Brighton, the lively seaside town on the south coast of England, is well-known for its vibrant food scene. From classic fish and chips by the beach to gourmet dining experiences, the variety and quality of food in Brighton will satisfy any food lover. On my recent trip, I explored the city’s culinary delights, sampling everything from traditional British fare to innovative international cuisine.
1. The Regency Restaurant: A Fish & Chips Institution
Location: 131 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2HH
How to Get There: Situated on the iconic Brighton seafront, The Regency is a short 10-minute walk from Brighton Pier. Whether you’re strolling along the promenade or cycling along the beachfront, you’ll easily spot this popular eatery with its classic blue awning.
Personal Experience: If you’re in Brighton and looking for an authentic fish and chips experience, The Regency Restaurant is an absolute must. Known for its no-frills approach to fresh seafood, this place has been serving locals and tourists alike since the 1930s. When I arrived, the atmosphere was bustling, and I was lucky enough to snag a window seat overlooking the sea.
The fish and chips here were perfect—golden, crispy batter encased tender, flaky cod, accompanied by thick, crunchy chips. The side of mushy peas added the traditional touch, and the portion size was generous. I also tried their calamari, which was lightly fried and beautifully tender. What impressed me most was the freshness of the seafood—it’s no surprise that The Regency sources its fish daily from local suppliers.
Recommendation Rating: 9/10 – Classic, hearty British fare in a prime beachfront location. Perfect for a traditional seaside meal.
Price Range: £ – Fish and chips at The Regency are very reasonably priced, with a large portion costing around £12.
Booking Platform: No booking required, but the restaurant does get busy, so arriving early or during off-peak hours is recommended.
2. The Salt Room: A Gourmet Seafood Experience
Location: 106 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU
How to Get There: Located right next to the British Airways i360, The Salt Room is a 15-minute walk from Brighton station and offers stunning views of the beach and sea. I walked along the promenade, enjoying the views before stepping inside this sleek, modern restaurant.
Personal Experience: For a more upscale dining experience in Brighton, The Salt Room offers a sophisticated take on seafood. As soon as I entered, I knew I was in for a treat—the decor is modern and elegant, with large windows letting in the sea breeze and providing views of the beach.
I opted for their signature dish, the Surfboard, which is a generous sharing platter filled with an array of seafood, including prawns, mussels, crab, and oysters. Each bite was fresh and delicately seasoned, letting the natural flavors shine through. The presentation was beautiful, with the seafood artfully arranged on a wooden board. The Salt Room also offers a fantastic cocktail menu, and I treated myself to a refreshing gin-based drink that paired perfectly with my meal.
What really stood out was the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients. This is not your average seafood joint—this is a place where every dish is crafted with care.
Recommendation Rating: 9.5/10 – An exquisite dining experience with a focus on high-quality seafood, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious meal.
Price Range: £££ – Main dishes range from £25 to £35, with the Surfboard priced at around £50.
Booking Platform: Advance reservations through their website are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
3. Iydea: A Vegetarian Heaven
Location: 17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
How to Get There: Nestled in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine, Iydea is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. The vibrant and colorful streets of North Laine make for a fun journey, with plenty of shops and street art to enjoy along the way.
Personal Experience: As someone who loves exploring vegetarian and vegan options, Iydea was a dream come true. This casual eatery focuses on healthy, wholesome vegetarian dishes, and its bright, welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch.
The concept is simple—you choose from a selection of mains and sides, all prepared fresh daily. I went for the sweet potato and lentil stew, served with a quinoa salad and roasted vegetables. The flavors were rich, comforting, and packed with nutrients. I also loved that the portions were generous, and the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the ingredients.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist their vegan chocolate cake, which was moist, decadent, and indulgent without being overly sweet. Iydea is the kind of place where you can feel good about what you’re eating, knowing that it’s both delicious and healthy.
Recommendation Rating: 8.5/10 – A must-visit for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone looking for fresh, nutritious meals.
Price Range: £ – A filling meal costs around £10, making it an affordable option for a healthy bite.
Booking Platform: No need to book, as Iydea operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. The Chilli Pickle: A Taste of India in the Heart of Brighton
Location: 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
How to Get There: Situated near the Brighton Dome and a short walk from the Royal Pavilion, The Chilli Pickle is easily accessible from most central attractions. I walked here after exploring the Pavilion, and it took me less than 10 minutes to reach the restaurant.
Personal Experience: The Chilli Pickle is a modern Indian restaurant that takes traditional flavors and elevates them with creative presentations and high-quality ingredients. The interior is lively and colorful, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that immediately drew me in.
I decided to try their Thali, which is a complete meal served on a platter with several small dishes. I opted for the lamb rogan josh thali, which came with fragrant basmati rice, naan bread, lentil dal, and a selection of chutneys and pickles. The lamb was tender and flavorful, and the spices were perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of heat. Each component of the meal complemented the others, making for a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
What I loved most about The Chilli Pickle was the attention to detail—the presentation of the food was beautiful, and the flavors were complex yet comforting. It’s clear that a lot of thought goes into each dish, and the service was excellent throughout my visit.
Recommendation Rating: 9/10 – A vibrant and flavorful dining experience that showcases the best of Indian cuisine.
Price Range: ££ – Main dishes range from £15 to £25, with Thali meals priced around £22.
Booking Platform: It’s best to book a table in advance, especially for dinner, as this popular spot can get busy.
5. Cafe Coho: A Local Coffee Gem
Location: 53 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF
How to Get There: Located just off Brighton’s busy seafront, Cafe Coho is a quick 5-minute walk from the pier. It’s tucked away on Ship Street, making it a quieter spot to relax with a coffee after exploring the nearby attractions.
Personal Experience: As a coffee lover, I’m always on the lookout for great cafes, and Cafe Coho did not disappoint. This independent coffee shop is known for its high-quality coffee and relaxed atmosphere. The interior is cozy, with rustic wooden tables and soft lighting that makes you want to settle in with a good book.
I ordered a flat white, which was smooth, creamy, and expertly made. Alongside my coffee, I treated myself to one of their freshly baked pastries—a buttery croissant that was flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. The menu also offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, including avocado toast and poached eggs, perfect for a light meal.
What I loved about Cafe Coho was the sense of community—locals and tourists alike gather here, creating a warm and welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and watch the world go by.
Recommendation Rating: 8/10 – A cozy spot for coffee and a light bite, with a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
Price Range: £ – A flat white costs around £3, with food options ranging from £4 to £10.
Booking Platform: No booking required, though it can get busy during weekends.
6. Terre à Terre: Gourmet Vegetarian Dining
Location: 71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
How to Get There: Located just minutes from the seafront and Brighton Pier, Terre à Terre is easy to reach on foot after exploring the beach. I took a leisurely walk along East Street and found the restaurant nestled among other local eateries and boutiques.
Personal Experience: Terre à Terre is not your average vegetarian restaurant—it’s a fine dining experience that puts innovative twists on classic vegetarian dishes. The interior is chic and modern, with an elegant atmosphere that makes it perfect for a special evening out.
I started with their signature starter, the “Better Batter & Lemony Yemeni Relish,” which consisted of tempura vegetables served with a tangy lemon relish. The dish was light, crispy, and bursting with flavor. For the main course, I opted for their “KFC” (Korean fried cauliflower
), which was beautifully spiced and served with a side of pickled vegetables and rice.
What impressed me most was the creativity of the menu and the attention to detail in each dish. Terre à Terre takes vegetarian cuisine to a whole new level, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in gourmet dining.
Recommendation Rating: 9/10 – A top choice for vegetarians and foodies alike, offering a unique and refined dining experience.
Price Range: £££ – Main dishes range from £18 to £30, with tasting menus available for around £50.
Booking Platform: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
Brighton’s food scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for classic fish and chips, innovative vegetarian fare, or gourmet seafood, there’s a spot in Brighton that will meet your cravings and exceed your expectations. Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the culinary landscape of this vibrant seaside town.
From the fresh and traditional flavors at The Regency to the gourmet delights at The Salt Room and Terre à Terre, Brighton truly has something for every palate.
Tags: Brighton’s Best Food