The best Italian restaurants in Brighton are probably one of the best-kept secrets of this seaside city. It's not what comes to mind first for most people, but Brighton is home to over 80 eateries specialising in Italian food.
Vacations are as much about eating great food as they are about seeing beautiful sites and relaxing. So, if you're on a foodie trip to this vibrant beach town, check out these nine spots that are worthy of being the best Italian restaurants in Brighton.
Their fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and authentic Italian experience put them at the top of our list. We've also included our dish recommendations so you know what to order when visiting these eateries.
Jump to:
VIP Pizza
VIP Pizza is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brighton. They have three branches, two in Brighton and one in Hove.
'Very Italian Pizza' is their motto, and for a good reason. Moreover, this family-run business has roots in Naples, Italy. So, with five generations of great pizza-making, they really have an edge over other pizza joints in the area.
When you take a bite into a slice, you can feel that everything from the crust to the mozzarella is made with passion. In addition, the welcoming family atmosphere will have you coming back again and again. They source their quality ingredients directly from Italy, many coming directly from farmers.
When you stop by VIP Pizza, try any flavour of pizza for the best fire-grilled pizza. We really don't think it can go wrong here.
If you want a side to share, then we recommend getting a charcuterie board for the whole table. VIP Pizza will not disappoint you with the authentic flavours they deliver.
VIP Pizza
19 Old Steine, Kemptown, Brighton BN1 1EL, United Kingdom
Fatto a Mano
Named one of the best restaurants in Brighton by multiple media outlets, Fatto a Mano takes pride in delivering authentic Italian flavours in every dish. The chefs make the dough fresh daily with only the best ingredients, like double-zero flour. Moreover, their slow-proving process allows their dough to be light and easily digested.
They pride themselves on completing their pizzas with homemade sauces as well as fresh toppings. The pizza is then cooked in their pizzaiolo at 450 degrees for 90 seconds to produce an authentic Neapolitan-style pie. Their friendly environment makes Fatto a Mano a tourist favourite among the best Italian restaurants in Brighton.
Wondering where to start? We recommend ordering their bruschetta as a starter. They make it with fresh vine tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and basil, the bruschetta is filled with fresh Italian flavour that screams authenticity.
Then, continue your lunch with a Quattro Formaggi pizza. For the Quattro Formaggi, they use taleggio, gorgonzola, scamorza, and shaved parmesan cheese. Lastly, they top it off with fresh basil.
Fatto a Mano North Laine
25 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ, United Kingdom
CIN CIN
CIN CIN Brighton is a local's favourite among the best Italian restaurants in Brighton. It is a homey restaurant with a bright atmosphere that also has excellent dishes.
This Italian bar and kitchen were started in 2013 by lawyer David Toscano. In the beginning, he began his journey as a vendor at a street food event in the area. Then, he had high hopes of opening a restaurant, and it certainly paid off.
Today, CIN CIN has grown to take the title of having one of the best pasta dishes in Brighton. Moreover, it is a modern neighbourhood restaurant that brings a touch of modern Italy to the United Kingdom.
For the perfect weeknight dinner date location, we would head for their fresh, homemade pasta that comes with Aperol Spritz.
Try a dinner of tonnarelli, mussels, saffron, nduja crumb, and also samphire. This authentic Italian dish will make you feel like you are sitting on a street in Tuscany. Finish your dinner with something off of the dessert menu. The Cin Cin tiramisu has been a neighbourhood favourite for years.
CIN CIN
60 Western Road, Brighton BN1 4AG, United Kingdom
Nanninella Pizzeria
Whether you're in Hove or Brighton during your trip, make sure you head to Nanninella Pizzeria. It's one of the best Italian restaurants near the city centre.
The Amalfi atmosphere brings authentic Neapolitan flavours to the United Kingdom. In addition, Nanninella Pizzeria brings traditional Neapolitan dough to the heart of the beach town with its 24-hour proving method.
Nanninella Pizzeria prides itself on using ingredients sourced from both Italy and also local United Kingdom farmers. Their owner Sergio grew up on a farm in Napoli where he remembers Nonna Maria Cristina making pizza in their wood oven for the farm workers. So, this fond memory inspired him to open this amazing pizza joint.
We recommend starting your meal with some authentic Sicilian Nocellara green olives off of the Antipasti menu. These green olives will have your palate ready for the main course!
Next, continue your meal with a Diavola pizza. This traditional pizza has a tomato base with classic Italian toppings. For example, they include Fior di Latte, Spianata, chilli flakes, homemade chilli oil, and grated pecorino romano cheese.
Nanninella Pizzeria Napoletana
26 Preston St, Brighton BN1 2HN, United Kingdom
NuPosto
Stop by NuPosto to try the best Italian restaurants in Brighton Marina. It was the first Neapolitan pizza in Brighton when it opened in 2015. They have since expanded to serve fresh pasta, small plates, salads, and bar drinks.
The family from Napoli is passionate about bringing tastes of home to the streets of Brighton. It really shows in the food they bring to the table.
The family-run business embraces innovation in the kitchen. So, the restaurant upgrades the traditional Neapolitan recipes to have a modern twist. The atmosphere at NuPosto also embraces authentic traditions with the elegance of modern cooking. Moreover, it is a great stop for anyone wanting an afternoon cocktail. They have an all-day buy-1-get-1 half-price cocktail happy hour.
Start your dinner off light with their Rucolina salad. It is a simple starter, using wild rockets topped with parmesan shavings. Then, if you want pizza, try a Bianca pizza. otherwise, the Ortolana pizza has mozzarella, mixed peppers, black olives, Friarielli, olive oil, and basil.
However, if you are in the mood for pasta, try the Bucatini Burrata and Basil. This vegetarian fresh wheat pasta uses whole creamy burrata, tomato sauce, and also basil which we love.
NuPosto
14 West St, Brighton BN1 2RE, United Kingdom
Casalingo
Casalingo is one of the best Italian restaurants in Brighton and Hove. They offer fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and also a genuine social dining experience. This relaxed Italian restaurant gives you the family-oriented feel that Italians strive after.
However, Casalingo is a dinner-only restaurant. They open at 5 pm and stay open until late. So, make sure you come on a weeknight or a weekend.
If you're not sure what to order, the staff at Casalingo is always ready to help. We found that their friendly staff is happy to share the ins and outs of each authentic dish.
Enjoy a Tricolore appetizer with avocado, tomato, and mozzarella covered in classic Italian dressing.
Their Risotto Zafferano e Gamberetti is an excellent choice for your dinner's main course. It is a zucchini risotto with prawns, shallots, chives, and also white wine. Finally, complete your dinner with their delicious homemade cheesecake.
Casalingo
29 Preston St, Brighton BN1 2HP, United Kingdom
Purezza
If you're looking for an Italian vegan restaurant in Brighton, Purezza is a great option. Its main attraction for locals and tourists alike is the range of delicious food it serves without animal products.
Whether your vegan diet is because of health issues or a conscious choice, Purezza delivers amazing Italian meals that you can eat.
Purezza offers a plethora of dishes from Italy that are vegan-friendly. Their new small-plate menu allows you to try different dishes all at once during brunch in Brighton. You can try one small plate for a lower price or three dishes for a buffet of amazing vegan Italian dishes.
For us, they won our hearts with their Truffle pizza. It has its signature melty mozzarella, black truffles, roasted pancetta, and also a mix of wild forest mushrooms. In addition, we recommend enjoying the truffle pizza with a side of gluten-free macaroni and cheese. Truly, the best Italian restaurants in Brighton if you love truffles.
Purezza
12 St James’s St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1RE, United Kingdom
Al Duomo
Al Duomo brings an authentic Italian taste to the heart of Brighton. Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner on an outside terrace looking over Brighton. However, if you have a large party, be sure to book ahead to secure your seats at Al Duomo.
Al Duomo is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Brighton. They opened their doors in 1979 and featured Brighton’s first wood-fired pizza oven. They have since come under new ownership, but the quality has remained the same.
Now, this five-story eatery has a quaint atmosphere which we love.
Try the fresh pasta in Brighton with any of their fresh seafood dishes. It's perfect if you also want to sample some of the best seafood in Brighton.
We recommend trying the Paccheri Frutti di Mare. It is the paccheri pasta served with mixed local seafood in a cherry tomato, chilli, and white wine sauce.
You can also enjoy it alongside Cestino di Pane, a traditional bread selection. Al Duomo is one of the oldest yet best Italian restaurants in Brighton that we suggest you try.
Al Duomo
7, Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
Si Signore
You can enjoy Italian food or classic English dishes here at Si Signore. While you could go for the full English in the morning, go in the afternoon or evening for fresh Italian pasta.
Not to mention, Si Signore is fully licensed and allows you to bring your own bottle. Perfect if you want to pair your meal with your favourite Italian wine.
The Spaghetilla Carbonara is a favourite of ours here. It is homemade spaghetti pasta in a rich and creamy bechamel sauce, smoked bacon, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Si Signore also offers pizza, wines, side dishes, and salads. If you are gluten-intolerant, you can also ask the staff for gluten-free options. You will not be disappointed with your visit to Si Signore, which deserves a spot on Brighton's list of best Italian restaurants.
Si Signore
12 Sydney St, Brighton BN1 4EN, United Kingdom
Top Italian Restaurants in Brighton To Try
Home to over 80 Italian eateries, the best Italian restaurants are a bit of a needle in the haystack to find. So, here’s our summary of the best Italian restaurants in Brighton and Hove that you have to try.
Our Favourites
Of course, out of our list, we have our personal favourites. Brighton's top three best Italian restaurants are NuPosto, VIP Pizza, and Al Duomo.
We like NuPosto, which brings a modern touch to Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, Al Duomo gave a new meaning to alfresco in Brighton. It's a one-of-a-kind dining experience with some alternate views of the seaside city. Finally, VIP Pizza brings authentic flavours and Italian-sourced ingredients that really make us feel we're back in Rome again.
For more food suggestions, follow us on Instagram @honestfoodtalks.
Leave a Reply