Beach restaurants in Brighton

Right on the seafront in Hove, Rockwater is a swish beachside hangout that's equal parts coastal restaurant, rooftop bar and community hub. You can settle in for seafood and cocktails on the terrace with sea views, grab a pint and classic pub dishes in the lounge, or head straight to the shacks by the sand for something more casual. Keep an eye on their socials for live music, comedy nights and even fitness classes.

Aberdeen Seafood sits along the seafront on King's Road with outdoor tables that are perfect on a clear day. The cooking is rooted in Hong Kong's harbour kitchens, so you'll find wok-fired plates, chilli-packed seafood and plenty of dishes made for sharing. It's a lively, easygoing spot with a big focus on seafood done the Hong Kong way, including a wok-fried seabass with black bean sauce and chilli served tableside. If you want coastal views with proper Hong Kong flair, this should be on your list.

Right on Hove Beach Park, Babble is an all-day seafront spot with some of the best coastal views around. It kicks off the day with coffee and pastries before moving on to brunch plates, tacos, burgers, and weekend roasts, all paired with spritzes, natural wines, and local beers.

Sitting opposite Brighton's seafront with front-row views of the West Pier ruins, The Salt Room is an elegant spot that shines the spotlight on seafood. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is cooked over coal, from whole fish to shellfish platters, all sourced sustainably from local waters. Inside, it's smart, and the bar is worth a visit alone for cocktails infused with herbs and sea-inspired flavours that fit right in with the coastal setting.

Right on Brighton's seafront, Riddle & Finns is a laid-back seafood restaurant that serves a menu of sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, from oysters and scallops to mussels and risotto packed with squid and prawns. It's a popular choice for a special occasion by the water, with sea views and plenty of bubbles on hand. Plus, the champagne list is almost as tempting as the food.

A stone's throw from the seafront, this Brighton favourite keeps things simple with fresh, locally caught fish smoked on-site. It feels more like a working shack than a restaurant, but that's just part of the appeal. The menu changes depending on the day's catch but usually features hot-smoked mackerel, thick-cut salmon, and crab rolls stuffed inside fluffy rolls. Everything is cured with sea salt and smoked over oak or fruitwood, so it's as fresh and tasty as it gets.

Lazy Fin sits directly on Brighton's seafront and keeps things casual with a menu built around easy brunch dishes and beach-friendly drinks. It's the sort of place people drift into after a walk along the shore for coffee, cocktails or something brunchy to eat. The menu covers everything from crab and avocado benedict to halloumi bagels and a full English.

Right on Hove seafront, Lex's Café is the kind of spot you wander into after a beach walk for a fry-up, fish and chips or a burger before heading back to the pebbles. There's coffee, ice cream and a few vegan swaps too, like a chick'n burger or vegan sausage roll. The setup is relaxed, with outdoor tables and stunning sea views that make it easy to stick around for longer than planned. 

On the border of Brighton and Hove, The Meeting Place Café has been feeding beach walkers and cyclists since the late 1970s. It's a casual, walk-in café with outdoor seating and a simple menu covering breakfast plates, sandwiches, fish and chips, pastries, coffee and soft drinks. The vibe is easy-going and unpretentious, focused on sea views and convenience rather than formality. 

Pearly Cow Brighton is situated just above the seafront and focuses on using quality ingredients sourced from the Sussex coast and countryside. The kitchen serves Whitstable oysters, local seafood, and Sussex beef cooked over flame, while the bar mixes polished cocktails. Inside, it feels sleek and grown-up, though The Terrace comes into its own in the summer with panoramic sea views. Sundays are all about roasts with the full works, while the rest of the week is about seasonal cooking.

The Copper Clam sits on Brighton seafront in the arches near the West Pier, serving fresh seafood that often comes straight off local boats. It's a family-run spot where lobster, mussels and oysters take centre stage, alongside Sussex steaks and a solid wine and cocktail list. The space feels relaxed but smart enough for a proper sit-down meal, and every table looks out over the water. It's the kind of place that works for everything from a seafood feast to a glass of wine at sunset.

The Seahorse overlooks Brighton seafront from above the promenade, with big windows and an open, modern dining room that makes the most of the view. The focus is on modern British cooking with plenty of seafood, like grilled prawns and roasted fish, alongside pasta, meat dishes and a cracking little wine list.

Coastal is a bistro-style spot right on Brighton seafront with a large terrace that's made for sunny days and sea views. The menu features seafood and local produce, including mussels marinière and pan-fried cod, as well as smaller sharing plates. There are sandwiches and pastries earlier in the day, coffee throughout, and cocktails as the sun goes down.

Shelter Hall sits right on Brighton seafront and brings several independent kitchens together under one roof. You can grab pizza, sushi, Thai dishes, tacos or burgers and eat them all in the same place, with communal tables, sea views and a laid-back atmosphere. There's a bar for cocktails, wine and local beer, and depending on the time of year, live music or DJ sets add to the buzz.

The Regency is one of Brighton's oldest and most recognisable seafood restaurants, sitting opposite the i360 with views of the pier. It's been serving locals, tourists and the occasional celebrity for decades, known for generous portions of fried calamari, grilled Dover sole and big seafood platters. The look is classic and unfussy, with quick service and fair prices for the location.

Salt Shed started out on the pop-up circuit and now brings its signature “fire, meat, beer” setup to the seafront near the West Pier. The menu covers steaks, burgers and sharing platters stacked with grilled meats, plus a popular Sunday roast that draws a steady crowd. Drinks range from local beers to wine and cocktails, and the atmosphere stays casual and social. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a great spot for hearty food and a cold drink by the beach.

Bison Beer's Sea Lanes taproom sits on Madeira Drive overlooking Brighton's new outdoor pool and the sea beyond. It's a relaxed spot serving rotating craft beers from local and guest brewers, with a small menu of bar food to go alongside. The vibe is easy-going and social, ideal for a post-swim pint or a meet-up with friends. Head upstairs for heated rooftop booths themed around beach life and nature, perfect for groups on cooler evenings with a sea view to match.

Wood x Coal is located inside Sea Lanes Brighton and was founded by two friends who started with seaside pop-ups. They focus on flame-grilled dishes, such as Thai chicken thighs and grilled buffalo sweet corn. It's all about smoky flavours, good ingredients and an easy-going setup that fits right in with the seafront. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, making it a great choice for casual food and a drink after a swim or a walk along the promenade.