Cool restaurants in Brighton

Tucked away in North Laine, Voya feels more like someone's very well-curated living room than a restaurant. The food is refined but approachable, with brasserie-style dishes made using seasonal ingredients and a strong focus on local suppliers. Drinks are just as considered, from thoughtful cocktails to non-alcoholic options. Music plays a big role too, with resident DJs setting the tone without tipping into club territory. It's small, cosy and quietly cool – ideal for dates, catch-ups, and anyone who just likes snacking on delicious small plates and cocktails.

Wild Flor has grown into one of Brighton's most respected restaurants without losing its low-key vibe. Opened in 2019 by James and Faye Thomson and Rob Maynard, it's now a Michelin Guide regular, known for elegant French-leaning cooking and one of the city's strongest wine lists. The menu changes daily, driven by what's seasonal and available, from local seafood to in-house butchered cuts. The room feels relaxed but refined, attracting a crowd that's into great food without too much formality.

Just a few steps from Brighton station, Patio's bright blue exterior pulls you in, but it's the relaxed, candlelit energy that keeps people hanging around. Run by Luke Williams and Nathan Moseby, this small neighbourhood bar is built around local wines, simple cocktails and a rotating kitchen residency that changes monthly. Sussex bottles sit alongside small-batch imports, while visiting chefs keep the food unpredictable in the best way. It's intimate, busy without feeling OTT, and the sort of place where you pop in for one drink and end up staying all night.

Plateau has long been Brighton's go-to for natural wine, but the food has very much stepped into the spotlight. The small, changing menu champions seasonal Sussex produce, serving small plates such as whipped cod's roe, rustic salads, and rich terrines. The space, tucked into the Lanes, is softly lit and romantic, with bare brick, stained glass and a jazz-and-funk soundtrack that feels just right.

Market Tapas & Wine brings a slice of Spain to Hove, serving elegant tapas plates in a stylish space. The menu covers classics like gambas, porchetta and sardines, backed up by a wine list that moves easily between Spanish producers and natural European bottles. The room is intimate and lively without being too loud, with counter seats and small tables that suit both dates and long, chatty dinners. The daily specials are worth paying attention to – they're where the kitchen really shows off.

Hidden away on a quiet Hove street, The Little Fish Market is one of the area's most sought-after tables. Chef Duncan Ray runs a tight ship here – one chef, one tasting menu, one sitting – with dishes built around the freshest seafood available, often landed on the Sussex coast that same morning. The cooking is elegant and simple, and the atmosphere feels personal and warm rather than formal. It's intimate, special and absolutely worth planning ahead for.

Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a Brighton vegan institution that has become a favourite amongst locals. It's split across a main dining room, an izakaya-style den, and a garden, and it works just as well for groups as it does for solo meals. The award-winning kitchen uses traditional bincho grilling and Japanese charcoal to build big flavours, with small plates inspired by Southeast Asian cuisines. It attracts a mixed crowd of vegans, non-vegans and anyone who just likes seriously good food.

Bincho Yakitori brings late-night Tokyo energy to Brighton, shaped by chef David's years working and eating his way through Japan. The setup is simple: a weekly-changing menu featuring skewers and small plates, grilled over a natural fire and served as they're ready. No starters, no mains, just good food at its own pace. Drinks keep things casual with Japanese beers, sake and whisky. The vibe is warm and unpretentious, perfect for sharing plates with some pals.

Casazul has built a loyal following at Brighton Open Market thanks to its focus on proper Mexican street food, fair prices and zero-waste ethos. This family-run spot keeps things simple and authentic, with dishes like mole and cochinita, all of which are available with excellent vegan options. Owner Gabriel's warmth is always appreciated, and everything is made in-house using quality ingredients. It's relaxed, welcoming and full of regulars.

Terre à Terre has been doing creative vegetarian cooking long before most, and it's still one of Brighton's favourite dining rooms. The menu is playful and inventive, built around seasonal veg with dishes like spiced cauliflower, rich risottos and indulgent desserts. The colourful, intimate space adds to the fun, and the staff are known for being friendly and chatty. It's proof that meat-free food can be imaginative and deeply satisfying.