Film is our food and drink down on the south coast at Screen and Film School Brighton; it’s our work, rest and play too. But nestled in between all that film-craft activity, there is always time to refuel and unwind, whilst enjoying one of the many diverse and top-notch eateries that the city has to offer.
There’s no doubt that we punch above our weight here when it comes to culinary quality. We’re incredibly fortunate to call this place our home for many reasons, the broad range of food on offer make us all the more grateful.
It isn’t all about trays of fish and chips – although there is plenty of scope for that too – residents and visitors alike can feast on produce from a plethora of independent brands, innovative pop-ups, burgeoning vineyards, artisan cheesemakers and organic farms, that are now dotted around the wider Sussex region. As well as that, there is a seemingly endless variety of world food too, from a tiny Italian joint serving silky homemade pastas to a café serving southern Indian street food. And that’s not to mention our penchant for vegetarian and vegan options: we have the most vegan restaurants in the UK (outside of London), as well as some of the best vegan food festivals anywhere in the country.
There are the old favourites that you’ll find on most foodie lists (any one of the Gingergroup restaurants, for instance) but we’ve put down our cutlery and got our heads together this week to try and dig a little deeper and to share our favourite places to eat around our seaside city. It has sparked debate and some disagreements but most of all it has prompted exciting plans for future table bookings as we’ve bandied around our personal picks. Here are our top 10 places to eat in Brighton and Hove:
Morelli Zorelli
We’re kicking off our list with incredible sourdough pizzas – made the traditional Italian way – in Hove. With options for the whole spectrum of dietary needs, including vegan cheese and meat alternatives (vegetarians will never have to pine for a Hawaiian again!), you can either dine-in at their restaurant or order takeaway. This Western Road outlet is in the running for the best pizza anywhere in Brighton and Hove.
http://www.morellizorelli.co.uk/
What the Pitta
After successfully launching at Box Park in London, What the Pitta brought their vegan doner kebabs to Brighton back in 2018. Located on East Street (right behind our very own Old Steine site), their secret recipe doner meat equivalent is available in wraps or dumped on top of paprika-salted chips. They also offer falafel, gyros, nuggets, and (as of this summer) vegan soft serve too!
https://whatthepitta.com/what-the-pitta-brighton/
Pompoko
A hidden gem which has a large cult following among locals in Brighton. This Japanese café sells classic Asian dishes such as katsu curries, fried rice and noodles specials – all at approximately £5 per dish! Pompoko is laid-back and fast-paced all at the same time, which only adds to its popularity. Top tip: it’s cash only and you can bring your own drinks with you, if you so wish. It is also located within walking distance of our London Road and Old Steine sites.
Sunbirds Deli
Situated just down the road from our Production House on London Road, Sunbirds is a great lunch spot for fresh Turkish wraps, mezze, baklava and juices. To add to the consistently brilliant food offering, the service is friendly and warm, which makes it a lovely independent local café to support.
https://www.facebook.com/SUNBIRDSDELI/
Jo & Co
We’re heading west now to a super friendly, family-run restaurant in Hove. Jo & Co have a substantial menu which is suitable for all your brunch, lunch, and dinner needs – as well as lots of tasty cocktails. Their fudge brownie is life changing. Top tip: be sure to try their bottomless brunch and take your pooch along with you – they’re dog-friendly.
https://www.joandcorestaurants.co.uk/
med
Med for Mediterranean with a small m, but the flavours are big in this Little East Street eatery. A new addition to the Brighton food scene, med is the place to go for small plates and the best Aperol Spritz you could wish for (they even infuse their version with strawberry). It may be tucked away off the main drag, but you will be transported to the streets of Spain all the same. We recommend the Burrata.
https://www.medbrighton.co.uk/
Burger Brothers
With a top ranking on Trip Advisor, Burger Brothers have won numerous accolades for their ridiculously decadent patties and buns, including ‘Best Burger’ at the Food and Drink Awards. They offer meat and veggie options, but controversially, no chips! Be warned, these burgers are sumptuously messy. So, hunker down, tuck in, and savour every glorious bite.
https://www.facebook.com/burgerbrothersbrighton
VIP
Another pizza place now. And this one is right across the road from our central building on Brighton’s Old Steine. VIP (which stands for Very Italian Pizza). Put simply, this is one of the best pizza places in Brighton. This small but welcoming family run restaurant prides itself on offering authentic Italian-made pizzas using ingredients from their own farm in Naples. If you’d like to eat for lunch or dinner, then booking is highly recommended. But, if you’re looking for a tasty snack between lessons, you can nip across the Old Steine and grab a warm slice of Italy to take-away for a bargain price of £1! https://pizzavip.co.uk/
As You Like It
If you’re on a student budget, then naturally you’ll want to know where the best cheap eats are in the city. And As You Like It is a firm favourite with staff and students at Screen and Film School Brighton. Having recently relocated to a tiny corner kiosk on North Street (one of Brighton’s busiest thoroughfares), this is a top place to grab a sandwich, baguette, jacket potato and a soft drink. As the name suggests, this is a place for convenience, and you’ll comfortably be able to get a full tasty lunch for less than £5. They don’t have a website yet, but you can find them HERE.
Lucky Khao
Situated towards the bottom of the hustle and bustle of St James’ Street, this bougie hangout flies a little under the radar. That’s because the evening-only Lucky Khao operates under the same roof as Red Roaster, one of Brighton’s best independent cafes. By day, it’s a great place to get a caffeine fix, but by night, the kitchen staff rotates to a team of culinary wizards who’ve trained alongside some of Bangkok’s best chefs.
Find out more about life by the sea in our following news stories:
Top 5 things you didn’t know about Brighton Beach
The many faces of Brighton Beach
Brighton life: Top 5 Brighton Beach Sports
A history of Brighton’s filming locations
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