10 THINGS TO DO IN MAY
THE BEST OF BRIGHTON, HOVE & SUSSEX
TASTE MORE, SPEND LESS IN BRIGHTON & SUSSEX
THE BRIGHTON BAKERY EDIT
WHAT'S ON THIS MONTH
GIVE THE GIFT OF GREAT FOOD
NEW IN BRIGHTON & SUSSEX
Search RESTAURANTS BRIGHTON
Brighton restaurants come alive in May, as the city shakes off winter and bursts into one of its most exciting months for food and drink. Fresh from this year’s Brighton Restaurant Awards, there’s no shortage of award-winning places to discover. At RestaurantsBrighton.co.uk, we bring it all together—your go-to guide for eating out in Brighton and beyond. Be inspired by our Things to Do in Brighton for May, browse our locals’ events guide for nights out, uncover special offers for savings, and follow us on Instagram for the latest openings, dishes and trends across the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Pictured: Lunch at Kindling in The Lanes
Must-Try Visits and New Discoveries
Discover the best places to eat and drink in Brighton, Hove and Sussex this bank holiday. From seaside brunch spots and award winning Sunday roasts to alfresco dining, cocktails and the latest restaurant openings, explore our guide to bank holiday restaurants in Brighton and where to visit for the long weekend.
Pictured: Cecconi’s on Brighton Seafront
Brighton’s food scene is heating up. From sun-drenched beer gardens and the city’s finest alfresco spots to pre-theatre dining and legendary Sunday feasts, May is packed with flavour. Discover the buzz of hot new openings, sharpen your skills in cookery classes, or find the perfect private hire space for spring events. Plus, unlock exclusive foodie deals across Hove and beyond.
Start your morning right with the definitive guide to the best breakfasts Brighton and Hove has to offer, curated by Brighton’s No.1 Food Guide. Whether you are craving a traditional Full English, artisan sourdough bakes, or a healthy vegan start, our expert selection highlights the city’s top-rated morning spots. Explore award-winning cafes across the North Laine, Hove, and the seafront. From hidden neighbourhood cafes in Hove to bustling local favorites, we bring you the most delicious ways to wake up in Brighton.
Pictured MEO in Kemptown
The best food and drink events lighting up Brighton and Sussex: from pop-ups and tastings to chef collaborations, festivals and unforgettable dining experiences.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, stepping away from the office for a midday break, or making the most of a sunny afternoon by the sea, Brighton and Hove is packed with fantastic lunch spots. From relaxed cafés and neighbourhood bistros to award-winning restaurants serving seasonal plates, there’s something for every appetite.
Explore our guide to the best lunch in Brighton for inspiration, browse our Top 20 restaurants for standout dining, or make the most of the sunshine with alfresco dining across the city.
And if you’re looking for great value, check out our latest food and drink offers where you’ll often find brilliant lunch deals. Pictured: Terra at Tottington Manor.
BRIGHTON RESTAURANTS, PUBS AND CAFES - by Neighbourhood
Restaurants Brighton Gift Vouchers are the ultimate flexible gift for food lovers, redeemable at nearly 30 independent pubs, cafés, and restaurants across Sussex – supporting all your favourite local independents.
Ideal gifts for friends, family, birthdays, work colleagues – plus you can split the vouchers over different venues.
BEST FOR
Explore Restaurants Brighton’s Most-Loved Pages
Discover the best Brighton restaurant special offers and dining deals across Brighton, Hove, and Sussex. 2-4-1 offers, happy hours, set menus, 20% off, £10 lunch, meal deals and more.
Look out for the newest offers, every Monday on our Instagram.
Brighton Restaurant Awards - Winners 2026
Your 2026 Brighton dining bucket list is here. We’ve crunched the numbers on over 71,000 public votes to bring you the guide to the region’s best. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Sussex date night or a midweek lunch that hits the spot, explore our curated BRAVO categories and see which local legends made the Top 20 this year!
- Still time to book a long weekend at Villa Loredana with Cin Cin
- IL Bistro – next regional supper: Puglia, 14 May
- Try the perfect Negroni at Bar 50ml (pictured)
- Take a handmade pasta workshop at Open Bakery, 16 May
- Share salumeria, warm focaccia, olives and wine in the sunshine at Tutto
Where we're Drinking
Back street cocktail bars, to cosy Brighton pubs, Sussex vineyards to wine bars.
See all the latest new openings and fresh additions to the Restaurants Brighton Guide. Here are a few highlights:
New to Restaurants Brighton this month: Cecconi’s at Soho House, Wingrove House in Alfriston, Wild Flour Pizza in Ovingdean and The Greenhouse in Hove.
Just opened or coming soon: Sora Japanese pop up at Malmaison, The Salt Room re-launch and The Set at Preston Circus.
Pictured: The Salt Room.
WIN: £100 to spend at The Greenhouse
We’ve teamed up with The Greenhouse, one of Hove’s newest additions, to give one lucky winner £100 to spend on food & drink of their choice.
Round up your friends for wings, burgers and drinks on the sunny terrace, or a laid-back lunch with coffee, pastries and fresh sandwiches. However you spend it, you’re in for a treat.
Enter the Instagram Competition here.
Follow RESTAURANTS BRIGHTON on Instagram.
Have Questions about Restaurants Brighton?
Find our most asked questions, answered below
What is RestaurantsBrighton.co.uk?
Restaurants Brighton is the leading food and drink guide for Brighton, Hove and Sussex. Founded in 2011, we’ve welcomed over 15 million visitors who come to discover the very best Brighton restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars in the area. The independent food and drink guide is run by a small team of local Brighton residents and the website is exclusive to Brighton only.
Why is Restaurants Brighton the number one food and drink guide for the city?
Restaurants Brighton is the leading food and drink guide for Brighton, Hove and Sussex. Founded in 2011, we’ve welcomed over 15 million visitors who come to discover the very best restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars in the area. We also run the BRAVOS which is the public voted for food and drink awards for the city. The BRAVOS reached their tenth year in 2026 where 71,000 votes were cast.
How can I find the best restaurants in Brighton?
On the Restaurants Brighton website you can search by location, cuisine type, or occasion, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you want fine dining in The Lanes, a casual brunch in Hove, or seafood by the seafront, our guide has it covered. The public voted for their favourite or best restaurants in 2026 and you can see all the best restaurant winners on this top 20 round up.
Do you cover restaurants in Hove and Sussex too?
Yes, Restaurants Brighton showcases the best restaurants across Brighton, Hove, and the wider Sussex area, from beachside dining to Sussex countryside gastropubs and vineyard restaurants. We also provide eating out guides for Worthing, Lewes restaurants, Alfriston, Shoreham, Rottingdean, Eastbourne and other towns located nearby to Brighton.
Can I find restaurant offers and deals on Restaurants Brighton?
Absolutely. We feature the latest food and drink offers for Brighton and Hove, including seasonal menus, lunch deals, set menus, kids eat for free, happy hours and special promotions from top Brighton restaurants.
How often is the Brighton restaurant guide updated?
The Restaurants Brighton guide is updated daily with new restaurant openings, menu updates, special food and drink events for Brighton, and food news, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date information about where to eat in Brighton.
Does Restaurants Brighton feature new restaurant openings?
Yes – we’re first to share news on exciting new restaurant openings, pop-ups, and foodie events in Brighton and Hove, so you’ll always be in the know.
Can I sign up for weekly updates on Brighton restaurants?
Yes, the Restaurants Brighton newsletter delivers the latest food and drink news, restaurant openings, events, and offers straight to your inbox each month, so you never miss out.
Is Restaurants Brighton free to use?
Yes – our Brighton restaurant guide is completely free to use, helping you explore the city’s incredible food scene without spending a penny before you dine.
Are these restaurants in Brighton England UK?
Yes, this restaurant guide is only for restaurants in Brighton England, or Brighton restaurants in the UK. This is a restaurant guide also which operates solely in Brighton in England. It is exclusive to Brighton, Hove and surrounding Sussex and covers restaurants, pubs and cafes. Restaurants Brighton is also organiser of the annual BRAVO Awards, where locals vote for their favourite local Brighton and Sussex restaurants.