Brighton has a huge array of places to eat, but do they all fit student budgets? We asked Brighton students where they love to go, and have made a list of the 18 best restaurants in Brighton, according to them. From vegetarian food, to brunch, to Italian cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this bustling seaside city.
18. Donatello
Location: 1-3 Brighton Place, Brighton, BN1 1HJ
Right in the heart of the Lanes, Donatello is a family run restaurant. Split across two floors, this authentic Italian restaurant serves affordable Italian cuisine alongside wines, cocktails and a lovely ambience. Choose from pastas for around £8, risottos, gnocchi, or traditional pizzas for around £8.50 – £12.
They offer two courses for £13.50, which is an absolute bargain for students!
17. The Breakfast Club
Location: 16-17 Market Street, Brighton, BN1 1HH
Lover of American breakfast? Love of brunch? What about cocktails? Then The Breakfast Club may well be a place for you. Choose from stacks of waffles, pancaked, fried chicken, and fruit, or go traditional and get their ‘Greasy Spoon’ full English.
Price of an average meal (with 1 drink): £18 – £22
16. Pompoko
Location: 110 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD
Just a short walk away from the high street, near the Dome Theatre and Pavillion, Pompoko is a Japanese restaurant with a range of delicious authentic Japenese cuisine. Choose from currys, noodles, rice dishes and starters and enjoy the food in this tiny hidden gem of Brighton.
Price of a 2 course meal: £10
15. Franco Manca
Location: 1-2 Regent Street, Brighton, BN1 1UL
Fans of traditional oven-baked pizza need not travel far from the city centre to get their fill, as Franco Manca is only one of several authentic pizza restaurants in Brighton. Choose from their range of pizzas which start at £5 and work up to £9, and opt for gluten free choices if you so choose!
Price on an average meal (with 1 drink): £12 – £16
14. La Choza
Location: 36 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AQ
La Choza came to Brighton in 2012. It is a small, Mexican street food eatery that aims to bring the authentic taste of Mexico to the UK using the best Mexican recipes. The venue is also outstandingly decorated with funky art, neon lights, sugar skulls and brightly coloured flowers.
Price for an average meal: £15
13. Curry Leaf Cafe
Location: 60 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE
The Curry Leaf Cafe is an independent, award-winning restaurant serving sharing-style South Indian food and (officially) the UK’s finest range of craft beers in a colourful, laid-back dining space. There’s a fantastic selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and all food and drinks are sourced locally from Sussex You can eat in, order a takeaway, or click-and-collect near their South Lanes restaurant.
Price of an average 3 course meal, with a side: £25
12. Wai Kika Moo Kau
Location: 11A Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
A casual cafe that services lunches, milkshakes and vegan options, Wai Kika Moo Kau is basically always full. It’s a clear favourite amongst locals, and it’s fairly clear why! With 4.5 stars on Google, a similar rating on Happy Cow and a reputation with our students, they’re clearly doing something right.
11. Alcampo Lounge
Location: 84-86 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JF
Alcampo Lounge has a great atmosphere, with high ceilings, art-deco artwork and lampshades, and a series of mix-match furniture. Choose from their range of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, tapas, mac and cheese or other dishes and pair it with their delicious range of cocktails. A Cherry Bakewell cocktail? Yes please!
Price for an average 2 course meal (with a drink): £25
10. The Joker
Location: 2 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QF
The Joker is a delightful pub restaurant at the end of London Road, right in the heart of Preston Circus. There you can get the famous Lost Boys chicken which is to die for. Plus, the vibes are exquisite.
9. Happy Maki
Location: 8 Pool Valley, Brighton, BN1 1NJ
Two words: Vegan. Sushi. Happy Maki have vegan sushi rolls, sushi bowls, poke bowls, sides, sweet treats and drinks for you to choose from. Their prices are reasonably low, too. You can get £4 tofu rice pockets, or £8.50 poke bowls. What more could you ask for?
Price for an average meal (with a drink): £10
8. Carlito Burrito
Location: 12 York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU
Another Mexican restaurant, Carlito Burrito has a range of tasty, spicy foods. Choose from their Cheeky Chicken Burritos, or a halloumi burrito, or maybe even their #lifechangingfishtacos… You’re spoilt for choice.
Price for an average meal: £13
7. The Chilli Pickle
Location: 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
With Street Food, BBQ Kebabs and Curries, The Chilli Pickle is a great place for anyone who is a fan of Indian cuisine with a bit of an English twist on it. They even won an award in 2008 for Britain’s hottest curry, and have continued working this hard ever since.
Price for an average 2 course meal (with a drink): £25
6. MEATLiquor
Location: 22-23 York Pl, Brighton BN1 4GU
The clues in the name, really! Big, beefy (or veggie) burgers, and good booze. Choose from their under £10 burgers and wings, or even a hotdog, and pair them with the topped cheesy chips, buffalo chips or chilli chips.
Price for an average meal: £18
5. Murmur
Location: 91 – 96 King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2FN
Hidden away in The Arches on Brighton seafront, facing the West Pier, this restaurant offers local seafood meals for lunch and dinner. Choose from deluxe menu items like lobster croquettes, shellfish tagliatelle, Sri Lankan vegetable curry or a catch of the day.
Price for an average 3 course meal (with a drink): £42
4. Wild Flor
Location: 42 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN
Think pub food, but fancy. Wild Flor is a pricier option, but it is perfect for a graduation meal, a date, or a celebration of any sort. They offer 2 courses for £38 and 3 courses for £48. Choose from luxury British dishes like braised beef, Tamworth pork, Halibut and oysters, and enjoy feeling boujie for a little while.
Price for a meal: 2 courses for £38. 3 courses for £48.
3. Fatto a Mano
Location: 77 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JF / 66-67 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BD / 25 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AQ
Fatto a Mano is the place to go if you’re after proper, good pizza. They have all sorts of starters from bruschetta to garlic bread, olives, melanzane and caprese. Then you can choose from Pizza Red or Pizza White, or even Pizza Vegan or Calzones. Finish it off with some gelato and you’re sure to be satisfied.
Price for an average 3 course meal (with drink): £28
2. Coppa Club
Location: 12-16 Brighton Square, Brighton, BN1 1HD
Whether you fancy small plates, main courses, healthy salads, breakfast, brunch or carefully crafted cocktails, Coppa Club has something for literally everyone. Plus, you can enjoy sitting in your own bubble. We mean literally, they have outdoor bubbles.
Price for an average 3 course meal (with a drink): £28
1. Adelfia
Location: 13-14 Preston Street, Brighton, BN1 2HN
Translated to English, Adelfia means brothers. Owned and ran by two brothers, the restaurant it the dream product of their Greek upbringing and passion. As expected, choose from their dishes like moussaka, kleftico, stifado and other Greek classics.
Price for an average 3 course meal: £25
Last Updated on May 30, 2024
Published on August 4, 2021
