Where to eat in Brighton
Brighton eats well for its size. It is Britain's unofficial vegan capital, a fish-and-chips town by the sea, and a warren of independent cafés and pubs through the Lanes and North Laine. Here is where to find the good stuff, and how the bus drops you near most of it.
Written with Oliver Bennett, Brighton sightseeing specialist
Short answer
The best eating in Brighton clusters in the Lanes and North Laine for restaurants and cafés, along the seafront for fish and chips, and across town for its famous vegan scene. Most of it sits near the open-top bus stops at the Clock Tower and the Pavilion, so you can plan lunch around the loop.
Brighton food, by what you fancy
Pick your craving and we will point you at the guide. Each one keeps to honest, local picks rather than the same recycled top-ten.
A pint
Best pubs
Historic Lanes boozers and seafront terraces, chosen by someone who drinks in them.
Shopping & snacks
The Lanes & North Laine
The two quarters where most of the good cafés and restaurants hide.
Ride between the good bits
Brighton's food scene spreads from Hove to Kemptown, and the open-top ticket doubles as a bus pass across the whole city, so lunch and dinner need not be in the same postcode.
Best for first-time visitors, families and short stays
City Sightseeing Brighton Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Open-top double-decker on a 12-stop Red Route, from Palace Pier to Brighton Marina, about a 50-minute full loop
- Hop on and off all day; choose a 1-day or 2-day ticket that also covers Brighton & Hove city buses
- Recorded commentary in 7 languages with free headphones, plus 30% off SEA LIFE and 15% off the Royal Pavilion
From $20 per adult, shown for your date and currency on Viator
Check live availability & prices on Viator →
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Ratings are the operator's current Viator and Tripadvisor figures; check the listing for today's price.
Eating in Brighton: common questions
Where is the best area to eat in Brighton?
The Lanes and North Laine hold the densest run of independent restaurants and cafés, both a short walk from the Clock Tower bus stop. Kemptown and Hove have their own strong local scenes a little further out.
Is Brighton good for vegans?
Exceptionally. Brighton is regularly called the UK's vegan capital, with a high concentration of fully plant-based restaurants and cafés. Our vegan Brighton guide has the standouts.
Where do you get fish and chips in Brighton?
Along the seafront near the Palace Pier is the classic spot, cone in hand on the beach. See the fish and chips guide for the ones locals rate.
Can you do afternoon tea on a bus in Brighton?
Yes, a novelty afternoon-tea bus runs in Brighton alongside the grand-hotel and tea-room options. The afternoon tea guide covers all three.