There’s never been a better time to escape to the seaside. If you’re planning a beach break in Brighton this summer, here are 10 of the best places to dine al fresco.
The Salt Room
Situated opposite Brighton’s West Pier, this modern British seafood restaurant boasts uninterrupted views of the seafront. Grab a table on the shaded terrace and enjoy dishes like coal roasted crab claws, salt baked bream, and turbot with peas and baby gem. They serve excellent sharing roasts on Sundays – be sure to book ahead.
Olive Grove
On warm days, Olive Grove’s cosy courtyard garden is the place to be. Surrounded by lanterns and olive trees, you can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes like calamari, patatas bravas, and lamb cutlets with tzatziki and lemon.
Sister to the award-winning 64 Degrees, Murmur is a relaxed all-day eatery situated in the recently revamped arches on Brighton beach. With space for 40 on the terrace, it’s a top spot for an al fresco breakfast or low-key dinner. Expect dishes like grilled prawns with smoked chilli aioli and roast cod with brown shrimp butter.
The Copper Clam
Satisfy your cravings for lobster and oysters at this family-run restaurant on the seafront. There are parasols for shade on hot days, plus lighting and heaters so you can dine al fresco all year round. Their tempura lobster roll will convert any seafood sceptic but there are locally sourced steaks for the die-hard carnivores in your party.
Dine under strings of twinkling lights on Bistro du Vin’s sheltered terrace. The menu is inspired by French home-style cooking, so expect familiar favourites like cassoulet, moules marinière, and steak frites. Be sure to save room for dessert or a visit from the cheese trolley.
Lucky Beach Café
With beachfront tables and a shaded patio, Lucky Beach is a local favourite serving fresh, sustainable and mostly organic food and drink. They’re best known for their burgers, but they also serve fish and chips, chilli crab tostadas, and some of Brighton’s best brunch dishes.
Sun-seekers can choose from Bohemia’s street terrace or head upstairs to the Veuve Cliquot roof garden – both are heated on chilly days. Their dapper mixologists make some of the best cocktails in town, from the classic to the quirky. Don’t miss the Rock and Rhubarb – a Brighton-inspired blend of gin, pear and rhubarb liqueur, lemon, strawberry blossom foam, and rock candy.
Riddle & Finns
Riddle & Finns new beachfront restaurant is opening soon, but until then you can dine al fresco at the original oyster bar in The Lanes. Grab a table and watch the world go by while enjoying Champagne and oysters, shellfish platters, or their famous fish pie.
For cocktails, craft beers, and seriously good burgers, book yourself a table at Stock Burger. Go for the build-your-own option and create the burger of your dreams or try the award-winning El Toro, topped with pulled oxtail and melted Swiss cheese. Their spacious seafront terrace is an added bonus.
Rockwater, Hove
With its sun-soaked deck and buzzy roof terrace, Rockwater ticks all the al fresco boxes. It’s open all day – ideal for catch-ups over coffee, long lunches, and dinner and drinks while the sun sets.
Where’s your favourite place to dine al fresco in Brighton? Let us know in the comments.
Updated April 2021.
