Hoping you agree, we at We Love Brighton think that Christmas food should go way beyond just a couple of days a year. The city has lots of great options for you to indulge in leading up to the main day. We are preparing to enjoy the celebrations as we savour the delicious food off A festive menu at one of the restaurants or pubs in Brighton mentioned below.
Embracing Christmas food can go beyond its traditional form. We present you with a list to help you find just the right choice of restaurant or pub for your festive gatherings this year. We have listed a wide array of wonderful establishments within Brighton and Hove, offering exclusive festive dining experiences leading up to Christmas.
Restaurants and Pubs in Brighton offering Festive menus
Our list covers various dining spots, from fancy restaurants to cosy pubs. We have made sure there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. Take a look at our collection below for a fantastic festive dining experience in Brighton.
The House Restaurant
Looking for something classic and special? The House is a small, independent family-run British Restaurant and Steakhouse which is located in the heart of The Lanes in Brighton. Their menu is predominantly British with some European influence running throughout the menu, with hints of France, Italy and Spain to be seen all over the dishes.
Whether it is a work Christmas party, a get-together with colleagues or a festive family dinner, The House is a stellar choice. This establishment is really passionate about quality and traditional cooking, promising recipes that do and have stood the test of time.
What’s on offer: 3-course meal for £38.50 pp
Where: 37 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HL
Website: https://www.thehouserestaurant.co.uk/christmas-menu
Browns Brasserie & Bar
No one does Christmas quite like Browns Brighton. Join Browns Brasserie & Bar all through December for delicious menus created especially for the season, fabulously festive cocktails, indulgent afternoon teas and the lovely brasserie buzz.
If you want that real sense of occasion that can only be felt on a season like this, Browns is where you should head to. Bringing together tradition, warmth and delicious food, they have got it all.
Exciting news for those who can’t tolerate gluten: they also proudly offer standalone gluten-free Festive and Christmas Day menus, accredited by Coeliac UK. This restaurant truly offers quality that you can trust, with an atmosphere that will not disappoint!
What’s on offer: 3-course meal for £38 pp
Where: 3-4 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AH
Website: https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southeast/brighton/festivemenu#/
HarBAR + Kitchen @ The Harbour Hotel
Embrace a bohemian Christmas experience along Brighton’s renowned seafront at Harbour Hotel Brighton. You could unwind in the oasis of HarSPA, offering a tranquil escape while the city above buzzes with its unique rhythm. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant festive celebrations by booking yourself and your loved ones in to experience a hub of cheer and togetherness.
For a laid-back evening filled with festive cheer, classic holiday melodies, and bubbly toasts, HarBAR + Kitchen should be your go-to destination. Whether seeking a relaxed night out or a lively celebration, this venue promises an ambience brimming with festive joy and merry Christmas cheer.
What’s on offer: 2 courses for £29 pp & 3 courses for £35 pp – cocktail parties starting at £20 pp
Where: Harbour Hotel Brighton, 64 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NA
Website: https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/brighton/christmas-2023
Curry Leaf Cafe
Would you rather save the traditional British Christmas dinner for the main day, but are still up for some festive dining with your nearest and dearest? At Curry Leaf Cafe, an extraordinary festive celebration awaits. Picture gorgeous three-course Indian feasts complemented by an array of exceptional craft beers from local breweries and an enticing selection of great-value wines.
Located near Brighton Beach, this independently run venue radiates a cosy, colourful ambience and has earned recognition as a ‘local gem’ in every edition of the Good Food Guide since 2015. Seasoned Brightonians have loved Curry Leaf Cafe for years, and we guarantee you will too!
Their specially curated festive set menus cater to diverse appetites and dietary preferences. Whether one is a vegan, omnivore, gluten-intolerant, or passionate carnivore, these menus promise to satiate every craving, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all.
What’s on offer: 3-course meal for £29.50 pp
Where: 60 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AE
Website: https://www.curryleafcafe.com/news/christmasparties
Donatello
Donatello proudly stands as The Home Of Celebrations, dedicated to elevating Christmas gatherings into unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s corporate soirées or intimate family reunions, Donatello promises delicious Italian cuisine infused with a touch of Christmas cheer.
At Donatello’s, you will feel at home and cared for. Guests are encouraged to unwind and entrust the dining experience to Donatello. Regardless of group size, their event planners can easily navigate your Christmas party planning, ensuring a stress-free celebration, and allowing you to revel in the festive spirit with colleagues, family, and friends without the faff of cooking or washing up after! Buone Feste – let the joyous celebrations begin!
What’s on offer: 3-course meal for £17.95 pp
Where: 1-3 Brighton Pl, Brighton, BN1 1HJ
Website: https://donatello.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Donatello-Xmas-Menu-2022_LR.pdf
Furna
If you and your loved ones are looking for an extra special setting and menu for some festive season dining, look no further. Furna introduces special festive menus alongside its renowned tasting menu offerings.
Patrons can select from three distinct choices: an evening tasting menu priced at £90, featuring delightful seasonal treats; a lighter lunch option at £55 per person, perfect for a post-Christmas shopping respite; and a specially crafted feasting menu catering to groups of 6 or more.
Their beautiful, private dining room offers an intimate setting, ideal for family gatherings and festive celebrations with friends or colleagues. Additionally, the option to hire the entire restaurant is available for larger company functions and gatherings.
Guests of Furna are invited to dive into a culinary journey planned to embrace the essence of the season. With each menu perfectly designed, the restaurant aims to infuse every dish with the spirit and flavours of the season, promising an exceptional dining experience and cherished moments.
What’s on offer: festive tasting menu £90 & festive lunch £55 pp
Where: 6 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UF
Website: https://furnarestaurant.co.uk/christmas
Shakespeare’s Head
Nestled in Seven Dials, Shakespeare’s Head pub gives a welcoming, laid-back ambience reminiscent of an old-school locals’ pub – minus any exclusive cliques. With three outside areas, it transforms into a sun-soaked haven during summer days and exudes a cosy charm on winter evenings.
Embracing the essence of a beloved pub, its appeal spans across diverse age groups. Shakespeare’s Head is known for its friendly atmosphere and neighbourhood charm. You will not feel alone when you step inside this charming place.
Alongside its delightful selection of local ales, the venue unveils a special festive menu, inviting patrons to indulge in the spirit of the season through delectable seasonal offerings. Whether seeking a relaxed atmosphere or vibrant gatherings, Shakespeare’s Head Pub promises a warm and inclusive setting for Christmas dining in Brighton.
What’s on offer: 3-course meal + nibbles for £29.95 pp
Where: 1 Chatham Place, Brighton, BN1 3TP
Website: https://www.shakespeareshead.pub/christmas2023
The Basketmakers Arms
Want that cosy pub feeling for your festive gatherings? A loved Brighton institution, The Basketmakers Arms holds a cherished spot in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Steeped in history, this 19th-century pub radiates a warm, inviting atmosphere, drawing in a diverse mix of patrons. Renowned as a haven for beer enthusiasts and a must-visit destination in Brighton, it holds an impressive array of cask ales, draught lagers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
This festive season, indulge in their specially curated festive menu, boasting an abundance of seasonal delights. From festive soups and Christmas sandwiches to an array of delicious desserts, the pub caters to all tastes, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Recognized as Brighton Pub of the Year in 2014 & 2015, and featured in prestigious publications like The Times, The Telegraph, and The Observer, the Basketmakers Arms beckons visitors to discover firsthand what makes this place truly special.
What’s on offer: festive menu with many options to choose from
Where: 12 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AD
Website: https://www.thebasketmakers.pub/christmas
We have put together this list to help you find the perfect spot for your festive dining plans. We think these are some of the gems of our wonderful city.
Whether it’s impressing your coworkers with a fantastic venue for a work get-together, planning a romantic dinner for your partner, or treating your family to a heartwarming evening together, these restaurants and pubs offer just the right atmosphere and festive spirit you need in the run-up to Christmas. Consider this list your guidebook to making your celebrations memorable.
From cosy gatherings to special occasions, these establishments are ready to set the stage for your festive moments. Let the warmth of good company and delicious meals from these recommended spots make your holiday gatherings truly special.
