Brighton is a diverse resort town. This is clear from the wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs spread throughout. Whether you are in the mood for Italian, Mexican, Thai or Chinese, from vegetarian to steakhouse to fish ‘n’ chips and everything in between, you can be sure you’ll find a good place to eat in Brighton.
Let me take you on a tour of some of the favourite dining and drinking spots in Brighton, starting with a seaside favourite: fish ‘n’chips.
Discover Brighton fish ‘n chips
You’ll never be short of somewhere to eat fish ‘n’ chips. Seafood is a specialty and whether you’re in an upmarket restaurant, at a promenade stand or in a fast food joint, you’ll most likely find some tasty seafood on the menu. At the promenade stands you can tuck into different types of cockles or some jellied eels and other seafood niceties. Produce is freshly fished, offering an authentic taste of Brighton.
If you’re looking for some stylish fish ‘n’ chips, you can visit the famous Harry Ramsden’s, located right by the pier and only a five minute walk from the New Steine Hotel. The restaurant offers both sit-in and takeaway options. Quality and flavour are guaranteed.
The Salt Rooms are a real treat as well if you’re looking for fish and chips. The restaurant was voted, one the best Fish & Seafood restaurants in the UK. The service is impeccable, the wine list impressive and the quality is exquisite.
You could also try the Regency Restaurant on the King’s Road. This popular restaurant, which started trading as a restaurant in the 1930s, is one of the oldest seafront restaurants in Brighton. The restaurant serves food caught the very same morning. Try the delicious Whole Crab Salad!
Cuisines from other cultures
My absolute must for Asian cuisine is Gars Chinese Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Brighton Lanes. This family run business serves food suitable for all ages. Private dining is also available. We’d recommend Dim Sum or the sizzling aromatic 5-spiced lamb shank in ginger and spring onion.
How about mixing things up a bit with Senor Buddha Brighton? The menu of this tapas style Spanish and Asian fusion restaurant changes regularly, with the Head Chef John Reid cooking up treats all day and night. Your taste buds will never experience a dull moment here. I would recommend the Daikon Radish Salad followed by Scallop & Morcilla with Cauliflower and Coconut – absolutely fantastic.
Brighton also has three amazing Indian restaurants. Chilli Pickle and Indian Summer are two excellent places to sit in and savour some Indian or mixed Asian cuisine. Alternatively, you can opt for a more relaxed Café style with the Curry Leaf Café, which is only a few minutes away from the hotel.
If you prefer to stay a little close to the hotel, you can call in at Sawadee Thai Restaurant. And if you wish to stick with good ole British cuisine, then 64 Degrees and Pike & Pine are not to be missed. All of these restaurants are a five to ten minute walk away from the hotel or less.
Steakhouses, vegetarian restaurants and places to eat for vegans
For excellent dining with the juiciest of steaks, Coal Shed, located in Boyce’s Street, is the place for you. The restaurant serves an array of dishes cooked over flames and will delight your taste buds. For a more reasonably priced option, try out the Old Bank Steak & Ribs, only a five minute walk away from the hotel. Both restaurants are very popular, so make sure you book in advance.
And for our vegetarian and vegan friends, you are definitely not forgotten in Brighton. One of the best known and most popular options is Terre a Terre, located in East Street, or for a more casual atmosphere without sacrificing the quality, visit Food for Friends.
Family Friendly Restaurants in Brighton
Brighton isn’t all about the small cafes or expensive fine dining restaurants. With plenty of family venues available you are definitely spoilt for choice. Most popular in the Brighton Lanes is Donatello’s, a faced paced friendly Italian with plenty of seating and an outside terrace.
Just opposite Donatello’s is the Black Lion Pub a go, a traditional English Pub renowned for its extensive children’s menu. The pub has a beer garden and provides colouring books for the kids.
Looking for more of an American experience? Then check out JB’s American Diner on Kings Road. The restaurant features movie memorabilia, jukebox, cartoons playing on big screen TVs, and a fabulous menu, with Fizzy Floats, Jumbo Onion Rings and the JB Classic Burger.
Chill out in a comfortable, friendly bar
If you’re looking to relax with a tipple, you’ll find some cool bars in Brighton to drink. Experience warm Irish hospitality at the Fiddlers Elbow in the Brighton Lanes is a homely pub with sporting memorabilia. You can listen to live music or the DJ spinning the tunes and the staff are always pleasant.
If you want to get away from the typical Brighton bar scene, why not check out BYOC Brighton? Bring your own favourite tipple (mines a Gin) and watch the mixologists work their magic with a bespoke cocktail just for you.
For those that love new and interesting beer flavours, the Loud Shirt Brewery Co. This quirky little brewery has a fondness for bright colours and good ales. You can also take a tour of the brewery. The brewery is thought to be opening up a bar in Brighton in the summer.
My Personal Dining Highlights
I am also a lover of sushi and my last visit to Sushimania in Ship Street was a pure delight. The all-you-can-eat option allows you to sample a whole selection of menu items.
And if you’re looking for a quiet little café where you can chill out and watch the world go by, I would highly recommend Cup of Joe at the Kemptown Trading Post. Based within the stalls at the trading post, where you can browse the wears on sale, this Brighton gem has a terrific selection of homemade sandwiches on rustic breads, an array of tasty cakes and tarts, and a range of flavoured roasted coffees.
Our Very Own French Bistro
Of course, it would be remiss of me not to mention our very own New Steine Bistro, which serves a range of French cuisine, prepared with locally sourced meat, fish and seafood. I like to dine regularly in the Bistro, as well as hold our Supper Clubs every few months. Why not try them out?
My top tips are the Cod with a Chorizo Crust or the Duck Confit, but with a full a la carte and a daily specials menu, you’ll always find something that pleases your palate. Since we believe in the importance of serving home-made dishes, the food is all prepared freshly on the premises.
As a guest of the hotel, or as a follower of the blog, use the code HerveFoodie2018 and get 25% off food from our a la carte menu.
Brighton is the place to go for lunch and dining. If you need any help booking a table, or are not sure where to eat, have a chat with our Reception team, who are happy to assist with recommendations.
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