Out of all of Brighton’s quirky neighbourhoods, The Lanes are arguably the city’s most distinctive and beloved. This cosy maze of alleyways, boutique shops, and jewellers is only a short walk from the high street, while restaurants are two a penny in this unique quarter of Brighton. It’s no surprise that some of Brighton’s most enterprising restaurants are located in The Lanes. Here are some we recommend you try…
Riddle & Finns The Lanes
Riddle & Finns has undoubtedly become a Brighton institution since establishing itself in 2006. Brighton has long been one of Britain’s premier fishing ports and Riddle & Finn’s serves only the very best in locally sourced fish at its two famous restaurants.
The restaurant in The Lanes is small and vibrant and is an exceptionally sought-after destination for foodies in the city. Riddle & Finn’s established itself in this historic quarter of Brighton and is notionally a Champagne and Oyster bar. However, there is plenty to satiate hungry appetites with Risotto, Linguine and Whole Grilled Lobster all on the menu.
Riddle & Finns in The Lanes is situated over one floor and as such is in high demand with diners. Booking a table well in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.
Address: 12b Meeting House Ln, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HB
Website: riddleandfinns.co.uk/restaurant-brighton-lanes/
The Flint House
A unique and coveted dining experience is guaranteed at The Flint House in The Lanes. The restaurant specialises in distinctive and eye-catching small plates with counter-level dining. The menu at The Flint House is carefully curated and prepared with slow-cooked meat dishes accompanying a host of vegetarian and pescatarian options.
In addition to its effortlessly delicious food, The Flint House boasts an extensive array of fine wines and cocktails to compliment its buzzing ambience.
The Flint House is consistently talked about as one of Brighton’s most sought-after dining experiences so reserving a spot well in advance is advised.
Address: 13 Hanningtons Ln, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1GS
Website: flinthousebrighton.com
Darcy’s
Serving in the heart of The Lanes for over fifty years, Darcy’s is one of Brighton’s oldest and most distinctive seafood restaurants. The atmosphere at Darcy’s is one of a kind and the restaurant prides itself on its decorative approach to serving seafood.
Whether you’re looking for a spot for a light lunch or a more substantial meal, Darcy’s has you covered on all fronts. The menu is a seafood lover’s paradise with sharing platters and catch of the day’s aplenty.
Dining at Darcy’s is a perfect place to eat al fresco in the summer months with outside seating available to put you in the prime position to soak up the sights and sounds of The Lanes.
Address: The Lanes Health & Beauty, 5 Market St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HH
Website: darcys.org
Il Bistro
Combining French and Italian influences, Il Bistro condenses the rich flavours of Meditteranean cuisine into its flamboyant and showstopping dishes. The restaurant’s location on Market Street in the vibrant heart of The Lanes is a convenient spot to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of the area.
The menu at Il Bistro has been meticulously curated to showcase the restaurant’s diverse range of continental influences. From perfectly cooked French Ribeye steak to a mouth-watering range of Pasta, there’s no shortage of well-crafted food on offer here.
Address: 6 Market St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HH
Website: ilbistro.co.uk
64 Degrees
There is a range of cultured restaurants in the Lanes, and 64 Degrees is a Michelin-starred jewel in the area’s culinary crown. The restaurant opened under the stewardship of Great British Menu winner Michael Bremner and takes fine dining in Brighton to a new level.
The restaurant is so decorated that it has been the recipient of the coveted Bib Gourmand by Michelin every year since opening, as well as being voted Brighton’s best restaurant two years running in 2016 and 2017.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you of its credentials, 64 Degrees was recently announced by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10% of restaurants in the world.
It goes without saying that the food served at 64 Degrees is both immaculate and trail-blazing. The restaurant is always in extremely high demand so booking a table well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
Address: 53 Meeting House Ln, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HB
Website: 64degrees.co.uk
Donatello
With such a wealth of options available in The Lanes, it can be hard to reach a definitive decision on where to eat. Pizza is always a crowd-pleasing option and luckily Donatello is one of the best pizza restaurants in the lanes and in the city.
Donatello has been serving expertly cooked authentic Italian pizza to hungry Brightonians for almost forty years. It’s a testament to its dedication to the craft of making pizza that the restaurant has not only changed but expanded dramatically over that time span.
Founded by Sardinian-born Pietro Addis, the restaurant started under the name “Pinocchio” and prides itself on affordable and high-quality dining.
Donatello has three hundred seats available in its family-run restaurant so there is no shortage of space to feed the family after a busy day exploring the city.
Address: 1-3 Brighton Place, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HJ
Website: donatello.co.uk
The House Restaurant
Sometimes simplicity is often the most alluring of qualities. The House hasn’t pulled many punches with its name but its food is far from simplistic. The restaurant specialises in all things surf and turf with an exciting array of meat and fish dishes available on its expansive menu.
The House is a family-run institution and prides itself on a unique brand of British cooking with a sprinkle of European influence.
Highlights of the menu include the restaurant’s famous, indulgent Beef Wellington, while each steak is cooked to order and perfection.
Address: 37 East St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HJ
Website: thehouserestaurant.co.uk
Plateau
Plateau’s philosophy is one that is founded on sharing. The restaurant’s sharing ethos is the stuff of Brighton culinary folklore and the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.
Plateau operates with a sample menu full of delectable small plates, and the friendly waiting staff are always on hand to advise on what to pick.
The dishes on the restaurant’s fantastically diverse menu are all cooked using the freshest of locally sourced ingredients, while the wine menu is carefully selected to compliment the rich array of flavours that inhabit each dish.
Plateau is situated within a short walk of the seafront and has been a beacon of originality in Brighton’s Lanes for many years. Don’t hesitate to book a table when visiting the city, but make sure you do with plenty of time to spare as the restaurant can get booked up quickly due to high demand.
Address:1 Bartholomews, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HG
Website: plateaubrighton.co.uk
Casa Don Carlos
What better way to cap off a busy day shopping in The Lanes than with a spot of authentic Spanish tapas? Casa Don Carlos has been serving up the very best in Spanish small plates for years and has established itself as a beloved Brighton institution since first opening its doors.
The atmosphere in Casa Don Carlos is vibrant and welcoming and its enviable location has been drawing hungry visitors to its tables for many a year.
Al fresco dining is encouraged at the restaurant on sunny days, while Spanish cuisine is all about sharing, making Casa Don Carlos the perfect destination for lunch or dinner enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
Address: 5 Union St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HA
