Taro Brighton

Taro Brighton sits on Ship Street, just moments from the seafront, its yellow facade bringing a cheerful note to the city. Inside, the mood is informal and lively, with simple canteen-style seating and a hum of conversation.

We visit on a Friday evening and find every table taken, the atmosphere buzzy and vibrant. Staff are a genuine highlight from the outset, friendly and attentive, helping the space feel welcoming and relaxed.

Serving a wide-ranging Japanese menu that spans bento boxes, handmade sushi and sashimi and ramen, the offering is broad and accessible.

We begin with chicken gyoza, which arrive crisp and golden with a juicy, well-seasoned filling and prove to be one of the strongest dishes of the meal. The tori karaage, a deep-fried marinated chicken recommended by our server, is similarly satisfying, intensely crisp on the outside, tender within and the portion is so generous we struggle to finish it all.

The Wagyu beef steak bento box is positioned as one of the menu’s premium offerings and arrives with plenty of variety, including teriyaki-glazed beef over rice, sushi, sashimi, edamame and salad. While enjoyable in parts, it does not quite deliver the indulgence you might expect at this price point. The beef leans a little fattier than anticipated, while the teriyaki sauce is a touch too sweet and overpowering and doesn't allow the flavour of the meat to shine through. A bowl of shoyu pork ramen, however, proves comforting and filling, delivering warming umami flavours.

The drinks offering holds its own with cocktails, wine, beer, sake and Japanese whiskies available. We opted for spicy margaritas, which were perfectly balanced with a well-judged chilli kick.

Dessert is a highlight. Coconut mochi ice cream delivers a fragrant, creamy coconut flavour, offset by a satisfyingly chewy exterior. It's a refreshing way to end the meal and leaves a strong final impression.

Overall, Taro Brighton succeeds as a vibrant and approachable Japanese restaurant with generous portions and genuinely warm service. While some higher-end dishes fall short of expectation, its atmosphere, consistency and crowd-pleasing staples explain its popularity.

Taro Brighton brings the bold flavours of Tokyo to the Sussex coast and whether you're a sushi lover, a ramen devotee or simply in the mood for something fresh and flavourful, this is a spot worth booking.

Located on Ship Street, just moments from Brighton’s beach and buzzing lanes, Taro Brighton is the group's ninth UK opening and their very first coastal outpost. It's a natural fit for the city’s energetic dining scene, offering everything from relaxed lunches to pre-night-out bites and spontaneous dinners with friends.

The menu is a celebration of authentic Japanese cuisine, with something for every palate. Start with a round of small plates to share, the spicy edamame, crispy chicken gyoza and delicate prawn tempura make ideal openers, before moving on to generous mains like beef teriyaki don, pork katsu curry, or the ever-popular double chicken teriyaki don. There’s also a selection of warming udon dishes, from classic tempura udon to richly flavoured tonkatsu udon, perfect for chilly days on the seafront.

Of course, sushi is where Taro really shines. Alongside a full range of handmade sushi and sashimi, diners will find new Brighton-exclusive sushi rolls created specially for this outpost - a testament to the kitchen’s creative flair and attention to local tastes. For a satisfying all-in-one option, the bento boxes remain a firm favourite, offering a little bit of everything.

Inside, the restaurant balances clean, minimalist design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the kind of place that works just as well for a casual catch-up as it does for a special celebration. The team pride themselves on friendly hospitality, making every guest feel at home. So whether you're refuelling after a shopping spree, grabbing dinner before a gig, or just craving some seriously good sushi, Taro Brighton is a must-book on the city’s dining map.