Brighton is definitely not short on culture in the area and especially when it comes to food! But, do these fit a student’s taste and budget, here’s my compiled list of the best spots to grab a bite in Brighton, in no particular order! With a wide range of cuisine there is bound to be something for everyone in the sunny seaside city!
15. Donatello
Location: 1-3 Brighton Place, Brighton, BN1 1HJ
In the middle of the lanes is the family run business Donatello, rated highly on Google at 4.1 stars this is an authentic Italian restaurant with an incredibly lively atmosphere and affordable menu.
Their website also lists a testimonial that as a student you can grab a discount plus for £12, you can get the set menu which is advertised as including everything on the menu. Last ranked in our Unifresher article in 2021 on best places to eat in Brighton, this spot is debuting on the list yet again for their impeccable service and food!
14. The Breakfast Club
Location: 16-17 Market Street, Brighton, BN1 1HH
Just down the road from the previous spot the Breakfast Club is known for, you guessed it, their infamous breakfast menus! Modelled after the famous American diner’s menus this is a great place if you want to grab a bite of waffles, pancakes, fried chicken or more. Don’t think they are limited to just that though, they also have their fair share of traditional Full English breakfasts, as well as cocktails of many kinds!
13. Pompoko
Location: 110 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD
Hands down this is one of my favourite places to eat in Brighton, with two different locations they are not short on delicious authentic Japanese cuisine. With a wide menu variety of starters, sides and mains you can grab a whole meal for a little less than £15. Choose from currys, noodles, rice dishes, and more this is a hidden gem in Brighton that you need to try out at least once when you are here. It’s also important to note that this establishment is cash only but not to fear! The closest ATM is located just around the corner at Tesco and you won’t need to withdraw much with their affordable prices!
12. Moonlight Restaurant
Located at 31-32 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UG
A blend of ‘Asia’s best culinary treasures’, Moonlight serves a range of Thai, Indonesian and Japanese food. With Google reviews raving about how authentic and delicious their options are, the city’s refreshing atmosphere reflects deeply into their cuisine. They have a wide selection of food between sushi, noodles, curries, and more rice dishes!
11. Franco Manca
Location: 1-2 Regent Street, Brighton, BN1 1UL
Positioned close to the North Lanes this place is hard to miss if you walk on by. With their bright red fixtures and recognisable smell of freshly baked dough, their traditional pizzas are to die for! Choose from a wide range of their pizzas or grab something from their lunch deal with prices starting from just £12.50! T&Cs apply, and other restrictions or even add an alcoholic beverage for just an extra £2.45.
10. Murasaki
Located at 115 Dyke Rd, Brighton, BN3 3JE
Another Japanese restaurant located a brisk 20 minute walk from Churchill, this place has an amazing menu selection for food and drinks. A very hidden gem that most people are missing out on. They have the most delicious and authentic curry I have tried in Brighton! Not to mention the intimate family owned restaurant atmosphere and an open bar the interior design is second to none!
9. Mowgli
Located at 12-14 Dukes Ln, Brighton, BN1 1BG
Infamous around the country, Mowgli in Brighton is a classic place to grab a bite to eat. With Indian cuisine served in tiffins it’s a popular choice paired with the atmospheric surroundings. Known for their fairy lights and swing seats their food on offer brings a sense of warm comfort and authenticity.
8. Yori
Located at 24 Prince Albert Street, Brighton, BN1 1Hf
If you are a big fan of Kbbq, grilled meats and plenty of charm then Yori is definitely a place you should visit. A franchise popular in London brought over to Brighton, they offer up bold flavours from South Korea and is renowned for its authenticity.
7. Carlito Burrito
Location: 12 York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU
As an award-winning establishment, this place is famously popular for their Mexican street styled food! Being inspired by their own family recipes as well as European food markets and festivals, this place definitely won’t be short on bursting flavours.
6. The Urchin
Located at 15-17 Belfast Street, Brighton, BN3 3YS
Located inside a pub this place has an amazing array of seafood and drinks. When you’re down at Brighton, you can’t pass up a good opportunity to dine for seafood and this place is renowned for the fresh shellfish and oysters!
5. DAIU
Located at 11 Black Lion Street, Brighton, BN1 1ND
If you can’t choose what you want to eat, then this might be the ideal place for you. Hosting an interactive all-you-can-eat buffet experience this place combines Chinese Hotpot, Korean BBQ, and Japanese Sushi! If the fusion of culture wasn’t appealing enough the fresh ingredients and premium meat selections are bound to lure you in!
4. The Chilli Pickle
Location: 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
Winning numerous awards for their innovative Indian cuisine, critics and customers highly praise this restaurant for its stunning quality, flavour and consistency. Those who enjoy the classic curries, kebabs and street food will no doubt love this place and how they also take an English twist on their food!
3. Yeastie Boys Pizza Club
Located at Fiddlers Elbow, Brighton, BN1 1AN
With a location in both Worthing and Brighton, this is the place to be if you are ever missing the taste of a NYC Pizza. Offering large pizzas as well as individual slices, they have an interesting menu ranging from the classics to their unique flavours!
2. Coppa Club
Location: 12-16 Brighton Square, Brighton, BN1 1HD
Coppa club is a staple restaurant in Brighton, where their menu accounts for every individual. Famous for their outdoor scenery, they have individual bubbles in the garden which you can sit in. Creating the most dreamy atmosphere you could think of anddd that makes it perfect for any date nights out!
1. RBYKA (The fish likes to swim)
Located at 41 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
I can’t leave this list without recommending at least one fish and chips place, especially when we are so close to the sea! This location has had raving reviews on Google over 1000 people placing it near 5 stars! Serving freshly sourced fish alongside a selection of local beers, this is a great place to grab a traditional British meal from.
FAQs on the best restaurants in Brighton (student picks)
Set a price range, pick the vibe (casual vs date-night), and check menus for dietary needs. Book early on weekends and ask about set menus to keep the bill predictable for groups.
Many do — lunch specials and midweek offers are common. Bring student ID, join mailing lists and check socials for limited-time promos before booking.
Yes — Brighton’s great for inclusive menus. Share dietary needs when reserving so the kitchen can plan and service runs smoothly on the night.
Confirm numbers early, request a set menu or pre-order, and share allergies in advance. Deposits and time limits are common — clarify them to avoid hiccups.
Book off-peak, choose earlier dinners, or use waitlists for same-day cancellations. Having a nearby backup spot saved in Maps keeps plans flexible.
Hi, I’m Tori! I’m a recent graduate from UWE Bristol, where I previously studied Business & Management for 3 years. I’m currently seeking employment in the realm of finance, but whilst that is in the works, I’m now sharing all my knowledge I gained through university and passing it on to all of you reading this. Thanks for checking my articles out! I hope that my tips and tricks help you prepare or get through university slightly easier.
