Hove Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “A great new opening in Hove, with experienced staff from Ginger group”: this new bistro (from Robert Maynard, Faye Hudson and James Thomson, together with chef Oliver Derby) only opened in April 2019 (in the middle of our survey) but is already inspiring enthusiastic reviews from reporters, who say it’s “a perfect local” with “friendly and efficient service as you would expect of such a team, but also really good food” and – last but not least – a “brilliant wine list” (there are 120 bins to choose from).

2021 Review: “Fabulous, reasonably priced seafood” is the focus at this smart corner gastroboozer with stripped wooden floors. A “great range of beers” (some brewed on-site) complements “always innovative shellfish dishes and specials”.

2021 Review: “Fine dining experience without a fine dining ambience” – MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards continues to cook up a storm at his converted bank in Hove, which offers a choice of five-, seven- or nine-course menus. All reports are of “attention to detail, with a personal touch” resulting in food with “depth of flavour and delicacy that’s a level up from most other such places”. Top Tip – “juice flight for the non-alcoholic drinkers”.

2021 Review: This “Hove stalwart” (part of the local Gingerman group) scores well for its “great atmosphere, dependably good food and attentive staff” – locals reckon “the Pig can hold its own against some of Brighton’s more hyped recent openings”. The recent addition of boutique hotel-style bedrooms makes it useful for an overnight break.

2021 Review: “Just off the front in a charming maze of streets in Hove”, Duncan Ray’s small 20-seater is “a cute spot with no fine dining trappings to make you feel awkward”. He is at the stoves alone, creating an ever-changing five-course menu of sustainable seafood: “just gorgeous fish cookery from raw to grilled – not hugely fancy, just brilliantly conceived and executed”.

2021 Review: “The tiny backstreet original of the Ginger empire” – near the front – Ben & Pamela McKellar’s stalwart favourite has earned itself a sizeable and enduring fan club over two decades with its “intimate” style, “attentive but unobtrusive service” and, most importantly, its “wonderfully consistent, accomplished, fresh and tasty dishes”. “The true king of Brighton’s food scene!”

2021 Review: “Within a hop, skip and jump of the i360”, but with a “great setting right on the seafront” (and al fresco seating), this “casual, laidback” venture turns out “excellent seasonal produce” (predominantly fish) from a “small but perfectly formed menu”. Owner “Michael Bremner deserves to be as successful with Murmur as he has been with 64 Degrees”.

2021 Review: “Still below the radar for outsiders” – David Miney’s squeezed izakaya serves a wide range of Japanese dishes, including sushi and yakitori, and – though feedback was more limited last year – fans still say it’s outstanding.

2021 Review: With its “basic, unpretentious interior and bustle”, this “traditional chippie in a seafront setting” serves “still probably the best fish ’n’ chips in town” of the conventional, un-gastro variety. Both hot and cold seafood come on “exceptionally large platters”, and “it’s the perfect place for a Sunday lunch on a stormy day looking out over the Channel”.

2021 Review: An “excellent location (under the arches on Brighton beach) to soak up the sun on the terrace or watch it set from a window seat on the first floor” – this offshoot of the well-known Lanes oyster bar makes for the “perfect end to a day at the seaside”, not least thanks to its “amazingly fresh” fish and seafood.

2021 Review: There’s “clear blue water between Patty & Bun and other wannabe mass burger offerings” – the only drawback is “you have to queue all the time”. Having started out as a pop-up, the small chain has grown to eight branches and two spin-offs: Smash Patty and Jefferies, a chicken specialist. The core of the offer is “burgers dripping in all the good stuff, loud tunes, friendly vibes and lots of napkins”. Top Tip – the “legendary lamb burger always makes me smile”.

2021 Review: Albeit “casual” and “relaxed”, this “shabby chic” South Indian in the Lanes (with offshoots in Kemptown and at the station) is a “great find”, and the “award-winning selection of craft beer and great array of alcohol-free brews for drivers is a great bonus”.

2021 Review: A “lovely, bustling and buzzy little bistro that serves up generously sized plates” at “great value” prices in the Brighton backstreets; there are “great French standards on the menu and then great specials on the blackboard” too.

2021 Review: “Overall just a fantastic experience” – a Lanes oyster bar, with a spinoff on the promenade (“both are very popular”), which wins numerous raves for “the most amazing seafood”, combined with “brilliant” service and a pleasingly “informal” set-up (communal tables) whereby “you might easily find yourself sharing a tall table with strangers”.