Though famed for its long-winding lanes, beaches and iconic pier, fish and chips and candy rock aren't the only foods to be consumed in this quirky coastal haven. Brighton boasts a number of independent and unique eateries, sure to please all fans of Italian fare.
Our 5 Favourite Italian Restaurants in Brighton
Cin Cin
Image credit: Cin Cin
Cin Cin was born out of a mobile fiat van, touring the country with its beautifully executed Italian offerings. Brighton’s Vine Street serves as the first brick-and-mortar Cin Cin location, where the fare is still exceptional, as demonstrated by the succinct yet innovative pasta menu. The caramelle stuffed with smoked aubergine, ricotta and spring onion is both pleasing to the eye and the tastebuds, with sumptuous melanzane affumicate (smoked aubergine), contrasted by light ricotta and bright spring onion. The tagliatelle Nero, with braised squid & pancetta in a light parsley sauce is a sure-fire winner, pairing salty pancetta with delicate squid, for an impressive and aesthetically playful dish. The intimate venue boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its unique fare and stylish setting, showcasing a bustling open kitchen.
Zafferelli
Image Credit: Zafferelli
The rebranded Zafferelli now boasts a Distinct focus on food and ambience, utilising recipes passed down from nonna to guide their regionally-inspired menu. Zafferelli claim they now channel the ‘authenticity feel and simplicity’ of the best Italian restaurants - this quaint, family restaurant is one that aims to please. Their spaghetti frutti di mare is a taste of the Italian coast, with mussels, calamari and clams, in an unpretentious tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley. The penne salsiccia is a sumptuous and punchy dish of rustic Italian sausage and creamy gorgonzola - simple yet endlessly decadent!
Casalingo
Image Credit: Casalingo
A quaint family-run establishment, Casalingo brings a taste of the Italian coast to Brighton’s seaside streets. Located on Preston Street, Casalingo is somewhat of a hidden gem, with its relaxed and unpretentious dining room, and menu that prides itself on its use of fresh ingredients and authentic flavour pairings. Linguine Salsiccia showcases Sardinian sausage, paired with garlic, chilli, basil & fresh tomato. The bucatini al limone marries one of our favourite pasta lunga shapes with a simple yet quintessentially Italian lemon butter, paying homage to Italy’s beautiful Amalfi coast.
Polpo
Image Credit: Polpo
London-favourite Polpo has brought its delicious Italian plates to Brighton's new road. The always reliable joint enables its patrons to dine in stunning settings; here, rustic red brick cosiness is juxtaposed by fresh, al fresco dining spaces, perfect for soaking up the coastal sunshine, with a plate of flavoursome and elegant pasta. Speaking of, their curated menu is peppered with authentic pasta dishes, including beef shin ragù with mafaldine, potato gnocchi with a robust sausage ragù, Sardinian fregola with clams and parsley and trofie with a sophisticated cavolo nero pesto.
Pronto in Tavola
An honourable mention in our list, Pronto in Tavola pride themselves on their ‘passion for feeding people’. Founded by Chef Nino in 2009, this cosy eaterie, located on Waterloo Street, is revered by locals for its delectable pizzas, though the simple yet well-executed pasta menu boasts favourites like pasta aglio e olio, or gnocchi alla Sorrentina, at a supremely affordable price.
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