Cool Places To Eat In Brighton

Slap bang on the seafront, Drift is an effortlessly cool spot for a drink with a view. Its relaxed beachside vibes, fresh coastal flavours and chilled cocktails bring the spirit of Ibiza right here to Brighton. 

Outside, the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over the sea, making it perfect for golden hour drinks and long summer evenings. Whether you're stopping by for sharing plates and a spritz, catching up with friends over mezze and mocktails, or just watching the waves roll in, this is the perfect place to unwind, graze, sip and soak up the sunshine.

Just behind Brighton's bustling North Laine, Fountain Head is a hidden gem of a pub that blends rustic charm with a laid-back, youthful energy. With its exposed brick walls, wooden benches, and a crackling fireplace, this cosy spot is as comforting in winter as it is inviting in summer.

The menu keeps things classic with a subtle gastro twist, featuring hearty venison dishes and hand-cut chips. Despite its refined touches, Fountain Head remains endearingly unpolished, drawing in a creative crowd with indie student nights, art events, and an easygoing atmosphere. 

The Actors is a friendly, inclusive space that's been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in Brighton since 1974. Charming and wholesome, it provides a wooden furnished space to drink and dine as well as a theatre available to hire or to catch poetry readings, open mics and more. Head here and you'll be treated to slices from Decked Out Pizza Co with lots of moreish toppings like goats cheese and caramalised onions, alongside a roster of DJs, quiz nights or performances for after your meal.

If dining in a Grade II-listed boozer fronting gorgeous interiors is what you fancy, look no further than The Fitz Regent. Located on Castle Square, this venue is home to a range of bottomless brunches, stonebaked pizzas and a roster of live music events to keep revellers occupied. On Thursdays, swing by for the quiz night where you can put your knowledge to the test in a bid to win a cash prize of £50, all while munching on double cheese and bacon burgers, of course. 

Looking forward to your next night out? Then use our new search engine so you can choose between 1000s of venues all across the UK. In addition, you'll earn rewards every time you book through DesignMyNight, which can be spent on cool events or experiences.

You won't want to bypass this corker of a bar and food destination. Vintage decor, custom-built express booths in the style of train carriages and a menu of multi-award-winning New York-style buffalo wings? Sounds amazing and you can have it all and more at The Joker. Lost Boys Chicken runs the kitchen and, on Wednesdays, you can nab three for the price of two on wings making this haunt one of the many cheap places to eat in Brighton. Don't forget to check out its pretty roof terrace, or head upstairs to the cocktail room complete with a pool table, dartboard and smart TV.

If you're after a cracking, hearty meal then The Lion and Lobster is a firm choice. Known as one of the town's oldest pubs, this lively haunt offers award-winning food, including a regularly changing catch of the day, alongside buttermilk chicken burgers topped with sriracha mayo and a stellar Sunday roast. Inside you'll find a maze of vintage trinkets, mahogany period pieces and framed photographs illustrating its rich history. Then, outside sees a dainty courtyard welcoming revellers to enjoy chunky chips washed down with cool pints. Sign us up.

If you're searching for romantic restaurants in Brighton, then be sure to check out The Coal Shed with your other half. Its decor really sets the mood when it comes to date night, thanks to its elegant light fixtures and dark furnishings contrasting its white-washed walls.

Renowned for its hearty platters cooked over fire, expertly sourced meat and South Coast seafood inspired by founder Raz Helalat's Persian roots, there's plenty of tasty grub to share. Think glazed pork belly, new season lamb rump and spiced tuna tartare followed by honey margaritas and Kingston negronis. 

Dig into deliciousness at Apiary, a cosy, honey-themed space, shaking things up with award-winning concoctions featuring mead and honey-infused spirits. Sip on un-bee-livable cocktails like the Bee's Knees and the Orchard Keeper while indulging in delicious small plates such as grilled tiger prawns with guajillo chilli and leatherwood honey that celebrate the world of bees.

On the hunt for the best restaurants in Brighton with a view? The Salt Room is a stunning dining retreat fronting uninterrupted scenes of the sea. It boasts gorgeous copper lights paired with rich, blue furnishings and large windows looking out onto the ripples of the ocean.

Enjoy some fresh seafood and summertime tipples on its pretty terrace area, or pop inside come colder evenings for swoon-worthy sights. The modern eatery celebrates cooking over coal, so you can look forward to the likes of chargrilled monkfish and ash-roasted Gilthead bream on the menu.

One of the most popular restaurants in the whole city, Tutto is found within a former banking hall on Duke Street. This pretty space is ideal for date night or a luxurious group meal, decked out in bold blue furnishings, tiled walls and lots of greenery.

Their authentic Italian menu is designed to be shared, and they've even got a special sharing feast on Sundays. Tuck into the likes of wood-fired sardines, porterhouse teaks and spicy tomato rigatoni, washed down with fine wines or unique cocktails.

A stylish neighbourhood bar and restaurant in Hove, Tapestry offers everything from relaxed brunches to sumptuous Sunday roasts and creative cocktails. Expect traditional interiors featuring wooden tables, plush leather sofas and pretty plants, with touches of gold throughout the venue.

Tuck into small plates such as ham croquettes with nduja, flatbread loaded with baba ganoush or whiskey-glazed pork belly, paired with a delicious concoction from the bar.

The Seahorse is a stunning beachside restaurant and bar overlooking the pier, with a wraparound terrace and bright, airy dining room. Featuring dainty, white patio chairs and fairy lights, it's the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco spritz or some delicious seafood dishes. You can look forward to plates of grilled tiger prawns drizzled in a peri peri butter, and pan-roasted cod served alongside tenderstem broccoli. There are also bar snacks on offer, like hot smoked salmon and whole-dressed crab, washed down with a vodka-based Sea Breeze, or a Bicicletta, made with Campari and orange.

This central Brighton hotspot is a treasure trove of quirky interiors, from the suit of armour through to grand Chesterfield sofas. Whether it's bottomless brunches or an epic lineup of entertainment, this cool venue has a boatload to keep you occupied. Food-wise, you can expect to tuck into a Tex-Mex-inspired kitchen serving bold flavours in the form of tacos (topped with braised beef brisket and Monterey Jack cheese), plus spicy adobo chicken wings. 

Featuring cavernous interiors and a seafront terrace, Tempest is one of the cooler, quirkier places to head to in Brighton when on the hunt for some delicious fare. When this hotspot isn't busy keeping you entertained with top-notch music events, it also serves a fail-safe menu courtesy of Bonito to satisfy your hunger pangs. Head chef Alistair Munro uses his expert skills obtained over the years to serve vibrant seafood dishes such as fresh scallops with coriander and lime, shrimp burgers and BBQ mullet curry. 

Inject your foodie plans with a trip to Easy Tiger at The Hampton. It's the delicious result of the team behind The Pond collaborating with Sabu Joseph, chef and director of Cafe Cardamom, to create cuisine the chef loves and knows best. Delve into a delicious menu filled with Indian eats, from a Kashmiri wrap to a flavour-packed king prawn curry, all before heading to the garden space to soak up some sunshine. 

It doesn't get cooler than Pizza Pilgrims; this fun Italian joint is decked out with Formica tablecloths, unique light hangings and lots of indoor plants. The three floor pizzeria even boasts and indoor football pitch for you to get stuck into after (or before) your meal. And whether you're nutty of 'nduja, barmy for burrata and aubergine or mad for mushroom and truffle, they've got you covered with their wide range of toppings. 

With events such as speed dating and quiz nights, The North Laine Brewhouse is more than just a pretty face. The venue also has an on-site microbrewery, serving some seriously delicious fresh pints, as well as a menu of ace burgers topped with smoky BBQ pulled beef and melted cheese. Swing by to have a little fun with your mates on its football tables, try your hand at ping pong or indulge in a boozy bottomless brunch with your host, Aflie Ordinary, to see what all the fuss is rightly about. 

No 32 is not only known for its huge chandelier, fun club nights and happening bar, this place is also a great place to eat. Spanning everything from sweet or savoury-fuelled brunches to a variety of grilled dishes, the food menu here is easily washed down by flamingo-inspired cocktails. Plus, there's a roof terrace to boot, which makes an ideal location for people-watching while tucking into some grilled tandoori monkfish skewers, chargrilled cauliflower or some creamy burrata. 

Tucked away within the Kings Road Arches, Burnt Orange is a relaxed destination that transitions from a welcoming lunch spot to a late-night bar. Whether your dining in the minimalist interiors or out on their charming, sun-soaked terrace, you can count on them for an unforgettable experience.

Their extensive menu is best shared between friends, featuring exciting small plates and wood-fired dishes. Expect everything from smoked miso aubergine to barbecued chicken thigh and skillet-baked potatoes, paired with delicious cocktails or wine.

With its swinging seats, hanging vines and twinkling fairy lights, Mowgli brings bags of bohemian charm to Dukes Lane. Channelling the street food markets of India, it serves up sensational small plates, spicy chaats and house curries. 

Tuck into everything from Himalayan cheese toast and treacle tamarind fries to lamb bunny chow, temple dahl and gunpowder chicken. Be sure to try a cocktail or two before you leave too - the smoked cardamom old fashion is one of many standout signature serves.

Nestled within a seafront arch and serving up a selection of British fare, Lucky Beach is a top choice if you're after a cool place to eat in Brighton. It's recognised to have one of the highest rankings of sustainable eateries and equally prides itself on serving some of the best fish and chips in town, with a fabulous view of course. Grab a pew at this chic 100-seater restaurant to enjoy the intimate and laid-back atmosphere while tucking into a menu packing tempting fresh crab tostadas with caper relish.

Maybe you're looking for Michelin star restaurants in Brighton but have you ever paused your hunt to dine at this gorgeous recommended one? Housed within a former bank, etch. retains some of those traditional elements while boasting a swish contemporary look, making it one undeniably cool eatery. Against the dark blue walls and vibrant orange hues, guests can tuck into equally impressive tasting menus from the brain of MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards. Be enticed by intricate plates of dippy egg (62c duck yolk), beef with asparagus and morel, plus Valrhona chocolate alongside pine nut and caramel for dessert.

Bringing effortless French vibes to Brighton, Plateau is an independent wine bar and restaurant boasting je ne sais quoi. It serves seasonal dishes in a tranquil setting of cream walls, dangling foliage and modern pieces of art fixed to the walls. It's also dog-friendly which is a major draw for fans of four-legged friends. Hunker down here to explore its enormous collection of handpicked bottles and pairings, or enjoy its fabulous selection of carefully curated small plates. With pickled mussels alongside aioli and sumac, plus orzo with roasted squash, sage and walnut, it's hard to resist. 

After some street food but looking to dine in? Patty & Bun is a London export famed for its impressive burgers. Armed with fresh ingredients, various cheeses and lightly toasted brioche buns, this trendy restaurant is pulling out all the stops thanks to its expansive menu of American-style eats. Take a seat among neon signage and panelled walls to get your chops around The Don, filled with pancetta, beef butter and American cheese, or the plant-based Hot Chic, finished off with smoked garlic aioli. 

Colourful, quirky and with a menu that'll make your stomach smile, La Choza is a Mexican-inspired eatery that's perfect for date nights and laid-back meals alike. It was born in 2012 as a street food joint on Gloucester Road and has since turned into a popular restaurant run by friends Aoife Sweeney and Annie Gelpey. Among vibrant Calavera and printed sofas, you can sip on margaritas, all while tucking into your own specially created burrito, tostada or taco made using authentic recipes. 

Food For Friends is a top choice if you're vegetarian or vegan and looking for some plant-based goodness to devour. Known for its delectable plates and laid-back atmosphere, this quirky eatery is a perfect stop-off for lunch with friends or date nights alike. Presenting a warm and rustic dining room paired with elegant light fixtures, it offers a tranquil feasting experience from farm to plate: think celeriac Wellington, Hasselback squash and more, washed down with organic, biodynamic and natural wine. It's also dog-friendly, so your pooch doesn't have to miss out either.