For the best cheap eats in Brighton, fabulous food and incredible scenery, you need to try these 9 spots.
We love visiting this idyllic seaside paradise right in the heart of East Sussex on England's south coast, a few hours away from London. However, it can get expensive quickly if you find yourself in the tourist parts of town.
Consider this area if you're in the country and want a great day trip out of the big city. It's a laid-back, eco-friendly, inclusive place with fantastic foods and views.
So, grab a bargain for great food while enjoying this beautiful seaside town. Here are the best cheap eats in Brighton.
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Burger Brothers
If you're craving comfort food classics, Burger Brothers offers the best cheap eats in Brighton and excellent cheap pub food in Brighton. They also have a welcoming setting that will make you feel right at home.
Additionally, people on a budget will appreciate Burger Brothers' massive burgers, fries, fresh milkshakes, and sides. Although it's laid-back, you'll still get plenty of quality food.
Moreover, their classic burgers are one of their most outstanding dishes and certainly what puts Burger Brothers on the map of exceptional Brighton restaurants. Meaty, huge, and made to order, each burger is a work of art. If you're lucky you must try the Union Jack special! The blend of red Leicester, white chocolate, and blue cheese sauce is rich and creamy on their juicy beef patties.
Furthermore, vegetarians won't go hungry at Burger Brothers either. Their veggie options are also delicious enough for even the most discerning palates, with a special nod to their towering Veggie Burger. It's a vegan patty topped with smoked cheese, caramelised onions, and salsa. Therefore, for some of the best cheap eats in Brighton, Burger Brothers is a surefire winner.
Burger Brothers
97 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YE England
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Joe's Cafe
If your idea of the best cheap eats in Brighton involves sumptuous, delicious brunch fare, we have some good news. Joe's Cafe is the ideal place to go for brunch in Brighton. If you can, get a seat in their massive courtyard. It will allow you to do a lot of people-watching while you enjoy your meal.
Like any great breakfast spot, Joe's Cafe has tremendously good coffee. Robust, hot, and made to order, it's just what you need to get ready for your day. Additionally, their breakfasts are massive. Try different hashes if you want a meal that keeps you full and happy until dinner.
Joe's Cafe's chocolate vegan milkshake is so thick and creamy that it could be a meal on its own. But we recommend that you try to split the milkshake and order the standout Spanish Vegetable Hash with a range of veggies and just enough spicy zip to make your tongue tingle. Although both are healthy, you won't feel deprived in the slightest.
Joe's Cafe
24 Upper Hamilton Road Prestonville, Brighton BN1 5DF England
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Desi Indian Takeaway
Many of the best cheap eats in Brighton are Indian fare, as Desi Indian Takeaway illustrates so well. Also, not only will you stretch your money at this restaurant, but you'll also enjoy mouthwatering staples like butter chicken, samosas, and naan. For example, the chicken tikka is a must-try, with large pieces simmered in a delicious, slightly spicy sauce. However, if you want a little more kick, go with the Desi Special Chicken with green peppers, tomato, and onions in a spicy cream sauce.
Ultimately, if you love curries, Desi Indian Takeaway is the spot to go. Order them to taste and enjoy each with a considerable portion of fluffy rice. Although Desi Indian Takeaway gets super busy, you'll always feel welcomed and at home from the minute you step inside. In addition, service is always super quick.
Desi Indian Takeaway
7 Oxford Street, Brighton BN1 4LA England
Website
The Marine Tavern
The Marine Tavern serves up some of the best pub food in Brighton and arguably the best cheap eats in Brighton. This welcoming, inclusive establishment has plenty of thirst-quenching drinks on tap and also roast dinners that will knock your proverbial socks off. Therefore, calling it a gem is a vast understatement.
The Marine Tavern has exceptional bartenders and servers and the portions are more than generous. Make sure you try the roast beef or lamb, preferably a little bit of each. The roast is juicy and tender any way you slice it, and it is served with plenty of gravy and vegetables.
Similarly, another standout menu item is The Marine Tavern's fluffy and crisp Yorkshire pudding with just the right amount of egg and oil to make it savoury.
Ultimately, this classic establishment offers excellent traditional British food with a smile. You'll get authentic meals in a welcoming atmosphere, and you won't have to break your bank account.
The Marine Tavern
13 Broad Street, Brighton BN2 1TJ England
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Kanok Thai Restaurant
Easily one of the best restaurants in Brighton, Kanok Thai Restaurant is an intimate place that cooks traditional Thai cuisine to order. Unfortunately, there are only 20 tables, so make a reservation if you can, and prepare to enjoy some fabulous food that is also some of the best cheap eats in Brighton.
The food at Kanok Thai Restaurant wouldn't be out of place on the streets of Bangkok. Everything is super traditional and flavorful, with sweet, sour, and savoury elements running through the curries, sauces, and dishes. Moreover, the interior of Kanok Thai Restaurant is clean and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for families.
Ultimately, you can never go wrong with the dishes on their extensive menu! But the chicken satay offers the perfect blend of smoky and salty-sweet. However, if you like things on the spicier side, check out the bold red curry with a side of perfectly cooked rice to absorb some of the heat.
Kanok Thai Restaurant
65 Preston Street, Brighton BN1 2HE England
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Pompoko
Pompoko is one of the best restaurants in Brighton Centre, serving Japanese fare at reasonable prices. However, what truly makes this place unique is that everything is as fresh as can be, from the sizzling gyozas to the curries. However, if you're searching for something a little bit out of the box and new, check out Pompoko's pumpkin curry. The thick, creamy sauce is divine with a little zip. One taste will convince you why this restaurant has some of the best cheap eats in Brighton.
With options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, Pompoko is an excellent place to take virtually anyone, regardless of whether you are a picky eater or a foodie. Vegetarians will love the tofu curry with huge cubes of soft tofu and plenty of vegetables. However, if you like meat, try the chilli chicken donburi, a twist on ramen with a notable upgrade in flavour and a slight spiciness.
Pompoko also has an exhilarating vibe and is one of the cool restaurants in Brighton with its eclectic mix of people and varied menu.
Pompoko
110 Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UD England
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La Choza
When it comes to affordable restaurants in Brighton, you have plenty of options, but La Choza is in a league of its own. For traditional, hot, and fresh Mexican street food, they have the best cheap eats in Brighton, and you'll enjoy a casual, relaxed vibe, friendly people, and excellent service. Not to mention they're a dog-friendly restaurant in Brighton.
Plus, La Choza is in the heart of it all since it's right on the Brighton North Laine. So stop in after a busy day of sightseeing to sink your teeth into a huge plate of nachos, massive burritos, or authentic tacos. There are also Mexican beers on tap, fresh margaritas, and juices.
You must try the pork enchiladas for something steeped in traditional Mexican flavour. However, if you get lucky, you might catch the unique octopus tacos with marinated octopus topped in veggies and spices to give them a little zip. Don't skimp on the fresh salsa and guacamole.
If you can, get a seat outside so you can people-watch while eating one of the best meals you're likely to get in Brighton. Alfresco dining in Brighton at its finest.
La Choza
36 Gloucester Road 105 Western Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ England
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Social Board Brighton
As one of the best restaurants in Brighton, this establishment offers traditional English fare. For example, massive English breakfasts with giant salads, authentic coffee, and lots of homemade soups! For comfort food favourites in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is where it's at.
One of the things that Social Board does beautifully is make vegan and gluten-free dishes that taste delicious. Our vegan friends love their vegan friendly option in Brighton.
Sometimes, vegan and gluten-free food seems like an afterthought, but this eatery caters equally to all of its clientele. So even wheat-eaters and non-vegans will love it.
Must-try items include any of their giant salads, and the halloumi bap with avocado is the ideal blend of creamy textures that melts in your mouth. The bacon sandwich is also great, full of large pieces of bacon and a generous smear of mayo. It's simple but tasty and will fill you up properly, making it one of the best cheap eats in Brighton.
Social Board Brighton
21 St. James's Street, Brighton BN2 1RF England
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Sunbirds Deli
For student eats in Brighton, there's only one place to visit; Sunbirds Deli. This great deli features huge bowls of hearty homemade soup, perfect for those cold winter days and long study sessions. Plus, you can't beat the bread. Warm, fluffy, and homestyle, it's stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
Aside from the soup, visitors should check out the fresh juice, shareable platters, meatballs, and baklava. The baklava at Sunbirds Deli is phenomenal because it's light and fluffy enough to melt in your mouth. Since it's a touch on the sweet side, pair it with a cup of authentic Turkish coffee. Visiting this deli is a genuine, immersive experience that will give you a taste of Turkey, plus some of the best cheap eats in Brighton.
Sunbirds Deli
108 London Road, Brighton BN1 4JG England
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Jia Mo
Jia Mo is steps from the Royal Pavilion and offers an intimate yet laid-back setting. It's a unique Chinese food experience that trends toward subtle spices instead of strong or overpowering flavours. But, of course, this could be partly because they make noodles fresh every day and don't want patrons to miss out on those textures and flavours.
Pick any dishes with noodles because they are freshly made and perfectly prepared daily. The sesame noodles are delicious and flavorful enough to eat on their own! However, it is better to go with friends so you can mix and match dishes and try all the incredible noodle varieties.
The sticky rice with dates is a nice side to blend out some of the spice if you choose to have the staff add some chilli to your meal.
Jia Mo
2 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD England
Website
Best Cheap Eats in Brighton
- Burger Brothers
- Joe’s cafe
- Desi Indian takeaway
- The Marine Tavern
- Kanok Thai Restaurant
- Pompoko
- La Choza
- Social Board Brighton
- Sunbirds Deli
- Jia Mo
Our Favourites
Although all our restaurants are fantastic, three stand out for having the best cheap eats in Brighton.
The Marine Tavern
The Marine Tavern doesn't look like much from the outside, but the pub is clean and serves a meal that rivals anything homecooked. The simply sumptuous roasts are divine and served with all the best trimmings.
Kanok Thai Restaurant
Whether you prefer a little or a lot of spice, it's easy to find a dish that fits your palate. Plus, the authentic flavours and taste come through in every bite.
Burger Brothers
Sometimes you just need a giant pub-style burger to satisfy a craving. You can go vegetarian or full-on carnivore and pile on the toppings to have it done your way.
For more amazing insights into where you should go and what to eat, follow us on Instagram at @honestfoodtalks!
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