The best restaurants in the North Laine

Furna is Dave Mothersill's first solo venture, tucked away on Brighton's New Road, and it's all about a modern European tasting menu built around British-grown ingredients. Expect dishes like mushroom agnolotti with Wiltshire truffle, milk-brined veal sweetbread, and salt-aged Sika deer with bitter chocolate, all of which change seasonally to keep things fresh. Set in a Georgian-period space, the intimate dining room has been beautifully restored, striking a balance between heritage and warmth. Wine pairings are as good as the food, featuring bottles from the UK, Japan, Italy, and Lebanon.

You can't really walk down Gloucester Road without noticing La Choza with its bright pink exterior. Since 2012, this colourful Mexican street food spot has been serving soft corn tacos, loaded burritos, and rotating daily specials. Inside, it's cosy, colourful, and full of energy, like a proper Mexican fiesta. Margaritas come in every flavour imaginable, and tables turn over quickly, so no need to book, just rock up, grab a seat, and settle in for a good time.

What started as one little Brighton pizzeria has turned into a proper local institution. Fatto a Mano's Neapolitan-style pizzas are among the best in the city, thanks to their pillowy crusts made from 24-hour proofed dough, toppings that range from classic margherita to spicy nduja, and the char from their 450°C ovens. The vibe is relaxed but buzzy, and although its Brighton-born, it's now also loved in London too.

Born out of lockdown in 2020, Namo Eat has fast become a Brighton favourite for proper Thai food. Founder Bookie grew up in Lampang, learning family recipes from her grandmother. What started as a delivery service has evolved into a full-fledged restaurant on Ship Street, complemented by a residency at The Eagle Pub, where they serve a range of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and more. They also keep things eco-friendly with compostable packaging.

Tinto Taperia sits just off the buzz of Theatre Royal and the Dome, and it's one of North Laine's best spots for proper Spanish food. Inside, it's romantic, ideal for dates, but just as good for a lively dinner with mates. The tapas and daily specials are excellent, but it's the made-to-order paella and strong wine list that really set it apart. Nab a table out front for alfresco dining while watching the world go by.

Tony's Pizza is a must for New York–style pizza lovers in the heart of North Laine. Classics like Margherita and Pepperoni sit alongside Tony's Favourite, piled with pepperoni, sausage, stracciatella, hot honey, chillies, and parmesan. The crust is perfectly charred, and Tony's has built a loyal local following thanks to its consistently high-quality pies and generous portions. Perfect for grabbing a slice to enjoy while wandering North Laine or taking home for a cosy night in.

Iydea is Brighton's ultimate veggie comfort food spot, where everything is colourful, seasonal, and served canteen-style, so you can pile your plate high with curries, stews, and salads. It's the kind of place where even meat-eaters walk away full, and the focus on freshness means the menu always feels exciting. It's casual, quick, and perfectly placed in the heart of North Laine for a refuel mid-shopping or pre-pub. Whether you're a veggie or not, this one's worth knowing about.

This independent North Laine spot is best known for two things: a seriously good beer list (including their own Pondwater Pale Ale) and bao buns. Street Diner has been running the kitchen here for years, serving Taiwanese buns stuffed with everything from crispy fish to vegan fillings, plus a handful of small plates. Grab a pint, order a bao (or three), and settle in for a proper North Laines meal.

This North Laine spot nails brunch, offering seasonal small and large plates made with sustainably sourced ingredients, alongside natural wines that lean towards organic and low-intervention bottles. Dinner runs Thursday to Saturday, with changing blackboard menus you'll want to check on Instagram before heading in. The vibe is effortlessly cool and it sits on one of the best streets in Brighton's North Laine.