Sometimes we want to spruce up our regular ol' pub grub or perhaps don't fancy dinner from the local chippy, and luckily, the town is full of wacky eateries to explore. From Stateside-style retreats to European fare with a side order of cabaret, food spots this town refuse to fit the mould, so we've rounded up the best quirky restaurants in Brighton.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 7th January 2026
Fronting pretty lighting and pops of greenery, Mowgli is a bit of a quirky eatery in the city. Tuck into Indian eats such as ginger chicken, lamb chops with turmeric chips and tea-steeped chickpeas, alongside a plethora of drinks to choose from. Mango lassi anyone?
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Located on the Palace Pier, Palm Court is definitely of the best restaurants in Brighton with a view. Don't be fooled by its gorgeous scenery and glass-fronted interiors, as this spot is home to some of the quirkiest vegan eats. From fishless and chips to a vacon burger.
Nestled among the quirky shops of The Lanes, Giggling Squid Brighton combines a unique location with a distinctively chic interior and a menu brimming with exotic Thai flavours. The old fisherman's cottage layout, floral decor, and playful touches make every meal feel fun.
Whether you're dining at the Brighton site or popping over to Hove, it's a restaurant that delights with both character and cuisine.
If you're looking for a restaurant in Brighton's The Lanes, then be sure to visit The Mesmerist. Not only do they have a crackin' range of entertainment but also some impressive plates throughout the week, alongside one hell of a Sunday spread.
Ever had dinner in a cave? So why not visit one of Brighton's seafront restaurants, Tempest. This watering hole and foodie favourite are serving lush plates of seafood, some killer burgers to boot and a crackin' range of craft beers.
The Lion and Lobster just so happens to be one of Brighton's oldest pubs and with that accolade comes a whole lot of charm and quirks. Filled to the brim with unusual interiors, from vintage photos to cosy corners. On top of all that, it serves up a delicious menu of hearty British fare.
With retro arcade games, escape rooms and a Scalextric track, this is definitely one of the Instagram-worthy restaurants in Brighton. If you're not taking a picture of the cool interior, then be sure to snap their epic range of burgers, milkshakes and fries.
Feeling quirky and want a restaurant to match? Pizza Pilgrims is coming out on top. Found in the city centre, this joint is as unique as they come, even featuring its very own indoor football pitch in the basement. As for the food, think Neapolitan pizzas cooked to perfection, as well as starters and desserts.
A colourful spot on Preston Street, Anakuma is an Asian fusion restaurant that specialises in bold dishes. The menu is packed full of flavour, inspired by Japanese, Korean, Mexican and Southeast Asian street food.
Tuck into small plates and fluffy bao filled with hoisin jackfruit or Korean fried chicken. On the side? Try one of their delicious house cocktails or sake.
Situated within The Lanes, Coppa Club is a stunning spot for food and drink. Its outdoor terrace sprawls across Brighton Square, complete with sunny tables and cosy igloos decked out in fairy lights and warm blankets.
The interiors are bold and colourful, with lots of plants dotted around the space. Tuck into the likes of seared lamb rump, Devon crab linguine and stone-baked nduja pizzas, washed down by creative cocktails.
You'll find HarBAR + Kitchen on the beachfront in Brighton, boasting a delicious all-day menu. Think fresh seafood aplenty and veggie dishes too. The funfair afternoon tea is a standout, featuring mini cheeseburgers, tiny marshmallows and a coconut meringue ice cream sandwich.
Hauled up in one of Brighton's unique beachfront archways, Lucky Beach is a premium spot for American style fare. Brooklyn in its interiors and New York in its taste, this intimate little restaurant can't fit a whole lot of people, but it can fit a whole lot of flavour.
You might not consider burgers a wholly unique dish, but you'll never look at them in the same way again once you've visited this eccentric little plot. MEATliquor is not only laced in American flavours and cracking cocktails, it's doused in neons and boasts its own DJ booth.
Boasting more colours than the rainbow itself, or at least we'd say so, La Choza is definitely a go-to spot. This intimate Mexican restaurant is home to a vibrant blast of Day of the Dead wares and Lady Guadalupe attitude; all with the delicious home-spun bites to eat.
A renowned Japanese restaurant in the heart of the town, Moshimo are serving up sushi in its finest form, from vegan and veggie options to a whole actual boatload of the stuff. If you want to learn how to make the best maki rolls, be sure to check out their masterclasses.
One of the prettiest restaurants in town, this gorgeous brasserie and restaurant from the iconic Ivy restaurant group offers stunning brunches, cool cocktails and delicious dishes from breakfast through dinner. Head in for a bite and to get a glimpse at some of their lush interiors.
One of the most romantic restaurants in Brighton, The Set is not only part of the Artist Residence, but they also offer tasty seasonal plates. Designed to appeal to every sense, they are serving up bites from posh crumpets and pickled herring to whole lobster and bone marrow hash browns.
A pretty spot down on New Road, Mrs Fitzherberts brings together quirky, quasi-religious decor with delicious eats. Catering to vegans, gluten-free diets and omnivores alike, you'll find a delicious selection of flatbread pizzas, moreish hot dogs and tasty pub grub.
