Brighton has a special relationship with the seaside. The city is one of the most popular locations in the UK for people to enjoy a day by the sea. Brighton has one of the most vibrant fishing communities in the country and locally sourced fish drives much of the city’s economy. Brighton is not short of great places to dine out on Fish & Chips, but for those with a more refined palette, the town also has its fair share of restaurants offering the best seafood cuisine imaginable. Here is our list of the best seafood restaurants in Brighton…
Riddle & Finn’s
Situated over two popular locations (one in The Lanes and one on the seafront), Riddle & Finn’s has long forged a reputation for serving the best in fine dining seafood cuisine. Principally a “champagne and oyster bar,” the restaurant prides itself on alfresco dining while visiting any of its two restaurants is an experience like no other.
Its seafront restaurant offers panoramic views of the shore, while its sister restaurant situated in The Lanes boasts a cosy and excitable atmosphere. Highlights of its sprawling menu include delectable seafood linguine and a Sri Lankan Monkfish and Prawn Curry.
Address: 65 Kings Rd, BN1 1NA
The Salt Room
There are many specialist ways to cook seafood but The Salt Room in Brighton prefers to roast their locally sourced produce over coal. The Salt Room is situated overlooking the ever-busy Brighton seafront and specialises in all things surf and turf. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and a great selection of dishes suited for kids and adults alike.
The Salt Room was the recipient of ‘Seafood Restaurant of the Year’ in 2021 and continues to raise the bar for cooking in this culinary niche. The menu places an emphasis on sharing, hence its family-orientated ethos, with a “surfboard” for two boasting an array of grilled and steamed shellfish.
Address: 106 Kings Rd, BN1 2FU
The Copper Clam
The seafront is where you will find the majority of the restaurants serving the best in seafood cuisine and The Copper Clam has not broken with tradition. Situated in a contemporary brick building in the historic King’s Road Arches, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the West Pier and is the perfect place to indulge all your seafood fantasies.
Their “show-stopping” dishes are inclined to get your tastebuds wagging and the restaurant menu offers a wide variety of fish and meat dishes. If you’re having trouble deciding what to pick or are visiting with a friend or partner then The Copper Clam has plenty of sharing platter options to choose from.
Address: King’s Road Arches, 143-144, BN1 2FN
English’s of Brighton
Heading into town, English’s of Brighton is situated in The Lanes and is the city’s oldest seafood restaurant. English’s was started by the Leigh-Jones family and has been serving up the very best in seafood cuisine since 1945.
Many famous faces have graced the restaurant over the years and a cursory glance at English’s hall (wall) of fame will show you signed photographs of Charlie Chaplin, Judi Dench and Lily Savage among others. The menu at English’s is a seafood lovers’ dream with a Lobster Day menu and a three-course weekday lunch available. English’s is a must-visit for all seafood lovers.
Address: 29-31 East St, BN1 1HL
The Regency Restaurant
If you have ever taken a stroll along Brighton’s teeming seafront then it is more than likely The Regency Restaurant will have caught your eye with its bright and decorative palatial exterior. The building was formerly the home of one of Brighton’s most famous historical figures, Harriet Mellon, who was once the richest woman in Europe.
The building changed hands and converted into a restaurant in the 1930s and has been serving up fantastic seafood cuisine ever since. The menu is reasonably priced and offers extensive choice in both grilled and fried fish, but arguably the restaurant’s main draw is its views of the seafront and the West Pier.
Address: 131 King’s Rd, BN1 2HH
Darcy’s
Situated in the beating heart of The Lanes, Darcy’s is the passion project of owner Coco Cowan and is an understated yet charming dining experience. Darcy’s prides itself of offering the very best in locally sourced seafood cuisine and is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of town.
Darcy’s has an eclectic menu that focuses on, in their own words, “using the natural seasonality of vegetables to compliment the quality of our seafood.” The restaurant also produces a show-stopping fish pie which is the perfect winter warmer for those cold December evenings.
Address: 5 Market St, BN1 1HH
The Little Fish Market
The Little Fish Market in Hove is run by chef Duncan Ray and has been one of the town’s premiere seafood restaurants since opening in 2013. The restaurant has won countless accolades over the years and was voted one of Brighton’s twenty-best restaurants in 2022.
Duncan Ray was also voted Brighton’s best chef this year so diners are guaranteed quality when they book a table to dine in the restaurant. The menu at The Little Fish Market is tantalising, to say the least and has a set menu for £95 pp as well as an extensive wine list curated by friends of the restaurant, Noble Rot. Be sure to book well in advance as The Little Fish Market is unsurprisingly in high demand.
Address: 10 Upper Market St, Hove, BN3 1AS
