The best restaurants in The Lanes

Plateau has long been Brighton's go-to for natural wine, but these days the food deserves just as much attention. The short, seasonal menu makes the most of Sussex produce with plates like whipped cod's roe, zhoug-topped salads, and meaty terrines. The vibe is equal parts romantic and laid-back, with bare brick walls, stained glass, and a soundtrack of funk and jazz. This is one of the coolest hangouts in The Lanes.

Tucked away in The Lanes, Burnt Orange is where you go when you want smoky small plates and a night that feels like more than just dinner. The menu is all about wood-fired cooking, including dishes like lamb that falls apart, blistered flatbreads, and veg dishes that are just as good as the meat. The cocktails and wine list could carry the place on their own, but combined with the buzzing soundtrack, it's one of the best spots in Brighton. Even Jay Rayner approves.

Terre à Terre has been proving for years that vegetarian food doesn't need to be boring. The menu is playful, featuring dishes such as spiced cauliflower, truffle risotto, and tempting desserts. Colourful interiors and friendly staff make it a fun place to hang out, whether you're splitting small plates or going all in on mains.

Riddles and Finns is Brighton's seafood staple, with six different oyster varieties, scallops, mussels, and risotto loaded with squid and shellfish. The vibe is casual but upbeat, with champagne glasses clinking and seafood platters on every other table. It's equal parts hip hangout and serious seafood spot, making it ideal for a quick oyster bite or a total seafood blowout. And with The Lanes right out front, it's peak Brighton people-watching territory.

Kindling is all about fire, smoke, and serious beef, with chef Ewan Cullen's menu keeping things simple with steaks, burgers, and beef sandwiches cooked over natural charcoal. Since its 2024 refurb, the restaurant has become more about being a relaxed, sociable space that functions for everything from Sunday roasts to romantic date nights.

At Lost in the Lanes, breakfast starts with great coffee and stacks of brunch plates, while lunch and dinner lean into Sussex produce with a Mediterranean twist, such as grilled miso aubergine and Sussex wagyu flat iron steak. Bottomless brunches with mimosas keep things fun, while dinner is best with a bottle of wine and someone to share with.

Food for Friends has been flying the veggie flag since 1981, and it remains one of Brighton's top spots for meat-free dining. Seasonal ingredients take centre stage, with a menu that includes everything from relaxed brunches to hearty dinners, offering enough variety to tempt even the most hardcore meat-eaters. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a lively setting right in the heart of The Lanes.

Permit Room is the Brighton spin-off of Dishoom, with the same buzzy energy and Bombay-inspired plates, but in a more casual, bar-like setting. From breakfast to dinner, the menu covers Dishoom classics plus some newbies, all best enjoyed with cocktails inspired by Mumbai's drinking scene. There are DJs, events, and a sociable crowd — classic Dishoom, but with a Brighton edge.

Bruha is one of Brighton's Filipino restaurants, serving generous portions of dishes you might not have tried before, like sizzling pork sisig, citrusy kinilaw ceviche, and rich dinuguan stew. The cosy wood-clad dining room makes it feel homely, while the cocktails bring a slice of fun to the mix. Friendly staff are always happy to explain the menu, making it both approachable and exciting.

Flint House is part cocktail bar, part restaurant, from the acclaimed Gingerman group (who have quite a name in Brighton). It's all about small plates with a modern touch, served in an elegant dining room with an open kitchen. The wine list is excellent, with a wide selection available by the glass, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Swing by on Sundays when the roasts are among the best in town.

Coal Shed sits right on the edge of North Laine, at the lower end of North Street, and if you like your dinner cooked over flames, this is where you want to be. The menu's centred around live-fire cooking, with 28-day-aged Irish steaks that arrive perfectly charred, and seafood from the South Coast that tastes like it was caught that morning. You can settle in at the cocktail bar for a pre-dinner drink, or dive straight into a sharing feast in the buzzy dining room. There's a proper Sunday roast, DJs from Thursday to Saturday, and it's open daily.

Roti King has brought its cult London comfort food to Brighton, and The Lanes are better for it. They serve their signature flaky rotis stuffed with cheese, chicken, or served alongside kari, alongside classics like curries and noodles packed with authentic Malaysian herbs and spices. It's laid-back and affordable, and located in one of Brighton's buzziest areas.

Embers is a restaurant with fire at its core, quite literally. Everything here is cooked over a medieval-style fire cage in the middle of the room, giving dinner a sliver of theatre and the whole room a dose of smoke. The menu is designed for sharing, filled with smoky meats, charred vegetables, and cocktails that go well beyond the average spritz.

The Chilli Pickle has been Brighton's must-visit for Indian street food since 2008, and after a short hiatus, its return to The Lanes is a big win for locals. The menu includes everything from onion bhajis and rich curries, such as oxtail madras and butter chicken, to pillowy naans. It's a cosy restaurant that feels like part of the city's heartbeat at this point.