Hove Restaurant Guide

“Fish so fresh that it’s almost swimming onto the plate is treated with the utmost care, and served in beautiful combinations that show it off to its best advantage” at Duncan Ray’s “intimate” 20-cover venue – “one to seek out in Hove”. “First class service” too (“couldn’t have been more helpful and flexible with my various food likes/dislikes and the end result was excellent”). “If this place was in London, you’d never get a table (as it is, it’s tough!)”

“Right at the top of the vibrant Brighton food scene”, chef Steven Edwards is now earning high acclaim for the tasting menus at his debut venture in Hove. “On our second visit, six courses had grown to eight for the same price – and all were very good”. A former Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Edwards showcases local Sussex produce – “it’s always good to hear him explain the details of the food”.

“Not overly precious, but beautiful cooking” (and in “generous portions”) is the hallmark of this “always dependable”, “helpful and friendly” Hove gastroboozer from the local Gingerman group. A recent “refit has made the interior more modern”, as well as adding 11 boutique bedrooms upstairs.

“Fun Mexican, a notch above nearby chains” – this two-storey Hove newcomer is larger than its six-year-old sibling on Gloucester Road in North Laine, and also takes bookings (at the original it’s just for larger parties). You can also just roll up for drinks here (there’s an extensive mescal list).

Its simple, shellfish-centric menu may be “relatively unsophisticated”, but this relaxed corner gastroboozer (points for the handsome rope-hung pendant lights) “never puts a foot wrong”, with appealing al fresco seating and craft beers (from the new basement micro-brewery) among its assets.

Bistro-style restaurant from Robert Maynard, Faye Hudson, and James Thomson, together with chef Oliver Derby - a well-known team from the Brighton restaurant scene.