Food & Drink
Feeling peckish? Welcome to Brighton’s Food & Drink guide.
Eats & Drinks, Straight to Your Inbox!
Be the first to hear about Brighton’s tastiest new cafés, indie bars and hidden-gem restaurants that locals are going crazy for!
Top Brighton Eats & Drinks
Brighton isn’t just about the pebbly beach and those cheeky seagulls nicking your chips. This city is one of the UK’s most exciting foodie hubs, bursting with independent flair and international flavours. Whether you’re here for a day trip, a cheeky weekend, or you’re lucky enough to live here, Brighton’s food and drink scene has something for everyone.
From award-winning restaurants in The Lanes to vegan cafés in Hove, from cocktail bars in Brighton with rooftop views to pub food that’ll make you want to move here, this is your ultimate guide to eating and drinking like a local.
Craving Something Extra Special?
Looking for the perfect brunch spot to impress Mum, or maybe a cocktail bar that’s queer-friendly and perfect for a first date (we can’t help you dodge your ex, sorry)?
Need a family-friendly restaurant where even the dog gets a water bowl, or a lively pub for a pre-match pint before heading to the Amex? Brighton’s got a handful of independent restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide, including:
- The Little Fish Market: Known for its refined, ever-changing seafood tasting menu.
- etch.: Run by Steven Edwards (yep, the MasterChef: The Professionals champ) brings big, British flavours with some serious finesse.
- Embers: A fire-fuelled, sharing-style gem in The Lanes that’s big on bold flavours. Voted 3rd best restaurant in Brighton at the BRAVO 2025 awards.
- Palmito: An intimate atmosphere with big flavour, small and curated dishes inspired by Latin America and the South Asian cuisines.
And, let’s be honest – you can’t leave Brighton without having proper fish and chips on the beach. Bonus points if you manage it without a seagull nicking your cod.
Whether it’s locally sourced comfort food, Neapolitan pizza the size of your head, or delicate small plates with local wines, we’re here to serve up the best of Brighton’s independent eats, local loves, and hidden foodie gems in our Food & Drink guide.
Brighton’s Independents, All in One Place!
Looking for your new go-to? Our Spotlight has the best of Brighton’s independents for foodie and drink enthusiasts, ready for you to explore, enjoy, and support local independents.
Neighbourhood Foodie Guides
Brighton’s food and drink scene is as eclectic as its neighbourhoods. Let’s take a little wander… Central Brighton, Brighton Seafront, Hove, Kemp Town, The Lanes and Seven Dials all have something unique to offer.
Fancy a Mooch Around the Shops After Lunch?
We’ve rounded up Brighton’s best independents. Discover vintage treasures and arty finds to homeware havens and plant shops you’ll want to move into.
Best Brighton Restaurants
You’ve probably heard of The Coal Shed, Burnt Orange and The Ivy Brighton – and fair play, they’re gorgeous for a splash‑out occasion.
If you really want to taste the true independent flavour of Brighton, there’s an abundance of local gems that steal the show.
Here’s some of the best Brighton restaurants locals rave about:
🍕 Nanninella: A hidden gem with serious Neapolitan charm. Cosy, authentic dining, and home to some of the best pizza in Brighton and Hove.
🍷 Market: Tapas meets Sussex in this lively little bistro with a Spanish soul: moody lighting, bold flavours, and the perfect date-night spot for some romancing.
🍲 PomPoko: The ultimate walk-in spot for hearty Japanese comfort food. Quick, affordable, and loved by locals.
🐟 The Little Fish Market: Tucked-away and quietly brilliant. A seasonal, ever-changing tasting menu that celebrates local seafood. Small, special, and well worth the splurge.
🍻 The Roundhill: Brighton’s first vegan gastropub, famous for its plant-based Sunday roasts and sustainable vibes.
🍝 Donatello Brighton: A family-run Italian institution. Huge menu, lively atmosphere, and a pizza that hits the spot every time.
Favourite Café, Bar or Restaurant Not Feautred?
We know Brighton’s food & drink scene is bursting with hidden gems and we don’t want to miss a single one! If your go-to café makes the best flat white in town, your favourite restaurant deserves a shout-out, or there’s a bar you swear does the best spicy margaritas in town, we want to hear about it!
Brighton Loves to Brunch
Grab a final seaside brunch before dashing for the train home after a busy weekend exploring the city. Catch up with friends on tales from the weekend at the best of Brighton cafes, and bring your pups (yes, most cafés here are happily dog‑friendly) to enjoy a slow Sunday winddown before heading back to work.
Think Instagrammable pancakes piled high, full English breakfasts with all the trimmings, matcha lattes that locals swear by, and flat whites strong enough to cure even a Mesmerist‑level hangover.
🥞 Oeuf, Hove: A professional bruncher’s dream. Creative plates, colourful French aesthetics, and a favourite for locals winding down their weekend – “because one Oeuf, is never en-Oeuf.”
🌱 Granny’s Cafe, Brighton: Known amongst locals for its authentic and stupidly yummy Matcha Lattes.
🎷 Kenny’s Rock & Soul Café: Expect a scrumdiddlyumptious breakfast, speedy service, and an atmosphere that’s truly one of a kind. Nab a balcony seat above The Lanes and watch the city come alive beneath you.
🥐 Flour Pot Bakery: Flaky pastries, perfect sourdough, and that smell of fresh bread that pulls you in from the street.
🍳 Lucky Beach Café, Brighton: Beachfront brunching with a focus on sustainability. Perfect for families and sea views.
Thinking About a Job in Hospitality?
Fancy pulling pints, plating up, or perfecting your latte art? Our jobs board is packed with the latest hospitality openings at Brighton’s best cafés, bars and restaurants.
Crowning Brighton’s Bar Scene
When it comes to clubs and bars in Brighton, the city knows how to throw a good night out. Whether you’re after a laid‑back pint, a dance‑til‑late club night, or cocktails with a view, Brighton’s nightlife is as colourful as its streets.
From steampunk speakeasies to rooftop gin joints, here’s where to sip, dance, and soak up the city’s legendary after‑dark vibe.
🍸 Plateau: Natural wines, creative cocktails, and candlelit charm in the heart of The Lanes.
🎶 Dead Wax Social: Vinyl DJ sets, craft beers, and pizza in North Laine. A go-to for music lovers seeking laid-back late nights.
🍹 The Gin Tub: Hove’s retro gin lounge. Order your drinks via vintage landline and sip from a list of 100 gins in a copper-clad cocoon.
🌿 The Plotting Parlour: Sleek cocktails with a touch of theatrical calm. A must for date nights in Hove.
🎷 The Mesmerist: Three floors of jazzy, steampunk charm in The Lanes, live music, rooftop garden, secret speakeasy and top-tier cocktails. Brighton nightlife at its finest.
Cuisine & The Perfect Vibe
Looking for the best food in Brighton? You’ll find everything from hearty vegan cafés to Italian trattorias and stylish wine bars. Sometimes you wake up craving a full English, and other times it’s rooftop cocktails with extra olives.
Here’s where locals and visitors alike love to eat, drink, and linger:
🥞 Brunch at Brighton Best Cafes: From avocado-laden toasts in North Laine to dog-friendly coffee hangouts, Brighton & Hove’s brunch game are unbeatable.
🌱 Vegan Cafes Brighton: Forget “just a salad.” Brighton’s vegan scene is world-famous – Beelzebab, and Terre à Terre, it’s no wonder Brighton is known as the vegan capital of the UK.
🥦 Vegetarian Restaurants Brighton: Brighton nails meat‑free dining.
🍝 Italian Food Brighton: Craving pasta or pizza? Beyond Donatello, check out VIP Pizza and Fatto a Mano for wood‑fired perfection.
🍷 Bars & Pubs: After the best bars in Brighton? Whether it’s classy wine bars in Brighton, lively sports bars for an Albion game, or the quirkiest gay bars in Kemptown, there’s something for every mood.
🍺 Pubs with Food Brighton: Grab a Sunday roast at The Roundhill or a seaside pint with proper pub grub at The Walrus. Perfect for a cosy catch‑up or pre‑match bite.
🍸 Cocktail Bars Brighton: Sip rooftop sundowners, hidden speakeasy concoctions in Kemp Town, or Brighton’s famous gin cocktails – the choices are endless.
⚽ Sports Bars Brighton: Match day in Brighton is a vibe all its own, and the city’s sports bars and pubs are buzzing from the first whistle. For proper pub food Brighton style, head to The West Hill Tavern for wood‑fired pizza with your pint, or The Font for bargain drinks and screens big enough to make you feel pitch‑side. Whether you’re cheering on the Albion at the Amex or catching a Six Nations clash, Brighton’s sports bars keep the atmosphere electric and the nachos piled high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Book Restaurants in Brighton?
Yes, especially with Brighton’s booming independent food scene! For smaller, award-winning spots like Palmito, Embers, or Wild Flor, book ahead. There are plenty of walk-in cafés and pubs available for a bite to eat, but expect queues on sunny weekends and bank holidays in Brighton.
Are There Good Walk-In Spots in Brighton?
Yes! Independents like PomPoko, Bonsai Plant Kitchen, and Moksha Caffe usually welcome walk-ins. Just be prepared to queue a little (10-15 mins typically), especially during peak brunch hours or on sunny weekends when everyone suddenly remembers Brighton has a beach.
Where’s the Best Brighton Restaurants for Vegan and Vegetarian?
Skip the big names and head to Smorl’s Kitchen for legendary falafel, The Roundhill for award‑winning vegan roasts, or Iydea in North Laine for hearty, wholesome boxes.
For something a bit fancy, Lost in the Lanes serves seasonal small plates, while Bayon Bakery keeps Hove sweet with 100% vegan pastries.
What’s the Best Area for Nightlife and Drinks in Brighton?
For romantic cocktails, head to The Lanes and try The Plotting Parlour or The Mesmerist. In Kemp Town, spots like The Black Dove and Proud Cabaret are perfect for lively, queer‑friendly nights. If it’s seafront vibes you’re after, start your night off with cocktails at Patterns, Tempest Inn, or OhSo Social.
Where Are the Best Cafes in Brighton?
Brighton’s café scene is basically a lifestyle. Locals rave about their dog‑friendly hangouts, while tourists hunt down the most Instagrammable brunch plates before dashing for the train. For strong flat whites and pancakes stacked to the ceiling, head to Moksha Caffe. If flaky croissants are your vibe, Flour Pot Bakery has you covered. And for the matcha‑loving crowd, Granny’s Café is the spot.
Where Can I Find Rooftop Bars in Brighton?
For sunset sips with sea views, nothing beats rooftop bars in Brighton. Patterns is a favourite for DJs, dancing, and cocktails overlooking the pier. For fairy‑light magic, The Mesmerist’s rooftop garden is a local secret worth climbing the stairs for. For our LGBTQ+ crowd, Revenge’s rooftop bar is a must–visit club, part terrace heaven, it’s one of the most fabulous spots to sip, dance, and soak in the view of Brighton Palace Pier and seafront while ticking both best bars in Brighton and lesbian bars Brighton boxes.
Where Are the Best Gay and Lesbian Bars in Brighton?
Brighton is proudly the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, and its nightlife proves it. The gay bars in Brighton are as colourful as the Pride parade itself. Legends offers a lively seafront terrace, Proud Cabaret brings glitz, drag, and cabaret sparkle, and The Black Dove delivers quirky, arty vibes that locals adore.
If you’re after a high‑energy night, Revenge is the ultimate LGBTQIA+ nightclub with a rooftop bar that seals the deal. No matter where you go, you’ll find a big, warm and energetic welcome, fabulous music, and a night you won’t forget. LGBT nightlife in Brighton is renowned for its inclusivity and embracing of everyone and anyone.
Are There Family-Friendly Restaurants in Brighton?
Yes! Try independents like Donatello for pizza and pasta, Food for Friends for veggie favourites, and PomPoko for quick Japanese comfort food. The Roundhill is great for vegan roasts, while Lucky Beach Café keeps things casual and kid‑friendly right on the seafront.
What Food Festivals Happen in Brighton?
Brighton serves up food festivals all year round. Street food markets and pop‑up feasts pop up along the seafront and The Lanes (spring through summer), while the Brighton Open Market often hosts seasonal foodie celebrations (Easter, October, December).
How Do I Get My Restaurant, Café or Bar Featured?
If you’re an independent eatery, café, or bar in Brighton, you can apply through our Brighton Business Spotlight waitlist. For advertising including editorials, display ads and social shout-outs, newsletter features, check out Advertising.
Put Your Café, Bar or Restaurant in the Spotlight
Running an indie café, bar or restaurant in Brighton is no small feat. We get it. There are loads of great spots in the city and sometimes shouting about your own can feel like whispering into the wind.
That’s why we built Brighton.co.uk Spotlight. It’s where your customers come when they’re hungry for something new and keen to support independents like you.
When you advertise with us, you’ll get:
- Spotlight love across our Food & Drink guides, so your business shows up where foodies are already looking.
- Extra buzz on socials with shoutouts that put your name in front of hungry Brightonians.
This city runs on independents. Let’s make sure yours gets the spotlight it deserves.
