A Foodie's Guide to Brighton
By Kyle Davidson on 02 September 2025
Brighton’s reputation as a culinary hotspot is well-deserved. This vibrant seaside city offers an eclectic mix of dining experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to quirky street food markets. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, plant-based creations, global street food, or a traditional roast in a cosy pub, Brighton’s food scene delivers it all.
Here’s our ultimate guide to eating your way around the city.
1. Fresh Seafood by the Seafront
Best for: Classic coastal dining
Being right on the coast, Brighton is a paradise for seafood lovers. Local restaurants make the most of daily catches, serving everything from oysters and mussels to freshly grilled fish.
Highlights:
The historic Brighton Shellfish & Oyster Bar on the seafront.
Modern takes on fish and chips at Riddle & Finns.
Stylish seafood dining at The Salt Room with sea views.
Top Tip: Pair your seafood feast with a glass of locally produced Sussex sparkling wine for the full coastal experience.
2. Vegan & Vegetarian Heaven
Best for: Plant-based foodies
Brighton is often described as the UK’s vegan capital, with restaurants catering to every type of plant-based diet. Expect creative menus, from indulgent comfort food to fine dining with a twist.
Highlights:
Food for Friends — an award-winning vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes.
Purezza — the UK’s first all-vegan pizzeria.
Iydea — hearty vegetarian bowls and quick eats.
Top Tip: Many mainstream restaurants in Brighton now offer dedicated vegan menus — you won’t struggle for options.
3. Street Food & Markets
Best for: Quick bites and global flavours
Brighton’s street food scene reflects the city’s creativity and diversity. Head to markets and pop-ups to sample dishes from around the world, often with a local twist.
Highlights:
Shelter Hall — a seafront food hall with rotating kitchens.
Brighton Open Market — independent traders offering world street food.
Seasonal pop-ups at festivals and community events.
Top Tip: Visit on weekends for the widest choice of stalls and live music to go with your meal.
4. International Cuisine in The Lanes & Beyond
Best for: A taste of the world in one city
Brighton’s compact city centre is filled with global flavours. From tapas bars to authentic Indian curry houses, the city’s restaurants reflect its multicultural spirit.
Highlights:
Curry Leaf Café for South Indian street food.
Casa Don Carlos for traditional Spanish tapas.
Moshimo for sustainable sushi in a striking modern setting.
Top Tip: The North Laine area is especially good for independent, family-run restaurants.
5. Traditional Pubs & Gastropubs
Best for: Comfort food and Sunday roasts
No foodie guide to Brighton would be complete without its pub scene. Traditional pubs serve hearty classics, while gastropubs push creative boundaries with modern British cuisine.
Highlights:
The Walrus — multi-level pub with a varied menu.
The Lion & Lobster — a Brighton institution with hidden nooks.
The Ginger Pig — a gastropub with award-winning seasonal dishes.
Top Tip: Book ahead for Sunday lunch — Brighton’s pubs are famous for their roasts and fill up quickly.
6. Sweet Treats & Cafés
Best for: Coffee, cake, and indulgence
Brighton has a thriving café culture, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Independent bakeries and coffee shops can be found on almost every corner.
Highlights:
The Flour Pot Bakery for pastries and sourdough.
Boho Gelato for adventurous ice cream flavours.
Trading Post Coffee Roasters for expertly brewed coffee.
Top Tip: Explore side streets in The Lanes — you’ll often stumble upon hidden café gems.
Why Brighton is a Foodie’s Paradise
Brighton isn’t just a seaside destination; it’s a culinary capital that celebrates creativity, diversity, and sustainability. Whether you’re enjoying a fine dining experience with sea views, sampling vegan street food at a market, or indulging in a Sunday roast at a historic pub, Brighton’s food scene reflects the city’s unique character.
👉 Practical Advice: Book in advance for weekends, check local event listings for food festivals, and don’t forget to explore beyond the seafront — some of the best hidden gems are tucked away in Brighton’s winding lanes.
Here’s our ultimate guide to eating your way around the city.
1. Fresh Seafood by the Seafront
Best for: Classic coastal dining
Being right on the coast, Brighton is a paradise for seafood lovers. Local restaurants make the most of daily catches, serving everything from oysters and mussels to freshly grilled fish.
Highlights:
The historic Brighton Shellfish & Oyster Bar on the seafront.
Modern takes on fish and chips at Riddle & Finns.
Stylish seafood dining at The Salt Room with sea views.
Top Tip: Pair your seafood feast with a glass of locally produced Sussex sparkling wine for the full coastal experience.
2. Vegan & Vegetarian Heaven
Best for: Plant-based foodies
Brighton is often described as the UK’s vegan capital, with restaurants catering to every type of plant-based diet. Expect creative menus, from indulgent comfort food to fine dining with a twist.
Highlights:
Food for Friends — an award-winning vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes.
Purezza — the UK’s first all-vegan pizzeria.
Iydea — hearty vegetarian bowls and quick eats.
Top Tip: Many mainstream restaurants in Brighton now offer dedicated vegan menus — you won’t struggle for options.
3. Street Food & Markets
Best for: Quick bites and global flavours
Brighton’s street food scene reflects the city’s creativity and diversity. Head to markets and pop-ups to sample dishes from around the world, often with a local twist.
Highlights:
Shelter Hall — a seafront food hall with rotating kitchens.
Brighton Open Market — independent traders offering world street food.
Seasonal pop-ups at festivals and community events.
Top Tip: Visit on weekends for the widest choice of stalls and live music to go with your meal.
4. International Cuisine in The Lanes & Beyond
Best for: A taste of the world in one city
Brighton’s compact city centre is filled with global flavours. From tapas bars to authentic Indian curry houses, the city’s restaurants reflect its multicultural spirit.
Highlights:
Curry Leaf Café for South Indian street food.
Casa Don Carlos for traditional Spanish tapas.
Moshimo for sustainable sushi in a striking modern setting.
Top Tip: The North Laine area is especially good for independent, family-run restaurants.
5. Traditional Pubs & Gastropubs
Best for: Comfort food and Sunday roasts
No foodie guide to Brighton would be complete without its pub scene. Traditional pubs serve hearty classics, while gastropubs push creative boundaries with modern British cuisine.
Highlights:
The Walrus — multi-level pub with a varied menu.
The Lion & Lobster — a Brighton institution with hidden nooks.
The Ginger Pig — a gastropub with award-winning seasonal dishes.
Top Tip: Book ahead for Sunday lunch — Brighton’s pubs are famous for their roasts and fill up quickly.
6. Sweet Treats & Cafés
Best for: Coffee, cake, and indulgence
Brighton has a thriving café culture, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Independent bakeries and coffee shops can be found on almost every corner.
Highlights:
The Flour Pot Bakery for pastries and sourdough.
Boho Gelato for adventurous ice cream flavours.
Trading Post Coffee Roasters for expertly brewed coffee.
Top Tip: Explore side streets in The Lanes — you’ll often stumble upon hidden café gems.
Why Brighton is a Foodie’s Paradise
Brighton isn’t just a seaside destination; it’s a culinary capital that celebrates creativity, diversity, and sustainability. Whether you’re enjoying a fine dining experience with sea views, sampling vegan street food at a market, or indulging in a Sunday roast at a historic pub, Brighton’s food scene reflects the city’s unique character.
👉 Practical Advice: Book in advance for weekends, check local event listings for food festivals, and don’t forget to explore beyond the seafront — some of the best hidden gems are tucked away in Brighton’s winding lanes.