The 25 best restaurants in Brighton

Why go? Locally sourced ingredients and modern British dishes in a swanky Hove setting.

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. High-end.

Why go? It’s Brighton’s most awarded restaurant! 

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. It’s definitely a blow-the-budget spot, but the innovative menu will make for an unforgettable dining experience, worth every penny. High-end.

Why go? Their fantastic menu of small plates and tacos, inspired by the warmth of Mexican street food. 

Run by two dedicated brothers, this spot is one of the most exciting restaurants in the city. The dishes are packed with seasonal ingredients, accompanied by the best margaritas outside of the motherland. What’s more, they’ve hosted multiple nights to raise money for charity, and have an affection for mariachi covers, which are always blaring. We’d highly recommend the oyster mushroom tacos, paired with a refreshing chelada. Keep an eye on out for the opening of their next project, Anakuma, too. Mid range. 

Why go? Take your tastebuds all the way to Tokyo and back, without leaving the South East.

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. 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. Mid-range. 

Why go? Superb French dishes with an affordable set lunch menu.

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. Best of all, it has a lunchtime set menu offer, where you can opt for two or three courses for £18 or £23 respectively. High end.

Why go? Elegant café/restaurant in near Brighton’s popular theatres. 

The newest branch of the restaurant family behind Lucky Khao Thai BBQ and Lucky Beach opened as the official eatery of Brighton’s historic Dome in May 2023. Redroaster offers seriously good breakfast, lunch and dinner (even bottomless brunch on the weekends), in a sophisticated city-centre spot. Mid-range.

Why go? This teeny-tiny restaurant is home to some massive flavour. 

Opened in mid-2022, Palmito is a relatively new restaurant on the Brighton food scene, but that hasn’t stopped it making waves (the chefs are formerly of the Chilli Pickle in the city's centre). The Ecuadorian-Indian fusion makes for a bold menu, which changes daily, with 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. Mid-range.

Why go? Taste your way through up to nine courses at this Hove home-from-home for fine diners.

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. High-end.

Why go? Spectacular pasta made in an open kitchen, with a superb wine list to match.

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. Mid-range.

Why go? The fluffiest of Bao buns in the coolest of pubs.

The resident Taiwanese kitchen at this independent Brighton pub has truly made a name for itself. Baby Bao has mastered the softest, pillowiest buns, which pair perfectly with some of The Pond’s excellent craft beer selection. They also offer a selection of picky bits and sweet-fried bao sticks. But beware: the chefs’ popularity has failed to waver, so you might need to fight for a spot. Mid-range.

Why go? The Best Brunch in Brighton, according to the city’s Bravo awards. 

One of the most eclectic brunch spots in town, Moksha is the go-to for a late morning pick-me-up. What started as a coffee shop way back in 2007 has transformed into a champion of modern British food, but don’t worry, they’re still passionate about a cuppa Joe. With everything from vegan poke to dirty brunch burgers, Moksha’s food is definitely worth the crawl out of bed. Mid-range.

Why go? Amazing sushi in an eye-catching Japanese restaurant.

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. 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. Mid-range.

Why go? Well-loved vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes that’s even a hit with non-veggies.

Vegetarian and vegan food often gets a bit of a bad press but Brighton is a hotspot for fantastic meat-free eateries, including Food for Friends. 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). High-end.

Why go? Fresh seafood in a refined setting. 

Riddle & Finns’ Beach and Lanes locations are the best places to sample all the best seafood in town. Champagne and oysters are on the menu, and you can enjoy overlooking the waves or in the intimate original restaurant on Meeting House Lane. The dedicated team behind this Brighton classic also provide cooking master classes at the city’s community kitchen. We’d recommend rocking up and sampling the freshest catch of the day. Booking is only available at the Beach restaurant. High-end.

Why go? Inventive Indian restaurant loved by Brighton foodies.

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 – the absolute perfect pick-me-up. Mid-range.

Why go? Stylish, on-trend cuisine in a sleek venue.

Yet more proof that Brighton is rather fond of its super-cool restaurants, 64 Degrees rustles up dishes with a big load of flair. Headed by Michael Bremner, the restaurant prides itself on using local and seasonal produce – so don’t be surprised to see a good few Sussex items on the menu. It’s soon transitioning back to a small-plates format, after a stint in fine-dining. This is a good place to book if you’re trying to impress a serious foodie. High-end.

Why go? A classic Brighton restaurant with plenty of charm.

Brighton diners love The Gingerman, the flagship branch of a restaurant group by the same name. This cooly decorated venue offers fixed-price menus (one, two or three courses) or a splash-out tasting one. The food is British-influenced, with some gourmet flourishes. They also do a delectable Sunday lunch. High-end.

Why go? This fish ‘n’ chip shop is not just a respected eatery but a little piece of history. 

Established nearly 100 years ago, Bardsley’s is no less than a Brighton institution. The tiled interior makes for the perfect laid-back setting to enjoy good old-fashioned fish ‘n’ chips, and the waiting staff are probably the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Budget.

Why go? The Brighton restaurant where no-meat doesn’t equal no-fun.

If Brighton’s steak restaurants aren’t your thing, 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 plant-based. Make sure you leave room to try their luscious puds. Mid-range. 

Why go? A newer branch of the Blackrock Restaurants Group, this is one of the most stunning restaurants in Brighton. 

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. Oh, and the sparkling sorbet cocktail is a must-try bar highlight. Mid-range.

Why go? Pizza, pizza, and more pizza. 

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 in London. They specialise in authentic Italian pizza and spritz, and their specials menu has even featured an incredible sparkling red wine. Mid-range.

Why go? An intimate little spot that has every kind of diner in mind.

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. Mid-range.

Why go? Celebrated steak restaurant with a commitment to the best of local ingredients.

Another member of the Blackrocks Restaurant group, The Coal Shed is a firm favourite with Brightonians and visitors. This place does the classic steak incredibly well — old school meaty brilliance means even the bread can be served with whipped beef fat, and the robust puddings will keep you full all night. High-end.

Why go? Seven of Sussex's best restaurants under one roof, right on Brighton beach

Brighton's iconic Shelter Hall reopened in 2020 after being demolished and wholly rebuilt. Situated at the bottom of West Street, right on the beach, it's now home to a superb food hall run by food startup incubator Sessions, and the kitchens rotate every few months so there’s always a chance to sample a new cuisine.

Why go? The authentic taste of India in the comfort of a living room. 

Planet India has all the flavour of a high end restaurant with the all the charm of a family home, and that’s basically what it is. This all vegetarian restaurant has been feeding the curry-hungry Brightonians for donkey's years, and become a bit of a cult favourite. They’re also super popular for takeaways, and are very proud of their cumin rice. Budget.