The best Indian restaurants in Brighton

Manju's is a small, family-run Indian restaurant in Brighton, founded by its namesake at the age of 80 as a lifelong dream come true. Focused on authentic Gujarati vegetarian cuisine, Manju's aims to shift common perceptions of Indian food by moving beyond Westernised curry-house staples. With its cosy setting, heartfelt story, and concise menu of flavourful sharing plates, the restaurant offers food for both body and soul.

Dishoom is one of the UK's most popular Indian restaurant groups and it selected Brighton to trial its brand-new concept. The first Permit Room opened here in 2023, offering a more laidback take on Dishoom's flagship eateries. The all-day café and bar serves a number of Dishoom evergreens alongside new menu items and cocktails inspired by Bombay's drinking history, with live DJs and other events keep the atmosphere fun and lively.

Combining the best of two worlds, Kitgum Kitchen serves small plates influenced by the founder's Indian and African roots, with dishes including things like momo dumplings, Ismaili daal, and cumin chicken wings. It's a snug, intimate spot where an open kitchen provides fascinating glimpses of the culinary goings-on, with trestle tables for outdoor dining in warm weather available as well. A curated playlist and house cocktails add a bit of oomph to any meal.

Since opening in 2010, The Chilli Pickle has been bringing the heat to Brighton's dining scene. Housed in a warm, intimate space with traditional decor, the kitchen continues to impress with bold, vibrant cooking. Highlights include the likes of crisp onion bhajis, indulgent oxtail madras, velvety butter chicken, and pillowy naan breads – especially the chilli butter is a must-try. Even after moving locations a couple of times, this remains one of the best Indian restaurants in Brighton.

Planet India is dedicated entirely to vegetarian cooking, with a generous selection of vegan dishes on offer too. The restaurant's menu features an array of plant- and dairy-based curries, which guests can mix and match with a handy half-and-half option. Brightly decorated and full of character, the restaurant includes both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, while a cold curry takeaway option lets you heat and serve the food fresh at home.

Mohammed Spice of Life has been a fixture of Brighton Open Market since the early days, offering flavourful street food for more than ten years. Family-run and affordable, it's a great choice for lighter fare like wraps and dosas. You can grab one of the outdoor tables to eat your food on the spot, or grab it to go, with traditional drinks like masala chai and lassis to wash it all down.

The Brighton branch of popular UK chain Mowgli Street Food can be found in Dukes Lane. These restaurants are known for their plentiful tiffins packed full of fresh ingredients and bold spices, from hearty curries to inventive vegan options. Made according to family recipes, the dishes here are ideal for sharing. You can accompany them with dangerously moreish cocktails, while tasting menus and thoughtful touches for families make special occasions all the more memorable.

Up near London Road you'll find some of the hottest food on the planet, and we're not even kidding. Shahi Tandoori has a section dedicated to dishes prepared with the infamous Naga chilli pepper aka the 800k Scoville firestarter – consider yourself warned. Those who prefer their food without, er, pain will be relieved to know there are plenty of non-spicy options available at this traditional Indian takeaway as well.

Tucked away in The Lanes, The Golden Peacock is a trusted go-to for Indian food in Brighton that balances authenticity with a touch of creative flair, especially when it comes to the cocktails served in its bright blue bar. Upstairs, the family-friendly restaurant serves up a range of hearty curries and other Indian classics, with rotating set menus adding extra variety. The dining room is elegantly furnished in soothing colours.

With walls adorned in Indian street photography, mirrors, and chandeliers, Indian Summer blends modern glamour with traditional touches. The menu at this Indian restaurant in Brighton celebrates classic cooking, from homestyle curries and freshly baked naans to generous thali platters and other favourites, all available for dine-in or takeaway. Larger groups can enjoy sharing menus.