Discover Where to Eat in Brighton – Local Picks Near Central Wave

Breakfast & Brunch

• A Table Café (5 min walk) – A popular local spot on St James’s Street for hearty breakfasts and brunches. They serve generous cooked breakfasts (and Israeli-inspired dishes like shakshuka) along with homemade granola and pancakes. The décor is light and friendly with a small garden out back. (Website: atablebrighton.co.uk) – booking can be useful at peak times.

• Social Board (3 min) – A casual Kemptown café‑deli on St James’s Street known for its sandwiches and brunch. They do “full breakfasts” and loaded brunches alongside gourmet sandwiches and baps made with local ingredients. Portions are generous and prices reasonable. Good for grabbing a filling meal to go or sitting in for a laid‑back brunch. (Website: socialboardbrighton.com)

• Starfish & Coffee (10 min) – A multi‑award-winning café by Queen’s Park (Egremont Place) offering specialty coffee and brunch. Try their indulgent pancakes (bacon & maple syrup) or eggs Benedict, plus veggie/vegan and gluten-free options. It’s a bit of a hidden gem for a relaxed morning out. (Website: starfishandcoffee.cafe) – their colorful garden seating is especially nice on sunny mornings.

Coffee

• Redroaster (3 min) – One of Brighton’s most famous coffeehouses, at the bottom of St James’s Street. Redroaster roasts its own beans and is known for excellent specialty coffee and brunches. The Scandi-style café is bright and airy – great for lattes or espresso, with light brunch dishes and pastries. (Website: redroaster.co.uk) – it’s popular, so try to arrive early or at off-peak times.

• Metrodeco Tea Rooms (4 min) – A 1930s-inspired café on Colebrook Row, just off Marine Parade. It’s famed for afternoon tea but also open at breakfast time. You can get a traditional full English or eggs along with great coffee, all in a quirky vintage setting. In the evenings they even do “tipsy teas” with cocktails. (No website; see visitbrighton.com Metrodeco) – small place, so it’s lovely but informal.

Seafood

• The Gothic Crab (6 min) – Brighton’s first “seafood boil” restaurant, in a dramatic Gothic‑style interior on Madeira Place in Kemptown. It’s just a short stroll from Central Wave (about 5–6 minutes). This lively spot is known for Cajun‑style seafood boils (pots of lobster, crab, mussels, prawns with corn & potatoes in garlicky sauces), plus raw bar options like oysters. The vibe is fun and unpretentious, perfect for sharing a messy, flavourful meal with friends. (Website: thegothiccrab.co.uk – booking recommended, especially evenings.)

• The Regency Restaurant (15 min) – A Brighton institution on King’s Road by the pier. Established in the 1930s, it’s famous for classic fish & chips on the seafront. You can get traditional batter‑fried haddock or cod with chips and mushy peas, all enjoyed with sea views towards the i360 and pier. Generous portions and old-fashioned charm make it a quintessential Brighton experience. (Website: theregencyrestaurant.co.uk – it’s wise to book ahead on busy days.)

• English’s of Brighton – A higher-end option a bit further east on the marina for fresh seafood (oysters, lobster, crab) and modern British plates. Not far for a longer stroll or quick bus ride. (No cite; see englishs.co.uk).

Vegetarian / Vegan

Brighton is very veggie‑friendly! Two top picks:

• Purezza Vegan Pizza (3 min) – Located on St James’s Street, Purezza is Britain’s first 100% plant-based pizzeria. They make award-winning Neapolitan‑style pizzas with vegan cheese and classic toppings – in fact locals say the pizzas are so good they won awards in national competitions. It’s casual and family‑friendly. (Website: purezza.co.uk – reservations possible but not usually needed.)

• Terre à Terre (12 min) – A famous Brighton landmark (in The Lanes) that’s been serving creative vegetarian & vegan cuisine since 1993. This cosy, award-winning restaurant offers gourmet veg dishes (often with a global or Asian twist) and an extensive wine list, including many organic and English wines. It’s a great choice for a special dinner, though it can be pricey – reserve in advance. (Website: terreaterre.co.uk)

• VIP Pizza (5 min) – Family-run Italian pizzeria on St James’s Street. All classic pizzas are available vegetarian, with many offering vegan cheese or veggie toppings. Good for something quick, with a traditional pizza‑o’clock vibe. (No booking; walk-ins only.)

• Lucky Beach Café – A 10‑minute stroll east on Marine Parade, this café is fully vegan and prides itself on organic, sustainable produce (and great seaside views). (Website: luckybeach.co.uk).

Dinner (All-day)

• Busby & Wilds (3 min) – A relaxed Kemptown gastropub (Rock Street) with a seasonal British/European menu. They use local ingredients in dishes ranging from pub classics to modern small plates (think braised meats, fish dishes, etc.). There’s also an excellent bar list. It feels like a friendly neighbourhood spot – good for dinner or drinks. (Website: busbyandwilds.co.uk – book weekends.)

• Lucky Khao (ex-Redroaster) (3 min) – In the evening Redroaster becomes Lucky Khao, Brighton’s only Northern Thai restaurant. Expect grilled and barbecue‑style dishes (charcoal‑grilled meats, corn ribs, and fiery curries) and plenty to share. It’s lively and casual, with strong flavours. (Website: luckykhao.co.uk – booking recommended.)

• Friends of Ham (10 min) – A modern wood-fired pizza place on Lewes Road, known for creative toppings like white truffle, plus a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with locals. (No website.)

• Chilli Pickle (12 min) – A warm, modern Indian restaurant in The Lanes serving both vegetarian and meat curries. Good if you fancy spiced Indian food (they do a mean paneer tikka masala). (Website: thechillipickle.com).

Pubs & Informal Eats

• The Bristol Bar (1 min) – A classic Kemptown pub on Marine Parade (Paston Place) right by the beach. It’s Kemptown’s famous corner pub, with panoramic sea views. The menu is homely bistro fare (fish, steaks, hearty pies) and there’s a solid drinks list. The atmosphere is unpretentious and cosy – great for fish & chips, Sunday roast or just a pint at the bar. (Website: thebristolbar.co.uk – reservations recommended for meals.)

• Marine Tavern (2 min) – A tiny and friendly pub at 13 Broad Street. It’s bright and quirky (pride flags, retro arcade games) and very LGBTQ‑friendly. The focus is on drinks, but they do simple bar snacks. It’s worth a stop for the cosy local vibe. (Website: themarinetavern.co.uk).

• Lion & Lobster (8 min) – A large multi‑level pub on Eastern Road (Princess Street), set around a rooftop terrace. Known as “a Brighton institution for great food & good times,” it serves up classic pub dishes (fish & chips, burgers, Sunday roast) in a traditional setting. Dogs and kids are welcome upstairs and the big garden is lovely in good weather. (Website: thelionandlobster.co.uk – booking advised for Sunday roasts.)

Each recommendation above is within walking distance of Central Wave (times vary roughly from 1 to 10 minutes) and links to the venue’s website (or official info) are provided. Most places do serve food all day or at least through the evening. It’s always a good idea to book ahead at popular spots (especially on weekends or for larger groups). Enjoy your stay and happy dining in Brighton!