The Brighton Visitor team are always hard at work sampling the city’s extensive restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, pub grub or relaxing fine dining, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check out our favourite eateries...
Fishy Fishy Seafood
We’ve the pleasure (and sometimes displeasure) of eating at new restaurants all over Brighton and Sussex, and we’re really impressed with the new Fishy Fishy restaurant in Brighton’s Lanes. Choose from al fresco dining in bustling Castle Square, the airy conservatory or one of the sophisticated dining rooms. Surprisingly seaside Brighton & Hove lacks decent fish restaurants so Fishy Fishy is a truly welcomed addition to the dining scene. We can heartily recommend the crab!
36 East Street • 01273 723 750 • www.fishyfishy.co.uk
VBites Informal dining/vegan
Local celeb and vegan, Heather Mills, recently purchased a popular but somewhat run down café on the Hove seafront. Now spruced up, and featuring a fully vegan menu, this is the hottest table in town this month whether you’re after a mid-morning coffee and cake, or a hearty (and we can definitely say 100% tasty) lunch or dinner – it’s open for at Brighton breakfast time ie. 9.30am until 11.30pm.
There’s also a bar area featuring completely animal free wines and beers (you’d be surprised what goes into your fave booze people!), and a completely dairy free ‘Mrs Swirly’ ice cream that we guarantee will bring that seaside spirit out in you. VBites is definitely going to put Hove on the map in 2009!
VBites, Hove Lagoon • 01273 933 757 • www.vbites.com
Leonardo Restaurant Italian
Leonardo is one of the best Italian family restaurants in the city. Don’t expect just pizza and pasta, there’s a massive innovative range of delicious contemporary meals, all well-prepared but still offering great value for money. Open from noon - 11pm daily, you’ll need to book ahead at peak times or you’ll be left disappointed!
55 Church Road • 01273 328 888 • www.leonardo-restaurant.com
The Chilli Pickle Indian/Nepalese
The Chilli Pickle Indian Bistro is set in the heart of the old Lanes. The food is authentic regional Indian & Nepalese cuisine beautifully prepared using local and organic produce. The Sunday brunch is not to be missed with a selection of treats such as Thalis, Kedgeree, Dosa, Tandoor roast meats and sweet delights all on one menu. A great way to warm up the winter weekends.
42 Meeting House Lane • 01273 323 824 • www.thechillipicklebistro.co.uk
Sabai Thai Gastro Bar Thai
Most of the customers tell the staff at Sabai that the food served here is the most authentic Thai food in town, and the Brighton Visitor team whole-heartedly agree. The most popular dishes are Tord Munpla (Thai fish cakes) and Pla Ping (sea bass in a banana leaf). Don’t miss out on the chance to try the fried ice cream either!
Princes Place, off North Street • 01273 773 030 • www.sabaibrighton.co.uk
The Biue Man North African
The widely-celebrated Blue Man is consistantly one of Brighton’s most popular restaurants. This atmospheric and intimate North African restaurant features superbly authentic cuisine ranging from traditional tagines to absolutely amazing fish dishes. Unwind in the comfortable exotic surroundings whilst you enjoy an unforgettable meal. Highly recommended.
11 Little East Street • 01273 325 529 • www.bluemanrestaurant.co.uk
Pub du Vin Modern British/pub grub
If you’re looking for Brighton’s best pub grub and a huge range of quality ales, wines and spirits then head to the new Pub du Vin. Combining understated style with high levels of service, all in an informal pub setting, the menu is based around seafood (although there’s also some meaty and veggie options) and selection of drinks is unrivalled. Recommended.
Next door to Hotel du Vin, Ship Street • 01273 718 588 • www.hotelduvin.com
Terre a Terre Vegetarian/vegan
Without doubt this is Brighton’s finest vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Veggies will be absolutely spoilt for choice but any carnivores will also be more than pleasantly surprised. We thoroughly recommend you try one of the sharing tapas starters for two as it allows you to sample a whole host of tasty goodies.
71 East Street • 01273 729 051 • www.terreaterre.co.uk
The Restaurant at Drakes Modern British
Head Chef Andrew MacKenzie and his team expertly combine the highest quality seasonal ingredients together to produce exquisite dishes with clean, robust flavours. Their superb and extremely popular five course Chef’s Taster Menu is also available daily with wines selected to complement the dishes.
43-44 Marine Parade • 01273 696 934 • www.drakesofbrighton.com
More Bar & Restaurant Informal dining
More Bar and Restaurant launches an all new menu during April with a focus on locally sourced produce. If the current Mediterranean menu is anything to go by, then expect great things. It’s the perfect pick for lunch, dinner or simply a chilled out drink.
98 Trafalgar Street • 01273 693 377
Bar106 Informal dining
This elegant chill-out experience, in the front terrace of the Hilton Brighton Metropole offers guests and visitors a range of snacks and beverages specifically designed for a relaxing lunch time with friends or family. Tuck into dishes including chicken Caesar salad, Mediterranean char-grilled chicken panini and traditional fish and chips.
Open Fri/Sat 11am-late; Sun 11am-3pm
106 Kings Road • 01273 715 069 • www.106brasserie.com
Days Oriental buffet
Days is a glittering new 300 seat oriental buffet-style restaurant and bar situated on trendy East Street in the Lanes. £1 million has been spent on refurbishing the former Bar Coco so expect a very swish dining experience. Prepare to be wowed - it’s like Las Vegas has landed on the south coast!
75-79 East Street • 01273 748 888 • www.daysrestaurant.com
Donatello Informal dining
Situated in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, Donatello is an authentic family run Italian restaurant which prides itself on the quality and range of its food. Donatello offers a selection of pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes as well as a tempting selection of desserts. Vegetarians are well catered for, with over 20 delicious meat-free dishes and there is the option of Gluten Free pasta. Whatever the occasion, you won’t find a warmer welcome than at Donatello.
Donatello, 1-3 Brighton Place • 01273 775 477 • www.donatello.co.uk
The Bath Arms Pub grub
A traditional pub in the heart of the Lanes, The Bath Arms has been a licensed premises since 1864 making it not only the oldest pub in the Lanes but also one of Brighton’s favourites. Alongside a selection of the finest regional cask ales, you’ll discover some fantastic food including home baked breads and free range meats. The pub prides itself on using only the freshest local ingredients in the dishes that are prepared daily in the kitchens. Real ale, real food, real service and the warmest of welcomes!
The Bath Arms, 3-4 Meeting House Lane • 01273 731 864 • www.drinkinbrighton.com
Foxy’s Roast & Grill Informal dining
Foxy’s Roast & Grill is one of Brighton & Hove’s most vibrant and stylish venues. It’s the place for casual quality dining with friends as well as an all day and late-night dining and drinking experience. It’s conveniently located about a stone’s throw from Hove railway station at Goldstone Villas. It’s design and cuisine inspiration helps to create a lively and intimate atmosphere around the open kitchen concept as you get to watch the chefs whilst the food is skillfully prepared.
90 Goldstone Villas, Hove • 01273 776 661 • Text ‘Foxys’ to 60777 for a full mobile menu • www.foxysbrighton.com
Moshi Moshi Japanese
Without doubt one of Brighton’s funkiest restaurants, Moshi Moshi is also a whole lot of fun whether you’re a sushi pro or virgin. Housed within a purpose built building in Bartholomew Square in front of the Town Hall, the funky interiors and quirky soundtrack are a refreshing alternative for a healthy, guilt-free lunch or cool night out.
Bartholomew Square • 01273 719 195 • www.moshimoshi.co.uk
The Meadow Modern British
A warm welcome awaits at The Meadow restaurant on Western Road.
The menu consists of the finest, carefully sourced ingredients from Sussex and Kent farmers and producers to provide simple and honest food that maintains the integrity of the fantastic ingredients. The Meadow is a secret gem with the locals so keep it under your hat!
64 Western Road • 01273 721 182 • www.themeadowrestaurant.co.uk
The George Vegetarian/pub grub
The George is Brighton’s award-winning vegetarian pub, hugely popular with students and locals who are in-the-know (there’s free wi-fi for a start!). Recently taken under new management, The George offers vegans, veggies and meat eaters a wide range of alternative meat-free yummy dishes. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and experience true Brighton.
The George, 5 Trafalgar St • 01273 681 055
Nia I Informal dining/Modern British
Nia is renowned for it’s wonderfully delicious food, excellent coffees, quirky décor and friendly and efficient staff. It epitomizes all that’s special in the North Laine area of Brighton. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nia offers customers a huge variety, be it a laid back breakfast, a coffee break, a stop off lunch, afternoon teas or an intimate dinner. All food wherever possible is locally sourced and the menu is carefully selected - we recommend the smoothies and juices, freshly made to order, perfect for a summers day!
87-88 Trafalgar St • 01273 671 371
Cocoa French Patisserie Café Patisserie
Cocoa is a truely unique patisserie café – all the food is made on the premises by Raymond Blanc trained and award-winning chef Julien Plumart – and boy does it taste amazing! For lunch there’s a great range of salads and sandwiches but the real treat is the amazing pastries, tarts, cakes, ice cream and chocolate truffle confections. Choose to eat in or take away, or collar Jana or Julien if you’re after a bespoke and lip-smackingly utterly delicious cake for a special occasion.
48 Queens Road • 01273 774 412
The Beach Café Informal dining
Located a couple of miles west of Brighton & Hove, Shoreham makes for the perfect escape from the city.
The Beach Café is a bright ‘n’ breezy eatery that’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the chilled atmosphere. Slip into one of the booths and order up everything from burgers and homemade cakes to fresh soups and rotisserie chicken (the Sunday roasts ain’t bad either!). If you’re around in the morning then don’t miss the fab breakfasts that feature sausages from the owner’s mates’ very own piggies. The Beach Café is open daily from 8am-8pm, and is also available for private hire and outside catering.
7 Ferry Road, Shoreham-by-Sea • 01273 452 422
The Chimney House Modern British
With a stylish and cosy new interior, excellent modern British food and a private function room, this family pub in Seven Dials offers some of the best home-cooked food in the city at great value. A wholesome and hearty menu, changing with the seasons, includes locally-caught fish and other succulent Sussex produce and there’s a special children’s menu too. Pop in for a bowl of soup and glass of wine at lunchtime, or enjoy a three-course dinner at this special, new-style food pub.
28 Upper Hamilton Road, BN1 5DF • 01273 556 708 • www.chimneyhousebrighton.co.uk
The Tea Cosy Café
The Tea Cosy is a Brighton experience not to be missed! Tucked away on George Street, Kemp Town, you’ll find a shrine to everything that made Britain great. The Tea Cosy boys are true Royalists and the walls are adorned with Princess Diana memorabilia (and even a toilet seat once graced by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall!). Enjoy afternoon tea for £10, or cream tea for a great value £5.25, to the sounds of the self-playing piano.
The Tea Cosy is world-renowned so make sure you pop in for a cuppa – & mind your table manners!
3 George Street, Brighton • 01273 677 055 • www.theteacosy.co.uk
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The Preston Park Tavern Modern British
This bright, cheerful and welcoming food pub in Fiveways offers a gastronomic experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Locals and foodies mix in this delightful family friendly pub – a hidden gem, which has remained busy and buzzy through word of mouth only since it opened three years ago. The daily changing menu, using delicious local, seasonal produce is complimented by an impressive and good value wine list, all available by the glass or bottle, and good Sussex ale.
88 Havelock Road, BN1 6GF • 01273 542 271 • www.prestonparktavern.co.uk
Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival News
Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival is lining up a MASSIVE month for foodies this September. You’ll see the return of all of the festival’s major events including the Big Sussex Market, Live Food Stage, Sussex & the World market and Fiery Foods Chilli Festival, alongside new events including International Food Weekend, a Regency Banquet and Ball, Spanish Food Gala Dinner, and Brighton’s 1st Oktoberfest. The new food festival website launches shortly but in the meantime click to:
Drakes is rated the best restaurant in Brighton in the Good Food Guide 2010
Seasons Café Informal dining
In the heart of the North Laine, Seasons Café serves delicious breakfasts, lunch and afternoon treats including cream teas with scones made freshly every day. With a small but perfectly formed menu, it’s the little things like warmed plates and polished cutlery that really stand out. Local and seasonal food produce is complimented by locally roasted coffee, local beers and organic wines. The stylish interiors feature soft chairs and a sweeping banquette – a great place to sit back and enjoy bohemian Brighton.
36 Gloucester Place, BN1 4AQ • 01273 689 388 • www.seasonscafe.co.uk
Food Glorious Food
Terre à Terre: the Vegetarian Cookbook is available to purchase from the Brighton restaurant, online or your local bookstore. This beautiful hardback book serves up the secrets to over 100 classic Terre à Terre recipes, accompanied by stunning photographs from award-winning photographer Lisa Barber.
Sitting alongside the big boys of the cookbook world in a November feature in the Daily Telegraph, reviewer Aileen Reid says “...This book aims to do what the restaurant has done for 20 years – to offer dishes that make meat eaters forget they are eating vegetarian food by investing it with an equal variety of texture and flavour. These are complex and time consuming, not for a novice cook – seaweed and miso risotto served with chive rice clusters, etcetera. But the recipes are not without humour – Chilly Bristols, anyone?”. High praise indeed... watch out Nigella!
Terre à Terre, 71 East Street, Brighton • 01273 729 051 • www.terreaterre.co.uk
Warung Tujuh Indonesian
Warung Tujuh is a relative newcomer to the Brighton dining scene and has rapidly established itself as a hugely popular restaurant. Located in Pool Valley – which itself is becoming the hub of Pan-Asian cuisine in the city – the three-floor restaurant is both stylish and welcoming with a striking modern colour scheme running throughout.
The menu has been skilfully crafted from the diverse regional cuisines of the islands of Indonesia (over 17,000 of them!). Popular dishes include a delicious Beef Rendang, a spicy dish from Sumatra which is slowly cooked with lots of spices and coconut milk until very tender. You can also sample the perineal favourite of satay which is made on a special charcoal grill to reproduce those made on the streets of Indonesia. And for those who can’t resist trying a little bit of everything then order the Nasi Lemak, a dish which allows you to try a selection all the menu favourites on one plate. Enjoy a great value gastronomic experience in Brighton this summer at Warung Tujuh!
7 Pool Valley, BN1 1NJ • 01273 720 784 • www.warungtujuh.com
New Steine Bistro French
New Steine Bistro, on the lovely New Steine seafront square in Kemptown, has been established for ten years as Brighton’s quirky, authentic French bistro. Focusing on homemade French food, using top quality local produce exquisitely cooked by French Chef Quentin, this cosy and stylish restaurant is a must to visit while you are in Brighton.
It offers extremely good value set menus alongside a la carte dining every evening, in a welcoming and informal dining room which also features regular art exhibitions and mellow, chilled music. You can also enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the stylish and friendly bar.
New Steine Bistro & Hotel, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton • 01273 695 415 • www.newsteinehotel.com
Oki Nami Japanese
Oki-Nami is an authentic and stylish Japanese in the heart of Brighton. Famous for award winning sushi and sashimi - so fresh it melts in your mouth, there is a really broad selection on the menu. Don’t miss the signature dish, Gyu Wafu Teri (Sirloin steak served on a sizzling plate with Wafu Teriyaki), or the delicious Yuzu and Orange Drizzle Cake dessert. They do a great selection of sake based cocktails too. Oki-Nami uses only the freshest produce of the very highest quality and all the fish comes from sustainable sources.
Oki Nami, 6 New Road, Brighton • 01273 773 777 • www.okinami.com
The Gallery Restaurant Contemporary
The Gallery prides itself on serving the very best locally sourced fresh food that’s great value for money. The seasonal menu is created by the head chef ‘ Mosa Jobi’, who recently joined the team from the Dorchester Mayfair hotel in London. The restaurant offers a cosy and welcoming environment, perfect for celebrating any occasion; whether a romantic supper for two, or lunch with friends.
The Gallery Restaurant, 28 East Street, Brighton • 01273 773 327 • www.thegallerybrighton.co.uk
AguaDulce Spanish
After nine successful years of running a restaurant in Agua Dulce in South East Spain, Carlo has now moved to Brighton opening an authentic tapas bar and restaurant specialising in paellas, with his signature dish being vegetarian paella. All the ingredients are locally sourced, the food is simple and fresh all served up with an Andalucian touch. Choose from a vast array of tapas, meat, vegetarian or fresh fish and seafood, relax in the bar with a glass of wine or beer or pop in for afternoon coffee and dessert.
AguaDulce, 10-11 King’s Road, Brighton • 01273 328 672 • www.aguadulce-restaurant.com
The Gourmet Fish & Chip Company Fish & Chips
Serving up the freshest fish and tastiest chips, Brighton Marina’s Gourmet Fish and Chip Company delivers every time. Sit outside on a sunny day with a glass of wine or beer and people watch along the Walk of Fame – our very own American version! Takeaway is also available for a feast on the beach!
The Gourmet Fish and Chip, 18 Waterfront, Brighton Marina • 01273 670 701 • www.gourmetfishandchipcompany.com
Brighton Visitor reviews... Pho
Rarely do we get to review a restaurant, only to return a couple of days later for a top up! But Pho has ticked all our boxes for a quick, affordable, filling and supremely tasty dining experience.
‘Pho’ is the national dish of Vietnam, and is essentially a noodle soup dish into which all manner of delicious ingredients are combined. Popular as a street food, and eaten throughout the day, it’s fresh, healthy and very low in fat.
On our first visit, we sampled chilled summer rolls with chicken and mint which were supremely refreshing, and a garlic stir-fried Morning Glory (a kind of spinach green). Our mains were Pho Tai Vien – a beef meatball soup –, and a very spicy Bun Ga Hue hot chicken soup. The soups come with an accompanying plate of herbs and spices so you can flavour your own meal – choose from Thai basil, mint, beansprouts, hot chilli, lime and more. I would say that if you’ve already chosen a spicy dish then beware of adding additional chilli, unless you really want a taste sensation!
The restaurant itself is fun and funky, making Pho an idea choice for a quick lunch or supper with friends. One thing is certain, we’ll definitely be back sooner rather than later.
Pho, Black Lion Street, Brighton • 01273 202 403 • www.phocafe.co.uk
The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival has teamed up with Harvest to launch an exciting initiative for business across the city to grow-their-own produce.
Over the coming months, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars (and indeed any business... we’ve already started our courgettes and strawberries in the Brighton Visitor office window boxes!) are encouraged to grow at least some of the produce they use. Whether it’s simply mint or basil for cocktails and garnishes or something more adventurous, the aim is to get the whole city growing and get Brighton & Hove onto the road of food sustainability. Awards for the best growers will be presented at the Sussex Eco Awards in September.
Sevendials Modern European Bistro
Sevendials restaurant has been a staple of the city’s premium dining scene for many years, but never one to sit still the owners are re-inventing the venue and menu in a style to their other restaurant - the runaway success Sam’s of Brighton in Kemp Town village.
The summer menu features a superb selection of dishes ranging from local seafood through to Sussex lamb. If you’re looking for a real bargain then check out the weekday lunch / early evening menu – two courses for a very reasonable £10. With a very swanky new private hire function room and sun drenched terrace, the future is bright for Sevendials.
Sevendials, 1 Buckingham Place, Brighton • 01273 885 555 • www.sevendialsrestaurant.co.uk
ha ha Contemporary
The Ha Ha Bar & Grill, located in the heart of Brighton celebrates it’s refurbishment with a new menu. Starters range from king prawns to mushroom bruschetta and very hot chicken skewers (mind those fingers); all generous portions with the fresh ingredients used. Mains for the vegetarian choice include grilled halloumi and roasted vegetable wrap with skinny chips, which got the top chip vote from the resident chip aficionado, Meanwhile the Gressingham duck and potato dauphinoise and a side order of onion rings, went down a treat. The revamp has certainly raised the bar here – plush seating with rich colours on the walls and sparkling chandeliers to boot. The service is impeccable, with courteous and knowledgeable staff. The Ha Ha Bar & Grill gets the thumbs up!
ha ha, 2-3 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton • 01273 737 080 • www.hahaonline.co.uk
