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 How’s Your Vada and Sneaky Peeking Steamers 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
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 Indian fish and chips
Curry Leaf Café
No trip to the seaside is complete without eating traditional fish and chips, but what if you fancy something spicier? Simple, book a table at Curry Leaf Café and you can enjoy a fillet of cod dipped in a chickpea and rice batter flavoured with chilli, garlic and ginger, and served alongside spiced potato wedges. The menu at this colourful café in Brighton’s Lanes is all about authentic Indian street food. 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. The three-course lunch with fizz for £20 is good value.
Address: 13-16 Vine Street, Brighton BN1 4AG
For sample menu and reservations: www.cincin.co.uk/home/
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 Italian favourites
Bella Italia
Brighton Marina is a great place to be on a sunny day, so head to the terrace at Bella Italia and soak up the sunshine while enjoying some traditional Italian cuisine. Whether you want a crispy pizza or generous bowl of pasta, the extensive menu will suit all tastes — there’s also plenty of choice for vegans, those on a gluten-free diet and diners watching the calories. Be warned, though, the gelato will be tempting.
Address: 2 The Boardwalk, Brighton BN2 5ZB
For sample menu and reservations: www.bellaitalia.co.uk/italian-restaurant/brighton/brighton-marina
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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