Everyone knows that Brighton has an amazing food scene and we’re lucky enough to be right on the seafront, meaning there are plenty of places with a good view. But what are the best restaurants in Brighton with a view? Well, this helpful list has some fantastic restaurants that are sure to impress! These are perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries – or if you’re popping the big question! These restaurants haven’t just been listed because of the view though, they’ve made this list because they have exceptional food and drinks! So, get ready to take some amazing pictures and make even more amazing memories at these scenic Brighton restaurants.
Riddle & Finns, The Beach – Seafood with a view
65 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NA
Instagram: @riddleandfinnsbrighton
££££ On the pricey side
There are so many seafront restaurants in Brighton, but Riddle & Finns, The Beach is one of the best going. This is a great choice for seafood lovers, offering fresh and high quality dishes right on Brighton’s seafront. The oysters are a must-try, especially when paired with a “champagne Guinness cocktail”, and the pate bread plate is another highlight. While the food is on the pricier side, the quality and seaside views make it a worthwhile treat.
The ambiance is lively, with picturesque views that add to the dining experience. Some seating may have you close to other diners, so it’s worth checking when you book. Service can get a bit slow during busy times, but overall, the experience is charming and well worth a visit for a special occasion or simply to enjoy some of the best seafood in Brighton.
The Seahorse – Great for large groups and events
26 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2LN
Instagram: @theseahorsebrighton
£££ Kinda pricey
The Seahorse is another well-known seafront restaurant in Brighton. They’re well known for having stunning sea views, particularly from the upstairs seating with picture frame windows. The Seahorse is an excellent choice for both casual dining and special occasions, offering a vibrant atmosphere and comfortable seating. With a solid reputation as a venue for weddings and private functions, they’re experienced in accommodating large groups and making sure you’re well looked after.
The seafood platter and cocktails are highlights, and the Black Forest cheesecake is a must-try for dessert lovers. While the food is generally well-regarded, service can sometimes be inconsistent, with occasional long waits and mixed feedback on freshness. The pricing is on the higher side, reflecting typical Brighton costs, but the overall value is reasonable considering the quality and location. For a meal with a view, The Seahorse is a dependable choice – you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Perch on Lancing Beach – Casual beachside dining
28 Brighton Rd, Lancing BN15 8RA
Instagram: @perchonlancingbeach
££ Affordable
Perch on Lancing Beach is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy fresh, beachside dining with a view. Known for its welcoming, dog friendly atmosphere, it’s a nice spot to chill with some good food. The spacious restaurant offers gorgeous views of the sea, making it a perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or just a casual drink.
The menu is seasonal, featuring roasts in the winter and pizzas in the summer, along with a variety of cakes, ice creams, and waffles for breakfast. It can get busy, especially on sunny days, but even so the staff are accommodating. Overall, Perch on Lancing Beach offers a lovely seaside experience that’s hard to beat.
Shelter Hall – Something for everyone
Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 1NB
Instagram: @shelterhallmarket
££ Affordable
Shelter Hall in Brighton is a buzzing food hall offering a variety of different cuisines, making this a perfect spot for groups who can’t seem to decide what to eat. Situated right on the seafront near the pier, it’s in the heart of all the action, and the views are stunning – especially if you manage to snag a window or outdoor seat.
The atmosphere is lively, though it can get crowded and a bit hectic at times. It does have a bit of a canteen vibe, so keep that in mind if that’s not your style. I wouldn’t recommend to go here if you’re after something fancy. Ordering is done via an app, which I found to be quite convenient, especially when you just want to dig in to some grub! But be aware that this can lead to food arriving at different times if you’re eating with a large group. While the service is generally friendly, there can be occasional delays during busy periods as expected, and this place does get pretty busy.
If you’re after variety and a lively place, Shelter Hall is a solid choice – just remember, it’s very much a food hall and not a fancy restaurant. This is one of the best places to eat in Brighton with a view, I never hear bad things about it and have a great experience every time I go, as I always get to try something different!
The Master Mariner – Local pub vibes with a view of the boats
Brighton Marina 7, Western Concourse, Brighton and Hove, BN2 5WD
Instagram: @brightonmariner
£££ Slightly pricey
The Master Mariner is a charming pub located in Brighton Marina, with views of the docked boats outside. With an old pub feel, inside there are low beams, comfy seats, and plenty of nooks to relax in. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a local Brighton ale (or three!). There’s also live music here on Saturday nights which is a bit of a rarity around the Marina area now days. This pub is certainly ‘lived in’, though the overall experience makes up for this.
I’d recommend ordering the fish and chips, I was quite impressed and have tried a lot in Brighton! Especially with the portion sizes. Though, some reviews suggest that the Sunday roast can be hit or miss but I’m yet to give this a go. Overall, The Master Mariner is a decent choice if you’re after a proper pub around the marina, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon where you can enjoy the view of the boats in the marina. This is always a good shout if you’re finding that the other restaurants in Brighton with a view on the water are booked up! Which they often are, as this one is a bit more of a hidden gem.
The Hummingbird Restaurant – Airport views, art deco building
15G Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5FF
Brighton City Airport Website
££ Affordable
The Hummingbird Restaurant, located within the historic Brighton City Airport, offers a really unique dining experience with an art deco aesthetic and close views of the airfield. This is a great spot for those who enjoy watching planes and helicopters while having some grub, especially on sunny days where it gets a little busier on the runway! The art deco interior adds a fun and nostalgic touch, and the outdoor seating provides a relaxing space to enjoy the sights and sounds of the planes. Just be mindful of cheeky seagulls if you’re eating outside – they nearly made off with my chips and seem to know the drill here. (What’s new in Brighton!)
The Hummingbird menu is fairly straight forward, featuring items like cheese and ham toasties, scampi and chips, and classic English breakfasts. While it’s not fine dining, the food is tasty and portions are generous, making it a good choice for families, especially those with kids who love planes. Overall, The Hummingbird is a standout for its one-of-a-kind view and is well worth a visit, perfect for birthdays, Father’s Day, or just a casual meal for aviation enthusiasts. You have to visit at least once, you’ll never experience anything else quite like it! This is one of the best restaurants in Brighton with a view, that many people don’t know about. I think that qualifies as a hidden gem!
Whitecliffs Saltdean – Laid back seaside cafe
Marine Dr, Saltdean, Brighton BN2 8SQ
Instagram: @whitecliffssaltdean
££ Affordable enough
Whitecliffs Saltdean is a local café right on Saltdean Beach, offering fantastic views of the sea and cliffs. This spot is ideal for watching the world go by. With its laid back beach vibes, it’s a great cafe to chill after a swim or during a stroll from Brighton Marina along ‘under cliff walk’. The mismatched furniture and DIY feel also make it feel unpretentious.
You can grab a good coffee with some small cakes, enjoy a breakfast bap, or even try a Sunday roast! However, whilst the food is good quality, it’s nothing crazy so if you’re after groundbreaking flavours then this spot might be a little casual for you. This cafe is definitely more about the convenience and view, rather than the food itself. And you know what? That’s totally OK with me. Oh and if you’re a dog lover, you’ll enjoy the company of locals who often bring their pups along too! Win, win.
Saltdean Lido – Poolside dining, art deco building
The Oval Park, Saltdean Park Rd, Saltdean, Brighton BN2 8SP
Instagram: @saltdeanlido
£££ Kinda pricey
Saltdean Lido is a lovingly restored Art Deco location, offering a lovely setting for both swimming and dining. The 40m pool is heated in winter and is a popular spot for locals, with free parking available across the road too.
The historic Lido features a few different options for food: a small snack bar right by the pool, a large café downstairs and a fancier restaurant upstairs ‘Deco’. The café is perfect for a quick bite or coffee, offering breakfasts and a selection of pastries. But the restaurant upstairs, is why it made this list… You get a fun view overlooking the pool whilst enjoying a meal, and they serve generous portions. The food is high quality and honestly I was quite surprised at the attention to detail here. This quickly became one of my favourite restaurants in Brighton. I’d highly recommend the seafood platter, or the Sunday roast!
Whilst the food is tasty, expect to pay a little more (for the area), though the poolside view and novelty make up for the cost. In summary, Saltdean Lido provides a fun dining experience. It’s certainly one of the more unique Brighton restaurants with a view!
The Copper Clam – Elevated seafood on the seafront
143-144, Kings Road Arches, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FN
Instagram: @thecopperclam
£££ Kinda pricey
The menu at The Copper Clam focuses on fresh seafood and quality Sussex steak, with a range of dishes that highlight the best of Brighton’s coast. Make sure to inquire about a window seat if you’re after a quality view of Brighton seafront as they get snapped up quick! In terms of what to try, the rolled monkfish and lobster roll are particular favourites among locals, but some of my favourites were the seafood stew and crab-covered fries are also recommended (seriously, you have to try them!).
While the food is definitely tasty and beautifully presented, it’s worth noting that prices are on the higher side here, reflecting the premium location. This is one of the fancier seafront restaurants in Brighton, so it’s one worth noting down for special occasions such as birthdays or to set the scene for a romantic evening.
The Copper Clam is a great choice if you’re after a scenic spot to enjoy seafood and a decent glass of wine, whilst soaking up the views. This is one of the top restaurants in Brighton with a view for sure!
Rockwater Hove – Panoramic hangout
Western Esplanade, Brighton and Hove, BN3 4FA
Instagram: @rockwaterhove
Pricey £££
Rockwater in Hove offers one of the best views on this list, but it’s worth noting that the experience can be hit and miss. While the scenery is fantastic, the service can be slow, and the food and drink are on the pricier side. That said, I’m not here to hand out negative reviews – Rockwater is still a decent enough brighton restaurant with a sea view. You can have a great time here, I just want to give you a heads up that there many be a bit of a wait. You can’t argue with the fact that they are in a stunning location. With large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. This is a really good spot for getting instagram reel footage or to take holiday snaps with a lovely backdrop.
Now you know some of the best restaurants in Brighton with a view! We’re spoiled in this city. There’s something listed here if you’re celebrating a birthday, popping the question, or just enjoying a scenic meal by the seaside. Brighton’s got you covered for those Instagram worthy snaps. No matter where you choose to go, you’ll leave with a full belly and some stunning photos for your feed! 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.
