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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.

Ben Wilkinson at The Pass

★ Michelin££££Modern British

Situated in an enviable location next to the South Downs, South Lodge is a beautiful country house hotel that thankfully has a restaurant to match. Ben Wilkinson is an intelligent and skilful chef who runs a calm, focused kitchen; sit at the high-topped tables to watch him and his young team use impeccable techniques to get the most out of exceptional produce, be it day-boat turbot or wild fallow deer. The flavours build as the menu progresses and the desserts are a real highlight. Dishes are delivered with real pride by the chefs.

Interlude

★ Michelin££££Creative

The 240-acre Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens were first planted in 1801 and are famous today for their azaleas, rhododendrons and even a wallaby colony. Within the grounds sits an Italianate mansion housing elegant bedrooms and this intimate restaurant. The 'Estate Experience' tasting menu uses seasonal ingredients from their own land, with Chef Jean Delport's South African heritage shining through – such as in the carrot biltong forming part of the signature 'Rabbit Eats Carrot' dish. The wine list continues the South African trend, with choices from their own Benguela Cove estate.

Gravetye Manor

★ Michelin££££Modern British

This quintessential country house hotel is surrounded by 35 acres of glorious gardens; it was, after all, once home to pioneering gardener William Robinson. Ornate ceilings and fireplaces feature in the beautiful sitting rooms, while the restaurant sits within a striking contemporary extension. The kitchen garden provides the kitchen's heartbeat, with the fruit (and veg) of its labours being used across carefully executed dishes that appeal to both the taste buds and the eyes – as in the seemingly simple but utterly delicious 'garden salad'.

Sorrel

★ Michelin££££Modern British

An attractive 300-year-old former school in the town centre is home to this delightful restaurant, which is named after the owner’s favourite herb. Sit on the cosy ground floor or in the intimate upstairs room, where beams divide the area into three. Chef Alex Payne and his team offer a light à la carte and surprise tasting menu (the best option for the full experience), filled with top-quality ingredients. From Orkney scallops to mature, full-flavoured Hereford beef, the produce is put to good use in detailed, intricate dishes. The affable team genuinely want you to enjoy your visit.

Dill

必比登££Innovative

There’s plenty of originality on offer in the selection of small plates at this simple yet admirably inventive bistro. The menu adopts a global approach and wide-ranging influences, but nothing feels borrowed or copied from elsewhere with such uniquely put-together dishes – if it's on the menu, don't miss the Marmite-glazed ox tongue crumpet. A rustic interior and quirkily shaped dining room combine with the blackboard menus to give the place an intimate, welcoming feel, that is only enhanced by the knowledgeable and personable service team.

The Flint House

必比登££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.

Burnt Orange

必比登££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.

Palmito

必比登££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.

Cin Cin

必比登££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.

The Royal

必比登££Modern British

This friendly town centre dining pub is set within a boldly painted Victorian building and has a lovely vintage feel; if you want a table in the bar area, be sure to arrive early, as it’s first-come, first-served. The regularly changing menu has a strong British heart combined with a Mediterranean touch, resulting in gutsy, good value dishes like ox tongue and piccalilli or melting squid ragout with fennel, orzo and tapenade. It's the sort of pub everyone wants at the bottom of their street.

Shwen Shwen

必比登££African

Colourful, unfussy and joyous, there is so much to love about this great little restaurant decorated with warm hues and black-and-white photographs depicting scenes from West Africa, setting the stage perfectly for Maria Bradford’s generous, vibrantly flavoured food. A self-taught chef from Sierra Leone, she pulls inspiration from her home country and beyond for dishes such as meltingly tender beef short rib in a delicious groundnut and coconut sauce. The tasting menu is great for hungry diners, but brilliant value can be found when sharing plates from the à la carte.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

🕐 Mo-Su,PH 09:00-16:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cat Inn

££Traditional British

This long-standing inn is an understandably popular local haunt that has retained the feel of a proper village pub, and its interior is packed with character thanks to its beamed ceilings, pewter tankards, open fires and plenty of cosy corners. The good value cooking focuses on hearty pub classics such as a well-baked, immensely satisfying pie of the steak, mushroom and ale variety, accompanied by triple-cooked chips. The service team are sweet and friendly, while four tastefully decorated bedrooms complete the picture.

Chalk

££Modern Cuisine

Oak beams and brick walls abound in this former barn on the Wiston Estate winery, that now houses a smart restaurant. It’s named after the type of soil found in the area, which creates ideal growing conditions for the grapes and, as you would expect, you can accompany your meal with one of their own sparkling wines. The short, appealing menu changes with the seasons and offers fresh, straightforward flavours in harmonious combinations. Their generously sized house focaccia is a great way to start.

Knepp Wilding Kitchen

££Traditional British

The Knepp Estate is such a special place; from a dog walk around the gorgeous natural grounds to browsing produce in the farm shop, you could easily spend most of your day here. At the heart of it all is an ethos of rewilding, something which drives the menus at its restaurant housed inside an 18th-century barn. Here, the cooking is overtly seasonal and often uses ingredients from the Estate; try to kick off your meal with one of the fine flatbreads and punchy wild garlic butter. They are mostly open just for lunch, with some BBQ evenings in the summer.

The Bell

££Traditional British

With top hats as lampshades and tubas in the loos, quirky is this 16th-century coaching inn’s middle name. Its charm and character are only enhanced by its location within a picture-postcard village that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. The pub itself offers appealing, boldly flavoured dishes – such as a lovely plum frangipane tart for dessert – and sourdough pizza is served from the outdoor Smithy Kitchen when the weather allows. The wine list features large-format magnums, jeroboams and imperials.

Lury

£££Modern Cuisine, Sri Lankan

Chef Jack Lury skilfully blends his British, European and Sri Lankan heritage at this personal little restaurant in the town centre. Look out for the discreet entrance, then head down to the relaxed dining room where Lury cooks alone for just 10 diners. His original tasting menu is filled with enticing, interesting dishes that enhance British ingredients with deft spicing. Stand-out dishes include the likes of puréed aubergine with mustard seeds, crunchy turnip and Brussels sprouts, or tender venison with a spiced garlic sauce.

Thackeray's Restaurant

£££Modern British

A softly illuminated clapboard house; the oldest in town and once home to the eponymous author. Classic dishes have modern elements and feature lots of different ingredients. The moody first floor private rooms showcase local art.

The Counter by Robin Read

££££Modern British

Considering its name, it may come as a surprise to learn that there are actually only four counter seats at this dark and moody restaurant on a leafy street. Those spots are very much the prized tickets however, as they give you a great view of the action and you'll be served by the eponymous chef himself. His cooking is rooted in local suppliers (and some produce from the kitchen garden), resulting in dishes that shine a spotlight on top-quality central ingredients like succulent Sussex chicken – even the wine list features some nearby growers. The service is personable and pleasingly relaxed

The Small Holding

££££Modern British

There's a rustic, farmhouse-like feel to this former village pub run by two brothers. The team's focus is firmly on self-sufficiency, growing an array of fruit and vegetables on their own land, using no-dig and low-intervention methods. This seasonal produce heavily informs the monthly changing tasting menu, which blends British and Nordic culinary influences in dishes that have bold, well-balanced flavours and lots of personality. In summer, grab a seat on the terrace for an aperitif overlooking the garden.

The Parsons Table

£££Modern British

This cosy little restaurant is named after its owners – an experienced husband and wife team who run it with passion and pride – and it’s clearly a hit with the locals. Confidently prepared, flavoursome dishes are founded on the classics and have a subtle modern style and an honest feel.

Tallow

£££Modern Cuisine

You'll get a warm and friendly welcome at this cosy neighbourhood restaurant run by experienced couple Rob and Donna. Situated overlooking the green at Southborough, it's a rustic, homely place with an intimate chef's table counter upstairs if you're looking for a special occasion. Time and care is poured into every well-constructed dish, with each one showcasing the kitchen's strong knowledge of culinary techniques while delivering bold, hearty flavours. Look out for seasonal desserts like sake-marinated Gariguette strawberries.

Kentish Hare

£££Modern Cuisine

Behind the clapboard façade sits a spacious bar with bookshelf wallpaper and a modern extension where you can watch the chefs cooking steaks on two Big Green Eggs. Care is taken both in sourcing and cooking, and dishes are boldly flavoured and well-presented. Simpler dishes are available on the bar menu.

The Swan Inn

££Traditional British

Village pubs don’t come much more inviting than this, an immaculate 14th-century inn offering layer upon layer of charm. First there’s the bucolic setting, a small village nestled among the natural beauty of the South Downs; enter inside and you’re greeted not just by the friendly team but the even friendlier pub dog. Once seated in the gorgeously refurbished interior, the high-quality cooking duly completes the package. Expect hearty, traditional British dishes bursting with flavour, like devilled kidneys on toast followed by a Barnsley chop.

Tillingham

£££Modern British

Nestled deep in the countryside is this 70-acre farm and wine estate with a shop, a café, a tasting room and stylish bedrooms in its former hop barn. The restaurant, occupying converted farm buildings, has a rustic, airy quality with large windows overlooking the vines – as it gets busier, a terrific buzz fills the room. The ingredient-driven cooking focuses on pure, fresh flavours, available from a fixed-price, three-course lunch menu or an à la carte of sharing plates at dinner. The wine list includes their own low-intervention selection.

The Union Rye

££Modern Cuisine

The charming town of Rye is a destination in itself, and wandering through its steep cobbled streets, you will be happy to stumble upon this converted historic pub to recharge your batteries. Its refurbishment has left it more as a restaurant – one with a rustic, slightly bohemian style – but you can still smell the centuries of welcoming wood fires that have blazed in its antique fireplaces. The cooking casts an appealingly wide net, taking in influences from Cantonese (char siu monkfish skewers) to classical French (chocolate delice with boozy prunes).

Swan Wine Kitchen

££Modern British

This rustic, modern restaurant sits above the shop in the Chapel Down vineyard and boasts a cosy lounge and a lovely rooftop terrace with views over the vines. It’s run by a friendly team and, naturally, wines from the vineyard play a big role. Each dish on the daily menu comes with a suggested pairing, while the full wine list shows off their impressive range of both still and sparkling options. In the kitchen, the chefs produce ambitious modern dishes with a British heart that push local ingredients to the fore.

Harry's at The Gallivant

££French

Located inside boutique hotel The Gallivant, Harry’s bears all the same hallmarks of discrete seaside elegance. Think comfortable rattan armchairs, tables covered with fine linen and exotic plants giving a greenhouse vibe; guided by a charming team, you will instantly feel at ease here. The cooking is classically French through and through, from traditional terrine to rabbit with mustard sauce via beef Bourguignon – all underpinned by strong produce and textbook technique from an experienced chef.

Cassons

£££Modern Cuisine

Passionately run restaurant with exposed brick, wooden beams and a rustic feel. Boldly flavoured dishes are generously proportioned. Cooking is classically based but employs modern techniques. The regular gourmet evenings are a hit.

The West House

£££Modern British

One-time '80s rock drummer Graham Garrett has now been in the kitchen longer than he was on stage. His family run restaurant is in a great spot, located in a picturesque village and housed inside a 16th-century cottage with heavily timbered interiors. Graham's dishes are stripped down to show off his quality ingredients and years of technical experience; if you're lucky, you'll get the finely crafted parmesan churros as a snack. The wines are local, the service is as unfussy as the food and the bedrooms have stylish themes.

The Stile Bridge

££Fusion

You'll receive a warm welcome at this well-run roadside pub where vintage charm blends with contemporary cool. The extensive menu is rooted in top-quality British ingredients, but the eclectic dish influences come from all over the world, from France to Thailand, the Mediterranean to Latin America. Whichever country has provided the inspiration, the cooking will be generous in both size and flavour, combining several complementing elements in one dish. The sharing steaks are a feature if you're dining with friends.