Riddle & Finns, one of Brighton’s most iconic seafood restaurants, is currently offering a £45, four-course festive menu. My friend and I chose the seafront restaurant (there is also a Riddle & Finns in The Lanes), which is currently wrapped in an unapologetically oversized red bow for Christmas, a stone’s throw from the West Pier.
It’s hard to think of a more Brighton setting: the sea stretching out as waves crash against the shore, views of the lit up Brighton Pier and the West Pier across sunset skies and murmurations along the skyline. We chose to dine as a Sunday afternoon drifted into evening.
From the moment we arrived, the welcome was warm and genuinely attentive. Inside, the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between relaxed and special: candlelight, soft music, and a clear view into the kitchen, where chefs work on beautifully presented dishes, the counter of remaining portions of fresh fish for that day kept up to date for diners seeking the best seafood. The restaurant allows slow, spacious dining, unhurried, comfortable, and designed to be lingered over.
We began with Riddle & Finns’ signature bread, served with good butter, mackerel pâté and a selection of dips, including a silky taramasalata presented in a scallop shell — a playful, thoughtful detail that feels entirely on brand. Alongside it, we each enjoyed a Jersey Rock oyster dressed with sweet apple compote, pickled shallot and a tempura-fried anchovy. Sharp, crisp and impeccably fresh, the oyster was exactly as it should be, while the topping felt considered and creative, the anchovy adding a final crisp, savoury note.
One of the joys of the afternoon was being seated opposite strangers who quickly became part of the experience, enthusiastic food lovers, generous with conversation. One declared, without hesitation, that Riddle & Finns deserves a Michelin star. It didn’t feel like hyperbole in the moment.
For starters, I chose the roast scallop gratin, served with leek and Jerusalem artichoke, (£8 supplement), lifted by unexpectedly crisp, fresh celery that brought texture and brightness to the dish. My friend opted for the clam and spiced corn croquettes, golden, indulgent and deeply satisfying, with just the right amount of warmth from the spice.
The pacing of the meal deserves mention. Service was faultless throughout, attentive without ever intruding, allowing the afternoon to unfold naturally. This is dining that encourages you to slow down, to talk, to watch the sea, to enjoy where you are.
For mains, I followed our charming maitre d’s recommendation and chose the pan-fried chicken breast, served with pommes purée, truffle sauce and glazed carrots. It was rich but balanced, comforting without being heavy, the kind of dish that reminds you how good classic cooking can be when it’s done well. My friend went for the lobster Thermidor (£16 supplement), made with locally caught Brighton lobster, smaller than its European counterpart, but sweet and delicate. The lobster is served with crispy golden fries.
Desserts were generously portioned and unapologetically indulgent. A deeply soaked tiramisu arrived full of flavour, while the vanilla panna cotta with pear compote and sable Breton offered a lighter, elegant finish. We decided against the paired wines (£40 addition per person) and decided to indulge in champagne flowing throughout.
By the time we left, it was dark outside, the sea still moving, the lights of Brighton shimmering back at us. The whole experience felt like a proper festive treat: thoughtful, celebratory and quietly luxurious without losing its sense of warmth.
The festive menu at Riddle & Finns runs until December 30, and if you’re looking for somewhere to mark the season, with excellent food, exceptional service and one of the best views in the city, it’s hard to imagine a better place.
Riddle & Finns: Festive Menu | Website
Address: Riddle & Finns The Beach, 65 Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NA
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