised of three tables and a kitchen counter, it takes intimate dining to the next level with its open kitchen and opportunities to interact with the chefs. Peruse the creative tasting menus and enjoy the delicious wine pairings for each, with combinations such as beef and zinfandel, eel and pinot grigio, and halibut and chardonnay.
Chilli Pickle
Found on Jubilee Street in Brighton, the Bib Gourmand Chilli Pickle restaurant welcomes all who enter with an explosion of colour and hit of fine aromas. With an award-winning menu that’s seen the restaurant receive consistently rapturous praise, it showcases the best of Indian-inspired cuisine that’s both authentic and innovative. From street food to regional curries to grand thalis, incredible dishes can be enjoyed inhouse or at your home-from-home with the Chilli Pickle Canteen takeaway (voted the Best Takeaway in Britain).
Cin Cin
The vision of former lawyer David Toscano, the Bib Gourmand Cin Cin started out life in the form of a 1972 Fiat van, popping up in various locations to serve fizz and Italian-inspired food. These days, it boasts two restaurants in Brighton and Hove and draws foodies in with the promise of artisan antipasti, handmade pasta and a rather generously stocked bar. There’s also the option for home delivery, should you fancy a night of wining and dining in your luxury cottage in East Sussex.
Etch. By Steven Edwards
Etch. is the flagship restaurant of MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards. Situated on Church Road, it sits within a former bank and sets the tone with modern styling accented with industrial undertones. With high ceilings and a large open-plan design, you can actually see into the open kitchen as you tuck into plate after plate, watching as the chefs piece together tantalising dishes of modern British cuisine from the restaurant’s 5, 7 or 9-course tasting menus.
Flint House
The Flint House is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant at the centre of Brighton Lanes. Sister to the Gingerman restaurant, it offers a dynamic dining experience with a rooftop terrace, attractive first-floor cocktail bar and modern brasserie. A striking feature and foodie hub, the brasserie features a long steel counter that runs the length of the room, at which you can take a seat and tuck into small European plates defined by fresh, vibrant flavours.
Ginger Pig
Just a spoon’s throw from the beach, the Ginger Pig restaurant in Hove, East Sussex, is one that rolls off the lips of all those in the know. Hailed as one of the top 10 pubs in the UK by GQ, it’s known for its delicious offerings crafted from locally-sourced food supplied by Sussex’s finest growers and producers. Choose from a hearty main from the restaurant’s a la carte menu, or head over to the separate bar area to peruse the lighter snack menu and list of cocktails.
Gingerman
One of the many restaurants recommended by the Michelin guide in Brighton, the Gingerman in Norfolk Square has been warming the bellies of locals and visitors alike for well over 20 years. And with its location close to the sea, Scandi-style interiors and delectable dishes of modern European food, it’s little wonder that it remains as popular as ever today. Choose from the restaurant’s tasting menu (there’s a vegetarian option too), a la carte menu, or seasonal Sunday roast.
Kindling
At Kindling, the ethos is all about processes that are kind to the environment and food that is good for the soul – something we can all get behind. Located on East Street, sandwiched between Brighton Pier and the Lanes, it’s a repeat destination for all those looking to savour the freshest tastes. Paying homage to Sussex’s larder, the restaurant consistently prioritises provenance and quality to guarantee seasonal dishes that are a true representation of the county – and, of course, are bursting with flavour.
Little Fish Market
Tucked within the walls of a former fishmonger, the Little Fish Market restaurant is a superb seafood restaurant located opposite the old Victorian fish market. With Head Chef and owner Duncan Ray single-handedly commanding the kitchen, the restaurant offers those lucky enough to secure a table an intimate dining experience with set six-course menus revolving around modern seafood dishes. With space for up to 20 diners, booking ahead is a must.
Murmur
Taking pride of place in The Arches on Brighton seafront, Murmur restaurant affords super views over West Pier and the sea beyond. Sister to the acclaimed 64 Degrees restaurant, Murmur is all about family and dog-friendly dining, high-quality food and an unbeatable beachside location. Naturally, with its proximity to the sea, this restaurant focuses on a menu of local seafood dishes for lunch and dinner, serving everything from grilled catch of the day to moreish lobster croquettes.
Petit Pois
A little piece of France in the heart of Brighton, Petit Pois restaurant is perfect for those looking for a little je ne sais quoi. With charmingly rustic interiors and a great location near to the sea, it’s the perfect place to go to after a blustery beach walk or for a romantic dinner date. As part of the menu, you can look forward to upscale French cuisine, from local fish to garlic and butter snails to a range of cheeses, all served with a selection of fine wines – délicieux.
Rockwater
Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, a plate of something feel-good or simply want to sip a glass of something naughty while you savour the views, Rockwater is the place to go. A beachside kitchen and bar on Western Esplanade in Hove, it offers a laidback hub from which to sit back and relax. On sunny days you can choose from the beach deck or roof terrace, and on not-so sunny days you can head inside and take a seat by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Roundhill
The Roundhill pub is found on Ditchling Road, just outside of Brighton centre. A must-visit destination, it’s the city’s first plant-based gastropub and a must-visit for vegans, vegetarians and all those looking to expand their culinary horizons. Famed for its fresh, flavoursome dishes that are as unique as they are delicious, the Roundhill’s mouth-watering menu changes every week, packed with vegan repasts and some vegetarian options too.
Salt Room
The Salt Room is a popular seafood restaurant in Brighton. A modern brassie set beside the sea, it proffers up mood and food galore with its incredible coastal views and mouth-watering menus. If seafood isn’t entirely your cup of tea, then you can also try out the Salt Room’s sister restaurants in Brighton: The Coal Shed steak house on Boyce's Street and the Michelin Bib Gourmand Burnt Orange restaurant and bar on Middle Street.
Terre à Terre
Hailed as one of the most ethical restaurants in the South and best vegetarian restaurants in Britain, Terre à Terre has been making waves in the culinary world for 30 years. A commitment to sustainable local networks, recycling, waste management and a drive to give back more than they take all combine to make this restaurant so special. That, and the fantastic array of veggie dishes, which infuse the freshest ingredients with global influences, playful creativity and expertise.
Wild Flor
The kind of friendly neighbourhood restaurant that exudes relaxed vibes yet retains a professional air, Wild Flor regularly tops the list of the best places to eat in Brighton. Inside, its pared-back style, exposed brick walls and modern feel is coupled with a menu of seasonally-updated favourites, each one a picture of unfussy, flavoursome delight. Added to this is Wild Flor’s highly refined wine list, balancing quality and value to achieve a lip-smacking selection.
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