Fresh local seafood features prominently on many menus, and the city is awash with gastropubs serving imaginative gourmet twists on British favourites. There’s also an array of incredible burger restaurants.
Brighton Pier
No visit to the English seaside is complete without a huge serving of fish and chips, and Brighton’s bustling pier was even proclaimed the dish’s ‘spiritual home’ by superstar chef Heston Blumenthal. Visitors flock to the famous Palm Court restaurant for giant cod fillets coated in crispy golden batter, as well as other hearty British staples like steak and kidney pudding. For more exotic flavours, nearby seafront restaurant Azure serves up the likes of chilli salt quid, buttered prawns, and feta filo parcels.
• Palm Court, Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW; • Azure Restaurant, 9-11, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1PS;
The Lanes
The Lanes is a captivating maze of atmospheric alleyways which conceal some of Brighton’s finest dining destinations. 64 Degrees is an intimate foodie nirvana, specialising in taster plates prepared in front of diners – their chicken wings with kimchi and blue cheese are a sensational crowd-pleaser. Just on the cusp of the Lanes, Food for Friends is a famous vegetarian hotspot which will even win over confirmed carnivores with dishes like coconut curry with sesame dumplings, and saffron ravioli with blue cheese sauce.
• 64 Degrees, 53 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB; • Food for Friends, 17-18 Prince Albert Street, Brighton BN1 1HF;
North Laine
Brighton’s hippest, quirkiest shopping district boasts a thrillingly eclectic food scene, with an emphasis on bold flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and great value for money. Burger Brothers is a local institution, and a strong contender for the hotly-contested title of Brighton’s best burger joint. If you’re feeling particularly greedy, try a decadent Benetton burger loaded with gourmet toppings like stilton, pancetta and caramelised onions. Meanwhile, the colorful La Choza, decked out with wrestling masks and Mexican skulls, serves up pulled pork, fiery homemade salsas, and lashings of fresh guacamole.
• Burger Brothers, 97 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YE; • La Choza, 36 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ;
Kemptown
The city’s famous gay district has plenty of its own eateries. The Restaurant at Drakes is one of the finest upscale options in town, crafting delectable Modern European dishes – examples include trio of pork with fondant potato and roast apple source, and rack of lamb with ham croquette and polenta. Less glitzy but no less yummy, Sawadee is a perennially popular Thai restaurant, offering a mouth-watering selection of curries, noodle dishes and spicy salads, all at fantastic prices.
• The Restaurant at Drakes, 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton BN1 1PE; • Sawadee, 87 St James Street, Brighton BN2 1TP; Tel: +44 (0) 1273 624233
