Brighton’s food scene is as eclectic and vibrant as the city itself. Known for its bohemian spirit, creative energy, and coastal charm, Brighton has become a magnet for independent eateries, bold food concepts, and global flavours. From classic seaside fish and chips to vegan innovations, Middle Eastern mezze joints, and Japanese-inspired bakeries, the city is packed with places that are as diverse and colourful as its famous seafront.
With so much on offer, it would have been easy to turn this into a 10,000-word love letter to Brighton’s food scene, there’s simply that much going on. Instead, this is just a snapshot: five stops we loved and a selection of dish highlights to get the tastebuds tingling!
Burnt Orange
Tucked away just off Brighton’s bustling Lanes, Burnt Orange feels like the kind of place you could lose an afternoon in (we know because we did) and not just because of the cocktails. Housed in a beautiful historic building, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined, with an open kitchen and a buzzing bar.
The menu is all about bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and dishes designed for sharing. It leans heavily into wood-fired cooking, with a smoke, char and infusion techniques running through the menu. We kicked things off with some beautifully crafted cocktails. A first class Bloody Mary and a Rhubarb and Custard Collins, an expert blend of vodka, cocchi rosa, rhubarb liqueur, vanilla and prosecco, this was topped off with a custard foam.
From there, we moved on to a range of small and medium sized plates, all designed to be shared. The mussels on toast with young leeks and urfa chilli butter was standout, as were the smoked lamb shoulder cigars. On the larger plates the BBQ pork collar was served with a sea buckthorn hot sauce and onion, the perfect balance of smokey, sweet, sour and spicy. The coal roasted crayfish kofta had the right bite to it and was freshened up with a zingy shellfish dressing and shaved fennel. For sides we opted for the skillet baked potatoes with herbed cream and sheep’s cheese and a miso baked aubergine. both sides complimented the larger plates well and allowed you to build a more fulfilling plate of food.
Burnt Orange nails that sweet spot between comfort food and sophistication, the kind of dishes that feel indulgent but never heavy
Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch, popping in for small plates and drinks, or looking for a lively spot for a night out, Burnt Orange delivers. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and effortlessly cool, a real Brighton gem.
The Golden Pineapple of Smith Street
The Golden Pineapple on Smith Street is a low-key cocktail bar with a strong reputation for quality. You might walk past it without noticing, but inside you'll find a small team that takes drinks seriously, with a menu that shows off real care, creativity, and a kitchen-style approach to flavour.
Cocktails here are built with house-made syrups, reductions, ferments, and fresh ingredients. Classic spirits are treated like core components of a dish, with balance and depth at the heart of everything. We tried the E8 Hold Up (vodka, passionfruit, strawberry Aperol, pineapple & lime) fresh, sharp, and easy to enjoy.
The venue is also home to Papa Dumpling, a residency that’s bringing a new twist to the dumpling format. Rather than sticking to one cuisine, Papa Dumpling plays with global flavours, using the familiar potsticker shape as a base for a more adventurous offer.
Our two favourites were, The Gilda, Morcilla-stuffed fried dumplings with pickled anchovy and a smoky romesco sauce, topped with pickled chilli and green olive, inspired by the classic Basque bar snack. Next up, The Irish, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder dumplings served in a Guinness and lamb fat reduction, finished with a blue cheese crema, crispy onions, and chives.
Between the carefully made drinks and the creative, globally-inspired food, this is a great spot to try something a bit different, without the fuss. Whether you’re in for a cocktail, some dumplings, or both, it’s a place that rewards a bit of curiosity.
The BokShop
In a city brimming with inventive, independent food spots, The Bok Shop stands out by doing one thing exceptionally well: fried chicken, reimagined with a chef’s creative spirit but rooted firmly in familiar combinations. This isn’t fast food, it’s a careful balancing act between indulgence and precision, delivered for maximum flavour and texture.
The menu takes inspiration from classic American-style fried chicken but layers in influences from street food, Asian flavours, and Brighton’s own bold food culture. We tried 'Nuttin' but a 'g' thang - tender, juicy chicken strips coated in homemade satay sauce with a crunch from crispy noodles, elevated by a deeply flavoured sriracha sauce. Addictively delicious!
Another highlight was the 'Captain Super Fries' - showing how great loaded fries really can be saucy, crispy, salty, pickly - topped with crispy chicken skin, pickles and house made BBQ sauce showing a clear understanding balance and texture. The Bok Shop pays real attention to the quality of its ingredients, from free-range chicken to carefully considered spice blends and homemade sauces.
It’s food that feels playful on the surface but delivers serious depth underneath, indulgent, yes, but never heavy or one-dimensional. Whether you’re after a quick fix or a proper feast, The Bok Shop scratches that great fried chicken itch!
17 Grams
Brighton is packed with independent coffee shops, each offering something a little different — from tiny espresso bars to slow brew specialists. With so much choice, picking just one isn’t easy, but 17 Grams stood out for both its exceptional coffee and its effortlessly cool aesthetic, tucked away in the heart of the Lanes.
The focus here is on specialty coffee done right: ethically sourced beans, expert roasting, and precise brewing that brings out the unique character of each cup. A simple Flat White which delivered rounded fruity and creamy flavour, showcasing the careful approach that defines the space.
Everything about 17 Grams feels considered yet relaxed, the kind of place where serious coffee is served without any pretension. With its clean interiors, calm atmosphere, and a genuine focus on quality, it’s a perfect snapshot of what Brighton’s thriving coffee culture does best.
Infinity Foods
In a city that thrives on individuality and independent spirit, Infinity Foods is a true Brighton institution, it defines 'if you know you know'. More than just an organic grocery store, it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems, emerging brands, and fascinating products you’re unlikely to stumble across anywhere else.
Every corner offers something to discover, from small-batch condiments and alternative flours to cutting-edge wellness products and plant-based innovations. Sourcing is thoughtful and responsible throughout, with a real emphasis on organic, ethical, and local wherever possible.
The fresh bakery section is a highlight in its own right, turning out artisan breads, pastries, and cakes daily. The produce is just as carefully selected, vibrant, seasonal, and with a strong focus on supporting growers who share their values. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply someone who cares about quality ingredients, Infinity Foods feels designed to cater for everyone.
The service is friendly and there's a real sense of community. In a city full of brilliant independents, Infinity Foods still feels special: a place where discovery is part of the experience, I really would recommend making a detour to go here.
