The best restaurants in The Marina

This chic brasserie on Brighton Marina's waterfront is all about British classics served alongside modern European dishes, all enjoyed against the backdrop of the Marina. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sipping on sunset cocktails, enjoying leisurely lunches, or tucking into a laid-back Sunday roast. With bright, relaxed interiors and stellar service, it manages to feel luxurious without being pretentious.

If proper Italian comfort food is your jam, Bella Napoli is the place to be. This family-run spot brings wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and more-ish desserts straight to the Marina. Tuck into plates of creamy carbonara, hearty bolognese and crisp fresh salads, or sip on treats like the Bailey's tiramisu martini. It's cosy and perfect for a casual lunch, long dinner, or feeding a hungry family.

Laughing Dog has been serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch in the Marina for a whopping 15 years. The menu is filled with fluffy pancakes, bagels, superfood smoothies, vegan soft serve, and even beer on tap. Outdoors, tables surround the fountain, ideal for brunch or a cheeky pint with a view. Inside, the café doubles as a boutique shop, offering a selection of gifts, prints, and plants. It's family- and dog-friendly, with plenty of space for buggies, wheelchairs, and four-legged friends.

Zio has been a Marina fave for years, with its south-facing terraces bathing brunchers in sunshine, perfect for people-watching and coffee catch-ups. The menu is solid all day, offering a variety of options, including omelettes, paninis, fresh salads, daily fish specials, and delicious homemade cakes. Their Italian coffee is top-notch, and now with a licence, you can enjoy it alongside a crisp Italian wine or a cold beer. 

Technically not in the Marina, but worth the short trip just outside, Busby and Wilds is a proper Kemptown favourite, all about seasonal, local produce. Inside, it's stylish yet relaxed, with duck-egg blue walls, exposed bulbs, and cosy booths. On sunny days, the courtyard beer garden is the place to be. Dog- and family-friendly, it's a brilliant spot for a laid-back bite to eat, and the Sunday roasts, piled high with Dexter beef or pork belly, are some of the best in Brighton.