Donatello is a longstanding Italian restaurant in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, known for its generous portions, unfussy cooking and consistently welcoming service. Family-run for over three decades, it has become something of a local institution, attracting a mix of regulars, tourists and families with its relaxed atmosphere and broad, good-value menu. With seating for up to 300 guests across its spacious dining room and covered terrace, it handles everything from casual lunches to larger group dinners with ease.
The menu focuses on classic Italian comfort food, with a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, meat and seafood dishes. Options range from spaghetti vongole and risotto primavera to hearty lasagne and chicken Milanese, all served in generous portions and at accessible prices. Set menus offer particularly good value, with two or three courses available at a fixed rate, making Donatello a popular choice for both weeknight meals and celebratory outings.
Wines are largely Italian and chosen to complement the food without overwhelming it, while desserts stick to the classics. Think tiramisu, panna cotta and lemon sorbet. The service is fast, friendly and informal, matching the pace of the restaurant’s steady footfall and the energy of its central Brighton location.
The interiors are bright and functional, with large windows, simple wooden furniture and plenty of space between tables. It is not a place for fine dining, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, Donatello thrives on familiarity and comfort, offering dependable food in a setting that feels accessible to all.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite between shopping, a family dinner or a laid-back catch-up with friends, Donatello delivers a reliable experience that is rooted in the kind of hospitality that keeps guests coming back. It is a restaurant built on consistency, generosity and charm, and remains a firm fixture in Brighton’s ever-evolving dining scene.