The Repeat List
Names and justification, because credibility is built on the ‘why,’ not just the ‘what.’
Reading time: 4 minutes 36 seconds
Instead of drip-feeding you reviews one at a time, I’m rapid-firing my repeat spots right now. Digging into what’s good in Brighton, you’ll probably pull up the same crop over and over. Most of them have earned the recognition. Others… not so much.
The places I’m about to mention have appeared in a-hundred-and-one Reels, TikToks, and blogs, but I’m going to justify why they’ve obtained a permanent place in my rotation and what, specifically, is worth ordering. They’re not gate-kept, hole-in-the-wall recommendations- these are repeats for a reason. If you don’t believe me, you know where to find them.
Usually, if I’m out for dinner, I’ll want a drink either before or after. A few places come to mind, but Ten Green Bottles is always the first. The lighting is ambient but not dim enough to be squinting, and the walls are lined with bottles, like a visual menu. The selection of wines is gargantuan- intimidating, even, but thank god the staff know their stuff! I find it dangerously easy to pop in for a glass, especially midweek when it’s quiet. Plateau continues the theme with gorgeous wines by the glass or carafe, plus some crafty cocktails. The chefs do some crazy stuff in that kitchen- the food is always outstanding. Playful thoughtful, and reliable. The Whipped Cod’s Roe is quite divine and has been on the menu for ages, rightly so.
For after-dinner drinks, I’ll pick Bar Valentino every single time. Read their cocktails list and I’m sure you will too. There’s something clandestine about pressing a buzzer and tiptoeing up the stairs into a sultry, red-velvet cave. Perfectly curated playlist, confusingly and absurdly imaginative cocktails. It’s the kind of place you feel like getting dressed up for. If you’re after something lighter, try Clementine & Co. It is, against all odds, always happy hour here. Another immense cocktail list combining every ingredient under the sun into a hundred delicious sips. And when I say it’s always happy hour, I mean it’s always happy hour.
Brighton is rife with cafés that desperately want to be bars, but only a few manage. The balance is struck at Helm, which also triples as an art gallery. Parties, exhibitions, DJ nights- you name it, Helm does it. The ivory interior lit with neon accents feels right in both the morning and evening. The reason I keep going back? Banana Bread Matcha. I’ve had several in the area, but this one tastes bang on like banana bread without killing the grassiness of the matcha. While we’re here, let’s talk about Granny’s Café. Many will agree, the best, most popular, and most appropriately priced matcha in town lives here. I prefer Hojicha for its earthier, nuttier flavour, so that’s always my order. It’s a good alternative for those who find matcha that little bit too green. Watching the baristas at Granny’s measure, weigh, and whisk with intent never gets old.
For breakfast with your coffee, choose Nowhere Man. Big, fat, fluffy pancakes, sweet or savoury, but if in doubt, the Advanced stack is the way to go. Bacon, scrambled eggs, neon-yellow butter. You get the idea. And their bagels? The most worth-it in Brighton. Swap the overpriced, underfilled, and perpetually disappointing Bagelman for Nowhere Man’s toasty, cheesy, crispy New Yorker, with layers of peppered pastrami and pickles, or the classic Lox. Bonus points for their excellent dirty chai.
Last in the café category is Triple Point. Yes, they have an impressive selection of coffee, but that’s not why I go. I’m eyeing up one of those big, soft-centre cookies with chocolate chips so gooey they sprawl out in all sorts of directions, crispy edges and that almost artificial vanilla scent. Pick the chocolatiest one.
As for a grab-and-go lunch, thank god for Earl’s Sandwiches. I mean, these Bánh Mì are the size of my forearm, crammed with pickles, herbs, chilli, paté, and your choice of filling… what’s not to like? Few places can guarantee satisfaction and fair prices, Earl’s gives you both, no problem. I go for Mixed Meat, but keep an eye out for their Saturday specials. Thirty seconds away is The Deli, which serves every kind of sandwich, salad, and side in existence: souvlaki, burritos, toasties, and crucially, Korean Corn Dogs. My exact order: a K-Dog, 1/2 sausage, 1/2 cheese, crispy ramen coating, honey mustard, burger sauce. Written down it sounds quite vulgar, I have to admit. But this is the stuff of dreams. I’ve tried all the K-Dogs in Brighton, trust me when I say these are in 1st place by a landslide, and that’s the biggest landslide you’ve ever seen.
And look at that- full circle. Back to dinner. Consistency is everything with repeat visits, and Flint House has it. I’ve been a few times, months apart, and the standard never drops. Order the Raw Courgettes with Crispy Garlic & Pine Nut Dressing, Seaweed, and Basil. Ignore the humble description, it is an exceptional dish. Their signature donut appears in a new outfit with each update of the menu- it’s always lovely, but might I suggest the Blue Cheese Crumpet with Honey? You’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’d happily have this at the start or end of my meal. Or both.
When I’m asked about a quick dinner, I immediately point to Shaanxi. Fast, fuss-free, and obscenely good. They’re known for their Biang Biang noodles, made in-house with serious skill. I love the Hot & Sour Glass Noodles with Braised Beef- hearty, refreshing, slippery, tender. Quite the textural delight.
For now, these are my favourites. If you’d like further justification, do ask.
I’ll let you know if anything changes.
