Voting for Brighton’s brand new BRAVO awards closed last Monday (13 March), and the best places to eat and drink have officially been revealed. The awards, run by Restaurants Brighton, were launched this year as a celebration of the thriving food and drink scene in Brighton and Hove.
A total of 16 awards have now been given, each decided by thousands of public votes from foodies all over the city. This year, an impressive 24,052 votes were cast, meaning there’s no more accurate indicator of the best places to eat in town!
Nick Harvey, owner of the Restaurants Brighton website, said: “It’s a great way for people to show their support and feel part of what has become a really vibrant food scene in the city.
“There are no politics and no head-starts as anyone can enter – not just our partner restaurants. There are also no judges or critics involved, just the restaurants and their customers.”
If you’re looking for a mid-week date spot, a Mother’s Day table, or just a really good cup of coffee, this list has you covered. The awards are split to best showcase the diversity of Brighton’s culinary scene, from the best roast to the most ‘Brighton’ venue.
So, without further ado, here are the official best places to eat and drink in town!
Most ‘Brighton’ venue – Marwood Bar and Coffee House
It couldn’t get much more ‘Brighton’ than quirky knick-knacks adorning every surface, regular live music, and super-strong coffee! Marwood has become something of a local cult venue, with a vibe that has to be experienced to be believed.
Runners up: La Choza, Alfresco
52 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AF, Tel:01273 382063, Website
Feel good eats – Curry Leaf Cafe
The people of Brighton have decided nothing is more comforting than a fragrant, expertly spiced curry washed down with a craft beer. Curry Leaf has gone from strength to strength recently, bringing its comforting cuisine to commuters on the go at Brighton Station.
Runners up: The Chilli Pickle, Foodilic
60 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AE, Tel: 01273 207070, Website
Best bites on a budget – BeFries
Why cook your fries once when you can double fry them? Belgian eatery BeFries does just that, serving up its iconic cones of chips with dozens of sauces.
Runners up: La Choza, Pompoko
46 West St, Brighton BN1 1RR, Website
Best place for a drink – Merkaba
Exquisite cocktails, modern decor, and a truly relaxed environment all make MyHotel’s Merkaba bar a first-class drinking spot. Designed by the innovative Karim Rashid, this luxurious bar serves up indulgent drinks in style.
Runners up: The Watchmaker’s Arms, The Basketmakers
Myhotel Brighton, 17 Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE, Tel:01273 900300, Website
Best Brighton Restaurant – 64 Degrees
This small-plate eatery took the crown at the Brighton Food Awards in February, and is continuing its winning streak. Diners can expect innovative, eclectic dishes inspired by molecular cooking methods.
Runners up: Terre a Terre, Isaac At
53 Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB, Tel:01273 770115, Website
Best coffee – Small Batch Coffee Company
Small Batch doesn’t just serve coffee – the team produce and roast coffee on-site, so you get the best-quality brew in town. Whether you prefer a flat white or a double espresso, Small Batch never fails to deliver great coffee.
Runners up: The Flour Pot, Marwood Bar and Coffee House
Various locations, Website
Best use of local produce – Silo
Eco-chic restaurant Silo aims to innovate while respecting the environment, providing nourishing and conscious dishes. It’s also one of the few zero-waste eateries in England.
Runners up: Isaac At, 64 Degrees
39 Upper Gardner St, North Laine, Brighton BN1 4AN, Tel:01273 674259, Website
Best Sussex venue – The Ginger Fox
This Sussex pub isn’t just a pretty face – highly-praised modern European dishes made with local produce are expertly crafted inside its kitchen. Nestled in the picturesque South Downs, the location and atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed family meal.
Runners up: Shepherd & Dog, Perch on Lancing Beach
South Downs National Park, Muddleswood Rd, Albourne, Hassocks BN6 9EA, Tel:01273 857888, Website
Best pub grub – Orange Buffalo at The Joker
Offering New York-style buffalo wings and sandwiches ranging from mild to make-you-cry spicy, The Orange Buffalo is pub grub with a stateside twist. It’s no surprise that the Orange Buffalo team have the title UK’s best buffalo chicken wings under their belt!
Runners up: The Lion & Lobster, The Urchin
2 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QF, Tel:01273 675769, Website
Child-friendly – Perch on Lancing Beach
Serving everything from fish and chips to simple sandwiches, Perch caters to even the pickiest little eaters. It’s the ideal spot to relax, recharge, and refuel after a long, scenic seaside walk.
Runners up: Fatto a Mano, Bucket and Spade Cafe
28 Brighton Rd, Lancing BN15 8RA, Tel:01903 520317 Website
Best place for a date – The Salt Room
Could it get more romantic (or more Brightonian) than sharing a decadent Taste of the Pier desert? Sea views and a romantic terrace make for a truly chic and intimate date spot. Whether you would prefer to flirt over afternoon tea or an array of seafood and grills, The Salt Room is made for couples.
Runners up: Plateau, 64 Degrees
106 King’s Rd, Brighton BN1 2FA, Tel:01273 929488, Website
Best Sunday roast – The Lion & Lobster
Frequently hailed in ‘best Sunday roast’ blogs, The Lion and Lobster serves up decadent and comforting plates of Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and meat cooked to perfection. The dining space is also as traditional as they come, with plenty of cosy nooks and crannies.
Runners up: The Coal Shed, The Sussex Yeoman
24 Sillwood St, Brighton BN1 2PS, Tel:01273 327299, Website
Dog friendly – Bucket and Spade Cafe
Tucked away by the i360 is the welcoming and airy Bucket and Spade, where you and your pooch can enjoy anything from coffee and cake to a hearty brunch. It’s hardly surprising that Lisle and his team have so many regulars – both human and canine!
Runners up: Shepherd & Dog, Hare and Hounds
Kings Road Arches, 26-28, Brighton BN1 2LN, Tel:01273 220222, Website
Best afternoon tea and cake – Flour Pot Bakery
Flour Pot has gathered something of a cult following in Brighton, and for good reason. Their commitment to all things artisanal has created homely, handcrafted bakes including hand-rolled fennel and pork sausage rolls, pastrami and Emmenthal focaccias, and freshly baked carrot cake.
Runners up: Cloud 9, Metro Deco
Various locations, Website
Just as good at home – La Choza
A burrito from Brighton’s most vibrant Mexican street food joint tastes just as good delivered as it does in the colourful Gloucester Road restaurant. Independantly owned and voted best newcomer at the Brighton and Hove Food Awards, La Choza is not to be missed.
Runners up: Burger Brothers, The Chilli Pickle
36 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ, Tel: 01273 945926, Website
Best brunch – Joe’s Cafe
Combining two meals has never tasted this good! Joe’s serves iconic breakfast hashes and smashed avocado toast alongside old favourites like the full English and the humble sausage sandwich.
Runners up: Mange Tout, Bill’s
24 Upper Hamilton Rd, Brighton BN1 5DF, Tel:01273 503917, Website
