Vel South Indian Kitchen + Bar in Brighton and Hove

Visited with a group of neighbours who've been having curry nights out in Brighton for the past ten years and this - along with Manju''s (Gujarati cuisine) - is hands down our new favourite. I've been to Southern India a few times and this food is really authentic, but there are also plenty of the usual classics you might want on a curry night out. Standouts for us included idli sambar, dosas (we shared a four foot long one!), prawn biriani, and the chicken madras. A really extensive and diverse menu too, meaning we'll be back. Plenty more flavours to explore. Decent beers, welcoming staff, cosy atmosphere and spotless.

Lovely delicious food, large portion sizes, very filing Food arrived quickly We had the dosas, puri masala, and masala chai Friendly staff

We loved the food! It was authentic South Indian food and after all the restaurants that claim to be authentic, Vel’s was refreshing. We got the Madras chicken curry with veechu and it was so good! Rich flavours, appropriate spice, and great service. Would definitely recommend!

The best and neat indian food. And the staffs are amazing. If you’re carving for masala dosa this is the best one,they have different options for dosa.! My personal experience with the pricing not too bad. Visiting again soon.

The mutton curry was so good. Great service and will be back soon! Great chai as well. Highly recommended.

Fantastic food every time and such lovely service! One of my favourite restaurants in Brighton. They do amazing dosa. I highly recommend

Visited several times over the years & 2023 twice the last on 26 December & as always a very warm welcome great service & fantastic chef,the best Southern Indian meal ever, we will always dine at this excellent little restaurant. NANDRI

I took my teenage son for lunch and it was the best surprise. The restaurant is simple and very clean. The staff were warm and helpful and the food was exceptional, everything was delicious! I highly recommend it.

Highly recommended for an authentic South Indian food experience! The restaurant serves delicious Dosa Vada with a variety of chutneys and excellent South Indian coffee. Keep it up best South indian food in Brighton 👌👌👌

Great South Indian food, friendly attentive staff, a Kemptown favourite. The Mushroom Manchurian in particular is awesome

Unfortunately I've had to delete my original 5 star review for this place. We have been regular customers at this restaurant for some time. Whilst the food is still excellent, we were really shocked at the wildly unreasonable price increases recently. I thought there was an error with my bill so went back to the restaurant to check the menu. But it was 'correct'. A small Indian style cup of chai has gone up from £1.80 to a ridiculous £4.50! My wife and I had two cups each which comes to £18! For tea! Absurd. A plain Dosa with 3 fillings is now over £18! This really can't be justified for some potato curry, a small amount of paneer and some podi spice. I'm afraid we won't be going back with these kind of prices. I realise that things are costing more nowadays however these increases are really over the top.

The food was so good and cheap ... it's so tasteful .. it has the real Indian taste ...must visit hear ..

Very delicious food and great service. Friendly staffs. If you want to have south Indian food in Brighton, this is the best restaurant to go.

Wonderful food and service - will come again. Want to try the dosas next time. The butter chicken was lovely.

Fantastic Authentic South India cuisine. We had a late lunch, chose a sharing starter which was more than enough for both of us, ended up taking some home along with our daal! Excellent friendly service. Can't wait to go back to try the dosas!

Superb dosa, spicy chilli paneer, tasty medhu vadai, and a great fish curry. Well worth a trip to Kemptown.

We all loved our meals. The prawn madras and the pepper chicken were delicious. We fell looked after and everyone was attentive. Will definitely come back.

Yesterday, I went to the restaurant at half nine and they were almost near to the close and still they allowed us for dinner and it’s very nice food and also the chef was very good and friendly.

If you wanted to try the typical South Indian food in UK. This is a must go place if you are missing South Indian food. The 3.99£/4.99£ chicken/mutton gravy was the bestest🔥 Biryani's were amazing and they make separate prawn biryani which has its own...

All the dishes here were very delicious and worth the price. Specifically, the mutton and Chicken Biriyani was too good

Every Dishes are very tasty and nice to eat and also clean and tidy place for dinning. Moreover, staffs of the restaurant are good manner with customers. So I prefer This restaurant in Brighton.

Great Indian cuisine for a very reasonable price. The service was friendly and the meal delivered quickly, I've had a lot of Indian meals but this was exceptionally nice

I have eaten here 3 times now and each time the food has been delicious, fresh and so rewarding. For South Indian/Sri Lankan style food this place is the best. I say this as a British born Sri Lankan. Their dosas are so crisp, so...

We had masala dosa, sambar idli and rasam vadai and it was all incredible. Tastes were amazing and would love to go back! Catered for my one year old too with a high chair and pappadum. Service was friendly and efficient.

I went here to introduce my friend to south indian food, we had an amazing time! Gobi Manchurian was a wonderful Indochinese staple that I've missed having from back home. They truly did it justice! Idlis, Vadas, Dosas - all authentic staples which my friend...

Amazing food, brilliant and helpful staff. This was the perfect place for high quality amazing food that have staff the can help you with any questions to need

Impressed with a very quick service this time, order served in 15mins and it was delicious as usual. We ordered our all time favourite Kothu paratha and ghee roast thosai.

The best authentic South Indian food in Brighton. Brace yourself for an explosion of true flavours in the mouth. 100 percent recommended.

Just had an amazing meal! Unique flavours, authentic experience. The best meal I have had in Brighton! Thank you VEL !!!

Took my English friends to try authentic South Indian food for the first time and they loved it. Tasty food, friendly staff and excellent service. I will visit Vel Restaurant everytime I visit Brighton.

Excellent food and service. We wanted an authentic experience so just asked for recommendations. Mutton dosa incredible, tandoori prawns amazing and the gobi 65 cauliflower starter also amazing.

Amazing food. Never been here before but lots of choice. The rice is lovely and we tried dishes we've never had before. The restaurant staff were lovely and the service was perfect.

Great service, the menu was well explained. The food was even better! It was very authentic and tasty. 10/10

This is a great place to have authentic Indian food. Good portion sizes and value for money. I loved the quality of food.

I have no idea why this isn’t rated much higher! This has probably been the best and most authentic Indian food I have ever had in England, From brick lane to Brighton I have been constantly disappointed. All these new and high rated Indian places...

Amazing special prawn curry. Incredible depth of flavour. Absolutely correct, subtle, spicy and layered. Dhal was also perfect and flavoursome. Chapattis. Totally recommend this place.

Third visit to Brighton and we always come back for more! Best dosas and south indian delicacies. In fact we were surprised by how good the indo chinese food was! Staff is friendly and always smiling!! Highly recommend.

Biryani was mild and flavourful and we enjoyed our dinner. Keep up d good taste Would definitely recommend

This is the second time we have visited, superb South Indian food (I’m sure the “standard” Indian fare is fine too. Just as I remember when working in Kerala, no better compliment. We actually ate vegetarian, even though we are omnivores!

Delicious food! Really really enjoyable. Plus lovely service and waiting staff who were happy to talk through the menu. Would recommend!

Outstanding traditional food, excellent service. Great place for an evening out, make sure to place a reservation because this place is always packed.

Best place to eat the most authentic INDIAN food (made with amazing spices) in Brighton! The food and service, both were topnotch. Highly recommended.

Thank you for a lovely evening. It was a lovely evening. We both had a lovely time thank you. Will come again

This spot is perfect for a food lover .Service is excellent and food is yummy. Great experience .Highly recommended

Food was really fresh amazing food. Amazing service and really liked the food. Biriyani and chicken was great.

Good service and delicious food if you are looking for nice Indian food with amazing spicy and hot food

A huge choice of meals. You will defintely find some main course you always dreamed about. The restaurant is specialised in south indian plates.

Simple surroundings but delicious authentic food. Highly recommend as a sit in or take away restaurant. The staff were attentive and really pleasant.

This is the most authentic Indian restaurant in Brighton. Forget the dishes you’ve had an all those ‘British curry houses’, this is the real deal! The restaurant attracts a great diverse mix of locals and the staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.

A fabulously authentic South Indian restaurant. Not your run of the mill curry house. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. An open kitchen where you can see everything being freshly cooked.

Very friendly services and delicious food. Only thing is the waiting between dishes was a bit long but the wait was worthy. Fantastic Indian restaurant and will definitely come back.

Ordered a takeaway from here. Half the order was missing, primarily the dosa with potato masala which was the main reason we ordered from here. What did arrive wasn't labeled, so we had no idea which dishes were which, and which ones were veggie or...

The food and the service is absolutely delicious. The dosai and the kottu roti were just the right blend of spice and taste. It is very reasonably priced and a wonderful lunchtime spot. Highly recommended.

Although from the outside this restaurant looks more like a cafe, the food is wonderful. The menu is a bit different from the usual Indian fare. We visited on a Sunday night and it was very busy, mainly with local people, as it is located...

Simple but tasty dhosas - perfect lunch. Not heavy but a mix of sambals and dhal made it extra interesting. Lovely!

Best place in Brighton for authentic south Indian food. Would highly recommend the chicken kothu and pepper chicken curry.

The food was amazing, must come again and again. We really loved the masala chai. Small and cosy place so you better call for a reservation

Excellent food.. exactly how would I like. Authentic spicy, great taste and personalised service. Must visit and repeat

Hats off to the chef and team..one of the very best curries I have eaten..complex spice mix, real depth of flavour. The marsalla fish starter was superb as well. I will be back!

The good is 5 star and top quality. The people are always welcoming and I go usually 3 times every week. :-)

A great return visit to Vel for an Indian meal with a difference. Wide selection of dishes not found in “ ordinary Indian restaurants” are available including a delicious range of staters. We ended up having 3 starters and one main dish all of which...

I enjoyed excellent meals on two evenings during my holiday in Brighton. The dishes were nicely prepared and tasty. The staff were very friendly making me feel welcome. I would definitely come back to this restaurant.

The best South Indian food I’ve eaten outside South India! If you have an opportunity to visit you will not be disappointed

The best Indian food we’ve ever had! We loved every dish and wouldn’t change anything about them. It was really well balanaced, fragrant, rich and comforting, the spice level was perfect! We went for Idly vadai (great as a starter!), garlic curry, lemon rice and...

Live locally in Kemp town and thought it was about time I tried this place. Me and my mate decided to go for the dosa ( pancake ) style main. It was huge. You need to add your fillings in and there is quite a...

Amazing, amazing, and just amazing!!! Couldn't imagine I could find such authentic, delicious South Indian food in Brighton. Stumbled upon this place by chance, having a stroll on the seaside. Must visit restaurant for Indians and others wanting to have Indian food. Just loved it,...

Great spot in Kemptown for authentic Southern Indian cuisine. We came for the Veg Manchurian but stayed for more, and will definitely be back.

Though small in size the food is the closest you can get to authentic South Indian food. The portions are great and taste is superb. Friendly staff too. The price is cheap compared to other indian restaurants in Brighton.

Great indian restaurant, the food taste is way much better than many expensive restaurants. Very friendly employees.

Ambience was good Food was super and satisfying Mr. Vimal given us good service . Very tasty food . .

This is the place for the best lamb curry ever.! The food is amazing - all freshly cooked, good friendly service with a relaxed atmosphere. We would highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking to taste authentic southern Indian food. Good value too and...

This is the best Indian food I have had in the UK. It’s really excellent. Super authentic and amazing flavours. It’s not your run of the mill British/Indian place, the food is on another level and is much more authentic - definitely recommend

My experience: friendly staff, fast kitchen, nice food. I'll visit with friends if we come around again.

Excellent customer service. Friendly manager and staff. Chefs are full of smiles and their food is divine. Open kitchen to see these guys cook Freshly in front of your eyes. Amazing flavours and we have been 2 nights in a row. Refreshing taste to liven...

I’ve eaten all over the world and much of it spicy and Indian flavours but this little gem knocks everything out the park. This is the real deal in a relaxed atmosphere and great service….can’t wait to get back and explore the menu a bit...

I was at the post office when through a random turn of events the cashier recommended Vel to me, saying that it's really good and absolutely authentic. Having been to south India many times, there are many menu items that you never see in British-indian...

Great authentic South Indian food. Never ceases to amaze me how good the food is every time and always manages to remind me of home food.

Wonderful South Indian food is served here by Chef Kuttypuli. I never get disappointed coming here. Would definitely recommend masala chai 👍

Delicious Indian food ...best Potato Masala Dosa in UK we have ever had al served with authentic chutneys, great Mango Lassis, friendly service, a must try for everyone. Yummy .....

This is a great restaurant including drinks (delicious chai and lassis). I usually order one their poori or channa bhatura - delicious puffed up battered puff balls of deliciousness. All the curries I've tried have subtle flavours and complexity. They also have lots of thosais...

Loads of classic “street” dishes here, way more interesting than your standard “curry and rice” joint (altho curries being served to the other tables looked banging as well!) and loads of veeg options as well as non-alcoholic Stella. Winner. Gobi manchurian to start. Very impressive...

Delicious food, pleasant staff. Chef natesh makes great thosai!! Definitely coming back. Would highly recommend. Great flavours

Had been meaning to try this place since I moved into kemptown area and my word the food here is incredible. I had a special prawn curry with pulao rice, a mango lassi drink (delicious milkshake-consistency drink, perfect for chasing away the spice heat), a...

Wonderful food, a very eclectic menu lots of choice for everyone including veggie and vegans. Staff are really friendly and offer suggestions

Superb food , helpful staff - don’t expect to recognise many dishes but let yourself be guided. We will resi items be coming back regularly

Really enjoyed the food here- the dosa ND egg mal were perfect! Service was great, staff were lovely. Will visit again. Thank you

Yes, they serve real Dosai (Thosai), even paper dosai. Very good. My only comment is that the dosai could be a little more "sour" - more fermented, and the potato masala could be more spiced. Masala Chai was excellent though. We'll be going back again...

Today was my 2nd visit at Vel. Keeps surprising me. A refreshing south Indian restaurant for solo, couples, family & groups and foodies who wanna taste good Indian food. Filter coffee and Veg lovers - here s your pit stop. A warm welcome, with a...

I live in Madrid and visited Brighton for a few days. It's hard to find a good, authentic South Indian restaurant in Europe and this is closest to the kind of place for dosas back home I found. My friends and I simply relished the...

Lovely South Indian restaurant, delicious food, very reasonably priced. Was almost full when we came, would suggest booking a table in advance. Attentive and friendly staff. Will definitely come back.

Food was stunning! Service brilliant and after dinner chocolates a lovely touch. We will be back! Go!

The restaurant provided excellent food. Really tasty south Indian food. Enjoyed the evening. The taste was authentic and the atmosphere was quite warm and friendly.

Lovely food, lovely people, would highly recommend. The staff are so helpful and answered every question we had

Recommended by a friend and what a find this is. South East Indian cuisine served by friendly staff in bright environment. Also excellent value for money. Give it a try.

The Curry dishes were delicious and the service was excellent we will definitely go again and again.

Not as flashy as some of the more central south Asian restaurants, but also comes without their pricetag. Friendly staff (Marta was great), tasty food, good prices.

yesterday I went to this restaurant with my family I really liked how we are served one serving I believe her name and daniela was very nice to be served by her I take good care of my family when we need it I liked...

Poor attendance, uneducated staff and bad professionals and the owner who should be an example, is the worst.I'm not coming back.

Brighton is an hour from where we now live and haven’t had a Masala Dosa since leaving London 3 years ago through lack of South Indian restaurants in our area, had to go on a shopping trip so decided to try this place for lunch,...

Our first visit since the restaurant reopened earlier this month: it was very busy and also doing a lot of takeout orders. Service was attentive and friendly and the food came in reasonable time, hot and tasty. The menu is long and offers many dishes...