Not familiar with Brighton? Worried about whether to bring a packed lunch or not? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. Here are a few recommendations for some of Brighton’s finest places to eat, which are all quite close to the Sallis Benney Theatre. Here's a map! (View BrightonSEO Lunch Suggestions in a larger map)
The Sussex Yeoman: If you’re looking for a modern take on traditional pub food, the Yeoman is the place to go. Some favourites stay on the menu, but the majority of their dishes are based on the produce and ingredients that they’re able to source locally. While not the least expensive pub around, the portions are quite large. Plus, if you enjoyed your meal and want to bring some home, the chef makes sausages in house, and you can take some of Elle’s Belles home with you.
Nia: Located in the very popular North Laines area, Nia is a small brasserie which does delicious food in a shabby chic environment. Along with breakfast served all day, Nia has small but well thought out lunch and dinner menus. Nia offers a relaxed atmosphere, and if you’re feeling like a European style lunch, maybe a cheeseboard or fishcakes and a great cup of coffee this is the place for you. The huge windows are perfect for people watching in this bustling area.
Food for Friends: One of Brighton’s busiest restaurants, Food for Friends is the place for vegetarians. With an huge menu of gourmet food for veggies, if you’re keen to eat here you might want to consider a reservation. Food for Friends is a big, friendly space where you can enjoy some nibbles before your main course of risotto fritters or warm haloumi, avocado and fresh mango salad. If you’re on a gluten-free diet, or have any other dietary restrictions, this might be the place for you as they are very understanding of dietary restrictions.
Lucky Star: If you’re looking for authentic Chinese food, the Lucky Star will make you happy. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but Lucky Star is a small bustling restaurant offering a buffet at lunch and an extensive menu in the evening. The owner is always there to greet her customers, answer any questions or make recommendations. The food is inexpensive and they have a huge selection of dishes. Make sure to ask for the authentic Chinese menu – you won’t be disappointed.
Pompoko: Also located in the North Laines and typically packed at lunch, if you do stumble upon a table at Pompoko, you’ll find a wide variety of Japanese dishes. They don’t offer sushi but they do have lots of hot food, including rice bowls, salad bowls, and lots of little nibbles if you’re in the mood for a few small dishes.
Oki-Nami: If sushi is what you’re after, just down the road is Oki-Nami. They have a large selection of both sushi and hot dishes. At lunch, there is a small set menu available but if you’d rather order Japanese tapas or sushi you have that option as well. With lots of lunch sized platters and bento combinations, you’ll be able to find something great here.
Bill’s: One of Brighton’s gems, Bill’s offers diners a wide variety of dishes with influences coming from all over the world. Feeling like a BLT? You’ll get that here. Feeling like a Thai Curry or Couscous? Bill’s has that too. Inside has the feel of a warehouse, and with shelves lined with jars, cans and bottles—among many other things—and a number of baskets of fresh produce greeting you when you come in, it doesn’t take too long to figure out that Bill’s is a kind of hybrid shop and cafe.
The North Laines area also has a number of chains:
Wagamama: A chain serving Asian inspired rice and noodle dishes and soups, Wagamama can accommodate large groups in their bright, centrally located space.
Carluccio’s: A chain coming from one of Britain’s favourite Italian chefs, Carluccio’s offers a varied menu of sandwiches and pasta as well a number of main courses.
Cote: The newly opened Brighton site of Cote offers lots of typical French brasserie style dishes. They typically have a number of offers and specials on at the lunch hour.