Fancy a decent meal without breaking the bank? From vegan kebabs at lunch to stone-baked pizza and freshly made sushi that's perfect for a fuss-free date night, we've handpicked the top spots. If you need help deciding, then check out our roundup of the best affordable restaurants in Brighton.
For more foodie inspo, hit up our extensive Brighton restaurant guide.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 30th January 2026
Just a stone's throw from both The Lanes and the beachfront, ASK Italian Brighton is a laid-back restaurant that serves a sumptuous Italian menu. The two-storey venue is decked out in simple wooden furnishings, plants and quirky neon signs, with multiple private dining rooms available too.
As for the food? Expect everything from prawn piccante pizzas to aubergine parmigiana ravioli or lasagne, washed down with refreshing spritz cocktails for under a tenner.
Catering to vegans, carnivores and veggies alike, YO! Brighton is a great choice for affordable Japanese plates. Just a stone's throw from Victoria Gardens and the Royal Pavillion, this eatery whips up crunchy California rolls and salmon maki, alongside a selection of sake.
Serving up summer berries pancakes for a budget-friendly £8 in the morning, alongside quality steaks and burgers come evening time, No 32 is a strong contender on the food front. And when you're done eating? There are also live DJ sets and entertainment 'til the early hours.
If you're on the hunt for restaurants in Brighton and Hove that are serving banging food without compromising on flavour or quality, Pizza Pilgrims is for you. The best bit? You can totally personalise your slice, including cheese, meat and crust-dipping sauce. Plus, it has cocktails, beers or wines.
Boasting ginger chicken, monkey wraps and tea-steeped chickpeas, Mowgli Brighton is one of our favourite affordable venues on this list. Not only do these folks whip up supreme Indian cooking, but they also have a long list of creative concoctions such as the chai rum sling.
A coveted spot right on the seafront and quirky cavernous booths aren't the only things that Tempest has going for them. Expect everything from creamy clam chowder to bhaji burgers and mushroom flatbreads, all for less than £15.
Nostos is an award-winning restaurant for a reason, and that's because of its flavour-packed Greek plates. Grab some vegan moussaka, pork souvlaki or deep fried squid, designed to share, all without breaking the bank.
Popular for its sports screens and beer offerings, The Black Lion also knows a thing or two about cheap pub food in Brighton. Start off your evening with a fresh pint of lager, all before digging into halloumi fries, crispy chicken burgers and truffle mac 'n' cheese topped with jalapenos.
Honest Burgers is an affordable joint serving up mouthwatering munch with a classic menu. There are beef, veggie and vegan options, plus a crackin' selection of craft beers or cocktails to boot. The pesto chicken burger sandwiched together in a brioche bun is a fave.
On the hunt for cheap eats in Hove? The Gather Inn has got you sorted. Nestled on the scenic edge of the lagoon and seafront, this top-notch eatery has a range of hearty dishes up for grabs, like bangers and mash or Sunday roasts, which can all be enjoyed with a stunning view of the water.
Known as the sausage and mash pub, Shakespeare's Head is a friendly boozer located in the Seven Dials area. This old-school boozer promises traditional interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, alongside a cracking selection of beer and wine from the bar.
There are multiple varieties of sausage and mash to choose from, resulting in a possible total of 560 combinations. Think venison, pork and chilli or vegan chorizo sausages, paired with stilton and cheddar mash, Guinness gravy and much more. But if that's not your thing, they've got fish and chips, crispy halloumi sandwiches and loaded hotdogs, with every dish coming in at £14 or less.
Downs Hotel is whipping up low-cost lunches at its popular location. So, what's on the menu? Tuck into sandwiches filled with hand-battered fish goujons or chicken bacon and avocado for £11 or under each, accompanied by fries and a pint of the good stuff.
A budget-friendly venue that overlooks the beach, Shelter Hall is a vibrant spot that houses multiple bars and kitchens. It's particularly good for groups where everyone has different tastes, thanks to its broad food selection that spans everything from Neapolitan-style pizzas to sushi and tempting Thai plates.
There's ample indoor seating, as well as both a balcony and terrace for outdoor dining. be sure to check out their lineup of events too, including live music, chef pop-ups, supper clubs and more.
Want to do Brighotn on a budget? Not only do Patterns serve up a tasty array of affordable grub, like cheesy pizzas, but there are also stunning views of the beachfront, as well as cheap cocktails and a bottomless disco brunch on Saturdays.
If you're after affordable yet cool places to eat in Brighton that won't skimp on quality or character, then La Choza is right up your street. Soak up South American vibes, including punchy and vibrant interiors, alongside a mouthwatering menu.
For fantastic French fare that's easy on your finances, book a table at Petit Pois. All warm lighting and rustic charm, it brings the cosy Parisian bistro to the streets of Brighton.
The prix fixe set menu is a great choice if you're keeping an eye on your purse strings. Take your pick of two courses for £23 or three for £28 and tuck into the likes of smoked mackerel, crispy squid, Toulouse sausage, minute steak and traditional petit fours.
Dreaming of Mexican food at a low cost? Wahaca is a great choice when it comes to the best restaurants in Brighton that are serving up cheap eats. From rainbow bowls to quesadillas, this joint is great for hungry folk who are on a budget.
With pizzas starting from only £6.95, Franco Manca is a top choice when it comes to Brighton's cheap restaurants. Keep it classic or choose a butternut squash base, with toppings from Iberico chorizo and mozzarella to roasted aubergine. We didn't choose the pizza life...
Head to Preston Street for a taste of Mexico as Halisco promises cheap eats, likepulled pork quesadillas, chorizo-stuffed squid and grilled Padron peppers. And if you're thirsty? You can expert some refreshing margaritas at a stellar price.
From vegan sushi to fully-fledged fish dishes, Moshimo is Japanese food at its finest. There's a wide range available, with sake and whisky, as well as maki, handrolls and sushi platters. Our tip? Visit on Mondays and Tuesdays when members score 50% off.
Situated on Ship Street, Roti King is bringing a taste of Malaysian and Singaporean street food to Brighton. This is a laid-back venue filled with simple wooden furniture and exposed brickwork.
Be sure to try their legendary roti canai: hand-pulled, flaky flatbreads served alongside flavourful curries like beef rendang, mee goreng mamak and kari laksa.
Fried chicken is the name of the game at The Bok Shop and that means free-range birds in all their glory. Make your way through loaded burgers for an affordable price, or opt for wings, vegan nuggets and plenty more.
