The 21 best restaurants in Brighton

What is it? A casual little restaurant packing big, big flavour – and a brand new sister bar. 

Why we love it: This is not the place for a formal evening dinner, but it most definitely is the place to take someone you’re trying to impress. Halisco is a busy, noisy little restaurant churning out mouth-watering cocktails, inexplicably tasty Mexican-inspired small plates, all brought to you by a friendly local team and run by brothers Ali and Mo Razavi. The menu is split into three sections with snacks, small plates and excellent tacos, which can all be washed down by the best margaritas outside of the motherland. It’s unfussy, consistent and really, really tasty. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to check out the newly opened Bar Halisco, just over the road.

Expect to pay: Snacks are £4 or just under, small plates range roughly from £8-£12, and tacos start at £9.50 for two.

What is it? It’s Brighton’s most awarded restaurant! 

Why we love it: Ever since chef Duncan Ray first opened LFM in 2013, gourmets from across the UK have flocked to sample the constantly changing, ingredient-led menu at this small (20-cover) restaurant. The innovative menu will make for an unforgettable dining experience, worth every penny. 

Time Out tip: Though this used to be a proper blow-the-budget spot, they now do a brilliant set lunch menu, for those less keen to splurge.

Expect to pay: The set lunch menu is £35 per person, the dinner £85. 

What is it? Take your tastebuds all the way to Tokyo and back, without leaving the South East.

Why we love it: Brighton isn’t exactly short of a fine dining spot, but those who really know their food also known Bincho Yakitori. This joint has legions of fans who come for its authentically Japanese casual drinking-and-dining experience. 

Time Out tip: It’s the meat skewers that everyone goes really wild for, so take your seat at the bar and say hai to everything on offer. 

Expect to pay: Yakitori plates (which come with two skewers) tend to range between £5-8, dishes from the grill can be up to £10. 

What is it? Locally sourced ingredients and modern British dishes in a swanky Hove setting.

Why we love it: Run by a team who used to work for the Brighton-renowned Gingerman group, Wild Flor has become one of Brighton and Hove’s best foodie destinations over the past few years. Ingredients are sourced from farms across Sussex, while the cooking is first class. It also rotates its tasting menu on a seasonal basis. 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on the venue page for specially curated supper evenings (that often come with wine pairings). 

Expect to pay: Snack-sized plates start from £4 and larger plates can range from £15-25. Why not try the £25 summer set menu? 

What is it? The Brighton restaurant where no-meat doesn’t equal no-fun.

Why we love it: If you’re trying to cut your meaty instake or Brighton’s steak restaurants just aren’t your thing, you should definitely try local treasure Terre à Terre. You’ll get anything and everything from around the globe here – there are no constraints on the country of origin, as long as the recipe is tasty and veggie. Make sure to leave room to try their luscious desserts if you’re here for dinner. 

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the afternoon tea. 

Expect to pay: The ‘Terre À Tapas’ offering gets you several small plates for £26.50 per person, or main meals sit at around £22-25.

What is it? Superb French dishes with an affordable set lunch menu.

Why we love it: This French spot has become one of Brighton’s most renowned foodie destinations in recent years, doing a fine line in small plates that wow both hungry tourists and picky locals alike.

Time Out tip: Petit Pois has a lunchtime set menu offer, where you can opt for two or three courses for £22 or £26 respectively. 

Expect to pay: Starters begin at around £9, salads at £17, meat and fish mains at £22. 

What is it? The third and latest restaurant by the brothers behind Halisco and Anakuma. 

Why we love it: Baker Street, as far as hotspots for brilliant food go, remains pretty slept on by people who don’t know Brighton well. But those who do know it’s an excellent, not-so-central place to head for dinner, and Amari, the classy new venture by Ali and Mo Razavi (who are also behind two other restaurants on this list) in partnership with award-winning chef Ian Swanison, is an exciting new addition. Expect a quieter, more intimate service than at Halisco and Anakuma, but the same flavour-packed menu that’ll have you thinking you can squeeze in one more plate. It even made the Michelin Guide just nine weeks after opening – need we say more?

Time Out tip: There’s usually something unique and well-worth ordering on the specials board at this place – make sure to ask the team.

Expect to pay: Snacks start at £3, and small plates range anywhere from £6.50-20. 

What is it? Fresh seafood in a refined setting. 

Why we love it: Riddle & Finns’ Beach location is the best place to sample all the best seafood in town. Champagne and oysters are on the menu, and you can enjoy overlooking the waves. The dedicated team behind this Brighton classic also provide cooking master classes at the city’s community kitchen. 

Time Out tip: Dining on a week night? You could try out the intimate original restaurant on Meeting House Lane, but booking is only available at the Beach location. 

Expect to pay: For a main plate, the rate is between £18-38, and catch of the day depends on market price (but we’d for go for that anyway). 

What is it? Pizza, pizza, and more pizza. 

Why we love it: Who doesn’t love pizza? Fatto a Mano certainly does, and they definitely know what they’re doing with it too. This mini Brighton chain has expanded into three branches across the city, and even has digs near Kings Cross and in Covent Garden. They specialise in authentic Italian pizza and spritz, and there are usually some creative toppings and drinks on offer on their specials menu, too. 

Time Out tip: If there’s a sparkling red wine on the specials menu, order it – you’ll thank us.

Expect to pay: Pizzas range between £9.50-17, and starters between £8-11.50. 

What is it? A highly-decorated southeast Asian vegan restaurant

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a fiery slap-up meal that you’ll completely forget is totally plant-based, Bonsai Plant Kitchen is the place to head. It’s a little neighbourhood spot on Baker Street with excellent service, atmosphere and flavours. Why’s it so good? Well, everything is cooked over Japanese coal, which can be washed down with some seriously mouth-watering cocktails. 

Time Out tip: From 12-2pm on Fridays, you can get a bincho skewer, small plate and rice bowl for just £20.

Expect to pay: Small plates are £7.50-9.50, plates of tempura or the bincho grill start at £8.50. 

What is it? Spectacular pasta made in an open kitchen, with a superb wine list to match.

Why we love it: Cin Cin’s U-shaped bar seats hungry patrons who can sit and watch the chefs work their magic. The menu changes regularly, with the likes of truffled ricotta tortellini satiating the appetite of pasta fiends. They offer a £10 Tuesday pasta deal, or a slightly boujier three-course dinner menu for two people plus wine, which costs £80. 

Time Out tip: Several of Brighton’s best pubs are within walking distance of Cin Cin, so there are a handful of options for a post-dinner drink.  

Expect to pay: Starters range from £9-12, mains from £20-23. 

What is it? For mouth-watering twists on Meditarranean dishes

Why we love it: Mediterranean-style small plates are hardly hard to come by right now, but the dishes served up at LOST in the Lanes, which has recently launched a Thursday-Saturday dinner menu, do not disappoint. Vegetarian, fish and meat options are all executed well, and there are some particularly enticing plates on the menu – think bavette steak with tangy café de paris dressing or crispy charred leeks served on a bed of romesco. The tasteful setting, smart, flavourful food and friendly service combine to make this place a cracking new dinner spot.

Time Out tip: Thirsty? There’s a cocktail happy hour from 5-6pm every evening that dinner is served.

Expect to pay: £6-12 for small plates and £18-25 for large ones. 

What is it? This teeny-tiny restaurant is home to some massive flavour. 

Why we love it: Opened in mid-2022, Palmito is a relatively new restaurant on the Brighton food scene, but that hasn’t stopped it making waves. The dishes change daily and there’s an ever-evolving cocktail and wine list to match, but has included plates like grilled peaches with pistachio tahini and Peruvian ox heart anticucho in the past. 

Time Out tip: This place is mighty, but small – we’d recommend booking in advance.

Expect to pay: The menu is organised into vegetable, fish and meat plates, and overall range from £6-19. 

What is it? Taste your way through up to nine courses at this Hove home-from-home for fine diners.

Why we love it: It’s run by a former Master Chef: The Professionals winner, so it’s no real surprise Etch is a fancy little spot. However, the restaurant has a nice laid-back charm, which aims to move away from the stuffier feeling of traditional posh restaurants. Tasting menus change each month and reflect whatever is best at that time of year. 

Time Out tip: The cocktails here are inspired, so set aside some time for a pre-dinner apéritif. 

Expect to pay: Set menus at Etch start at £55 per person. 

What is it? A pretty, intimate, date-friendly restaurant with knockout steak and cocktails. 

Why we love it: This place, whether you’re nipping in around Valentines Day or you’ve wandered off the beach with an appetite, Kindling an undeniably romantic restaurant. You can opt for a bar seat to overlook the chefs doing their finest grilling, or get a cosier spot on the restaurant floor, but either way you’ll be enveloped by polite, attentive service, the warm glow of fairy lights and love-filled atmosphere. I’d recommend the sirloin, cooked medium rare, with the chimichurri and a glass of Côtes du Rhône.

Time Out tip: Why not ask the team for their wine recommendation? The list is extensive and they really know their stuff.

Expect to pay: Steaks range from £15-28, depending on your cut. 

What is it? An intimate little spot that has every kind of diner in mind.

Why we love it: Set within a recently regenerated part of Brighton’s Lanes, The Flint House’s large dining room and stunning terrace make it great for large gatherings. The menu is broad, with vegans and gluten-free diners catered for with dedicated menus. The chef’s menu – which includes a small selection of dishes plus wine pairings – is a fun way to sample something new.

Time Out tip: Fully booked? Why not try The Gingerman, another intimate little space further towards Hove which is this restaurant groups’ original outpost. 

Expect to pay: Snacks start at £5.50, and veggie, fish and meat plates range from £12-15.

What is it? Ridiculously good small plates from two of Brighton’s most exciting restauranteurs. 

Why we love it: The second venture by the brothers behind Halisco (see number one), Anakuma is an extension of their love of small plates. Here, the menu still follows their formula of sharing dishes and snacks, but it’s instead inspired by knockout Asian flavours – think scallion pancakes, wonton chips and some absolutely smashing tacos. Despite the sleek, intimately-lit restaurant, the place is still a great place to head if you’re on a bit of a budget – check their Insta for the latest set menu deals.

Time Out tip: We’re not joking about the scallion pancakes – if they’re on the menu, order them.

Expect to pay: Small plates will be £8-£12, tacos start from £10.50 for two. 

What is it? Well-loved vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes that’s even a hit with non-veggies.

Why we love it: Food for Friends is a jewel in Brighton’s veggie-friendly crown. The restaurant has long been proving that no meat doesn’t equal no taste, and the award-winning venue specialises in dishes designed to be shared with a table of your best mates (even the ones who claim to dislike veggie food). 

Time Out tip: Some of Brighton’s best bars are nestled in the North Laine and South Lanes.

Expect to pay: Small plates range from £9-£15, and mains sit at around £20. 

What is it? Freshly-made sushi in an eye-catching Japanese restaurant.

Why we love it: Brighton has a surprisingly strong array of Japanese restaurants but for sushi, none can match Moshimo. Tucked away in a futuristic looking box near The Lanes, this modern spot makes for a super-sleek restaurant. 

Time Out tip: Never made sushi yourself? Try a workshop. 

Expect to pay: Individual sushi roles start at around £3.40, but sustainable fish is at the heart of everything they do here, with first rate ingredients bringing a taste of Kyoto to the city by the sea — if you’re feeling elaborate, order the sushi boat for £40-100.

What is it? Inventive Indian restaurant loved by Brighton foodies.

Why we love it: Many consider The Chilli Pickle Brighton’s best Indian restaurant. Suitable for lunch or dinner, the creatively put together menu is crammed with recipes you’re unlikely to have tried before. Their dishes are colourful, well-spiced and aromatic, and it’s probably best-place resto in town for after-dinner drinks. 

Time Out tip: For a just-as-tasty but more laid back Indian spot, give Planet India a go. 

Expect to pay: Mains range from around £15-25 across curries, tandoori and Chilli Pickle specials. 

What is it? Part of the Blackrock Restaurants Group, this is one of the most stylish restaurants in Brighton. 

Why we love it: A menu of delicious small plates can be ordered individually as a boujee bar snack or in bulk for an indulgent feast. With delicious seafood, wood fired meat and vegetables, the classy menu makes for a super elegant dining experience. The restaurant’s decor exudes style, and Burnt Orange boasts one of the nicest terraces in Brighton.

Time Out tip: The sparkling sorbet cocktail is a must-try. 

Expect to pay: Between £8.50-14 for starters and small plates, and from £9.50-17 for the wood-fired good stuff.