Brighton has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s small but mighty dining cities. In terms of population, it pales in comparison to the likes of London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, but it has an incredible dining scene to rival them all.
The vast majority of Brighton’s restaurant scene is built around excellent, everyday, accessible cooking, so perhaps it is no surprise to find out that Brighton doesn’t currently have any Michelin star restaurants. That isn’t a reflection on the quality of the food in the city - Michelin stars tend towards more luxury experiences after all. There are a handful of excellent special occasion restaurants in the city that are knocking on the door, including the likes of Etch by Steven Edwards and Furna.
What Brighton does have is a collection of excellent Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants. This is the award created by the Michelin Guide to recognise great cooking at an affordable, everyday price point. Quite often, the Bib Gourmand section is where you’ll find some of the UK’s more exciting, inventive cookery, and Brighton has that in spades with restaurants that reflect a wide range of cuisines and ideas. Head out to nearby Horsham and you’ll also find a pair of superb Michelin-starred restaurants there; although technically not in Brighton itself, they’re close enough that we felt they were worth including.
If you want to know about Brighton’s Michelin-starred and Michelin Guide restaurants, you’re in the right place. Read on for our thoughts on all of Brighton’s Michelin-awarded restaurants.
Michelin star restaurants in Brighton
There are currently no Michelin star restaurants in Brighton itself, but we’ve picked out a couple of outstanding restaurants that sit just a short drive out of the city.
Ben Wilkinson at The Pass
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What: Ben Wilkinson is the latest incumbent of the historically well-regarded restaurant at South Lodge Hotel, following in the footsteps of the likes of Matt Gillan. The Pass has often held a Michelin star in its time, but Wilkinson’s restaurant here might be the most impressive the hotel has ever had, with an intimate chef’s table concept introducing the Cumbrian chef’s distinct, hyper-seasonal cookery. We’d recommend booking a package for dinner and a night’s stay at the hotel so you can enjoy the whole experience.
Where: South Lodge, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PS
Book now: Ben Wilkinson at The Pass
Interlude
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What: A genuine one-of-a-kind experience, Interlude is housed within Leonardslee Gardens, just outside Horsham. South African chef Jean Delport is cooking some of the most distinct food in the country here, and Interlude is one of just a few restaurants in the UK to simultaneously hold a Michelin star and a Michelin Green star (given for a commitment to sustainability).
Where: Leonardslee Gardens, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP
Book now: Interlude
Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Brighton
Michelin gives this award to restaurants that are deemed to be extremely good value for a high standard of cooking.
Palmito
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What: Palmito turns out some astonishing food given the constraints of the tiny kitchen, weaving far-flung Latin flavours in dishes cooked over open fire. Small, buzzy and always fun, we love the freedom with which founder Diego cooks, taking produce from local farmers, fishermen and producers and creating delicious menus packed with originality.
Where: 16 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AE
Book now: Palmito
Cin Cin
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What: This hugely popular Hove spot specialises in antipasti and handmade pasta - a simple idea, executed to perfection. Bright, friendly and welcoming, Cin Cin’s seasonal small plates are suitable for all occasions, which explains why it’s almost always packed. The all-Italian wine list is excellent too, as are the cocktails.
Where: 60 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1JD
Book now: Cin Cin
Dill
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What: Dill is a little way out of Brighton in nearby Lewes, but it’s well worth the trip to try the eclectic menu here. Glazed ox tongue crumpets sit alongside tiger prawn agua chile, crisps with seaweed gribiche, and a sea buckthorn tart, across a menu that takes extremely diverse inspiration from all over the world. It’s a great fit for Lewes, which has a history of being a bit counter-culture.
Where: 2 South Street, Lewes, BN7 2BP
Book now: Dill
Flint House
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What: Brighton is somewhat dominated by two very prominent restaurant groups, and Flint House belongs to one of them - the Gingerman Restaurants Group. Sitting right in the heart of The Lanes, Flint House is a soothing mix of red brick, white pebble walls and turquoise tiles, that conjures a breezy Mediterranean vibe. The food takes a distinct Mediterranean lean as well, best enjoyed on sunny days from the lovely upstairs terrace.
Where: 13 Hanningtons Lane, Brighton, BN1 1GS
Book now: Flint House
Burnt Orange
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What: Burnt Orange belongs to the other well-known Brighton restaurant group - Blackrock Restaurants (who also run the likes of The Salt Room, The Coal Shed, and Tutto). Wood-fired dishes lead the way here, with wide ranging influences coming from Europe and the Middle East. The drinks list is just as good as the food, particularly for cocktail drinkers. Throw in a gorgeous foliage-laden terrace and Burnt Orange is well worth its Bib Gourmand.
Where: 59 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL
Book now: Burnt Orange
If it's great food you care about, and you're willing to travel, you should take a look at our list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK. Our critics review hundreds and hundreds of restaurants over the course of the year, distilling all those experiences, as well as those of the public, into one all-encompassing list. Every part of the country is covered, so no matter where you are, there's an outstanding, tried-and-tested restaurant nearby!
Or, just stay close to home and check out more brilliant fine dining restaurants in Brighton that are worthy of an occasion.