Tiny reviews of Brighton food and drink
Surprisingly massive Italian restaurant right next to the Pavilion. Stopped in for a drink but the food looked good, and the service was friendly. Did get a feeling it was there to catch tourists and probably better Italian options nearby though.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 7 Pavilion Buildings
Great little cafe with friendly staff. Went in expecting just coffee and pastry but they have a full menu – had delicious eggs. Cosy little place!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 69 Church Road
Pizza/burger/kebab place that delivers, although I’d just ring rather than use their homegrown website. Had a bunch of fried stuff and some garlic bread and dough balls. The latter were a bit weird, so avoid the bread type stuff, but the fried stuff was excellent and piping hot when delivered.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 109 Dyke Road
Hotel restaurant at Malmaison Brighton Marina. Really tough one to call this one. Pros: If you want to sit looking at some water, this is your place, assuming you get seated in the conservatory. Food was really excellent, great steak and lamb shanks. Cons: Basically we were the only people there for lunch during the week, and as such they didn’t seem geared for it. Had to send back four dishes for being cold, and they took an age to start with. French onion soup was absolutely not French onion soup but just onion soup. Pros again: They comped us loads for the slowness/coldness so came out on top there, which we appreciated. But would I go again or recommend it? Have to say no.
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 11 Mermaid Walk
https://www.malmaison.com/locations/brighton/chez-mal-brasserie
Great cafe in the middle of North Laine that gets you out of the hustle and bustle. Loads of character and delicious food from a very broad menu. Slightly pricey for what it is but still recommended.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 1A Kensington Gardens
On top of Sea Life is this big Harvester; it is a standard example of the chain. However, what is unexpected is that if you get the right table you’re looking out over the pier and the sea, which is surprisingly hard to find in Brighton, so points there!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 1-2 Madeira Drive
https://www.harvester.co.uk/restaurants/southeast/themadeirabrighton
If you want fancy, this is not for you. But if you want a cheap ‘n cheerful “caff” with friendly service and freshly cooked food, you’re in, with a great seafront location.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 250d King’s Road Arches
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Junction-Cafe/186931441350617
Relaxed restaurant right on the seafront, serving very nice food; I particularly enjoyed the game and hazelnut croquettes, and the desserts were very rich. You’ll have a perfectly nice time but it just didn’t jump at me as remarkable, although I can’t quite put my finger on why.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 91-96 King’s Road Arches
Small cocktail bar that plays cafe by day; I went by day and thought it was the other way around. I’m sure it’s cosy for cocktails, but I know it’s great for a coffee and a cake. Nice, spacious and warmly furnished. A real oasis.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 135 Western Road
I’ll admit to not having high expectations due to it being a Fullers pub, but I was wrong. Lots of comfy seating areas, a menu with lots of attention to detail, and a great range of drinks; a small pub with a friendly, cosy vibe.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 64 Hamilton Road