Brighton’s food scene continues to evolve, offering plenty of new restaurants to explore this year. Whether you’re into hot Thai curries, indulgent burgers, or plant-based treats, there’s no shortage of places to add to your 2025 must try list. We’re so lucky to have this much choice in Brighton, and whilst it’s been tough for restaurants in this economy, it’s amazing to see innovative businesses powering through it and thriving! Here are some of our picks that you definitely shouldn’t sleep on:
Pearly Cow – New Location
Opened: November 2024 | Location: Brighton Seafront
Pearly Cow is a seafront gem that combines the best of land and sea food. This is their third location after York and Margate, and a very welcome addition to Brighton’s food scene.
Here you can look forward to a menu that’s very much focused on simplicity, with fresh, raw fish and smoky flavours, oysters or flamed steaks. This restaurant is all about showcasing local ingredients and putting together perfect plates. If you’re feeling a little classy then this one’s for you.
Instagram: @pearlycowbrighton
The Coconut Island
Opened: December 2024 | Location: Western Road
If you’re after bold and fragrant Sri Lankan street food, The Coconut Island provides. With crispy hoppers, spicy sambols, and rich curries, the menu is designed for sharing, making it an ideal spot for groups. Paired with Arrack-infused cocktails and a vibrant 80s-inspired setting, The Coconut Island offers a playful dining experience full of warmth and spice. It’s a lot of fun and full of authentic flavours.
Instagram: @thecoconutislanduk_
Burger & Lobster
Opening: February 2025 | Location: Market Street
The much-anticipated Brighton debut of Burger & Lobster promises a menu packed with indulgent favourites, including Wagyu burgers, lobster rolls, drenched in their signature lemon and garlic butter. With an exclusive brunch menu tailored for its Brighton audience, this new addition to The Lanes will undoubtedly be a hotspot for food lovers.
Instagram: @burgerandlobster
Chilli Brighton – New Location
Opened: December 2024 | Location: The Lanes
The sister venue to Chilli in Hove, the new spot in Brighton continues to reimagine traditional Thai flavours with a contemporary twist. Located in The Lanes, right next to the Cricketers pub, this tasty menu features vibrant curries, bold salads, and fragrant noodle dishes that give traditional dishes a refreshing twist. They also offer a selection of lunch platters, making it that much easier to work your way around the full menu.
Instagram: @chilli.restaurants
Pompoko – New Location
Opened: January 2025 | Location: Kemptown
Brighton’s favourite Japanese café style restaurant has recently expanded to Kemptown, bringing an affordable menu of hearty donburi bowls, crispy karaage, and sweet tofu skewers to the area. Pompoko are always being talked about in Brighton and that’s because they’ve been a local staple for 17 years. We’re excited for them to expand and highly recommend a visit to the new location. This second site still has Pompoko’s familiar and cosy charm while offering more space for locals and visitors to enjoy a quick, no-fuss meal.
Instagram: @pompoko.brighton
Amari
Opened: October 2024 | Location: Baker Street
Amari is another and more recent venture by the successful Halisco team, but enter chef Ian Swainson (ex Michelin star winner) who is at the helm. Amari are intentional with what they cook and the vibrant flavours of Spain are present in every dish. It doesn’t get better than this! Located in the former Semolina site, Amari’s intimate atmosphere and standout dishes like Basque-style charred octopus and saffron-infused arancini make it an absolute must visit for those who enjoy Mediterranean flavours, with a contemporary twist. Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention that they’re listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
Instagram: @amaribrighton
The Coal Shed – Changed Location
Opened: September 2024 | Location: North Street
A Brighton institution since 2011, The Coal Shed has moved to a larger venue on North Street, complete with a Himalayan salt-aging room and expanded seafood options. Here you’ll enjoy some of the best food in the city, and that’s because The Coal Shed are part of a heavy hitting family of restaurants, The Salt Room, Burnt Orange and Tutto (🤯).
This new site showcases their familiar fire-cooked dishes like Black Angus prime rib and Westholme Australian Wagyu, alongside innovative cocktails inspired by New York and London’s top bars, they also know what they’re doing with tequila. When the restaurant’s slogan is ‘Masters of fire’, you know you’re in good hands.
Instagram: @thecoalshed
Bunny Chow @ Worlds End & Freemasons Pubs
Reopened: Late 2024 | Locations: London Road & Hove
After a brief closure, Bunny Chow is back, bringing its highly regarded South African street food to two pub locations. With signature dishes like filled bread bowls and spicy peri-peri chicken, the collaboration with Worlds End and Freemasons reinvigorates this unique concept while adding a lively pub atmosphere to the experience. Here you’ll regularly see other chefs popping in to eat, and that’s because Bunny Chow is one of our city’s heavy hitters. Make room for it.
Instagram: @bunnyukandi
Anakuma – New menu
Opened: November 2023 | Location: Preston Street
Anakuma isn’t necessarily a new restaurant, but they’ve made an exciting change to their offering for 2025 – combining Asian and Mexican flavours: think Asian tacos and Mexican Baos. Being a sister restaurant to the locally celebrated Halisco, and newly opened Amari (listed above!), you know to expect a good time.
Anakuma’s menu features standout dishes like Korean chicken, beef tartare, tacos and bao. As well as rotating specials! Here you’ll also enjoy playful cocktails which help to take in the good vibes. Anakuma is ideal for a night out with mates or for a casual dinner where the food is guaranteed to be unique.
Instagram: @anakumabrighton
Aaaand there we have it! Plenty of new and exciting foodie appointments to get through.
Where are you excited to try the most? Let me know if I’ve missed any good ones, let me know what you thought of these! Reach out on Instagram. Thanks for reading Brighton Bites Back.
Based in Brighton since 2023, Mitch is all about uncovering hidden gem restaurants and supporting independents over chains. With a seasoned palate developed from years of eating out, he’s your go-to for discovering the best local spots.
