The best fish restaurants in Brighton

The Regency is about as classic as Brighton gets. Sitting opposite the i360, this fab little seafood restaurant has been serving locals, tourists, and the occasional celeb for decades. Expect big portions of British seaside staples, like grilled Dover sole, fried calamari, chips piled high and all at reasonable prices considering the front-row sea view. 

With locations right by the sea as well as in The Lanes, Riddle & Finns is one of those Brighton institutions where seafood and fish gets the spotlight it deserves. Expect fresh-off-the-boat fish and shellfish, like oysters, scallops, mussels, and seafood linguine, plus a decent list of Champagne and wines to match. The vibe is smart-casual and the kind of place where you can roll in post-beach or make a night of it.

Located smack bang in the middle of The Lanes, English's has been Brighton's go-to for old-school seafood since 1945. Inside, it's traditional, with white tablecloths, silver service, and oysters shucked to order. You can go full traditional with a seafood platter or stick to the classics like their just-caught Dover sole. Grab a seat on the terrace with a glass of white wine and people-watch the day away. 

Sitting pretty opposite the West Pier, The Salt Room is a sleek seafood restaurant that puts local, sustainable ingredients front and centre. Everything is grilled or smoked for its signature charred flavour, from whole fish to shellfish, and small plates. The menu changes with the seasons, and the cocktails are just as impressive, often infused with herbs or sea-inspired touches. The view doesn't hurt either; it's one of the best sunset spots in town.

Tucked away on a quiet street in Hove, The Little Fish Market is a fine dining experience that every fish-lover in Brighton has to try at least once. Chef Duncan Ray runs a one-man operation, serving a single tasting menu that changes with the tides. Expect five balanced courses of seafood that might have landed on the Sussex coast that morning, paired with calm, intimate service. There's a reason it's one of the most sought-after tables in the city.

Pearly Cow Brighton is all about good produce, with seating overlooking the seafront. This elegant restaurant serves flame-grilled Sussex beef, Whitstable oysters, and locally caught fish, alongside equally impressive cocktails. The Terrace is the place to be in summer, while inside feels sleek and vibey. Sundays are all about their signature roast, and private rooms make it an excellent pick for special occasions.

Perched under the arches on Brighton's seafront with epic sea views, The Copper Clam is a family-run restaurant doing seafood properly. It's all about fresh, generous portions of fish and seafood that's straight off the boat. Their lobster is the star of the show, but there's also fish, moules marinière, seafood platters, Sussex steaks, and a cracking cocktail menu.

Less a restaurant and more a grab-and-go spot, The Brighton Smokehouse is a proper seaside shack just off the promenade, serving smoked mackerel, slabs of salmon, crab sandwiches, and cockles, all caught locally and smoked on-site over fruit or nut wood. It's relaxed and chilled, with a few seats out front for tucking into a fish finger sandwich while watching the waves.