Sure, fish 'n' chips on the beach may sound idyllic. But in reality? Between fending off gulls and battling the blustery weather, you'll be lucky to cram in a couple of forkfuls before abandoning ship. Whether it's rustic kitchens under archways or chic dining rooms touting stunning scenes, we have rounded up the best seafront restaurants in Brighton.
Brighton's best-known seafood restaurant sits in the restored Victorian Rotunda on Kings Road, perched directly above the promenade with the West Pier ruins in one direction and the Palace Pier in the other. Fish and seafood come daily from Hove Lagoon's fish market, straight off Brighton beach. The menu moves with the catch: oysters, langoustines on ice, seared scallops, tempura monkfish, fruits de mer platters and a changing selection of main dishes.
Located along the shoreline, The Seahorse is our first port of call when it comes to restaurants on the seafront. Touting floor-to-ceiling windows, this eatery is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic roast dinner with family or a chilled glass of pinot grigio, accompanied by shellfish.
One of Brighton's most exciting recent openings, Pearly Cow sits on Kings Road directly opposite the ruins of the West Pier, one of the best views you'll get from a table on the seafront. The kitchen, led by Andy MacKenzie, runs on Sussex beef and locally caught seafood, cooked simply over open flame or served raw on ice. The 45-day salt-aged steaks are the main event, alongside Whitstable oysters, fresh fish tacos, and a seasonal menu that moves with what's available from the South Downs and surrounding coastline.
Arguably one of the best restaurants in Brighton with a view, The Salt Room has a reputation for serving the town's finest seafood alongside swoon-worthy scenes. Feast on freshly-caught monkfish, steamed shellfish and cod loin as you gaze out over some truly impressive waves.
Winning awards for its stellar brunch and burger offerings, it's no wonder why Lucky Beach is a popular seafront restaurant in Brighton. Small but perfectly formed, this shack has a cosy mezzanine area, designed for watching the waves hit the shore while sipping on tasty bevvies.
Next to the iconic i360, Drift puts you right on the seafront. Bringing the spirit of Ibiza to Brighton, it's the perfect place to unwind, graze, sip and soak up the sunshine.
Outside, the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over the sea - perfect for golden hour drinks, sharing plates and long summer evenings. Inside is just as stylish - think natural textures with ocean tones that create a calm and effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Home to several kitchens alongside two cocktail, wine and beer bars, Shelter Hall offers several places to eat under one roof. This best-loved venue provides amazing views of the Sussex coastline all while giving you the opportunity to relax with a drink in hand.
Take a seat on the terrace to really appreciate the seafront, while chowing down on sushi, local wagyu burgers, Neapolitan pizzas and so much more.
After restaurants near Brighton pier? You'll find the Palm Court restaurant - a fuss-free venue perfect for refuelling after a day of frolicking in the sea. This glass-fronted eatery serves up modern British classics along with some of the best sunset vistas around. Oh, yes.
One of Brighton's quirkiest beachfront bars, Tempest is located within a cave that's complete with plenty of cosy nooks, perfect for holing up in. For when the sun shines? There's also a mega alfresco terrace, decked out with colourful umbrellas and fairy lights.
Hove seafront restaurants don't get much better than The Old Pier. Nestled within the fashionable Selina hotel, this haunt oozes boutique vibes and specialises in all thing pizza, as well as offering some delicious tipples to wash it down with.
Once known as Audio and Escape Club which hosted top-notch artists from the likes of Daft Punk to The Chemical Brothers, Patterns is now popular for its gorgeous south-facing sea-view terrace. Head to the rooftop to enjoy bespoke cocktails alongside delicious slices of pizza.
One of the town's oldest beachfront boozers, Fortune of War has been feeding locals since 1882. Make your way to this cosy boozer to enjoy some hearty fare on the street side tables overlooking the water. Fancy something refreshing? Quench your thirst with an ice-cold pint.
Brighton Music Hall is bringing only good vibes with its boogie-worthy outdoor space. Whether you're after a few cocktails and a prawn cocktail in the sunshine or for some fun-packed evening antics from its roster of live entertainment, this hotspot is bound to impress.
Located slap bang in the middle of Kings Road, The Grand Brighton is a seafront eatery worth visiting. Step inside this pretty venue for the award-winning gin afternoon tea, crackin' two-course Sunday roast or an evening meal from the Grill menu. You don't need to ask us twice.
Housed within the iconic Grand Brighton hotel, Cyan is one of the city's most impressive seafront restaurants. The sophisticated interiors feature 155-year-old marble columns and eco-friendly local artwork, and the elegant conservatory offers sweeping sea views and plenty of natural light.
The menu showcases modern British dining, featuring everything from locally sourced ribeye steaks to grilled lobster or pea and mint ravioli - as well as spectacualr Sunday roasts. Pair your meal with a cocktail from the restaurant's beautiful circular bar, or one of their many wines.
