Best Restaurants in Brighton 2026: Where To Actually Eat
Right, Brighton’s food scene is on another level now. We’ve got a Michelin star, restaurants people travel from London to try, and independent spots locals have loved for years. If you’re wondering where to actually eat in Brighton in 2026, start with these.
1. Maré
Opened in 2025, Maré earned a Michelin star within its first year and instantly became one of the most talked-about restaurants in Brighton. Chef Rafael Cagali brings together Brazilian-Italian influences, Sussex produce and a tasting menu that people genuinely travel for. If you’re planning to go, book early.
Maré Makes The team behind Maré after earning a Michelin star.
Maré became Brighton & Hove’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in nearly 50 years. Photo via Instagram @marehove
2. Terre à Terre
Brighton’s most iconic vegetarian restaurant and still one of the hardest tables to beat. After more than 30 years, Terre à Terre continues to prove vegetarian food in Brighton is anything but boring. A proper Brighton classic that locals have been recommending for years.
Terre à terre One of Brighton’s most iconic vegetarian restaurants.
The restaurant that’s been changing people’s minds about vegetarian food for years. Photo via Instagram @terreaterrebrighton
3. Burnt Orange
Wood-fired everything, shareable plates, a bar that actually goes hard. This is the place you take someone you want to impress without it feeling try-hard. Even Jay Rayner rated it. Been a favourite for five years and still buzzing.
Burnt Orange One of the most popular restaurants in the Brighton Lanes.
Fire cooking, cocktails and one of the best atmospheres in the city. Photo via Instagram @burntorangebrighton
4. Kindling Restaurant
One of Brighton’s best places for proper live-fire cooking. Expect charcoal-grilled British meat, seasonal ingredients and an open kitchen that makes the whole restaurant feel alive. Simple menu, done very well.
Kindling Restaurant Known for live-fire cooking and seasonal British ingredients.
Seasonal British ingredients cooked over open flames in the heart of Brighton. Photo via Instagram @kindlingrestaurant
5. Cin Cin Hove
What started as a food truck is now one of Hove’s most loved Italian restaurants. Handmade pasta, seasonal menus and counter seating around the kitchen make the whole experience feel personal. One of those places people keep going back to.
Cin Cin Hove The Hove pasta spot that started from a food truck.
What started as a food truck became one of Hove’s favourite restaurants. Photo via Instagram @cincinuk
6. The Little Fish Market
Tiny restaurant, tiny menu, massive reputation. One tasting menu built around whatever seafood arrives fresh that morning, with chef Duncan Ray leading one of the most respected dining experiences in Sussex. If you manage to get a booking, go.
The Little Fish Market One of the hardest restaurant bookings to get in Brighton.
A tiny seafood restaurant with one tasting menu and a huge reputation. Photo via Instagram @thelittlefishmarket
7. Embers
Open-fire cooking, loud in the best way and one of the best atmospheres in the Lanes. Embers built a big reputation through its fire-cooked small plates and seriously good Sunday roasts. Great cocktails too, especially if you’re going with a group.
Embers Where Brighton Goes For Fire Cooking.
Open-fire small plates, strong cocktails and one of the liveliest restaurants in the Lanes. Photo via Instagram @embersbrighton
8. Halisco
Basement restaurant, dim lighting, incredible tacos and one of those places locals almost don’t want tourists finding out about. The soft-shell crab tacos are what everyone talks about, and the margarita bar across the road makes the whole night even better. Definitely book ahead.
Halisco The Taco Spot Locals Don’t Shut Up About.
Dimly lit, always busy and home to Brighton’s favourite soft-shell crab tacos. Photo via Instagram @haliscobrighton
9. Indian Summer
One of Brighton’s true originals and still one of the best Indian restaurants in the city after more than two decades. Indian Summer mixes regional Indian cooking with Brighton’s creative atmosphere perfectly. The tasting menu, cocktails and street-art-covered dining room make it feel different from anywhere else in town. If you haven’t been yet, you probably know someone who keeps telling you to go.
Indian Summer A Brighton Favourite For More Than 20 Years.
Regional Indian cooking, great cocktails and a restaurant full of Brighton character. @Indian Summer
