Sussex


<p>‘What are the best restaurants in Brighton?’ Is the most common question Muddy is asked when anyone is visiting Sussex. Be it Londoners on weekend breaks in Brighton &#8211; who have impeccably, or should that be impossibly, high &#8211; standards? Or friends in the surrounding areas wanting to sample a slice of the best cuisine in the county on a special Saturday evening. When it comes to restaurant recommendations in Brighton, the pressure is on.</p>



<p>While there are a few, rather rare, gastronomic gems on the seafront, under the arches and in The Lanes, the real foodie hotspots are scattered around the city. Allow Muddy to enlighten you and your tastebuds. The only rule is if it’s a weekend dinner out, then book in advance, the city gets busy, particularly in the summer season.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permit-room"><a href="https://www.permitroom.co.uk/locations/brighton">Permit Room</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/2-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71197" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/2-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/12/2-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Residing on East Street (or what Muddy prefers to call Brighton’s answer to Bond Street), Permit Rooms if the offspring of the Dishoom family of restaurants which pay homage to Irani cafes that were popular in Mumbai in the 60s. But back to Brighton in the present day, this should be very high up in your foodie destination list. While the interiors have a seductive vibe, the energy is bustling thanks to it’s popularity you’ll find large groups, families and couples spread across the balcony, booths and bar. The staff could not be friendlier and if you want them to, they’ll proudly share the heritage of the dishes on offer, their relation to India and even the story of the original Permit Rooms. Wait, Muddy hasn’t even got to the food. They do that trendy thing of sharing plates (no complaints here) but there are mains you may, or may not want to share when they taste this good. Muddy suggests ordering the prawn recheado (a Goan go-to) the chicken tandoori with all-essential daal on the side. But you really are spoilt for choice and flavour. Just remember to save room for on of their delicious cocktails, or maybe even two…&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-salt-room-nbsp"><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/brighton-metropole-hilton-double-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Salt Room</a>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6.jpg" alt="best restaurants in brighton the salt room" class="wp-image-66803" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Possibly the best establishment on Brighton’s sea front, positioned right in the centre of the action with unrivalled views of the West Pier and of course the sea with stunning sunsets during autumn and winter. It’s part of the Brighton Metropole hotel but is open to non guests with excellent service and elegant interiors. They specialise in seafood &#8211; whatever else with a name like that? But it’s a high end take on surf and turf with grilled meat heavily featured and cooked to perfection. For the warmer months there’s a popular terrace, the bar is worth popping in for a quiet drink in good surroundings and on Mondays you can bring your own wine and simply pay the corkage.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-etch"><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/etch-hove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">etch</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Brighton etch" class="wp-image-66804" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is fine dining on a whole new scale &#8211; it’s one of the leading restaurants on the South Coast, let alone Brighton. It holds a Michelin Plate and three AA rosettes which is hardly surprising when the owner and head chef is none other than Steven Edwards &#8211; one of the youngest ever winners of MasterChef: The Professionals! It’s exclusively a tasting menu restaurant which changes with the seasons and Michel Roux Jr dubs the cooking ‘lovely’ and ‘fault-free’ – which really means Muddy doesn’t need to say any more aside from: GO!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embers"><a href="https://embersbrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embers</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7.jpg" alt="Best restaurants in brighton embers" class="wp-image-66809" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A somewhat newer addition to the Brighton restaurant scene but packs just as big a taste punch as its former sister venue, Issac At. This is a perfect destination for a wintery night, it’s tucked away in The Lanes so you enter down a cobbled street to receive a very warm welcome and a large open wood fire where everything is cooked to complete perfection. The menu is perfectly balanced with hearty meaty dishes as well as huge sides and plenty of vegan options. As the name would suggest, it’s all about the soft warm lighting, dark interiors that feel as if created to enjoy a whisky cocktail in!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market"><a href="https://market-restaurantbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7.jpg" alt="Best restaurants in Brighton Market" class="wp-image-66810" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy would give Market the award for best restaurant in Brighton &#8211; quite frankly it’s unbeatable. It sums up everything good about the city itself &#8211; unpretentious, laid back but with effortless style and incredible taste. It’s modern tapas style but the set menu also hits every taste note. Throughout the week there are special options depending on the day be it suckling pig Sunday, mid week set menu for two and so on. The restaurant is always busy with that low level buzz and the staff are fun and inviting. Just like the menu. The classics are present be it prawns pil oil, pardon peppers and Iberico jambon but the best dish has to be the goats cheese churros with honey. But you will not want to skip the desserts either, oh, wait or the cocktails.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bincho-yakitori"><a href="https://www.binchoyakitori.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bincho Yakitori</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8.jpg" alt="Bincho Yakitori best restaurants in Brighton " class="wp-image-66814" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It’s testament to just how tasty things are here in that you can never get a table &#8211; well, unless you book way in advance or are lucky enough to sneak in after a last minute cancellation. And it’s popularity is more than deserved! Serving up sharing plates only &#8211; this is not a classic starter, main, dessert set up instead it’s all about simple food with powerful flavours. The menu changes weekly but features traditional izakayas &#8211; skewers of fish, meat and vegetables cooked over charcoal. The restaurant can feel like plenty of people are packed in, but it’s lively and vibrant and you will be grateful you got a table and understand why it’s always full.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halisco-nbsp"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/haliscobrighton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halisco&nbsp;</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8.jpg" alt="Halisco best brighton restaurants" class="wp-image-66815" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>On the bustling foodie destination of Preston Street that runs perpendicular to the sea as well as the main shops of Western Road, is Halisco. While it’s not for fancy foodies it’s certainly suitable for serious foodies. This is a simple set up with quirks letting the sole focus be on the fabulous Mexican food. It’s all about the small plates here predominately tacos from fish to pork to vegan it’s got it all with serious taste. The selection of margaritas cater to every preference, and are dangerously moorish, even the water is served in an old tequila bottle &#8211; it’s all about the quirks and the vibe here.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-furna"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/haliscobrighton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furna</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9.jpg" alt="Furna best restaurants in brighton " class="wp-image-66820" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A welcomed addition to the Brighton fine dining scene is Furna, which offers two elegant tasting menus, one slightly abbreviated for Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s the brainchild of Yorkshire chef Dave Mothersill, an established name on the Brighton restaurant circuit and he offers elegant dining as well as a great location for a cocktail, ok, maybe two. Staff are fluent in the full story of every dish and passionately share each detail. It’s perfectly poisoned next to the newly restored Brighton Dome and Theatre Royal meaning you can make a night of things. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fumi"><a href="https://www.fumi.restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fumi</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9.jpg" alt="Fumi best restaurants in Brighton" class="wp-image-66821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This Japanese restaurant is set just behind the main strip of Kemptown and opposite the Old Steine, meaning you can take a stroll before dinner. The ethos here follows the Japanese saying of ‘’Ichi-go ichi-e,’ which loosely translated means every moment is one of a kind and something to be treasured. Well, they certainly got that right! The glamours interior hosts an array of dishes all inspired by the seasons, fresh produce and whatever the chefs feel is ‘of the moment.’ You’ll find everything from sushi to tempura, noodles to black cod on the menu.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-snapper"><a href="https://www.redsnapperbrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Snapper</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10.jpg" alt="Red Snapper best restaurants in Brighton " class="wp-image-66826" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/1-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Residing in Seven Dials &#8211; a hop skip and a jump from the station this unassuming Thai restaurant is the closest thing you’ll get to being in Thailand. It’s really for locals but Muddy is sharing this secret with you. The food is authentic and bursting with flavour and the interior is simple, shabby chic meaning it’s suitably relaxed with all attention going to the very deserving food. Again, locals know you have to book in advance, it is always full: a true testament to how good it is. They serve small plates, soups, salads, curries and noodles as well as their secret weapon &#8211; the sea bass.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petit-pois"><strong><a href="https://petitpoisbrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petit Pois</a></strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10.jpg" alt="Petit Pois best restaurants in Brighton" class="wp-image-66827" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/11/2-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You can trust the French to get it right and here they most certainly do. Situated in The Lanes, it dishes out French cuisines and fine wines &#8211; what could be better? It’s got an intimate atmosphere with specials up on the chalk board, although the bouillabaisse of local fish and shellfish with squid and prawn is possibly the best thing on the menu. It’s the dream lunch destination but equally as suitable for dinner. Everything has a modern twist and they’ll serve up a delicious espresso martini too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Read Muddy&#8217;s restaurant reviews:</p>



<p><a href="Birchwood Filmwell Park, East Sussex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: Birchwood Filmwell Park, East Sussex</a></p>



<p><a href="The Union Rye, East Sussex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: The Union Rye, East Sussex</a></p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/spotlight/review-east-beach-cafe-littlehampton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review East Beach Cafe, Littlehampton, West Sussex</a></p>



<p><a href="The Wittering, West Wittering, West Sussex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: The Wittering, West Wittering, West Sussex</a></p>


Tuck in! 10 best restaurants in Brighton

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