Yes, I am allergic to mussels and oysters. Did that stop the seafood-obsessed Riddle & Finns from pulling out an experience to remember? Absolutely not.
One of the most iconic restaurants on the Brighton dining scene, Riddle & Finns in The Lanes is one of two places: where everyone knows to get incredible seafood in a romantic setting by the shore, or that random window in the wall where chefs are shucking and filleting from morning until night.
I'd always wanted to go to Riddle and Finns - drawn in by the flickering candlelight strewn against the subway tiling, conversations over oysters and Champagne, and in my 4 years since having moved down to the coast, I'd been putting it off. Not because their 20+ years of expertise was in question, but I was worried about how they'd handle my allergies, and basically, if they'd be disappointed in me. It's not that I don't want to like seafood, but I am limited, and I just didn't want to let the side down.
I shouldn't have worried.
From stepping in to walking out, this was one of those dining experiences that I will take with me for years to come. My allergies were laughed off by the incredibly and conversational staff, I was still given a romantic and frank explanation of the menu and the dishes available to me (I still eat prawns and white fish, so less panic to be fair), and my Champagne was always, always topped up.
There's always a mood in Riddle & Finns, from morning until night.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of Riddle & Finns
Need To Know:
- Address: 12b Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB.
- Area: The Lanes
- Cuisine/Theme: Seafood.
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: You'd think that by going in the early afternoon we'd miss the reasons to light the candelabras in the first place, but there were still warm glows across the room, with the bustle of the open kitchen really kicking in some vibrancy.
- Perfect For: I don't think you can get much better in Brighton for a date, or special occasion. But to be honest, we saw friends giggling, solo diners and a more. It's really just as much of a meeting place as it could be a proposal setting.
Service & Price
- Service (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: Over £180-ish in total. I know, for two, that might feel like a jump, but every penny here was worth it.
Caviar tasting spoons at Riddle & Finns.
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Sauteed Tiger Prawns (£16) - meaty, succulent, heads on. Actual prawn perfection. Paired with the chilli, garlic and extra virgin olive oil, each prawn was a testament to the quality of seafood that Riddle & Finns are so well known for sourcing. The ingredients let the prawn shine, and do the work when it came to natural flavour.
- Grilled Courgette Madras (£20) - a massive surprise when it came to Riddle & Finns delivering on big flavour. This was rich, dramatic in colour and the lentil samosa was a hearty addition to the plate. The burnt lime poked through for a quick pinch of acid before the spices brought you back down to earth. Honestly, impressive for vegetarian food in a seafood spot.
- Imperial Oscietra Caviar - Serving Spoon
(£10) - we think this is such a great price for those
exploring caviar for the first time. It was a petite dose, but
matched our expectations in terms of quality, and naturally, was
delivered on a mother of pearl spoon.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Pierre Mignon Prem Cru (£79) - this was such a light and accessible Champagne. It paired incredibly well with our food choices and the staff never let our glasses sit even halfway empty, meaning it was always crisp.
- Limoncello (£8) - I would argue the end of any meal is incomplete without a digestif, and this limoncello, served in a pretty cut crystal glass, was the perfect closer.
Our Overall Experience At Riddle & Finns
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There's 20 years here for a reason. Riddle & Finns not only set the bar when it came to their staff, personality and warmth, their menu is that perfect dichotomy between adding in punchy flavour, and flavour based on existing quality and expertise. Other than a few dishes being inaccessible, I still had choice, and at no point was a vegetarian and a pain in the ass pescatarian made to feel like a burden. I honestly cannot wait to go back.
