Food & Drink in Brighton scene in 2026 is stronger than ever. From Michelin-level dining to relaxed neighbourhood cafés and lively cocktail bars, the city offers one of the most exciting culinary scenes on the south coast of England.
Over the past few years Brighton has welcomed a wave of new restaurant openings across the Lanes, the seafront and Hove, while long-standing local favourites continue to thrive. The city’s famous Sunday roast culture is taken seriously here — with locals often booking tables as early as Thursday for the weekend.
Whether you are searching for an elegant dinner, a relaxed brunch, a proper pub roast or a cocktail bar worth lingering in all evening, our Brighton Journal guides bring together some of the best places for food and drink in Brighton.
Exploring the Best Food & Drink in Brighton
Explore the sections below to discover restaurants, cafés, bars and food events across the city.
New Restaurants in Brighton
Brighton’s restaurant scene evolves constantly, with new openings appearing across the city each year. From creative independent kitchens to exciting new concepts from well-known chefs, these new venues keep the city’s dining culture fresh and dynamic.
Istanbull Katz — Contemporary Turkish in The Lanes. Regional dishes, candlelit room, beautiful ceramics. One of the best new restaurants to open in Brighton this year. 50% off for first-time visitors. → Read the review
Best Restaurants in Brighton
Brighton is home to an impressive range of restaurants, from elegant fine-dining destinations to relaxed neighbourhood favourites. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an excellent meal, the city offers something for every taste.
Food & Drink in Brighton→ Best Restaurants in Brighton
Italian Restaurants in Brighton
Italian cuisine remains one of the most popular dining choices in Brighton. From classic pasta dishes and fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza and modern Italian cooking, the city has a wide range of Italian restaurants to explore.
→ Italian Restaurants in Brighton
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Brighton
Dining out with children in Brighton is easy thanks to the many restaurants offering relaxed atmospheres and dedicated children’s menus. From casual pizza spots to family-friendly cafés near the seafront, these restaurants welcome younger guests and make family meals enjoyable.
→ Family-Friendly Restaurants in Brighton
Dog-Friendly Cafés & Restaurants in Brighton
Brighton is widely known as one of the UK’s most dog-friendly cities. Many cafés, pubs and restaurants welcome four-legged visitors, often providing water bowls, outdoor seating and relaxed spaces where dogs are happily accommodated alongside their owners.
After a walk along the beach or through the Lanes, these dog-friendly spots make it easy to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner with your pet.
→ Dog-Friendly Cafés in Brighton
→ Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Brighton
Sunday Roast in Brighton
Sunday roast is a cherished tradition in Brighton, with pubs and restaurants across the city competing to serve the best roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and slow-cooked meats. From historic pubs to modern gastropubs, the Brighton roast scene is taken seriously.
→ Best Sunday Roast in Brighton
Brunch in Brighton
Brighton is famous for its vibrant brunch culture. On weekends especially, the city’s cafés and restaurants fill with locals and visitors enjoying long, relaxed brunches featuring fresh pastries, eggs, pancakes and excellent coffee.
From artisan cafés in the North Laine to stylish brunch spots along the seafront, Brighton offers some of the best brunch experiences on the south coast.
Food & Drink in Brighton→ Best Brunch in Brighton
Cafés & Coffee Shops in Brighton
Brighton has one of the UK’s strongest independent café cultures, with speciality coffee roasters, artisan bakeries and creative brunch cafés across the city.
Whether you are looking for expertly brewed coffee, freshly baked pastries or a relaxed space to spend the morning, Brighton’s café scene offers something for everyone.
Pubs & Bars in Brighton
Brighton’s pub scene blends historic character with modern creativity. From traditional pubs tucked away in the Lanes to lively bars along the seafront, the city offers a wide variety of places to enjoy a drink.
Many pubs also serve excellent food, making them ideal for a relaxed lunch or evening meal.
Cocktail Bars in Brighton
Brighton’s cocktail scene is lively and inventive, ranging from hidden speakeasies to rooftop bars with views across the city. Talented bartenders and creative drink menus make Brighton one of the best places on the south coast for a night out.
→ Best Cocktail Bars in Brighton
Seafood in Brighton
As a coastal city, Brighton has a strong connection to fresh seafood. Many restaurants work closely with local fish suppliers to serve oysters, shellfish and fresh fish caught from the nearby waters.
From elegant seafood restaurants on the seafront to relaxed fish eateries in the Lanes, Brighton offers excellent options for seafood lovers.
→ Best Seafood Restaurants in Brighton
Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Brighton
Brighton has long been known for its strong plant-based food culture. The city offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafés and bakeries that showcase creative and flavourful plant-based cooking.
Whether you are fully vegan or simply looking for healthier options, Brighton’s plant-based dining scene is among the best in the UK.
→ Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Brighton
Food & Drink Festivals & Events in Brighton
Brighton’s love of food is also celebrated through its many food festivals and culinary events throughout the year. From large outdoor festivals to smaller tasting events and street-food gatherings, these events bring together chefs, producers and food lovers from across Sussex.
→ Food & Drink in Brighton Events Guide
Food & Drink in Brighton F A Q
What are the best restaurants in Brighton?
Brighton has a wide range of excellent restaurants, from fine dining venues to relaxed neighbourhood kitchens. Popular choices include seafood restaurants along the seafront, Italian eateries in the Lanes and modern independent restaurants across Brighton and Hove.
Where can I find the best brunch in Brighton?
Many cafés across Brighton specialise in brunch, particularly in the North Laine, Hove and along the seafront. Artisan cafés and independent brunch spots make Brighton one of the best cities in the UK for weekend brunch.
Are there dog-friendly cafés in Brighton?
Yes. Brighton is extremely dog-friendly, and many cafés and pubs welcome dogs. Outdoor seating areas and relaxed café environments make it easy to enjoy food and drink in Brighton with your pet.
Does Brighton have vegan restaurants?
Brighton is well known for its vegetarian and vegan food scene, with numerous plant-based cafés and restaurants across the city offering creative vegan menus.
Brighton Journal Guide
Brighton Journal is an independent local magazine covering food, culture, events and life in Brighton & Hove. Our food and drink guides are regularly updated to help readers discover the best restaurants, cafés and bars in the city.
Looking to elevate your restaurant’s visual presence? Read: Why Food Photography Matters in Brighton Restaurants
