My lovely city of Brighton is known for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to brunch and breakfast, the city isn’t short of exceptional (and varied!) options. I am lucky to say I’ve been to the large majority of cafés and restaurants in Brighton and Hove, so this list isn’t just a selection of what I’ve tried, it’s the very best considering food, atmosphere and experience.
Whether you’re visiting or looking for something different keep reading for my choices for the best brunch in Brighton for a date, a bottomless brunch in Brighton to catch-up with mates, a hearty traditional breakfast in Brighton to cure a big night, or a family-friendly breakfast spot in Brighton, I’ve tried and tested each of these recommendations, so you know my well-researched guide will have you covered.
The Canopy
The newly open Canopy is a welcome addition to the bustling neighbourhood of Seven Dials. This family run restaurant is the creation of Carla Grassy and Great British Chef Michael Bremmer, the café offers a relaxed brunch menu featuring an exquisite menu with creative (and delicious) twists on breakfast classics, and in the evening transforms into a relaxed dining experience, for now, offering a 3 course set-menu.
The space is calm and inviting, and the cosy garden a must in the summer. I had the salmon and poached eggs on crispy hashbrowns, which was perfect. I can’t wait to go back to try out their dinner menu. The restaurant highlights local produce and everything is done to great execution; the Canopy is bound to quickly become a Brighton favourite.
Great for: Friends, couples, families
Dogs are welcome
Address: 87-93 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3JE
Phone number 01273 000216
Instagram
Lost in the Lanes, Brighton
Tucked away on Nile Street int the charming South Lanes, Lost in the Lanes is a thoughtfully decorated restaurant, with fantastic food on offer too. Perfect to go with parents, or a date, Lost in the Lanes offers a brunch menu with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients with fun alternatives to staples, including my favourite ‘Lost Soldiers’ (cured egg hollandaise, rosti fingers) and Butcher’s, a deliciously local full english.
Vegetarian and vegan options aren’t just ticking boxes here; you’ll have several options including a smashed avocado on sourdough toast, and both a vegetarian and vegan option for full-englishes.
Great for: Couples, friends
Address: 10 Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW
Phone: 01273 525 444
Instagram: @lostinthelanes
Embers
Around the corner from Lost in Lanes, you’ll find the delightful Embers tucked away amongst the jewellery shops of the south lanes. Serving a distinctly different brunch menu, I LOVED seeing steak and eggs on the menu as it’s hands down my favourite breakfast. Embers’ smoky setup has heaps of atmosphere and character and it’s a perfect spot for a brunch date with friends, or a nice early date. I visited with my friend Emma, and after a few cocktails the previous night, we welcomed the Virgin Mary, which again was a little different with a smoked oyster mushroom and a citrus twist.
I obviously ordered the steak with a side of potato waffle, and Emma ordered the veggie breakfast. My steak was cooked to perfection and the shirred eggs (baked in Ember’s wood-fired oven) just right to dip my steak. The tomato compote was delicious as was the bacon jam. It came with mushrooms which I don’t even really like, but these were delicious. Emma’s vegetarian was huge with a healthy portion of sourdough toast, avocado oyster mushrooms and shirred eggs.
Great for: Friends and dates
Address: 42 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB
Phone: 01273 869222
Instagram: @embers_restaurant_
Oeuf
Oeuf in Hove is a solid choice for brunch and pretty Instagram-friendly interiors., especially if you like a menu that goes beyond the usual. One of my favourites here is the “Frumpets” – somewhere between French toast and a crumpet, topped with avocado, chilli jam, and a fried egg. It’s a bit different, but it works well – savoury, slightly sweet, and filling.
Vegetarian options are clearly marked and include a solid Plant Full English, with vegan sausage, mushrooms, and homemade beans. They’ve also got decent vegan choices and strong coffee. The space gets busy on weekends, so it’s worth booking ahead.
Great for: Friends and family
Address: 8 Third Avenue, Hove, BN3 2PX
Phone: 01273 945 885
Instagram: @oeuf.cafe
Red Roaster, Brighton
The Redroaster on New Road, just opposite the Brighton Dome is a great option for a nicely decorated spot that is super central. It’s a good all-rounder: nice space, plenty of seating, and a chilled atmosphere whether you’re going for a quick coffee or settling in for brunch. The food’s consistent with their other Kemp Town site – I’ve had avocado on toast and eggs (with a side of bacon) here a few times and it’s always a lovely dish. They do veggie and vegan versions of most dishes, and the coffee is their own roast, so always fresh. If you’re with a group or just want to sit and watch the world go by, this one’s in a prime spot – especially if you can grab a table outside on a sunny day.
Great for: People watching, families
The Permit Room, Brighton
If you’re in the Lanes and craving something a bit different for brunch, The Permit Room is a great spot to check out. It’s got a relaxed vibe, and the menu brings a Bombay twist to your morning. One dish I like to go for is the Bacon Naan Roll. Crispy bacon wrapped in a warm naan with cream cheese and a touch of chili jam. It’s a delicious start to the day without being overly heavy.
They also cater well to vegetarians and vegans. The Vegan Sausage Naan Roll is a solid choice, offering good flavour. Pair it with their bottomless chai for a ultimate confort. The rooftop terrace is a nice bonus, especially on sunny days, and the staff are always welcoming.
Great for: Great atmosphere, cocktails, different breakfast
Address: 32 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HL
Phone: 01273 442199
Instagram: @dishoompermitroom
Jo & Co, Hove
Jo & Co on Church Road in Hove is a multi-award winning restaurant with lots of different options for a gorgeous brunch. It’s a large space, with a bright and fun interior, great for families and friends. My son always goes for the Banana Foster french toast, a brioche topped with caramelised banana, strawberries, pecans, and caramel sauce. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including Jo’s vegan breakfast and a cornbread hash. They also offer a Bubbles Brunch deal (which I did very successfully for my birthday last year) where you can match any brunch item with a bottle of prosecco per person for £33 – the best value bottomless brunch in town I think! Make sure you pre-book as it gets super busy.
Address: 115 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF
Phone: 01273 934400
Instagram: @joandco_restaurants
Nowhere Man, Brighton
I absolutely love this place. Nowhere Man is known for its delicious sweet and savoury pancakes, and an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere. The vibe takes me back to my teens with 90s grunge often on, and the garden is a great little spot to eat your pancakes in the sunshine.
Address: 53 Upper North Street, Brighton, BN1 3FH
Phone: 01273 733 759
Instagram: @nowheremanbrighton
Billie’s Café, Brighton
A long favourite of mine, Billie’s Café is the home of the the hearty breakfast, their menu includes a selection of hashes (come very very hungry, portions are generous!), and has child-friendly (pancakes and milkshakes) and several veggie options too. It’s a small space, and not brilliant for those with a pushchair, so maybe skip if you’re visiting with a baby. They have a second café in Hove, next to the station that is much bigger and baby-friendly.
Address: 34 Hampton Place, Brighton, BN1 3DD
Phone: 01273 774 626
Instagram: @billiescafe
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Brighton
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is where you want to head to when looking for a proper breakfast with no frills. You’ll find this Brighton classic in the centre of the North Laines, with a great classic breakfast.
Address: 21 New England Road, Brighton, BN1 4GQ
Phone: 01273 688 035
Instagram: @breakfastattiffanysbrighton
Moksha Caffé, Brighton
Located just off London Road, Moksha Caffé is one of Brighton’s much loved cafés and popular breakfasts. One of my favourit dishes is the Chorizo Hash, which combines Sussex chorizo, fried eggs, chickpeas, fried potatoes, kale, zhoug, pickled onions, and coriander. It’s a hearty option that will make you feel alive again after a night out.
For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, Moksha offers a plant-based breakfast or the vegan tofu benedict is a beautiful option too. Go hungry as the café is known for its generous portions!
