The best Italian restaurants in Brighton

Cin Cin isn't just one of the best Italian restaurants in Brighton & Hove, it's one of the best restaurants in Brighton & Hove, period. Launched years ago as a catering passion project by an attorney of Italian descent, it's become a full-time operation, serving up heaping plates of handmade pasta, sizzling grill specials, and refreshing aperitivos in a warm, informal setting complete with alfresco tables. For the full Cin Cin experience, order the chef's tasting menu.

With ingredients sourced directly from Italy, Nanninella prides itself on ensuring authenticity in its Neapolitan-style pizzas. This welcoming Italian restaurant in Brighton & Hove features a cosy interior and a pleasant patio, and serves pizzas with a range of toppings, from timeless favourites like margherita or capricciosa to signature house specials like the three-in-one cannolo pizzas. Italian starters like deep-fried scamorza or focaccia are available as well.

Fatto a Mano used to be a cult favourite pizzeria among those in the know, but since they've gone on to launch several successful branches in both Brighton and London, the secret is well and truly out. Neapolitan-style pizzas take centre stage here, made with 24-hour dough, a variety of toppings, and 450 degrees of searing heat. These buzzy Brighton pizzerias are relaxed and lively, so don't be surprised if a simple meal turns into a long afternoon sesh with good food, good drinks, and good company.

If you're at all familiar with Italian restaurants, you know exactly what kind of place this is. Family-run, white tablecloths, generous plates of pasta, professional yet warm, and around since before you can remember, Casalingo is as close as it gets to a definition of a proper Italian ristorante in Brighton. Expect a menu stacked with classic favourites like pasta and risotto, served in a convivial setting. Your parents went here, you're going here, and your children will go here – the language of food they speak is timeless.

Five generations of the same family, going all the way back to the 1850s, have dedicated their lives to making sure VIP justifiably stands for Very Italian Pizza, not just Very Important Person – though their staff will try their best to make you feel like one. Pizzas are made the classic Neapolitan way here, using produce sourced from the family's own farm in Naples. You can choose one of the many different topping combos, or build your own pizza, and pasta dishes and other Italian classics are served as well. The setting is rustic and charming like an Italian taverna.

When you're looking to celebrate a special occasion – weddings included – or just want to have a meal that's a bit fancier than usual, head to Tutto. This lovely Italian restaurant in Brighton is located inside a former bank and features an atmospheric setting with plenty of natural light, old-school wooden furnishings, and professional service. There are different menus to choose from, including group feasts and a children's menu, and the staff will make sure you feel welcome and well taken care of throughout your meal.

Pommy's Pizza dishes up New York–style pizza slices and pies made with house-made sauces and 100% Italian tomatoes. The menu sticks to a tight line-up of tried-and-true topping combinations like marinara or burrata, served from a counter in a space that blends retro charm with modern touches. You can also opt for square-cut pizzas.

Another local success story, the UK's first fully plant-based pizzeria was born in Brighton and has since spread to other UK cities. The fully vegan menu specialises in gluten-free sourdough pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as offering a selection of Italian small plates, a kids' menu, and even options for dogs. The charming original location near Pavilion Gardens features outdoor seating in addition to a rustic interior.

For over four decades, Al Duomo has been a staple of Brighton's dining scene, serving traditional Italian dishes just steps from the Royal Pavilion. The menu covers all the essentials, from stone-baked pizzas and risottos to hearty meat and fish plates, enjoyed in a recently refurbished space overlooking the parade and India Gate. It's a versatile spot for groups large or small, with a dedicated menu for children too.

Donatello in the Lanes is a long-standing, family-run favourite among locals and visitors alike. The lively restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes at reasonable prices, from classic pizzas and pastas to specials such as grilled veal or mussels, alongside a wide choice of drinks. Guests can dine indoors, enjoy the pavement tables in Brighton Place, or head up to the tucked-away rooftop terrace.