Brighton, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

With its candlelit communal high tables, eating at this Lanes oyster bar is a “unique experience”, combining “great decor and ambience”, “brilliantly fresh fish and seafood” and “attentive staff”. (There’s nowadays a spinoff venue in the arches along the beach promenade – see also).

“A splendid selection of seafood, generous portions and good service” earn solid ratings for this offshoot of the well-established Lanes oyster bar, in a “great location” with sea views under the promenade. Although the food is good-not-stellar, there’s a “huge variety” of cooking methods to choose from: “all the standard European ways, but also sashimi, Middle Eastern, bouillabaisse (maybe not 100% authentic, but really good)”, and “prices are keen for what you get”.

With its “great location on the seafront, with a bank of windows overlooking the sea affording fantastic views” and outside terrace – the city’s most commented-on dining destination is, say fans, “an absolute must do for any visitor”, delivering “beautiful and inventive British cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood”. “London prices” sap some enthusiasm however, leaving to the odd accusation that it’s been too “hyped”, but some cognoscenti tip that “the set menus (lunch and pre theatre) are much more reasonable that the more costly à la carte”.

“This revered traditional fish restaurant” – a Lanes fixture in the Leigh-Jones family since 1945 (but actually established in the 1890s) wins high praise for its “gorgeous seafood” and “continued high standards”. “Not as formal as it looks, and kids are well looked after” – “excellent value half lobster on the children’s menu is great for promoting more adventurous eating”.