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Brighton is one of the most popular seaside destinations in the UK. Unfortunately, that popularity is reflected in the prices most bars and restaurants charge. It’s not uncommon to find yourself paying nearly £5 just for a cup of tea!
That said, there are a few great food and drink venues which serve great food at an affordable price. All of the places listed below manage to provide great flavours at a low price. At the time of writing, you can eat in any of these for less than £10 per person and not leave hungry.
All prices stated are accurate at the time of writing (August 2022)
POM Poko
110 Church St, Brighton BN1 1UD
https://pompoko.co.uk/
Open: 11am-11pm, 7 days a week.
POM Poko have been supplying simple and delicious Japanese dishes for over a decade. Be aware though, this is NOT a sushi venue. POM Poko specialise in Donburi bowls; a traditional hot Japanese dish made of simmered meat or vegetables served over rice.
With Beef, Pork, Chicken, Tofu, Eel and Vegetable donburi options, there’s something to suit most palettes. Noodles and curry dishes are also available, alongside traditional Japanese side dishes and appetisers like Octopus Takoyaki.
POM Poko can get very busy, especially on the weekends, and doesn’t offer reservations. So, you may find yourself waiting a while for a table or finding yourself sharing a table with other customers. However, with extremely filling dishes starting as low as £6, it’s a great option.
Those wanting a drink to go with their donburi bowl should be aware that POM Poko is a B.Y.O.D venue. Luckily, there is a TESCO just 60 seconds walk away in Jubilee Square which is also open until 11pm every night.
Recommended order:
Pork Nanban Don + Octopus Takoyaki
Sunbirds Deli
109 London Rd, Brighton BN1 4JG
https://restaurantsnapshot.com/SunbirdsDeli/
Open: 10am-5pm, Tue-Sat
Sunbirds Deli serves what we can honestly say are the most colourful dishes we’ve ever seen. From purple beetroot and green olives, to red chorizo sausages and golden fried halloumi, every plate is packed with a kaleidoscope of ingredients. There is something for everyone at Sunbirds, and if all you’re in the mood for is fried egg on toast, you won’t be disappointed, but it is best enjoyed by those who love their vegetable and who aren’t afraid to try something new or exotic.
Recommended dish:
Salmon + Asparagus w/Salad
We Love Falafel
37 Sydney St, Brighton BN1 4EP
Open: 11am-5:30pm, Mon-Sat/11am-5pm, Sun
In the heart of the North Laine, We Love Falafel serves some of the best vegan food in Brighton without slapping the hefty “vegan tax” on top like so many other eateries.
We Love Falafel’s wraps also really pushes the limits of what you think a falafel can be. Not content to simply present the traditional middle eastern flavours which normally go with falafels, WLF has options like the Pad Thai Falafel, where they homemade falafels are served with peanut, tamarind and coconut pad thai sauce with chilli and lime peanuts.
With outside seating in the most arty and unique shopping district in Brighton, We Love Falafel is a great place to stop for a healthy, delicious, and affordable meal while you’re exploring the city.
Recommended dish:
Chilli + Ginger Falafel & Chips
Casazul
Open Market, 21 Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JU
https://casazul.co.uk/
Open: 11am-5pm, Mon-Sat/12pm-4pm, Sun
Located in The Open Market, just off of London Road, CASAZUL is the most authentic Mexican street food available in Brighton. Much like the best taco trucks, Casazul doesn’t overwhelm you with options, in fact there are only 4 options available. Don’t let the limited choices deter you though, each of the dishes is bursting with flavour. With options to suit all levels of spice tolerance.
Braver patrons can try the ‘Chile Colorado’ taco, with some extra hot habanero hot sauce on the side. But if your spice tolerance is lower, you won’t feel like you’re missing out when you try the ‘Chicken Tinga,’ in a beautifully creamy tomato and chipotle sauce.
Each taco also has a vegan friendly version which switches out the chicken or beef for an equally-tasty carrot or mushroom based alternative.
On top of the dishes available to eat in, Casazul also sells taco kits to recreate their food at home, as well as authentic Mexican ingredients which can otherwise be hard to come by. Rarities like Mexican chocolate, epazote, and nopales are all available.
Recommended dish:
Chicken Tinga Tacos + Refried Beans & Rice
Pizza 500
83 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QG
https://goodeats.io/Pizza500Brighton
Open: 6pm-10:30pm Tue-Sat
Secluded under the Preston Road viaduct and built inside a converted garage, it’s easy to walk straight past Pizza 500 without even noticing it. And we’ll be the first to admit that “Pizza 500” isn’t the most memorable name, but if you’re in Brighton, you owe it to yourself to try it. We can honestly say these are THE BEST pizzas we have tried in the UK!
Pizza 500 has one of the hallmarks of a great restaurant, a small menu. Unlike many of the most popular chain pizzerias, Pizza 500 has a limited selection, but each dish is crafted with love and tastes better than anything available from Dominoes possibly could.
And what’s more, it’s not just the best pizzeria in Brighton, it’s also one of the cheapest, with most of the pizzas available for under £10.
Recommended dish:
Cacciatore Pizza (chicken + garlic).
