Rating: ★★★★★★ (6 out of 5 stars)
Address: 34 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YB
It’s time to talk about Voya – possibly Brighton’s trendiest restaurant right now, and a place bursting with authenticity and creativity. Dining here makes you feel good about supporting such a unique project. Located on North Road, Voya is a compact restaurant with a slowly evolving menu that develops every month. Add in their legit sound system and fun, vibey decor, and you’ve got the full package. Honestly, it’s probably the best food I’ve eaten in Brighton to date. I’m ‘proudly-embarrassed’ to say that I have visited three times in the last two months, and they delivered excellence with remarkable consistency on every visit.
TLDR: Voya are putting out some of the best food and vibes that Brighton has to offer – all from a small, creative venue. With vegan and meat options inspired by global street food and a live DJ setting the tone, this restaurant offers a special experience. Their top-quality cocktails, crafted by expert Liam Cotter, are just as impressive. Be sure to book ahead, seating is limited.
A venue with heart 🫀
From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel the heart and soul behind Voya. The founders, Liam, JD and Elina, are genuinely part of the Brighton community and take pride in everything they do – from the food to the music to the service. This isn’t just a place turning tables or jumping on the next insta-fad. These guys care deeply about every dish that leaves the kitchen and every beat that comes through the speakers. Trust me, it shows.
The vibe is warm, genuine, and inviting. The staff really enjoy what they’re doing and want to know if you’re having a good time. It feels like you’re stepping into a place that’s part of something bigger – a community hub where food, music, and people connect in the best way possible.
Vibey vibes with a soundtrack to match ✨
Speaking of vibes, Voya does things a little differently. There’s a DJ spinning vinyl in the back of the restaurant, but not in a way that makes you want to shout across the table to your friends. The music here is perfect, laid-back, but with energy that keeps the room buzzing. On one of our visits (I forget which) Matty S from Discothèque Tropicale was on the decks, blending Zouk, Caribbean, and Jazz that gave the whole space a casual atmosphere. They hit the perfect balance between a cosy night out and a party you didn’t even know you wanted to go to.
Oh, and Matty was recording his set live, you can find it here on his Soundcloud. When was the last time you had dinner somewhere with a live DJ recording a set? Exactly!
Mind blowing food 🤯
Now for the real show – the food. The menu changes every month, but there’s always a common thread. The dishes are inspired by the team’s favourite street food from around the world, but everything is elevated and carefully crafted. Nothing feels rushed or out of place, and you can always tell it’s Voya’s food, no matter what’s on the menu that month. The menu doesn’t change drastically from one month to another, but tweaks and updates are made based on seasonal ingredients and what the team feels like making.
We started with the Sweetcorn Ribs in Fermented Habanero Butter. Honestly? Probably one of the best sides I’ve eaten all year. The butter was spicy, smooth, and perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of the corn. It was one of those dishes that makes you question why you haven’t been eating it your entire life.
Next up was the Pork Belly Yakitori – tender, juicy pork belly, spiced with Szechuan and served on a skewer like candy. Legit, my eyes watered when I took the first bite. The balance of flavours was unreal. This dish alone makes it worth booking weeks in advance. And then there’s the Mushroom Birria. Earthy, umami-packed, and rich, it’s a vegetarian dish that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
“The Birria here at VOYA is a product of @set_and_settings_w_jd developing versions of it in multiple venues, food trucks, hatch style backyard kitchens, constantly evolving and literally years testing, tweaking and finessing – this didn’t come overnight, it’s the best Birria we can make. Never leaves the menu. “
– @voya_brighton
Whilst those plates stole the spotlight for me, I do also need to give a special mention to the Masala Prawns. Fresh, large, and cooked to perfection. In fact, when I posted them on my story @foodfoliagebrighton commented: “them prawns are life.” – to which I agree! They were juicy and full of flavour. Complimented incredibly by some delicious Paratha Bread. Gooey, morish, and just greasy enough to feel indulgent without going too far.
I could go on and on, but I won’t spoil all the fun – you’ll just have to try it yourself. Every dish is a winner. Even the simpler dishes, like the Miso Aubergine with Kombu Fried Rice, pack a punch. I’ve been here with meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, and everyone leaves satisfied. Voya is proof that a modest menu can deliver extraordinary results.
📖 Whilst the menu does change, you can view a sample menu here to get an idea.
Drinks done right 🍸
Voya are serving up some of the best cocktails in Brighton, with food to match. Seriously, the drinks are next-level… Take the Basho Margarita for example – oolong tea tequila, lime, lemongrass agave and toasted rice salt. This is a crisp drink that perfectly kicks off the evening.
Then there’s the Solera Negroni – easily one of the best Negronis I’ve ever had (and let me tell you, I’ve sampled plenty). The sake and strawberry gin add a bright, refreshing twist, beautifully balancing the usual bitterness. While it’s a unique spin on the classic, it’s not too wacky and keeps one foot firmly in reality, respecting the original.
And please don’t leave without trying the Rum Bread cocktail (brown butter-washed rum, miso, and masala) – rich, savoury, and completely unique. This one works well with a desert.
These outstanding drinks are the product of someone who knows what they’re doing. That someone is Liam Cotter, with an extensive background in curating menus for places like Hawksmoor Spitalfields – where he helped win ‘Best International Restaurant Bar’. Liam has poured that same passion and detail into Voya’s drinks menu. Every sip feels carefully considered, complimenting the food menu without overdoing it.
Voya is a MUST try 🤌
Voya isn’t just about great food – it’s about offering a full experience. The decor has a bit of a Scandi vibe, with quirky lamps and artwork that make it feel relaxed but sophisticated. If you want a meal that feels personal, thoughtful, and truly connected to the local culture, Voya is where it’s at.
Sure, it’s a little on the pricey side, but trust me – it’s worth it. If you’re thinking of spending money on Deliveroo over the next couple of weeks, save your cash and treat yourself to something truly special instead. Book ahead, grab your mates, tell ya da’ and get down to Voya.
You can book a table here: linktr.ee/voya_brighton
If you’re still reading, firstly thanks! And secondly, if you’re still not convinced then maybe some parting words from founder, Liam will do the trick:
I’ve worked in this field for years, in many guises and most styles – hotel, fine-dining, casual neighbourhood, dive bars, clubs and beyond – with an approach that was largely the same no matter what the need state or the customer expectation, and that was (as Danny Meyer once called ‘Enlightened hospitality’) to try to find the distinct difference between what ‘hospitality’ is vs what can be simply be classed as ‘service’. Because there absolutely is a difference, and that difference is what makes places and people special or not.
– Liam Cotter
Thanks for reading Brighton Bites Back. Let me know how you find it.
Looking for some other decent spots to eat? Why not check out this review of Red Snapper for quality Thai food, or this review of Shakespeare’s Head, for a banging Sunday Roast!
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.
