The best restaurants in Kemptown

Dilsk, tucked inside Kemptown's Drakes Hotel, is a seafront restaurant from chef Tom Stephens (ex-64 Degrees, Claridge's) and FOH icon Madeleine Riches. It's all about seasonal produce from Sussex farmers and fishermen, with tasting menus that highlight the best produce of the South Downs and English Channel. The food is paired with wine or alcohol-free alternatives, which complement each course. Perfect for a special night out.

Busby and Wilds is a Kemptown local fave, where the menu is brimming with dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced produce. Inside, the walls are duck-egg blue, with intimate booths that are perfect for tucking into brunch, while the courtyard beer garden becomes the place to be on sunny days. It's both dog-friendly and best known for its Sunday roasts, piled high with Dexter beef or pork belly.

Kemptown's Social Board is all about sandwiches with cheeky names like 'Cluck Me' and 'Italian Job'. Expect delicious fillings from wagyu to fried chicken, plus loaded fries that are a meal in themselves, topped with katsu curry sauce, peppercorn steak, or spicy chicken, perfect for sharing (or not). Pop in for a sit-down bite to eat or grab a takeaway for a proper Kemptown feast.

This Kemptown hotspot specialises in Cajun-style seafood boils, which are basically hands-on feasts of lobster, crab, and prawns, all served with bibs and plenty of sauce. Shucked-to-order oysters, seafood platters, and small plates feature sustainably sourced local catch. It's messy and indulgent, but perfect for a night out with friends who don't mind getting stuck in.

The Mucky Duck is a Kemptown classic where Thai cooking is the focus, served inside a wood-clad space with local artwork showcased on the walls. The traditional Sunday roast is also a particular highlight, complemented by craft ales, a thoughtful wine list, and a lively calendar of music, quizzes, and DJ nights. It's a pub that feels effortlessly connected to its community, and yes, dogs are very much part of the fun.

Suriya's Thai Kitchen is a family-run Thai restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes in the heart of Kemptown. The menu features all the classics, including papaya salad, pad Thai, and green curry, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and generous portions. This spot is casual but failproof for a traditional taste of Thailand, offering both dine-in and takeaway options.

You'll find Saint George's Inn tucked away on a leafy backstreet in Kemptown, a cornerstone of the local community. There's a lush beer garden as well as rotating Sussex ales and guest brews from Franklin's and Adnams, perfectly complemented by hearty dishes from Elektrik Picknick. Sunday roasts here are a local institution, and with dogs actively encouraged, it's a pub that really feels like home.