The stretch of Brighton and Hove coastline that faces a wide shingle bank covering a distance of 8-miles between Rottingdean to Portslade-by-Sea is a unique draw for seafood lovers. While many of the award-winning restaurants find themselves in the beating heart of Brighton, some places found a home in the local neighbourhoods. But the passion for reflecting Brighton’s culture and ambition is where they find common ground—a farm-to-table culinary approach that focuses on organic, and sustainable seafood. Whether you are flying in from a populous city or a resident wanting to explore a diverse menu, a one-way trip to these restaurants take about 30 minutes, making a weekend jaunt perfect for several brunches and dinners. If you time it correctly, you can catch a waterfront sunset as you indulge, watching the waves crash on the shore.
Here’s our guide to the best seafood dives ranging from fine-dining restaurants at their practised peaks to hole-in-the-wall eateries waiting to be discovered. Written by Sneha Chakraborty
The Salt Room
For a seasonal a la carte menu with iconic views of the West Pier ruins, head to The Salt Room on King’s road. The modern British restaurant is one of the hottest dining spots in town thanks to innovative flavours that boast sustainable, local produce alongside a bespoke wine list that you can explore with your meal. There’s also a bar out front where you will find a bar team pouring Negroni and shaking-up irresistible cocktails. But the primary goal to visit is grilled and steamed shellfish, Gem Salad, Aioli and their signature Salt Room Fish Stew—all cooked over fire.
The Little Fish Market
This multi-award winning fine dining restaurant in Hove has been serving up Brighton’s best fish-focused cuisine since 2013, and the top draws are prawn cocktail, monkfish and Dover sole. The fixed-price tasting menu does not disappoint but there’s also an enriching wine experience that adds to the fresh seafood by Duncan Ray. But like any sought-after spot, bookings are often snapped up weeks in advance, especially as we approach summer.
Crabshack, Shelter Hall
Given the reputation of being housed in Brighton’s first and only seafront market and bar, you would expect it to have a more expansive menu than a handful of chalkboard specials but Worthing’s beloved Crabshack knows better. The family-owned and run establishment pride itself on its philosophy to operate a made to order service, ensuring that the focus remains on the quality of local catch and its flavours that are elevated using nothing but simple and organic ingredients.
The Coal Shed
A secret that’s not very well kept in Brighton is the Coal Shed’s wood-fired cod should be the order you make if you can try one dish to experience this coastal town. The pastel blue establishment perched on Boyce’s St, with a sister branch in London together claims to be the “masters of cooking over fire” and you would be mistaken to believe that this skill is limited to their steak menu. But that’s the magic of the Coal Shed—a coming together of fresh-caught South Coast seafood with flavours inspired by Founder Raz Helalat’s Persian influences all crafted to perfection over a coal flame.
Riddle & Finns The Lanes
An elegant marble decked champagne and oyster bar, Riddle & Finns The Lanes continues to serve up some of Brighton’s best sustainably sourced oysters (fashioned with or without the champagne) on Meeting House Lane. There’s a no booking policy and we recommend you to stop by early to avoid to wait but once you’re in, there’s no limitation of the menu for you to choose from. While it’s the smoked Haddock fillet served with poached egg, prosciutto and colcannon or the garlic and herb butter lobster paired with nothing but extra butter, their inventive interpretations of classic seafood cuisines will keep you coming back for more.
