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City dining guide

Best restaurants in Brighton

17 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 1

Maré by Rafael Cagali

★ Michelin£££Modern Cuisine

‘Maré’ translates to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, reflecting the ever-changing seasonality of the cooking at this neighbourhood restaurant from the acclaimed chef behind London’s Da Terra. The beautiful interior is sleek and modern, while the cooking draws on influences from Cagali’s Brazilian roots, along with forays into the Mediterranean, Mexico and Japan. Sharing is encouraged, although you’ll be loath to give up any of the signature ‘baba au cachaça’. Service is warm, genial and caring, with many dishes delivered by the chefs.

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Bib Gourmand 4

The Flint House

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Brighton’s famous Lanes district plays host to this fashionable brasserie hidden inside a red-brick and flint-stone house that was one home to the city's renowned Hannington's department store. Enjoy a drink on the terrace of the first-floor cocktail bar, then head down to the buzzy main room dominated by an open kitchen and a stainless-steel counter. There's something for everyone among the colourful small plates that take on global influences and burst with freshness and flavour. Many of the good value wines are also offered by the glass.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

The Flint House in Brighton offers modern cuisine featuring small sharing plates. Reviews highlight high food quality, attentive service, and a charming atmosphere, with the open kitchen and counter seating often praised. However, some guests noted issues with meal pacing, inconsistent dish temperatures, and small portion sizes that affect perceived value. While generally well-regarded, experiences vary, and advance booking is recommended.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and an interactive experience; book in advance and manage portion expectations.

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Burnt Orange

Bib Gourmand££Mediterranean Cuisine

Hidden away within Brighton's famous Lanes, it's easy to miss this fun, relaxed spot. That would be a great shame, as it's a terrific place with retro music on the speakers and cocktails flying out from behind the bar. The menu slots in perfectly with the culinary trends of the times, offering a selection of sharing plates based on produce cooked over a wood-burning fire. Look out for the Middle Eastern and North African influences, such as the creative, beautifully golden leek and spinach pastilla.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Burnt Orange in Brighton offers Mediterranean cuisine with a strong reputation for food quality and attentive service. Diners praise the flavorful sharing plates, such as halloumi and roasted vegetables, though some report burnt items or small portions. Service is generally warm and professional, yet meal pacing issues have caused delays for some guests. The ambiance is charming, with a popular garden area suitable for sunny days. Value perceptions vary; while many find the experience justified, others consider the prices high relative to portion sizes. Reservations are essential due to popularity. It suits those seeking a refined, social dining experience, provided they manage expectations regarding wait times and portion sizes.

Ideal for diners seeking refined sharing-style Mediterranean cuisine who are willing to book in advance.

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Palmito

Bib Gourmand££Asian, South American

A pink neon sign beckons you into this wonderful little neighbourhood restaurant that's all about small plates and big flavours. The style of the food is described as ‘spice driven’ and draws on multiple global cuisines across the selection of affordable dishes, be that scallops with ancho chilli butter or Keralan fried chicken. The décor is simple and understated, but the cooking is bold and interesting, with an appropriate degree of care taken in the kitchen. Kick your evening off with a colourful cocktail, and make sure to end it with a delicious dessert.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 67 reviews

Palmito, located in Hove, offers Asian-South American fusion cuisine featuring creative small plates and fresh local ingredients. Most diners praise the high food quality and unique flavors, highlighting dishes like grilled lamb chops, fried chicken, and corn. Service is generally described as friendly and professional. The atmosphere is intimate and casual, though the venue is small with limited seating, making advance booking essential. Some reviews note the space can be cramped and noisy, with modest decor. While the food is excellent, portions are small, leading some guests to question the value for money. Additionally, meal pacing and strict sitting time limits have been mentioned as potential drawbacks.

Ideal for diners seeking refined fusion flavors and small portions, with advance booking essential.

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Cin Cin

Bib Gourmand££italian

Cin Cin’s loyal band of customers come for its wallet-friendly Italian cuisine, where fresh ingredients are simply cooked and natural flavours are allowed to shine. You can create a different experience every time you visit by sitting in a different place: in front of the open kitchen, at the horseshoe counter, gazing out the window onto the street or in the calmer rear room. Wherever you choose, the terrific homemade pasta is a must – such as strozzapretti with wild mushrooms, pickled shallots and parmesan. An all-Italian wine list completes the picture.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Hove, Cin Cin holds an average rating of 4.2/5. Positive reviews highlight high food quality, passionate service, and a lively atmosphere. Guests praise the modern Italian cuisine, particularly dishes like rabbit and rich ragù, noting the staff's enthusiasm. However, negative feedback points to inconsistent flavors, overly salty dishes, poor dessert quality, slow pacing, and limited space with shared seating. While some critics mention high costs relative to portions, the majority find the experience memorable. It suits diners seeking authentic Italian flavors and attentive service.

Ideal for diners seeking authentic modern Italian cuisine and enthusiastic service, though reasonable expectations regarding flavor consistency and pacing are advised.

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Other guide picks 12

Tutto

££italian

This smart Italian brasserie sits inside a transformed former bank and can be easily spotted by the large black-and-gold clock adorning its outside wall – in summer, the pavement terrace is a prime spot. The cooking follows an ingredient-led Italian philosophy, providing satisfyingly intense flavours in dishes such as pappardelle with a seasonally changing ragu or roasted cod with a punchy puttanesca. The friendly, knowledgeable service and all-Italian wine list complete the picture.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Brighton & Hove, Tutto is an Italian restaurant with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.7/5 based on 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights authentic food quality, charming atmosphere, and a pleasant terrace. Service is frequently praised, with specific mentions of staff members Lorenzo and Kieran for their attentiveness and hospitality. However, negative themes include inconsistent meal pacing, perceived poor value, and small portion sizes. Some critics note that the shift toward sharing plates limits menu variety and that occasional dishes suffered from execution errors, such as overcooked lamb or tough vegetables. While generally well-regarded for its welcoming environment and delicious flavors, mixed reviews suggest variability in consistency and pricing relative to quality.

Suitable for diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine and warm service, though checking portion sizes and pacing beforehand is advisable.

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Dilsk

£££Modern British

Visit this intimate and slightly moody spot inside the Drakes Hotel and you will likely be treated to some of the delicious, red-brown seaweed – more commonly known as dulse – after which the restaurant is named. Both the Short and Full tasting menus on offer include colourful dishes that are the epitome of modern British cuisine, like hogget with wild garlic and purple sprouting broccoli. The roster of well-chosen wines offers less-common choices that complement the food well.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Located in the basement of Drakes Hotel, Dilsk offers modern British cuisine. Reviews highlight high food quality, beautiful presentation, and knowledgeable service, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere. While many praise the exceptional flavors and attentive staff, some guests criticize small portion sizes, pacing issues, and perceived lack of substance relative to the cost. Despite mixed feedback on value, the overall rating remains strong, making it suitable for those seeking a refined dining experience.

Suitable for diners seeking refined presentation and professional service who accept smaller portions.

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Furna

£££Modern Cuisine

This stylish city centre restaurant is the first solo venture for Chef-Owner Dave Mothersill, who has been a fixture of the Brighton food scene for some time and brings an array of techniques to his precisely crafted dishes. The food is largely served by the proud chefs and focuses on seasonal British produce, with a few international influences and a creative edge. A chic mix of vintage and contemporary décor helps to enhance the experience, with counter seating available to make the most of the fully open kitchen.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 72 reviews

Furna in Brighton offers modern cuisine with high ratings across 72 reviews. Key strengths include exceptional food quality, attentive service, and an elegant atmosphere. Diners praise precise cooking, fresh ingredients like scallops and pork collar, and detailed explanations. However, some negative feedback highlights uneven meal pacing, a pretentious vibe, and mixed views on value. While generally highly regarded, experiences vary slightly regarding pacing and cost-effectiveness.

Suitable for diners seeking high-quality modern cuisine and attentive service for special occasions.

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Embers

££Modern Cuisine

Tucked away in the heart of Brighton’s famous Lanes, you’ll find this contemporary bistro with a big, wood-fired heart. Their ethos is all about sharing food with friends around a fire, with a menu that combines small plates like charred broccoli with centrepiece dishes for sharing, such as venison rump or whole sea bass. As you would expect, plenty of smoky flavour comes through in the well-executed, accessible dishes.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Embers, located in the Brighton Lanes, features an open kitchen with coal-fired cooking. Based on 80 reviews averaging 4.6/5, positive feedback highlights food quality (56 mentions) and service (52 mentions). Guests praise the Sunday roast, wood-fired sea bream, and original dishes, noting a cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Negative aspects include food quality (12 mentions), meal pacing (12 mentions), and atmosphere (9 mentions). Criticisms focus on slow breakfast service, greasy items like black pudding, tough waffles, and inconsistent flavor pairings. Some diners found the food disappointing relative to expectations or price. Overall, dinner experiences are generally rated higher than breakfast.

Suitable for diners seeking modern coal-fired cuisine and a cozy evening atmosphere; reservations are recommended.

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Amari

££Spanish

Look out for the bright-red exterior that draws you like a beacon to this Spanish-inspired restaurant tucked down a busy side street in the north of the city. The simply decorated setting keeps the focus on the food, with a menu full of dishes that deliver on their promise: the croquetas are creamy, the crudo is refreshing and the suckling pig is prepared with skill. The wine list is expectedly Spanish in its focus, while the selection of sherries is the ideal way to kick off the evening.

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The Set

££££Modern Cuisine

An intimate and rustic spot, this bistro-style restaurant has only seven tables and offers a pleasingly personable dining experience. Everyone is served together at 7pm, so be sure to arrive on time for the multi-course tasting menu that features small plates with a creative and playful streak. Japan has the biggest influence on the menu, from tempura and a short sushi serving to tomato dashi with ricotta – although there's still room for a spicy lamb taco too. High-quality produce runs throughout, resulting in some well-defined flavours.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Brighton, The Set offers modern cuisine with an average rating of 4.7/5. Guests frequently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere, particularly enjoying the open kitchen bar and wine pairings. However, some reviews note limited set menu options and inconsistencies following a recent move. Negative feedback highlights slow meal pacing, small portion sizes, and occasional cooking issues, such as dry venison. While a minority find the value questionable or the food average compared to competitors, most diners describe the experience as memorable and highly recommended for those seeking refined modern dining.

Ideal for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and a cozy atmosphere; booking ahead is advised.

🕐 Mo-Su,PH 09:00-16:00

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Gingerman

£££Modern Cuisine

The flagship of the Gingerman Group is a long-standing neighbourhood restaurant a short way from the sea. It has a slight Scandic look and an intimate feel. Understated modern dishes provide plenty of appeal and have an unforced natural style and good clarity of flavour.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Gingerman in Brighton offers modern cuisine with generally high ratings. Reviewers frequently praise the food quality, particularly dishes like venison, cod, and Sunday roasts, alongside attentive service and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Wine and cocktails are also highlighted. However, some recent feedback cites issues with meal pacing, perceived lack of value, and inconsistent food standards compared to past visits. While most guests enjoy a refined experience without pretension, a minority found portions insufficient or prices unjustified for the quality served. Overall, it remains a popular choice for special occasions, though individual experiences may vary.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, with prior menu verification advised.

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Little Fish Market

£££seafood

As the name implies, fish is the focus at this unassuming restaurant, which is fittingly located in a converted fishmonger’s opposite the old Victorian fish market. For many years, passionate chef-owner Duncan Ray has been quietly cooking, refining and pushing his restaurant forward – and he is ever-present in the dining room, ensuring his guests are having a good time. The 6 course set menu is packed with skilful seafood cookery which demonstrates great balance and understanding of the ingredients.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Hove, Little Fish Market specializes in seafood and holds a strong average rating. Food quality is frequently praised, particularly for unique dishes like squid ink gel and fish-focused tasting menus, though isolated complaints mention over-salted items and pacing issues. Service is generally described as attentive and friendly, with the chef often engaging with guests. Ambiance receives mixed feedback; while some appreciate the quiet, intimate setting, others criticize the harsh lighting, cold temperature, and lack of decor, noting it can resemble a café. Value perceptions vary significantly: lunch is considered a bargain, whereas dinner pricing is debated, with some finding the cost unjustified relative to the experience.

Ideal for diners prioritizing high-quality seafood over atmospheric ambiance, with lunch recommended for better value.

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Wild Flor

££Modern British

A group of lifelong friends own this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant, and they lead the service with obvious pride. The room takes on a modern bistro style and there’s a pleasingly unpretentious feel to the place. Well-prepared, seasonally changing dishes – try the goose rillettes with redcurrants in the winter – have a similarly unfussy style and good depth of flavour.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

Wild Flor in Hove offers modern British cuisine with generally positive feedback. Food quality is praised for freshness and presentation, with ample vegetarian and fish options, though some note small portions or inconsistent execution. Service is typically attentive and efficient, with specific staff commended. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, suitable for families, but the space can feel cramped. A significant drawback is the restroom facilities, described as inadequate. Value perception varies; set menus are considered good value, while à la carte dining may feel expensive due to portion sizes.

Ideal for diners seeking a cozy atmosphere and refined modern British cuisine; consider the set menu for better value and be aware of restroom limitations.

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etch. by Steven Edwards

££££Modern British

An attractive former bank plays host to this lively modern restaurant, where an open kitchen and bar take centre stage in the dining room. Tersely described tasting menus deliver ambitious, technique-driven dishes with bold flavours and intriguing textures; Steven's signatures include a marmite brioche and his take on 'dippy egg'. The wine list offers a good selection from Sussex and cocktails are available in the basement Ink Bar, so-called because the premises was once a tattoo parlour.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews

Etch by Steven Edwards offers Modern British cuisine in Hove, holding a 4.9/5 average from 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Guests frequently praise the high-quality food, seasonal menus, and professional service, noting the elegant atmosphere and good value. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, occasional texture problems in specific dishes, and seating arrangements. Despite these isolated incidents, the restaurant is renowned for its artistic presentation and engaging chef interactions, making it a top-tier choice for fine dining enthusiasts seeking consistency and excellence.

Ideal for diners seeking high-quality modern British cuisine and a refined experience.

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The Ginger Pig

££Modern British

The whole package is here at The Ginger Pig: an early 20C inn near the seafront; a restaurant offering an extensive choice of British favourites and Mediterranean classics; bespoke cocktails; charming staff who are attentive and on the ball; and, finally, comfy bedrooms upstairs for those wishing to make a night of it.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

The Ginger Pig in Hove offers Modern British cuisine with an average rating of 4.5/5 from 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights excellent food quality, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere, particularly for lunch. Guests appreciate the varied menu and wine selection. However, criticisms focus on slow meal pacing, inconsistent value for money, and occasional culinary issues such as overcooked or bland dishes. While minor maintenance concerns exist in guest rooms, the restaurant remains popular for its professional staff and consistent dining experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking traditional British fare.

Ideal for diners seeking authentic British cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere, though visiting during off-peak hours may improve meal pacing.

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Ginger Fox

££Modern British

Situated on the edge of the woods, this long-standing thatched pub is full of character and you can't help but be carried away by the team's cheerful energy. It's run by the Gingerman Group, primarily based in Brighton, with this acting as their country outpost hidden away in the South Downs. Pubby favourites like Welsh rarebit or prawns with Marie Rose sauce are all present and correct, as are dishes with a little more flair; whatever you choose, the kitchen will lavish the same care upon it. The wine list includes some locally grown options.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews

Ginger Fox offers modern British cuisine with mixed reviews. Food quality is polarized; while goat cheese mousse, beef fillet, Sunday roasts, and hake are praised for taste and presentation, others report overcooked burgers or lukewarm meals. Service is generally commended as friendly, professional, and attentive to allergies, though delays can occur. Ambiance varies: the garden is pleasant, but outdoor seating is uncomfortable, and indoor temperatures are sometimes cited as too cold. Value is debated; some find it reasonable, while others consider mains, desserts, and wine portions overpriced relative to cost.

Suitable for families seeking traditional Sunday roasts and attentive service, but verify indoor temperature and wine options beforehand.

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