This seaside town is renowned for its food scene, whether it's the fresh fish that draws you in, or the fact that it's got one of the largest vegan populations in the UK. And there are always brand new places popping up across the area, from sleek restaurants to wine bars and fast food joints.
Looking for something a little different on your next meal out? Then check out our guide on the best new Brighton restaurants to try out - think Malaysian street food, juicy burgers and more.
Best New Restaurants In Brighton And Hove For 2025
1. Namo
- Opened October 2025
- 24 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
Created by well-known local chef Bookie Mitchell, Namo is opening its first dedicated restaurant on Ship Street. This comes after years of operating at The Eagle Pub, among other residencies, selling mouthwatering Thai food with inventive twists across the menu.
Tuck into the likes of chickpea masaman curry, spicy firecracker tofu, stir-fried prawn udon noodles and so much more. They offer a range of both small and large plates, in a refined space that features simple, stylish decor.
Sample sumptuous Thai food at Namo.
2. Roti King
- Opened May 2025
- Ship Street, BN1 1AD
Roti King is a London-based Malaysian street food brand, set to open their very first regional site in Brighton this May. They'll be taking over a Grade II-listed building on Ship Street, nestled within The Lanes, which will seat 50 people and promises interiors filled with Malaysian artwork. Their first restaurant was founded in 2014 by Sugen Gopal, and they've now got four London locations.
The expansion to Brighton was fuelled by Gopal's love of the town, and he's passionate about sharing his food with the local community. The menu is centred around their signature roti canai, served alongside dhal, beef, chicken, mutton or fish kari. They also serve murtabak, a stuffed roti, filled with either lamb or spinach and cheese, alongside rice and noodle dishes.
Roti King will bring authentic Malaysian food to The Lanes.
3. The Avenue Restaurant & Wine
- Opened March 2025
- 6 Queen's Place, Second Avenue, BN3 2LT
Recently opened in Hove's second avenue, The Avenue Restaurant & Wine is a contemporary Mediterranean dining destination that has taken over a previously unused building. The stylish black and gold eatery features sultry low lighting, alongside elegant chandeliers and stool seating, creating a luxurious vibe. There's even an outdoor space that's perfect for the summer months.
They offer a vast selection of fine wines and cocktails, as well as a food menu inspired by the rich culinary history of the Mediterranean. Expect high quality meats and vegetables with a seasonal focus. Delve into fresh plates of ceviche, steak, lobster ravioli and much more.
Pair sophisticated Mediterranean plates with killer cocktails at this new restaurant in Hove.
4. Smacks
- Opened March 2025
- 46 West Street, BN1 2RA
If you're a burger lover, then Smacks is the new restaurant in Brighton for you. This affordable restaurant chain already has locations in London, Southport, Glasgow and beyond, widely loved for their quality ingredients and their motto of being 'priced to please'.
Their food is prepared daily on-site, using freshly ground prime Angus beef and chicken. You can get a classic hamburger for less than a fiver, while heartier options include the quadruple Big Smack or a spicy chicken burger, with veggie versions available too. Their entire menu is 100% halal, and you can nab breakfasts, milkshakes and desserts to boot.
Head to Smacks for a fresh take on fast food, all at an affordable price.
5. Burger & Lobster
- Opened February 2025
- 15 Market Street, BN1 1HH
Burger & Lobster is an international chain that has always maintained its quality, and they have recently opened their first new UK restaurant in nearly a decade - right here in Brighton. This is part of a plan to expand more into the regions and double their presence in the country over the next few years.
Head to the Market Street spot for premium beef and lobster flown in from Nova Scotia in Canada. We're talking baked oysters, smashed wagyu burgers and lobster linguine, to name just a few options, and there are combos for those of you who want to try a bit of everything. Plus, they serve a pretty mean brunch too.
Expect premium meat and seafood at this international restaurant.
6. Tavus
- Opened February 2025
- 3 The Boardwalk, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA
After new restaurants on Brighton Marina? Then make your way to Tavus, a Mediterranean bar and grill that boasts a relaxed but classy lounge vibe. There's both indoor and outdoor dining space here, filled with pretty plants and sleek, dark decor.
They specialise in grilled dishes, with a tasty selection of signature cocktails to wash them down. Think charcoal platters filled with chicken and lamb shish, alongside grilled tiger prawns, vegetable moussaka and tomahawk steaks. They offer set lunch menus as well, costing £21.90 for three courses or £17.90 for two.
This new bar and grill serves up top-notch Mediterranean fare.
7. Flat Iron
- Opening December 2025
- 34 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD
Flat Iron is set to open its newest location in Brighton's vibrant Lanes district this December. The 115-cover, two-floor restaurant on Ship Street will offer the brand's renowned flat iron steak, complemented by a rotating board of specials including wagyu and a chilli cheeseburger made with beef from Flat Iron's own herd in Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Sides include indulgent options like beef dripping chips, creamed spinach, truffled macaroni cheese, and crispy bone marrow garlic mash. The drinks menu features a selection of wines, including Flat Iron's own Malbec, blended by the team from vineyards in the Limoux region of southern France's Languedoc. This opening marks a significant step in Flat Iron's regional expansion, bringing its commitment to accessible, high-quality steak to the seaside city of Brighton.
Wolf down delicious steaks at Flat Iron Brighton.
8. Maré by Rafael Cagali
- Opened September 2025
- Hove
Hove’s dining scene is set for a major new addition this September as Michelin-starred chef Rafael Cagali and co-owner Charlie Lee unveil Maré by Rafael Cagali. Known for their acclaimed London restaurants Da Terra (two Michelin stars) and Elis at Bethnal Green Town Hall, the duo is now bringing their signature culinary flair to the Sussex coast. Marea, meaning 'tide' in Italian, is inspired by the rhythm of the sea and the changing seasons.
The menu will evolve with nature, spotlighting local and seasonal produce, and drawing influence from the East Sussex landscape. Guests can expect a unique experience that sits between the refined dining of Da Terra and the more relaxed atmosphere of Elis. Daily operations will be overseen by Head Chef Ewan Waller, a protégé of Cagali, with a diverse offering that includes seasonal small plates (hot and cold), larger sharing dishes, and elegant desserts. Front of House will be led by Charlie Lee, who brings a focus on warm, neighbourly service delivered with polished professionalism.
Rafael Cagali (pictured).
9. Rudy's Brighton
- Opened July 2025
- 17 Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana has arrived in Brighton at the former Chilli Pickle location on Jubilee Street in North Laine, marking its very first site on the South Coast, and the brand’s 31st pizzeria in the UK. The space spans approximately 3,500 sq ft, seats around 160 diners, and features Rudy’s signature minimalist-industrial design, open-kitchen layout, and communal tables.
Naturally, authentic Neapolitan flavour is at the heart of the menu - each pizza is made with dough using Caputo '00' flour that ferments for at least 24 hours, then is cooked in a Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven in just 60 seconds. Pizza toppings feature premium Neapolitan ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella - so you're totally in for a proper Italian treat here.
Rudy's comes to Brighton (pictured).
10. Taro
- Now open
- 60 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE
Brighton’s food scene welcomes Taro Brighton, the ninth restaurant from the much-loved Japanese group. Bringing its signature fresh and authentic Japanese cuisine to the city, Taro offers 70 covers in a stylish yet relaxed setting, perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Taishu Shokudo’ - an everyday dining room - the menu features steaming ramen and udon, delicately crafted sushi and sashimi, crispy tempura, and fan-favourite bento boxes packed with classic Japanese flavours.
Taro Brighton also adds an exclusive twist for the city with the Brighton Roll, a rainbow sushi roll of salmon, prawn, tuna, and yellowtail with asparagus, avocado, tobiko, and spicy mayo. Drinks include hot and cold sake, Japanese beers, soft drinks, and the signature Lychee Martini, blending Holy Grass vodka, lychee juice, coconut syrup, and lime.
Taro's famous bento box.
For more foodie inspiration, check out these cool places to eat in Brighton.
