We know that Brighton's relationship with seafood runs deeper than its seafront location. This is a city with day boats landing catch a short walk from the restaurants that serve it, a 150-year-old seafood institution still going strong in the Lanes, and a wave of newer openings pushing the scene from silver-service classics into boil houses, raw bars and charcoal grills. Whether you're after just-shucked oysters, a proper fruits de mer, or sushi rolled that morning, here's where to eat the best of it.
Sister restaurant to the acclaimed Coal Shed, The Salt Room is a top Brighton spot for fish dishes in a deluxe dinner setting. On top of their cracking seafood fare, they also have amazing sea views, so you can see where your dinner has come from.
The Coal Shed might be further inland than sister restaurant The Salt Room, but it's still a true dedication to sourcing local. With meat cooked on charcoal, you can expect big flavours, alongside a grilled seafood selection with lobster, seabass and more.
Situated in the heart of the Lanes, English's is the oldest seafood restaurant in the city. They've been serving locals and tourists for over 150 years, in a family-run venue that blends traditional decor with modern charm - think silver service and a warm, friendly team.
Their menu takes you on a journey through seafood, featuring the likes of freshly shucked oysters, native lobster, Dover sole and more from local suppliers.
If seafood is the priority, Pearly Cow is one of Brighton's strongest contenders. Sitting right on the seafront, it champions British produce with a raw bar feel - think Whitstable oysters, seafood tartare and pristine shellfish served simply on ice.
Fire still plays a starring role, with grilled fish and seafood cooked over open flame for maximum flavour. Led by executive chef Andrew MacKenzie, the menu balances freshness with indulgence, backed up by exceptional sides and desserts worth saving room for.
A family-run restaurant that specialises in seafood and steak, The Copper Clam is housed within the iconic Kings Road Arches. Their large windows offer stunning views of the West Pier and the beach, while the interiors are pared-back but stylish.
Their menu showcases the very best that the Sussex coastline has to offer, from native lobster to oysters and seafood platter. Of course, there's a top notch drinks selection on offer too.
Pier Court Restaurant is the definition of dinner with a view. Situated on the Grade II-listed Brighton Palace Pier, the venue is renowned for its kickass fish and chips, as well as its other seafood classics and British favourites.
It wouldn't be possible to list Brighton's best seafood restaurants without including Riddle and Finns, the oyster and Champagne specialists. The restaurant only has space for 40 but this makes it all the more special; perch by a marble table topped with candelabras and prepare to have all your seafood dreams come true.
It's been a hidey hole for Brighton's fishermen for more than 500 years and The Lion and Lobster is still an excellent seafood pub. With pictures, portraits and fairy lights decorating the walls, the pub has an intimate atmosphere - all the better to enjoy a pint of their excellent craft ale and munch your way through a fish dish.
A truly unique pub style in Brighton, The Urchin is a celebration of beer and shellfish, with locally caught seafood paired with over 100 craft beers. When you're not praising the knowledgeable staff? You're gushing over a menu with international but simple influences.
Brighton's first ever seafood boil house, The Gothic Crab is a quirky restaurant in Kemptown. Located close to the beach, you get a real seaside feel here, in a unique space filled with dark decor.
Their menu is designed to be messy, with Cajun-inspired seafood boils drenched in sauce. Think crab, lobster, prawns and more - with some slightly less hands-on options available too.
Burger & Lobster serves up sensational seafood just steps from Brighton Beach. We're talking succulent steaks, juicy burgers, crispy calamari and perfectly cooked prawns.
That's before we even get to every kind of lobster - you can have it whole, in a roll, in a burger, stuffed in ravioli, as croquettes. This list goes on and on. The cocktail menu is just as exciting, packing in classic concoctions and signature serves like the Lobstar Martini.
Weave your way through the Laines by the sea to find Moshimo, an authentic Japanese dedication to seafood in Brighton. With sashimi and maki doing the rounds on their sushi menu, Moshimo are sustainability oriented throughout.
Nostos is an award-winning restaurant in Brighton, rustling up a mouthwatering range of Greek fare. Chow down on things like pan-fried hake with cavolo nero fricassee, as well as red mullet and a tomato-fennel sauce. To wash it down? Perfectly matched wines.
If you're on the lookout for sensational seafood small plates, La Tapa Loca would like a word. Its tapas menu packs in plenty from the sea. We're talking gambas, fried squid, poached cod and red prawn ravioli.
Over on the drinks list, there's something to pair with every plate, whether you fancy a crisp wine, fruity fizz or sophisticated signature cocktail.
If you're craving fresh, seasonal seafood in Brighton, Catch & Grill in Hove is the place to go. Specialising in charcoal-grilled seafood, the restaurant offers a menu filled with delights like beer-battered fish and chips and pan-fried bass with shrimp.
For something unique, try their salmon katsu curry with Japanese mild curry sauce. Located in the heart of Church Road, Catch & Grill is your perfect destination for a seafood feast that combines freshness and flavour in every bite.
A relaxed restaurant bar that's located in the Kings Road Arches, Burnt Orange is a welcoming space for all-day drinks and dining. The interior features simple white walls and lots of foliage, as well as a striking bar in the centre, and there's a covered outdoor terrace that's ideal for summer.
Their menu is designed to be shared, made up of small plates and larger wood-fired dishes. There's plenty of seafood to get stuck into, from butterfly sardines to flamed sea bream and crayfish kofta.
