Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Brighton

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Brighton? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

VIP Very Italian Pizza - Saltdean

4.8

4.8 (18)

£25 and under

Pizzeria

Brighton

About the restaurant

For five generations, since 1880, our family have poured love and hard work into the very heart of everything we do – and to this day that passion and effort makes our food the very best that we can offer.

Back in Italy our family own and run farms that are dedicated to rearing and growing the very best produce, produce that has found its way into the finest food halls and kitchens around the world.

That same fine produce is the basis of every dish that we prepare in our kitchens. We use our top quality cheeses, hams and sausages, the best flour and olive oil and the freshest vegetables, meats and fish that we can find – and all that is prepared with love so that we can serve you excellent and authentic classic Italian dishes.

This is food with heart made with passion so that you know that to our family you are all VIPs!

Top review

Rachel

Dined 2 days ago

We are regulars at VIP and the food and service are always top notch

FUMI Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (355)

£26 to £40

Japanese

Brighton

About the restaurant

There’s a saying in Japan, ‘Ichi-go ichi-e,’ which means, every moment is one-of-a-kind and something to be treasured. This is the philosophy of our neighbourhood restaurant FUMI, located in the centre of Brighton.
A slow restaurant in a fast-moving city, FUMI is a place where flavours, service and interiors are harmonious.
A simple Japanese inspired menu driven by the seasons, our moods and by whatever is fresh and exciting in the moment.

At FUMI, we source all our produce, meats and fish from small, local suppliers. Nothing is mass-produced or served out of season, with everything we create coming directly from the farm to your table. Each meal at FUMI is a celebration of bountiful harvests, beloved community, and our favourite pairing of food and friends.
We hope you enjoy.

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic service and superb food. I totally recommend.

IL Bistro

4.7

4.7 (406)

£25 and under

Steakhouse

Brighton

About the restaurant

In 1976 Michael Garman returned to Brighton and opened IL Bistro
after being inspired by the Italian and French culture and cuisine
during his travels to the Provence and the western coast of Italy.
His goal was to open Brighton’s first Mediterranean steakhouse.
For the first time, Brightonians were able to order fresh pasta,
arancini, dry aged beef, tiramisu and negronis.

50 years later and now owned by Michael's son Abe,
IL Bistro still stands by the same principles, using local suppliers
and produce, fresh and seasonal ingredients and the best available dry
aged British beef. The restaurant is situated in an 18th century
fisherman’s cottage which we find rather fitting after Michael
spent years in Portofino, Livorno and Saint-Tropez, Europe’s
most famous fishing villages.
Booking info:
We ask for a £10 per person deposit which gets deducted from your final bill.
One of our team will be in touch to take your deposit, bookings will only be confirmed once the deposit is paid

Top review

Helen

Dined on Apr 25, 2026

The staff are especially amazing. The food is gorgeous. It’s dog friendly. Have been a few times, and will be going again!

Kindling Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (738)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Brighton

About the restaurant

At Kindling we believe that great steak should be for everyone. We’re an award-winning, independent restaurant in the heart of Brighton Lanes.

We're known for fire-cooked flavour, great value steak plus the kind of relaxed, friendly vibe that keeps locals coming back. We were voted Best Lunch in Brighton and named the #2 restaurant in the city in the 2026 Brighton Restaurant Awards.

Our open kitchen lets you see all the action up close. Witness the skill and passion of our team as they cook your steak to perfection. Kindling is perfect for casual business lunches, family get-togethers and catch-ups with friends.

Our menu is simple but spot-on. It features grass-fed British beef and delicious cocktails, wines, and beers that perfectly complement your meal. On Sundays we serve our Sharing Roast for two alongside our regular menu.

We're just a short stroll from the seafront, Brighton Pavilion, Palace Pier and Brighton Centre.

Top review

Ma Mitzi

Dined 5 days ago

Everything was spot on, from food to service. Great atmosphere and ambiance. The staff thoughtfully surprised us with a ‘Happy Anniversary’ plate featuring two heart-shaped chocolates—it was a lovely touch.

Burger & Lobster Brighton

4.7

4.7 (41)

£26 to £40

Seafood

Brighton

About the restaurant

Famous for beaches, buzz and bars, allow us to introduce you to Brighton’s newest restaurant: Burger & Lobster.

Whether you’re soaking up the seaside air, charity shop shopping, or strolling along the beach with a seafood craving, you’ll find the best burgers, lobster, and now brunch in town on Market Street.

Just moments from Brighton Beach and steps away from Old Steine Gardens, our latest restaurant brings the finest wild Atlantic lobster and beef to the heart of bustling Brighton. Pop in for brunch, cocktails by the beach, bring the whole family together, and enjoy the most delicious surf & turf at one of your new favourite places to eat in Brighton!

Top review

Lisa

Dined 1 day ago

I had my dog with me so wasn’t sure she’d be welcome but she was. Nicely selected space so she could kip on the floor whilst we ate too. Called ahead and the man who answered the phone was so polite and didn’t make me enquiry/call feel rushed or too much trouble. So much choice on the menu! Drinks menu was also huge! I was offered to try the wines before deciding on a bottle. Flavours in the food were to die for and portion size was just right. I hate leaving a restaurant feeling over full. Toilets were clean and everything on the table (cutlery, glasses etc) were all spotlessly clean. All waiting staff were polite and were always willing to help and bring you anything you needed. We were very happy to leave the 12% tip. We’ve told so many friends and family about this spot already and really pleased to read there are also restaurants in London :) We will be visiting!

The Ivy in the Lanes

4.6

4.6 (17291)

£25 and under

British

Brighton

About the restaurant

Airy, art-filled restaurant offering an all-day dining menu plus champagne & bespoke cocktails.

Top review

Teri

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic food, fantastic service, fantastic ambience!!!

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4.5

4.5 (53)

£25 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Hove

About the restaurant

Nestled in Brunswick Town where Brighton and Hove meet, La Tapa Loca is a vibrant neighbourhood spot with sustainability at its heart. Relax in our warm, natural interior while enjoying the incredible flavours of our tapas - small plates at our Taperia and wine bar, with handpicked wines and local ingredients. Perfect for unwinding with friends or celebrating special occasions — we’re also available for private hire, Christmas parties and Wedding Receptions!

Top review

Maddy

Dined on May 1, 2026

Fabulous food in a lovely space with equally lovely and helpful staff. Recommend the confit chicken and mash and deep fried artichoke with Romesco sauce

Brisa

4.5

4.5 (47)

£26 to £40

Tapas / Small Plates

Brighton

About the restaurant

Brighton’s newest tapas bar has officially opened its doors, bringing a vibrant taste of Spain to the heart of the city. At Brisa Tapas & Bar, every dish celebrates fresh flavours, authentic Spanish recipes, and a passion for small plates that are perfect for sharing.
From traditional tapas and creative small plates to a carefully curated selection of wines, cocktails, and refreshing drinks, there is something to delight every palate.
Enjoy our lively indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for cosy dinners, brunches with friends, casual catch-ups, or special celebrations. With good vibes, a welcoming atmosphere, and memorable moments in every visit, Brisa is your new favourite local in Brighton. One bite at a time, explore bold flavours and enjoy a dining experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Now open — book your table today and discover Brisa Tapas & Bar!

Top review

SimonGold

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic meal in the conservatory. Tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere

Cecconi’s Brighton

4.2

4.2 (122)

£25 and under

Italian

Brighton

About the restaurant

Located inside the same building as Brighton Beach House, Cecconi’s Brighton is set on the first floor and features a terrace overlooking the sea. Open for lunch and dinner, choose from a selection of Northern Italian dishes including handmade pasta and cicchetti

Top review

Jen

Dined 6 days ago

What a gorgeous restaurant. The decor is really lovely inside but the best part is definitely the terrace overlooking Madeira Drive with a view to the sea. Service was tip top; everyone was very attentive, knowledgeable and lovely. I have coeliac disease and they knew what I needed and made sure I was safe. The food was the best Italian food we have eaten in Brighton for many years. Really delicious ingredients that taste as they are supposed to. We will definitely return.

The Ivy Asia, Brighton

4.2

4.2 (4613)

£26 to £40

Contemporary Asian

Brighton

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Brighton’s historic quarter, the brick-paved Lanes, The Ivy Asia Brighton is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and much more.

Savour a menu as rich and varied as the diverse cultures that span the continent of Asia. With pan-Asian classics alongside incredible vegetarian and plant-based options, there’s something to please all. Expect a range of Sushi and Sashimi as well as small plates such as Pork and Kimchi dumplings, Spinach and Mushroom Gyozas or large plates such as smoking BBQ Lamb Chops and Slow-cooked Pork Belly.

When the Afternoon hits you do not want to miss out on our Asian-inspired Afternoon Tea, combining our best dishes, such as Aromatic Duck Spring Rolls, Salmon Cream Cheese and Cucumber Maki Rolls.

Want to stay and play late into the night? We’ve got you. We’ll be carrying on the party with incredible entertainment including live DJs every night. Listen to our sweet sounds and sip on our cocktail menu, that takes

Top review

Harriet

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent experience at The Ivy Asia. It was a beautiful setting, attentive service and very tasty food and craft cocktails. We had a great experience overall and I would definitely visit again.

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