Best restaurants in Brighton

Best for vegetarians

Terre à terre

It’s not only vegetarians who flock to this highly-rated ethical restaurant, situated in Brighton’s lively Lanes, the creative meat-free menu is so enticing, everyone wants to indulge. And who can blame them, with innovative dishes such as the quirkily-named Helluva Smoked Harissa and Bao Wow Glazed Stuffed Buns being served up in a relaxed friendly environment. Terre à terre is also renowned for engaging in local charity events — an online shop now sells a range of products.

Address: 71 East Street, Brighton BN1 1HQ
For sample menu and reservations: terreaterre.co.uk

Best for the catch of the day

The Salt Room

Arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in Brighton, with a great view of the remains of the original West Pier, the Salt Room is the place to go if you’re after some seaside fish and chips. Gurnard, halibut and Sussex stone bass are all mains on the menu, but you can also tuck into oysters, clams, mussels and octopus. Pop in for the weekday set menu, when three courses are £20, or enjoy an afternoon tea.

Address: 106 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FU
For sample menu and reservations: www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk

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Best for Brighton Marina

Café Rouge

Whether you’re at Brighton Marina to shop, watch a movie or simply to relax, Café Rouge offers all-day dining in a welcoming restaurant close to the smart yacht harbour. Steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, Moules marinière — contemporary French cuisine dominates the main menu, however there is also a good choice of lighter bites, including salads, baguettes and croque sandwiches. Pop in on a Free-Flowing Friday and enjoy two courses with unlimited fizz or beer for £15.

Address: The Waterfront, Brighton BN2 5WA
For sample menu and reservations: www.caferouge.com/bistro-brasserie/brighton/marina

Best for Sunday lunch

The Sussex Yeoman

This award-winning cosy pub is well known for its extensive Sunday lunch menu, and it’s no surprise they have been awarded gold at the annual Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Awards. Their menu changes regularly but there will always be plenty to choose from, with chicken, beef, lamb, pork and even venison available, plus options for those looking for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free Sunday lunch. It’s just a quick walk from the train station so getting to it is easy, but make sure you book in advance as it’s a popular spot for a traditional Sunday roast.

Address: 7 Guildford Road, Brighton, BN1 3LU
For sample menu and reservations: thesussexyeoman.com/

Best for a Lanes lunch

Curry Leaf Café

The menu at this colourful café in Brighton’s Lanes is all about authentic Indian street food. Mains include seaside treat Keralan seabass moilee, classic lamb rogan josh and vegetarian baingan ka salan. There’s also a Kemptown Kitchen branch.

Address: 60 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE
For sample menu and reservations: www.curryleafcafe.com/lanes-cafe

Best for a special occasion

64 Degrees

A small and stylish restaurant hidden away in Brighton’s Lanes, 64 Degrees is headed up by chef Michael Bremner, who you may recognise from TV’s Great British Menu. It’s a popular haunt of foodies, who are impressed by the tasty small plates using local produce. And as it’s an open kitchen, diners can watch dishes being prepared. For a special treat, try the Chef’s Selection menu for £42.

Address: 53 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
For sample menu and reservations: 64degrees.co.uk

Best for fresh pasta

Cin Cin

Diners sit at the counter of this rather cute and compact Italian restaurant in Brighton’s North Laine and watch the chefs in action. So they’ll witness first-hand the dedication and skill that’s applied to cooking every dish. Small plates are an appetising starter, but it’s the homemade pasta mains that regulars rate, all made with local fresh produce.

Address: 13-16 Vine Street, Brighton BN1 4AG
For sample menu and reservations: www.cincin.co.uk/brighton/

Best for a get-together

Bincho Yakitori

This authentic Japanese gastropub, just a two-minute walk from the sea, only has tables for 28 diners, so book ahead and bring some friends — the food served at Brighton’s trendy Bincho Yakitori is made for sharing. There are no starters or main courses as such, just plenty of exceptional small dishes — the menu changes regularly but the crunchy fried chicken karaage and grilled aubergine with miso come highly recommended.

Address: 63 Preston Street, Brighton BN1 2HE
For sample menu and reservations: binchoyakitori.com/

Best for lunch with children

Art Box Cafe

If you're looking after grandchildren for the day a trip to the colourful Artbox Cafe is a must. The small themed cafe has a rotating cast of characters inspiring a changing themed menu. An ice cream stall and gift shop sit on the ground floor, while the cafe and facilities can be found on the first floor. Colourful pastel booths and funky retro Eames-style chairs make this a TikTok-worthy destination for teenagers, and younger children will delight in the colourful food options and complementary coasters. 

Address: 5-6 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HP
For further details: www.facebook.com/ARTBOXCafe.UK

Best for seafood

The Little Fish Market

‘Beyond excellent’, ‘absolutely awesome’, ‘mind blowing’ — this little seafood restaurant may be in neighbouring Hove and not Brighton, but it’s worth the slight detour for the chance to sample some truly outstanding sustainable fish. The £69 set menu uses the freshest catch of the day so changes regularly. Only open for dinner, two sittings are available five evenings a week.

Address: 10 Upper Market Street, Hove BN3 1AS
For sample menu and reservations: www.thelittlefishmarket.co.uk/

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