Rockwater Hove in Brighton and Hove

Very disappointing Sunday Lunch. Food mediocre at best. Service takes a long time, and way too pricey for whats on offer. Frankly much better places to go.

Fabulous lunch! Great PB option and wonderful service from all, especially from Ish who was friendly and super efficient.Can’t wait to return! Thank you for such a great experience!

The location is wonderful and we were lucky with the weather, although a tad chilly in the restaurant with all the windows open (warmer sitting outside in the sun) but worth it to feel that spring is here. Food was good and commensurate with Brighton (and Hove) prices. There were a few soft drinks unavailable - maybe after the weekend rush which was a little disappointing and coffee (as I have seen on another review) was quite weak (and also a little cool). Service was fine. although may have been pushed if the restaurant was busier which it often is to the point that, without booking, getting a table is hard. Monday lunchtimes seem a good bet from that perspective! The only really negative point were the toilets - I am assuming there are some with disabled access as the main ones are downstairs and maybe because of that do not get the attention they deserve - no toilet paper in a few and not as clean as I would expect. That aside... ...we had a lovely lunch and will definitely be back

A lovely restaurant right on the beach. Ate here twice. Very good breakfast and lunch. Both levels we tried were very dog friendly.

Excellent service very prompt and good food and drink in idyllic atmosphere. Dan our server was great, really nice guy and very helpful. Well done 👏

Had a fantastic club sandwich with coffees downstairs at Rockwater .. although it was a very busy Saturday service from Emir was fantastic , super friendly but professional and efficient ! Well done Emir xx

Lovely setting but very poor, slow service. Asked 3 times (3 different people) for coffees but they never arrived yet they were on our bill. Minimal apology when this was pointed out with a curt “We’ll take them off the bill then”. Food is good but relatively expensive and the 12.5% service charge is not well earned as there seems to be no overall staff co-ordination.

I wanted to share feedback regarding my recent visit to your venue, which left me feeling disappointed and misled. I hope this feedback will be taken constructively to improve future guest experiences. Upon our arrival, we were directed to our table promptly. However, after some time, I enquired about the welcome champagne, which we expected based on prior experiences at similar venues. Typically, a reception with welcome drinks precedes being shown to the table. It would be clearer to guests if your text specified: "Upon arrival at your table and when you are ready to order, we will bring you your welcome drink." Lack of Live Music I was disappointed to notice the absence of live music. Based on your description, I had expected a singer or a light band to create a relaxed atmosphere. Instead, I was informed that the entertainment was “piped-in music,” which, by definition, is not live music. Live music is created in real-time by performers. Even after raising this point, I was told the DJ was "live." A DJ pressing play is not live music either. Service Delays The service was unfortunately very slow. Our starters arrived after an hour and 15 minutes, which was a significant wait. However, I must commend the food itself, which was enjoyable, and the staff, who were pleasant throughout. The venue has potential, but this service pace needs attention to align with the high expectations set by your brand. Disappointing New Year’s Eve Celebration Your text promised: "A kitchen party, where we’ll gather everyone together just before midnight to raise a toast and ring in the New Year." This suggested some form of organised management or an announcement to bring the guests together. However, what occurred was disappointing and chaotic. My wife and I, along with other guests, were dressed elegantly for a special evening. Unfortunately, we encountered a very different atmosphere upon moving to the party area. Guests warned us of scruffy and unsavory individuals downstairs, which was confirmed upon arrival. It felt more like an informal and unregulated gathering than the classy event we had anticipated. More akin to a drug dealing night club by the looks of some of the cliente. Despite trying to embrace the party spirit, the DJ repeatedly used inappropriate language, shouting things like “Get on the f***ing dance floor.” This tone was highly unprofessional and not what we expected for the premium price of £240. We were disgusted at being spoken to like that. When midnight approached, the countdown was poorly organised, with a mumbled announcement, no “Auld Lang Syne,” and a general lack of effort to create a memorable moment. It felt like a basic disco, not the special evening we had been promised. Overall Experience Other guests I spoke to echoed my sentiments. Many chose to remain in the restaurant rather than join the chaotic and unrefined party downstairs. We felt misled by the event description and did not receive the premium experience we paid for. Ultimately, the evening fell far short of expectations.

Catching up with family from abroad we chose to book a table for Sunday roast lunch at Rockwater and could not have been better looked after or well fed. Our server was Wiktoria - and she was simply wonderful from the get go. Attentive, informed, smart, chatty. What a brilliant young person. From the moment we arrived she engaged us with lively chat and was happy to allow my partner to taste a couple of reds to find his preference. She took our order with a friendly smile and it was not long before the table was groaning under the weight of laden plates of food, drinks and condiments of our choosing . The food was superb with a fabulous array of beautifully cooked meats and vegetables - with Yorkshire puds to boot!! As an extra we ordered cauliflower cheese and creamed leaks -which were devine. The gravy, which was sensational, was not in short supply either thanks to Wiktoria’s runs back and forth to the pass! She checked in regularly to see if we needed more drinks - or anything else and we felt completely and wonderfully looked after throughout our meal. In short - Delicious food, delightful servers. Would recommend!! Well done and a big thank you to the Rockwater team - particularly Wiktoria for making our lunch as lovely as you are.

I’ve just returned home after a £400+ lunch for four at Rockwater, and find myself wondering how many more times am I going to take my family out for a “special” treat only to end up wishing we had gone to our local butcher and wine shop and cooked at home. The food wasn’t bad, just hugely forgettable. Of the five non-sharing main courses on the menu, two were unavailable, leaving a choice of two non-vegetarian options. The prawns in the seafood platter were NOT fresh, and the crab didn’t taste particularly like fresh crab either. The Market Fish to Share main course, was not exactly big enough to share. The staff were friendly enough, in a “I’d rather not be at work” kind of way, but I always think it quite pointless asking the guests if everything is OK, when the demeanour of the waitress clearly reflects the fact they don’t really care if it is or if it isn’t. The setting is nice, even on a grey December afternoon, but I can’t help feeling that unless they seriously up their game, it won’t be Rockwater overlooking Brighton beach from that building in a year or two’s time.

Came here with friends on a Sunday. We booked fairly far in advance. When we arrived, we were seated by the window in front of a pillar, blocking the sea view, even though all the other tables by the window were free. We asked to move to one of the better placed tables, and the waiter looked stressed and said he would have to check as they were all allocated and dissappeared off for a long period of time. As we were there first, and the other groups hadn't arrived yet, you would think there would be no issue with the simple request of switching two tables of 4, but clearly was too much of an ask for this waiter, so we stayed put. We then were handed menu's and we ordered our food. It was only after we ordered we realised people around us were eating roasts. We were never handed a roast menu or made aware that they were available, which was disappointing. The food arrived, and luckily the food was in fact, delicious. Then we ordered a couple of puddings. These were also delicious, but too forever to come like we had been forgotten. Overall the service does not meet the standard you expect from Rockwater. I wonder if they have become complacent with their reputation as the years have gone by. Also, the hand driers in the ladies don't work, which is poor from an establishment that charges as much as rockwater does. Won't be rushing for a return visit. There are far better establishments in Brighton.

Great location and ideal for a relaxed lunch. Nice welcome, friendly service and good food. We booked and were glad we did, a lot of people were being turned away because it was so busy and popular. Definitely one of the places to eat and drink on Hove beachfront.

We had the most AMAZING customer service here today! The staff and Mama were so personable and made our time here so special. My brother in law got a birthday card from the staff. Great food, beautiful atmosphere. I am truly in Love with this place and I will be back! One tip is to make coffee a little stronger, as the flat white tasted of milk only. Mama handled our very excitable 7 year old nephew- who was a little bit hyper. We cannot thank her enough for looking after us.

Loved it. Gorgeous food, great ambience as always, lovely staff especially Louise D xx why do I have to use 100 characters (ridiculous)

Had two teas and sat outside .£7 for two truly awful, undrinkable cups of tea! What an absolute rip off? How they can charge this amount is beyond me . Wo t be doj g this again

When you arrive this place definitely has the wow factor, the way each table part of the same room but doesn't encroach on those next to you is very well thought out. We ordered drinks all of which came in good time, all the staff were friendly and attentive. A few of us ordered some nibbles all of which was lovely, would definitely return and recommend. Great venue for meeting friends, and intimate enough for a nice date night.

Amazing location, fabulous views, great roof terrace for delicious cocktails and snacks. However dinner was a little underwhelming and rather average for such a lovely place. simple delicious food would be better than average flavours and trying too hard.

Had an evening meal with family in the Bar area. Great location and venue but food was disappointing, very average and certainly not in the league it purports to be. Crab linguine had v minimal crab and was really a bowl of pasta with chilli Salads were better, steaks were too small given the price tag - there are far better places for steak in Brighton Service was ok at best and far from attentive. Would return for a drink but certainly wouldn’t recommend for food

Good food in perfect seaside setting ruined by loud dance music totally inappropriate for a restaurant. Management refused to address the problem, claiming the music couldn't be changed or even turned down. Go elsewhere if you are interested in talking to your fellow diners!

I came for an impromptu dinner. I was greeted outside then again on entering, by the manager. My waitress, Adriana, was absolutely lovely and efficient taking my order and bringing food, plus checking how I was. I really enjoyed the food, wine and beautiful scenery through the windows. In addition, the decor is great and the atmosphere was nice. I will definitely go again while here on holiday this week.

After reading and hearing some things from people I wanted to make up my own mind. I was very pleasantly surprised. First of all we were greeted with lovely smiles and at the table was a birthday card waiting for me. We were quickly seen for drinks. We waited for another person and drinks came swiftly and we were asked if we were ready but waited for the last guest. We weren’t rushed. Food was great and so was the cocktails.

Rockwater had a previous reputation for showing sporting events, on screens out on the lawn. Unfortunately this year, Hove's venue failed to publicise any of the Women's Tennis finals this month, but showed both the Men's Tennis final and the Euro Men's football final. I requested a showing of the Women's Wimbledon, via email, but my email was ignored. Disappointed in its lack of promotion for Women's sporting events.

Amazing service from our server Gemma C! Drinks all great especially Mango No. 5 cocktail. Lovely view and top tier wedges

Paid £68.00 each for a hen evening the food was inedible. Bean in pods small side plates of raw fish & lamb. Cheap Prosecco by the time we left my stomach felt extremely acidic would not go again.

Had an amazing time here! Lovely views and our host Evie was lovely! I had the beetroot latte and hummus and it was lush! The DJ Chris Spencer also adds a great vibe to the place. Highly recommend! ❤️

Awful. At 6pm Music so loud - like a club, not family dinner. Portions extremely small. Service terrible - long wait, food came all separately (I finished before my son got his food). Never got water but asked twice. Left hungry and disappointed, all for £87!!

Lovely restaurant with great location on the beach. We were staying in Brighton near to the pier and walked to Rockwater (approx a 50 minute walk along the sea path). The restaurant is on two levels - the bottom level is primarily burger, pizzas and fish & chips. The upper level is more based around seafood in general. We ate downstairs. The service was very efficient and friendly and the food and drink was excellent - we would have no hesitation in recommending.

Lovely location and smart relaxed atmosphere. good food, recommend the Stream Trout. We ate in the Bar and Kitchen area which was buzzy even on a Monday lunchtime suitable for all.

Disappointed to write this review and as usual The poor reviews are the ones most likely to be written. However upstairs in the restaurant- looking forward to the views - windows so grubby it’s hard to see out - yes it’s sea air it does take a bit to keep it clean . But really. Then food 1 hr + for drinks and food . Not enough kitchen staff - no one says you will be waiting ages , however , FOH staff great and customer good . Food , some of the ingredients were missing no crackling with the pork , no chilli with the edamame etc etc + , not cheap either - cocktails no or min alcohol and I know this as one of our party rarely drinks and when she does it goes to her head - but she certainly felt like it was a non or min alcoholic cocktail. It was busy when we visited . Could be good but management imho cost cutting is having a detrimental affect on the experience

with a heavy heart I write this review of Rockwater Hove bar & Kitchen. Was looking forward to eating here with my family but the food was average at best & in some cases inedible. nocellara olives a safe go to starter with a garlic bread pizza. pizza was great Olives had no taste at all. mentioned it and the lady working confirmed that they had no taste at all (still paid for them even though they knew they were rubbish) Fish and chips were very average but the Mac & cheese lacked any cheese & was so dry it was inedible. I sent it straight back & told them not to worry about making another as you just cannot risk complaining and then letting them make a fresh one. the lady kindly returned to let me know the chef agreed it was bad and I wouldnt be charged for that dish. The dish should never have left the kitchen. My daughter ordered the duck pizza with hoi sin sauce to find they had put tomato on the base. so duck pancakes with tomato ketchup !! oh dear. also they make the base with a semolina dusting when rolling that just spoils the base completely. It just seemed like the chef was off and someone was filling in. wanted to pay cash and was told that it was card only which again I think is just not right. overall bitterly disappointed with the only positive being the staff and the view. didnt quibble with the bill paid in full but sadly wont be going back. I dont think it was expensive if the food was as it should have been. not a big menu so easy to manage. small menu you just have to get every dish perfect to get people coming back. Rockwater Hove at the moment is like a chain of mediocre restaurants & really needs to lift its game up to match the view. management MUST do better or reviews like this will become the norm.

Got a same day booking for 2 kids and 2 adults, 4.30pm on Easter Saturday. Seated quickly, right by kitchen upstairs overlooking sea. We love the vibe and the view. First time we had eaten here tho. The food is small plates at the cost of main sizes and does not disappoint. Every single drink and dish is balanced and flavoursome and divine. Kids had grilled chicken and cheeseburger. Then really excellent ice cream. We shared yakitori chicken with fresh seasonal garnish, huge hispi cabbage sat on phenomenal smear of anchovy clay, and scallops again on some delicious layers / paste of sorts. The flavours were just excellent - Michelin star level. The Ditchling rosé wasn’t remarkable but the non alcoholic botanical fizz my wife had was really special. Even potato wedges were divine and rocked with flavour. Lots of sunshine, babies, dogs, drinks and beats. Lovely decor from top to bottom. Slow service but mainly due to rush of people. Rockwater is special - the view the food and the slight messiness of it all. There is no where like it, and a great deal gluten free! One thing - I’d they cleaned the windows and barriers twice a day it would make *such* a difference!

Great place to watch the world go by. We sat upstairs and had lovely views over the beach. Drinks reasonably priced as were the starters we had. Service was good - thanks Mia. Highly recommend this place.

We often have brunch in the terrace restaurant and love it. Great views lovely food and really friendly staff. Also reasonably priced.

We had a fantastic time at Rockwater Hove - it has a really nice atmosphere, friendly, welcoming staff, tasty food and cocktails (also really apprecaited the selection of alchohol free cocktails). The interior decor is fab and is has got to be the best place in Hove to see the sunset.

Me and my boyfriend visited the roof terrace for the first time today, we didn’t know what to expect but we were absolutely wonderfully taken care of by Mia. She recommended some delicious cocktails we both enjoyed and she was absolutely lovely. We left feeling uplifted with a smile on our face!

Visiting Brighton on a rainy weekend, Rockwater was a highlight of the stay. After a blustery walk along the sea front, we were welconed, seated and served with some incredibly tasty dishes. A special mention for Mumma and Freddy. Mummy was a fantastic hostess ( thank you) and Freddy went the extra mile to make me a cocktail that wasn't on the menu, top class service. Would highly recommend and can't wait to return.

Had a nice lunch here - above average burger and tasty Korean chicken. Drinks and food a bit more pricey than pubs but nice service and lovely to look out at the sea. It was very busy when we were there (a Saturday lunchtime), so wise to book in advance. Toilets are a fair old trek up and down stairs, so not recommended for anybody who'd have difficulty with that.

Visited with my elderly mother for her 89th Birthday based on a recommendation. Externally the place looks a bit scruffy, and the ground floor cafe is a bit uninspiring. However the interiors behind the cafe are nicely done with good local artworks, and the first floor restaurant and bar is great. Attentive service, lovely decor, a cool vibe and music, and great views over the beach and sea. Good menu, seriously friendly and attentive service, good champagne by the glass, (Moet), boat caught local fish and chips was great, and a double pepperoni pizza with extra mushrooms and garlic was excellent. They kindly gave my mum a birthday dessert. In summary a great place, good food and lovely service.

What an absolutely beautiful nigh. The venue, staff, food and the incredible Jazz Band culminated in an unforgettable evening. Mia and Madison our waitresses were brilliant. Their opinions on the food and cocktails was spot on. If you want a perfect night out then go to Rockwater Hove on a Thursday night for the Jazz night. 10 out of 10.👌

Amazing cocktail list. Fresh and inviting. Great place. Lovely location really friendly and knowledgable staff couldn’t do enough for us.