The best restaurants near London Road

Halisco is regularly considered to be one of Brighton's finest, and it looks like some of that excellence has rubbed off on its younger sibling. Instead of venturing overseas to Mexico, however, the Amari restaurant near London Road Station remains rooted in Europe, serving Spanish tapas and other delicacies. It's a simple spot with decorative tiles and eye-catching artwork, but the high praise keeps rolling in.

This small plates restaurant near London Road has a lot of hip 21st-century signifiers going for it – the aforementioned small plates, the "good vibes only" atmosphere, a curated soundtrack, and so forth – but it's also steeped in tradition. Drawing on its founder's roots as the child of Asian parents forced into exile from Uganda by Idi Amin, Kitgum Kitchen serves food inspired by the flavours and heritage of India and Africa, accompanied by signature cocktails and other refined drinks.

Today, Fatto a Mano has several branches and has even expanded to London, but it all started right here, at the group's first pizza restaurant near London Road. Proving dough for no fewer than 24 hours before baking it at 450 degrees – after stacking all sorts of toppings on it, of course – they can lay claim to some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in the country.

Award-winning London Road restaurant The Set might at first glance look like a rigid fine-dining establishment – tasting menus, limited sittings, all of that. However, it's anything but. Sure, the courses whipped up by the two-person kitchen team are carefully crafted, but they're rooted in the pair's childhoods, travels, and curiosity, with seasonal ingredients taking on a playful character. Served in a shabby-chic dining room, the meals here are casual and warm – a bit like visiting friends who also happen to be excellent cooks.

Carlito Burrito, a Mexican-owned restaurant near London Road, is a reflection of its owner's passion for authenticity. The street food served here – tacos, burritos, quesadillas, all the favourites – is made with traditional cooking methods, original ingredients from Mexico, house salsas, and a whole lot of attention to detail. The vibrant restaurant also doubles as a great place for a margarita.

Part psychedelic diner, part boozy dive bar, Meatliquor is a must for smash burger fans. Originally out of London, the brand went from food truck to multiple branches in London and further afield, gaining quite the cult following along the way. With outdoor seating and a pool table, their restaurant near London Road in Brighton is a great choice for a comforting meal, refreshing drink, or a fun night out.

Though not a restaurant per se, Brighton Open Market is where the London Road community truly comes together. More than 40 vendors set up stalls here, offering everything from handcrafted clothes and independent art to plants, lifestyle accessories, and more. The friendly, bustling market is also home to a number of street-food vendors, serving up tasty bites with global flavours, perfect for enjoying on the go.

Considered one of the best pubs in Brighton and the wider county, The Joker is home to Lost Boys Land, a kitchen residency specialising in fried chicken. The Lost Boys have won awards for their New York-style buffalo wings and signature sandwiches, and their small-batch sauces are worth the hype too. You can enjoy your food in the various pub areas, including the downstairs bar, pavement tables, rooftop garden, or games room.

With a dedicated team of chefs blending modernity and tradition in an array of small plates inspired by South East Asia, Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a restaurant anyone can enjoy, despite serving a fully plant-based menu. The kitchen uses a traditional bincho grill and premium Japanese coal for fullness of flavour, and the venue itself can accommodate different groups and occasions, from family feasts in the main dining area to intimate meals in the izakaya-style den.

Mogumogu is a small oasis of calm and cuteness in London Road. The snug Japanese restaurant is particularly well-known for its adorable cat puddings, a guaranteed hit on your social feed, but offers more than just dessert. You can try Japanese dishes like rice bowls, chicken karaage, takoyaki, and more here, with the menu changing regularly.