If you’re a foodie in this pretty seaside town, then you’re seriously spoilt for choice. From Thai cuisine to vegan kebabs, there’s something for everyone and more. But amidst the abundance of local culinary delights, you'll find a new kid on the block that stands out among the rest, a proud sibling of favourites Burnt Orange, The Coal Shed and The Salt Room: Tutto in Brighton.

This restaurant in Marlborough Place was an absolute treat for the eyes.

Found off Victoria Gardens, the eatery was set in an exquisitely refurbished old banking hall. The friendly staff made sure to quickly greet us as we stepped in from the rainy spring weather, and we were immediately struck by the stunning interiors. The high ceilings, illuminated by warm lighting, alongside the colourful artworks and mid-century furniture, made the venue ooze sophistication.

To start the evening, we explored the impressive cocktail menu. My enduring sweet tooth went for the cherry amore (£12), a fun yet classy affair featuring Malfy gin, Staralino rosé and a maraschino cherry. On the other side of the table, my sober-on-weeknights friend ordered a non-alcoholic sambuco e menta (£8), made up of Lyres White Cane, elderflower, mint, citrus and soda. They were both spot on and delicious, setting a lovely tone for the rest of the meal.

This elegant spot with authentic Italian dining and elegant interiors might be one of the best restaurants in Brighton.

Before diving into the food, we couldn’t help having a quick peruse of the extensive wine list, which boasted a strong variety of Italy’s finest. The waiting staff were more than happy to offer recommendations, and Tutto clearly takes its vino seriously. I decided on a glass of the 2021 Vermentino from Sardinia (£10.75), which promised to be crisp, floral and light - and it didn’t disappoint.

The food menu was almost as hard to pick from as the drinks, but our first dish out, an old favourite of mine, was fried calamari (£12). Crisp and generously portioned, it paired beautifully with the zesty lemon pepper aioli. Next, we opted for the creamy, indulgent burrata with focaccia crostini (£12). The burrata was hard to beat as it was, but the aromatic walnut trapanese and olives lifted the rich cheese to perfection. We also tucked into the tenderstem broccoli frito (7.50) accompanied by pecorino romano and lemon, as well as a refreshingly light blood orange salad (£7.50) elevated with beetroot and oregano.

All of the dishes on the Tutto restaurant menu were presented with style.

Moving onto the main course, my carnivorous companion had their eyes on the chicken Milanese (£16), a simple dish made special by lashings of fried capers, sage and lemon. I opted for the charred fillet of bream (£16), served with puttanesca and buttery braised fennel. To accompany our dishes, we added crispy pink fir potatoes (£4.50) and cime di rapa (£5) with chilli and garlic oil.

Despite being fit to burst, I bravely soldiered onto dessert. My heart ached for the tiramisu, which I’d read was not to be missed, but my stomach needed something lighter. I decided on the more modest blood orange sorbet and vanilla ice cream (£3.50 per scoop). I’m often sceptical of sorbets, remembering the frosty, sickly lemon product of my youth, but I’d thankfully stumbled upon another delight, with a balanced orange taste and smooth texture.

The DesignMyNight Digest

Tutto really was a treat, and we loved every minute of our visit. The waiting staff were delightful, the ambience buzzy but laid-back, and the restaurant seemed to appeal to both young and older diners. Yes, the prices were on the more expensive side, but the quality of the food and drinks made it a must-visit in Brighton.

On the hunt for more of the best restaurants in Brighton? Check out our guide here and sign up to our newsletter.