The best Italian restaurants in The Lanes

Donatello has long been a local favourite, known for its authentic Italian dishes served at wallet-friendly prices. The family-run restaurant offers everything from pizzas and pastas to hearty specials, alongside a wide choice of wines, cocktails, and beers, plus a dedicated kids' menu. Guests can soak up the lively atmosphere at pavement tables, dine indoors, or discover the hidden terrace on the rooftop.

London-based pizzeria chain Pizza Pilgrims has a branch in The Lanes. The secret to their success goes back to the founders' 2011 pilgrimage to Italy to discover the best methods and ingredients for making pizza, paying attention to everything from dough prep to topping combos. The Brighton branch features a bustling outdoor area in addition to the cosy interior, and there's also an indoor football pitch in the basement you can book for events.

Just across North Street, right next to the Royal Pavilion, you'll find Al Duomo, one of Brighton's oldest Italian restaurants. They've been serving the full range of Italian favourites here for decades, ranging from stone-baked pizzas and risottos to meat and fish mains. The setting is modern and offers a prime spot for observing the busy parade and India Gate.

For over fifty years, Il Bistro has been a fixture of The Lanes, set within a charming 18th-century fisherman's cottage. The kitchen turns out traditional Italian fare with finesse, especially when it comes to the main draw – steak. Rotating tasting menus spotlight the culinary traditions of various Italian regions, while a glass of the restaurant's house-made limoncello to finish things off is a must.

This nationwide Italian chain is known for serving authentic dishes at prices that stay easy on the wallet, making it a popular pick for family outings and celebratory dinners. The menu covers all the classics, from pizzas and pastas to other much-loved staples of Italian dining, ensuring everyone can find something to their liking. The Lanes restaurant combines a relaxed, modern setting with plenty of outdoor tables.

Coppa Club has become famous for its igloos, which lend a storybook charm to outdoor dining, especially during the colder months. Guests can snuggle up inside the heated pods, sheltered from the elements, or opt for a table in the sleek indoor dining room. The kitchen serves up reliable crowd-pleasers – from fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza to salads and seafood with a sun-soaked Mediterranean feel – all paired with an extensive choice of wines and cocktails.