马里斯和水獺

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.