Brighton’s First Michelin Star in 50 Years and Sussex Guide

Yesterday’s Michelin Guide Ceremony in Dublin brought some massive news for our local food scene. For the first time in fifty years, a restaurant in Brighton and Hove has been awarded a Michelin Star. Maré by Rafael Cagali, located in Hove, is the spot that finally broke the drought. Rafael Cagali, who already has a big reputation in London, has created something here that mixes his Brazilian and Italian roots with produce from right here in Sussex. It is a huge win for the city, especially since people have been talking about Brighton being the largest UK city without a star for ages. The menu at Maré is very much focused on the sea, and while it is high-end technical cooking, the vibe in the restaurant stays modern and relaxed.

While Maré is the new headline act, the city’s foundation of quality is deeper than just one star. The 2026 guide also confirmed that our local Bib Gourmand winners—which Michelin gives out for great quality at a more accessible price—are still going strong. Burnt Orange in the Lanes continues its streak, alongside The Flint House, Cin Cin in Hove, Tutto, and Embers. These are the places many of us go for a regular night out because they hit that sweet spot between casual and special. We also have a solid list of "Selected" restaurants that are firmly on the inspectors' radar, including The Little Fish Market in Hove, where Duncan Ray has been doing incredible seafood for years, and etch. by Steven Edwards, which is known for its technique-heavy tasting menus. Other local mentions in the guide include Furna, Wild Flor, and the vegetarian institution Terre à Terre, which has been a staple in the Lanes since the early 90s.

Looking at the wider Sussex area, the region is really holding its own with several long-standing stars. Interlude in Lower Beeding, led by chef Jean Delport, has retained its Michelin Star for the seventh year in a row. It also holds a Green Star for sustainability, which makes sense given they forage directly from the 240-acre Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. If you head over to Horsham, Ben Wilkinson at The Pass (located inside South Lodge) kept its star as well. It is an intimate setup where you sit at high counters and watch the chefs work right in front of you. Then there is Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead. Even with the departure of long-time chef George Blogg at the end of 2024, the manor has maintained its star for 2026, continuing its legacy of garden-to-table dining in a historic Elizabethan setting.

If you are willing to drive a bit further out into the Sussex countryside, the Michelin recommendations cover some pretty diverse spots. Chalk at the Wiston Estate in Pulborough is great for those who like dining in a converted barn with vineyard views, and the Rathfinny Tasting Room in Alfriston offers a similar experience overlooking their vines. For a more traditional pub feel that still delivers high-level food, The Ginger Fox in Henfield and The Cat Inn in West Hoathly are both featured in the 2026 selection. Down on the coast in St Leonards, The Royal holds a Bib Gourmand for its unfussy British cooking. The overall picture for 2026 shows that whether you are looking for a historic milestone in Hove or a quiet meal in a rural village, Sussex has become a genuine destination for anyone who cares about where their food comes from and how it is prepared.