Independent restaurants in Brighton

Run by husband and wife team Orson and Linda, Semolina has a policy of making everything from scratch, meaning it’s truly one of the most independent restaurants in Brighton. The menu is short and succinct, featuring classics like roasted pork belly and loin, and pan fried turbot with celeriac, leek and oysters. We recommend you leave room for dessert though, they even make their own ice cream.

If you’re a Great British Menu fan, you’ll be familiar with chef/patron Matt Gillan already from the 2015 series. This cafe/restaurant is a casual hang out during the day and a restaurant proper come night time. We’re massive fans of Pike and Pine’s small plates and bites, letting you choose exactly how much you want to eat. Larger plates are great too, our favourite being the duck leg served with caramelised pumpkin, kale, and granola.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, you’ve come to the right place. This family-owned restaurant takes great pride in creating tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere and they hit both right on the head. Their menu features lots of options from fish, to beef, to risottos, but it’s their classic pizzas and pastas that have people flocking. Try out classics like carbonara and bolognese, or go for a pizza topped with egg, spinach, and black olives.

Owned by self confessed “passionate foodie” Amanda Menahem, Pascere is a visually stunning restaurant, situated just outside the Brighton lanes. Like all good indies, these guys focus on seasonal produce, creating different menus with the changing of the seasons. They also do a great tasting menu at the weekends, featuring dishes like Lake District lamb ragu and beef cheek with smoked potato and wasabi. If you’re looking for independent restaurants in Brighton, Pascere has got to be top of your list.

Now boasting three locations around Brighton, Curry Leaf Cafe is famous for serving up, you guessed it, great curry. With its bright and colourful decoration, and friendly staff, it’s a great place to pop in for a quick bite, or make a full meal of it. Owner Euan Sey opened the cafe in 2014 and it has been serving up delicious dishes like tandoori seabass and chicken shimla mirch curry ever since. Not looking for a sit down meal? Try out their kiosk in Brighton station for a tasting snack to keep you going on your journey.