The vast majority of us have been on a budget at some point in our lives and with today’s economic climate certainly not looking to improve, we’ve all had to tighten the purse strings lately.
But why should this mean compromising on treats like eating out? Visiting restaurants and cafes is one of the most relaxing and social ways of spending time. So, how do you go about doing so in one of the most expensive cities in the UK?
Below are some top suggestions for eating out in Brighton and Hove whilst on a tight budget.
What are the cheapest places to eat in Brighton?
| Pompoko | Offer Japanese cuisine at budget-friendly prices with starters from £3.30 and mains around £7.30. |
| Mohammed Spice of Life | Found in Brighton’s Open Market, they offer authentic Bangladeshi and Goanese dishes, priced around £7.80 for vegetarian options and £10.50 for meat or fish. |
| Iydea | Renowned for fresh and wholesome vegetarian/vegan meals, they provide filling options from £6 to £12. |
| The Croque Shop | A family-run deli in Brighton, offering handmade pastries, toasties, and sausage rolls starting from £2.99. |
| Archipelagos Gyros | Serving authentic Greek cuisine in Brighton, they offer wraps for £7.5 each, burgers for £9, and main boxes for £13. |
Pompoko
At the bottom of Church Street in Brighton lies one of, if not, the best places to get a meal for under a fiver: Pompoko. Specialising in Japanese cuisine that promises to satisfy both the Eastern and Western pallet, is a fantastic place to get a cheap eat.
Prices start as little as £3.30 for a starter and average out at £7.30 for a filling main meal. Eat-in or takeaway are available, so that you can enjoy your tempura prawns, gyoza dumplings or vegetable stir-fried noodles in the sunshine too.
Address: 110 Church St, Brighton, BN1 1UD
Website: https://pompoko.co.uk/
Mohammed Spice of life
In Brighton’s bustling Open Market, Mohammed Spice of Life is an immensely popular restaurant serving authentic and home-cooked Bangladeshi and Goanese cuisine created from fresh ingredients only.
Having achieved the Brighton and Hove Healthy Choice award, for offering a diverse menu with a variety of portion sizes, you can be sure that not only will your food be delicious and cheap, but healthy too.
Filling vegetarian and vegan dishes, served with cumin rice, are priced at £7.80. Additionally, meat or fish dishes with rice cost around £10.50 on average.
Affordable with large portions, great flavour and a menu offering something for everything, Mohammed Spice of Life is a must for those dining out on a budget. Organic Tofu Green Masala and cumin rice- yes, please!
Address: Unit 19, Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 4JU
Website: https://mohammedspiceoflife.co.uk/
Iydea
Iydea is another of my favourite Brighton eating establishments because I know the food I’m being served is fresh, lovingly made, free from nasties and good value for money.
Famed for their large portions and vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu, Iydea is a great place for an early evening meal or a lunchtime takeaway.
With meals ranging from around £6 and up to £12, you won’t find a more healthy or filling dinner or lunch option than Iydea.
Think of a choice of goat’s cheese arancini, chilli bean enchilada, aubergine and goat’s cheese stacks all served with sides of cajun potato wedges, green beans with almonds or pasta and roasted peppers. Delicious!
Address: 17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AL
Website: https://www.instagram.com/iydeabrighton/
The Croque Shop
If you’re looking for a cheap and great-tasting lunch option, then look no further than the Croque Shop. It’s a family-run business serving quality, handmade pasties, toasties and sausage rolls.
Highly praised as the top deli-to-go in Brighton, the Croque shop will not disappoint you with flavour or price. The award-winning sausage rolls are made from fresh ingredients and organic, local pork. With prices starting at £2.99 or an option to buy 6 rolls for £12.50, if you’re feeling peckish.
There are over ten sausage roll options to choose from such as pork and applewood cheddar and, pork and BBQ. Not to mention the vegan and vegetarian options; you will be spoilt for choice.
The Croque Shop slices start at £2.50 and pasties at £4.95, whilst toasty prices range from £4.45 to £7.95. You won’t ever pay more than a tenner for a delicious, filling meal at the Croque shop. So, head down to their Duke Street shop or Western Road cafe in Brighton, if you want to dine in.
Address: 115A Western Rd, Hove, BN1 2AB
Website: https://croqueshopbtn.co.uk/
Archipelagos Gyros
Archipelagos Gyros, an authentic Greek restaurant situated down Lewes Road in Brighton, is the perfect stop for a mouthwatering and affordable lunch or dinner. With a large range of meat options, vegetarian and vegan options, Archipelagos Gyros caters to everyone.
The staple of this Greek restaurant is undeniably their traditional wraps, sitting at £7.50 each. You can select a protein of your choice, accompanied by chips, salad, and two sauces, all wrapped in a soft pita bread. Providing you with a tasty and fulfilling meal.
Their menu also features delicious burgers and chips, priced as low as £9 and a main box, which includes three portions of meat, vegan or vegetarian protein, priced at £13 a box. If you’re looking for affordable and fulfilling meals, this Greek street food in Brighton is a must!
Address: 109 Western Rd, Brighton, BN1 2AA & 75 Lewes Rd, Brighton, BN2 3HZ
Website: https://archipelagosgyros.co.uk/
