The Vital Ingredient in Brighton and Hove

We followed all the great reviews and decided to visit Vital ingredients for some Caribbean food . Guys give it a go , you won’t regret it . I had oxtails and my family went for jerk chicken . The portions were really generous and the food super yummy . Great hospitality and friendly staff . We don’t live in the area and they all made us feel so welcome and to top it up the price was really good . Many thanks to all of you . Keep up the good quality . Hannah

We just had a copious, fabulous lunch at The Vital Ingredient in Brighton, UK! We did have high expectations when we went in, but what we got was beyond them. The exquisite taste, the well balanced spices, the variety of the multiple side dishes, the perfect texture of the cod and ackee, the superb presentation of all the dishes were impressive and unforgettable - we will be back for sure!

We had a amazing time at the mesmerist where they are currently at. The food was just as amazing as it looks! Now to do a table of 15 all in time and everyone happy is not easy but they did it managed really well and all the food went down a treat!!! We wish you all the success in the world.

Chose this place based on the reviews. Easy to find and in an enormous pub. We were a bit disappointed in the food, it was just average. It wasn’t busy, service was ok and our order arrived quite quickly. We love Caribbean food and this just felt decidedly average. We’re putting it down to it being the day after Gay pride and everyone was feeling exhausted. Would give it the benefit of doubt and give it another go.

Well we heard about tis restaurant via a Jamaican Friend, Best recommendation and we love her for it. We had to try everything. The Curry Lamb was great, the Oxtail (which I don't usually eat) was the best I have had and it just completely melted in your mouth. I can only say it was Divine. Best of all the Jerk Chicken was kick ass and has the Vital Ingredient. We are going back very soon, all my Caribbean and African and Local friends love you. Finally I have to mention the cocktails.......well they just catapulted us into a fruity hyperspace. We even had to take a doggy bag home with us as there was lots of food left over for lunch the next day. (and yes it even tastes gr8 the next day!)

Beautiful sunny day!Sat on the terrace and had a lovely cocktail, followed by great food!So glad to fin

I was extremely surprised to stumbel across this great hidden gem of a carabian restaurant As me and my partner we were welcomed with open arms and we were served the most tasty authentic carabian food we have ever tasted in Brighton. The chef is italian and knows the vital ingredients of carabian food. Her husband knows how to make superb original cocktails and both togethet are the perfect hosts. I should mention that my partner is carabian and I m catalan and we both know and love flavoursome. Highly recomended and without we will be back.

Came here on a Tuesday afternoon. Sat in the sun and ate incredible jerk chicken burgers and wraps. Had 4 great cocktails all for under £45.

Had an excellent time, food was fantastic cannot fault, staff were friendly and courteous . I cam from Birmingham and enjoyed this lovely place in Brighton

First time I have Jamaican food, guys it's from a nother planet. This is the plece to eat good food . Thank you The Vital Ingredient team, I will see you soon.

Had the jerk chicken roast which was delicious and incredibly generously sized. Staff were really friendly and made us feel welcome. I'd recommend the roast to friends and will hopefully have the opportunity to go back again and try some other things on the menu.

Popped in without a reservation on Friday. Warm welcome and served quickly. Food amazing!! Only comment is could have a more diverse wine menu. Highly recommend!!!

Best Sunday Roast I've ever had! Well-done guys!Hope to comeback very soon!!! Keep up the good work!

Quite easy to miss this place but do yourself a favour and try this unpretentious establishment. The Saltfish fritters and Prawn Curry that I had was really tasty and they don’t skimp on the portions either. Will be back again soon

They have the best jerk chicken lovley taste and the salat whit Mango dressing very very nice and also the coktails 2for1 they are S-o good . Thank you!!!😘

Having happened upon this place a few weeks ago, and having enjoyed a cocktail or two, we decided that another visit was required to sample the food, as the menu looked quite appetising. Fast forward to the last Saturday in November and we were back...

Don't usually leave reviews but myself and my girlfriend had a lovely dinner and cocktails. The oxtail was sublime!! I don't normally order as it's a bit of a risk but I can vouch for the oxtail here. Highly recommend.

The food is fantastic - fresh, homemade and authentic . Always generous portions and great value for money. Beautiful restaurant and excellent service. Thank you for having us!

The best time ever, the food was great, good service , good price , tou need to visit. The best place for a small party

There were 25 of us and it was the best evening we could've had ! The atmosphere was amazing and the food was delicious. We tried a lot of plates and everyone was impressed. Also the huge range of choice in drinks made us like...

This place was the most outstanding for the food and the customer service, the staff all amassing and made us feel ver comfortable, we had the best birthday party and many more to come, this is by far the best Caribbean in Brighton.

All the food was good (but particularly the authentic oxtail stew) and the drinks went down FAR too easy. Everything was topped off with fabulous service and a complimentary dumpling. Would highly recommend for a tasty and relaxed evening out.

came with friends for drink, best chicken burger in brighton i’ve ever had, drinks are divine and amazing service would give 6 stars if i could, thanks so much :) x

The staff was friendly and attentive, the food really great and it’s the best choice for a going out with both friends and family

...the perfect choice for spending a great evening with friends or family; amazing service, delicious food and nice atmosphere

amazinggggg place to visit while you’re in brighton. thank you to shan for taking care of us while we were here

After mulling it over, we chose to eat out here for dinner on a visit to Brighton, even though it was a decent walk from where we were staying. It was simply stunning! The food was SO good and portions very generous - we even...

We wanted our authentic Jamaican dishes, without having to go back to London or indeed Jamaica to get it! We're so happy to say, now we don't have to! Our order was, Ackee and salt fish, Curry goat, Jerk chicken, Plantain, and fried dumpling.. The...

Brilliant meal. Whole family enjoyed each course and staff were very friendly. Good quality Caribbean goodness. If only we lived local!

I came to vital ingredient and was met with incredible food. The jerk prawns were delicious and passionfruit daquiri went down a treat. The owners are so welcoming and friendly. I would recommend this restriction to both friends and family! Great date night

Very disappointed with the oxtail, more bones and sinew than meat with hardly any sauce. (The people on the next table from us said theirs was much better, so maybe I was unlucky). The chef is Italian and you could see the Italian influence by...

I’ve only had take aways from here but the vibe and atmosphere is always good and the staff and chef very friendly and the food is amazing The salt fish fritters and ackee and salt fish with rice and peas... go there now and try...

This bar/restaurant was amazing. We ordered plenty of rounds from their happy hour menu and it was great bang for your buck! The food was incredible, portions were fab and tasted fantastic. The staff were so friendly and I would recommend to literally anyone!

This restaurant and bar is hidden away on the high street but absolutely worth a visit when in town. The staff, especially Florrie, are so friendly and welcoming. The music, food and ambience is fantastic and happy hour from 3-7 gives the chance to sample...

This place is amazing. Lovely staff, tasty drinks. This is a go to place for the vibes and atmosphere. Great place to visit with friends. 2 for 1 drinks every day 3-7 is fabulous. Great carribean music and fun times ☺️

Very friendly staff. No problem in adjusting spiciness to your taste. Very very very tasty food. Lovely presentation and portions adequate. Relaxed environment. 5*

Pleasant surprise!! Visited last week to have lunch after walking by. Food and service outstanding so came back to celebrate Father’s Day!! Great selection on menu. Roasts particularly excellent!! Homemade hot sauce a nice touch. Portions generous and friendly/welcoming service!! Also dog friendly also a...

Really great restaurant!!! The food is delicious and the atmosphere is wonderful, the staff made our evening really enjoyable

I was looking for restaurants in Brighton before my trip when I stumbled across this one! Decided to check the place out as wasn't sure if it was open. Decided to have lunch there,very tasty indeed. Booked to come back in evening and we asked...

Food was amazing! Perfect vibe and amazing service. Recommend anyone who enjoys food as well as the experience. Will be coming again and again

We stumbled upon this place on the way back to our hotel and the atmosphere was incredible. The most amazing welcome from an incredible host. Great cocktails and location, a must if you’re in Brighton. The cocktails were 2 for 1 and when we got...

Can not recommend this place enough. Love the new location. We were lucky to have a great day for outdoor dining. Food was excellent. Cooked with pride and so much of it. We love the new bar upstairs, great for starting and ending the evening...

We're locals and were so lucky to stumble across this restaurant. You can tell they really care and the food is amazing I'm gluten free and they made it super easy for me to order and the cocktails are lovely too. Portions are generous and...

I’ve eaten at Vital Ingredient many times and again last night and had a delicious meal - Cinzia makes the best food. Not only is it authentic Jamaican food - oxtail, ackee and salt fish, mutton etc., but it’s really well cooked and tasty. Highly...

The Vital Ingredient served me the most mouth-watering, delicious, addictive meal that I have had in years. I had the coconut shrimp to begin with, which were light, sweet and fried perfectly. For the main, my partner had the Oxtail Stew, and I had the...

In the fru' fru' district (I can't remember the name of the street!) in Brighton, there is a Jamaican restaurant "the corner" (even if on the website it says "the vital ingredient"). When I entered the club, I felt catapulted into a bar on the...

Absolutely amazing Caribbean food, and we've been to Jamaica 4 times! Portion sizes are enormous, and what makes it even more special, the chefs Italian, go figure 🤣 If you like hot, ask for chefs special sauce, I got through 2 servings of it! Happy...

If you like proper cooked carribean food and very well priced come here! Big portions and the cocktails full of booze! Will Definetely return when we come back to Brighton!

What an amazing evening, attentive and welcoming staff in such a warm environment The food was genuine, hearty portions, delicious and such great value. Without doubt a must visit whilst in Brighton Faultless

We had been thinking about trying this place for a while ever since we noticed their board outside the restaurant. Tonight we stood outside and mulled over the menu and as it was freezing decided to go in and look instead. We were greeted warmly...

The food, service and ambient is amazing. They have lots of veggy and vegan options too. Best Caribbean restaurant in town!

My partner and I just dinner at Vital Ingredient and I recommend very much... The food and the atmosphere are delicious....

Very good carabbean atmosphere with Jamaican music ! Bob Marley the food was a little spicy 🌶 but very nice the jerk chicken fabulous end the oxtail something l never try in my life fantastic !!!!!!! The chef 👩‍🍳 cinzia very nice end very gentle...

I have been up down the city to find a good Caribbean restaurant, which was just around the corner (quite literally as this pop up cousine is taking place at the corner restaurant in Brighton 5 evenings a week). The chef is amazing. You shouldn't...

As usual since it came under new management- the Caribbean food is so tasty - plenty to choose from. Wonderful staff .