BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING
BINCHO YAKITORI
Winner
Diners are transported to a Tokyo backstreet at this authentic izakaya style diner that has become a Brighton institution since opening a decade ago. You’ll find chef David Miney a constant presence at the grill, preparing mouth-watering dishes including skewers of smoky, slow-cooked pork belly or wildly addictive chicken skin, or their seriously moreish kara-age (Japanese fried chicken). The sake flight makes for a really fun meal.
63 Preston Street, Brighton, BN1 2HE
01273 779021
THE CHILLI PICKLE
Runner up
The constant invention in this modern Indian brasserie, which in early 2025 moved to a beautiful new site in the Lanes, means you’ll never fail to be astonished by the innovative spin on Indian food served from chef Alun Sperring’s kitchen. Go for the exceptional sharing feasts for dinner or a stunning lunchtime thali, or treat yourself at home to their award-winning takeaways.
The signature oxtail madras, a 2008 recipe which remains a firm favourite with diners, is a must-try.
6-8 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
01273 442893
PALMITO
Runner up
This tiny 20-seater restaurant on Western Road is run by chef Diego Ricaurte, who largely takes inspiration from his home country of Ecuador, but also from much further afield, to create eclectic, spice-driven dishes. The menu changes almost daily, and a meal could include plates of prawn and chorizo empanadas, grilled jerk chicken with plantain patacones, and lamb pinchos morunos with spiced quince chutney.
A buzzy atmosphere, Latin-inspired cocktails and great music (a record player is often spinning next to the open kitchen) are further reasons to visit.
16 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1AE
01273 777588
AMARI
Runner up
Voted our best new opening in 2025, Amari’s modern Spanish food caught the attention of the Michelin guide a mere nine weeks after opening, which described the menu as one “full of dishes that deliver on their promise: the croquetas are creamy, the crudo refreshing and the suckling pig is prepared with skill.” Enjoy a Spanish-wine heavy drinks list and round off your meal with a sherry for the full Iberian experience.
15 Baker Street, Brighton, BN1 4JN
01273 435992
KITGUM
Runner up
Modern small plates inspired by owner Fayaz Amlani’s East African/Indian roots are the order of the day at this intimate, cool neighbourhood restaurant on Preston Circus. The food is vibrant and creative, with dishes such as cured chalkstream trout with hung yoghurt and pineapple, Pakistani-style short rib nihari with charred green peppers and cardamom doughnuts with saffron kulfi. Upbeat playlists and one of the warmest welcomes in town makes this place a popular, fun spot worth heading out of the city centre for.
9 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QE
01273 933660