The best British restaurants in Brighton

Furna on New Road is chef Dave Mothersill's first solo outing, where he serves a multi-course tasting menu that pays homage to modern British dishes with European touches. The menu changes, but dishes might include truffle pasta, veal sweetbread or salt-aged deer. The dining room has a smart, Georgian vibe, and service is relaxed. Wine pairings roam from the UK to Japan, so it is one of those places where you sit back and let them steer the evening.

The Salt Room sits opposite Brighton beach with front-row views of the West Pier, so you already feel like you are in the right place for seafood. The menu changes often and focuses on British fish cooked over coal, which gives everything a smoky flavour without overwhelming things. Cocktails take inspo from coastal ingredients and herb,s and there is usually a crowd that mixes date nights with special-occasion groups. Expect slick plates, breezy service and a setting that feels designed for long lunches that turn into early dinners.

Burnt Orange in The Lanes is where you go when you want something a little more lively without it becoming a full-blown night out. The menu focuses on Middle Eastern small plates, all made with seasonal British ingredients, transformed into smoky sharing plates from the grill. Dishes include things like lamb, flatbreads, and a variety of veg-focused plates. The bar is good enough to justify a visit just for cocktails and wine, and the soundtrack builds up as the night rolls on. It sits somewhere between restaurant and lounge.

Paris Wine Bar on Church Road in Hove is one of those places that works whether you are sliding in for a glass of something chilled or settling into a long evening of small plates. The food is British-inspired tapas with croquettes, skewers and snacky bits that are easy to share. Inside, it features warm tones and soft lighting, and a large garden that is particularly handy when the weather cooperates. It feels relaxed and neighbourhoody.

At Kindling in Brighton, the kitchen cooks British beef over charcoal, which means steaks, burgers and beefy plates take centre stage with a side focus on great produce and good sauces. Since its 2024 relaunch, the room feels relaxed and friendly, working well for all sorts of visits, from a quick lunch to a Sunday roast. All of their steaks are grass-fed and sourced from British and Irish farms, and all are priced at a very accessible point.

At Curio at Preston Circus, you can start the day with strong coffee, sandwiches and breakfast plates, then shift into small plates territory by evening with charcuterie, seasonal veg and casual sharing dishes. The vibe is easy-going and slightly scruffy, yet cool in a friendly way, rather than forced. Produce is sourced locally and based on the seasons, and music plays a big part in the atmosphere, with weekend DJ sets keeping things fun without it feeling like a club. 

The Coal Shed on North Street sits between the Lanes and North Laine and specialises in cooking steaks and seafood over live fire, with produce sourced as locally as possible. You can perch at the bar for cocktails or settle into the main dining room to share steaks and grilled fish. It has a smart feel without being pretentious, and the crowd ranges from work dinners to couples on a date night. DJs appear later in the week, and Sundays are all about roasts, so it is a favourite all-rounder.

English's in The Lanes is Brighton's oldest seafood restaurant, and it looks like it too, in a charming way. White tablecloths, oyster platters and proper silver service set the tone, although it never feels overly formal once you're seated. The menu sticks to classic fish dishes and shellfish caught from the surrounding sea. You can even sit outside and pretend you are in a European seaside town for an afternoon. 

The Little Fish Market in Hove is a one-chef, one-menu situation, which means the experience is set and you are along for the ride. The tasting menu showcases the best seafood available that day, and the approach is simple yet elegant. The room is tiny and calm, and the service is friendly rather than formal. It's one of those spots that people talk about booking months in advance.

Voya in North Laine feels like someone's trendy living room that turns into a restaurant. The menu is seasonal and brasserie-ish with dishes that lean refined without shouting about it, and suppliers are mostly local. Drinks are taken seriously, whether you want cocktails, wine or low-alcohol options, and DJs keep a steady hum of good music in the background. It is cosy, low-lit and uber trendy.

Fourth and Church in Hove has built its reputation on excellent small plates and a serious approach to drinks. The menu changes with the seasons, combining seasonal British produce with European touches, typically featuring cheese, charcuterie, and small plates. The wine and sherry list is one of the best in the city, and there are regular pop-ups and tasting events to enjoy.

Wild Flor on Church Road in Hove is an expert classic European-style cooking with a focus on great produce, from local seafood to well-sourced British meat and seasonal veggies. The tasting menus are a great shout for anyone indecisive, and the wine list is one of the best in town. The menu changes frequently, which keeps regulars coming back.