BEST NEW OPENING
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1. Dilsk
Enjoy tasting menus based around local and seasonal ingredients in an intimate semi-basement room in Drakes, a boutique hotel on Brighton’s seafront. There’s plenty of skill and invention on show from former 64 Degrees head chef Tom Stephens, whose CV also includes stints with Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kerridge and Simon Rogan. The laminated brioche and wild garlic butter are almost worth booking in for alone, but beautifully presented dishes that might include Orkney scallop with Cornish potatoes and Dilsk butter sauce wow even more. The set lunch and dinner menus offer exceptional value.
44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE
01273 696934
2. Permit Room
The much loved Indian restaurant group Dishoom have changed things up for their Brighton debut. Permit Room is an ‘all-day bar-cafe’ set in a large rambling building in the heart of the Lanes complete with roof terrace, burning incense and live DJs. But don’t worry, some Dishoom essentials like the breakfast-time bacon naan roll and the Chicken Ruby curry are present and correct. The list of creative cocktails includes a Blushing Dawn Paloma made with chilli tequila, mezcal, kumquat and spices. Walk-ins are encouraged although reservations are available.
32 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HL
01273 442199
3. Anakuma
This rustic Asian small plates joint is the second venture from Brighton-born restaurateur brothers Mo and Ali Razavi and is located just a few feet from their debut, the hugely popular Mexican restaurant Halisco. The ever-changing menu of affordable small plates might include irresistible dishes such as gochujang glazed barbecued corn ribs, Chinese style scallion pancakes, and pig’s cheek bao bun with soy glaze and pickled apple. Be sure to order one of the creative and potent cocktails.
50 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HP
01273 459396