Spring 2026 Foodie Radar: New Openings in Brighton and Hove

Spring 2026 has brought a fresh wave of dining options to Brighton and Hove, with several high-profile openings and the recent announcement of the 2026 BRAVO Awards. The city centre and Hove are seeing a mix of intimate tasting rooms and specialized plant-based spots. Among the most recent additions is The Set at 50 Preston Road, which opened this April. It is a small-scale operation with only 12 seats, where chefs Dan Kenny and Marcin Miasik focus on a specific tasting menu. For those looking for plant-based options, Tofu Vegan opened in March at 15 Meeting House Lane, bringing Sichuan and Cantonese flavours to the Lanes. In Hove, Stem on Church Road has been operating since January, functioning as a British bistro and wine bar with a focus on seasonal sourcing.

Further additions to the local scene include The Crazy Goose on Boyce Street, a gastropub that opened in February. It occupies a space with a downstairs bistro bar and an upstairs dining room, offering a menu that leans towards British classics with French influences. Looking ahead to next month, Sora is scheduled to open on 20 May at the Brighton Marina. This Japanese restaurant and sushi bar will be located within Malmaison and is planned as a summer takeover running until the end of August. Just outside the immediate city area, Ebb is expected to open this spring at the end of Worthing Pier, featuring a 38-cover space dedicated to modern small plates and cocktails. These new arrivals join established spots like Flat Iron on Ship Street and Happy Maki on Gardner Street, which have remained busy since their late 2025 openings.

The 2026 BRAVO Awards results, announced on 31 March, provide a clear picture of the current local favourites based on over 71,000 public votes. Terre à Terre on East Street took the top spot for Best Brighton and Hove Restaurant. Known for its vegetarian menu since the early nineties, it continues to serve dishes like their steamed buns and buttermilk-soaked halloumi. Other notable winners this year include Jo & Co for best brunch, Starfish & Coffee for best café, and The Signalman, which was named the best pub in the city. For international cuisine, MOGUMOGU received the top ranking, while Fatto a Mano was recognized in the best value category.

Sundays remain a significant part of the local food culture, with Embers winning the award for best roast this year. It is common for popular spots to be fully booked several days in advance, so planning ahead is usually necessary for weekend dining. For those interested in specific niches, The Earth & Stars was named plant champion, and Poco was noted for having the best wine list. The variety of winners, from Bayon Bakery for sweets to Oowee Vegan for takeaway, reflects a dining scene that is currently supporting both long-standing institutions and newer, specialized ventures across Brighton and Hove.