The best restaurants serving French food in Brighton and Hove South East

My wife and I have been fans of Stephen Edward’s food for many years. We have eaten his food previously at Cromwells in Small Dole, Whites in Steyning and the Camelia at South Lodge. I was therefore happy to book a table at Etch to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. I did this via The Fork app and it was clearly stated that we wanted the ‘Michelin tasting menu’ in the restaurant. We paid the deposit and received confirmation. However, late morning on the day of the reservation, I was contacted by a restaurant employee to ‘confirm our booking in the cocktail bar’. I explained that we had booked the restaurant, but was told that they didn’t have that information and had no availability. The lady said that she would be contacting all diners to confirm their tables and would call me back if anybody cancelled, however I received a deposit refund as soon as I put the phone down and a message from ‘The Fork’ saying the restaurant couldn’t accommodate us! I’m sure the food is as great as ever, but it is the dismissive attitude of the staff over their mistake that leaves a bad taste in the mouth

I’ve only been for coffee and croissant but I’ve been more than once and whether you like records or not it is one of those places where everyone will join in a conversation. The focus is music as they sell Vinyl but the chef is French and the cost for food and drink very reasonable. The cafe/restaurant is in a parade of shops in a residential area so you can park outside although it is on a bus route. Some Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch times it becomes a pop up restaurant where you can BYO. Not for the romantic meal for two as this is a small venue with tables quite close together but I’ve been told by a friend who went there for dinner that everyone talks to everyone else and it has a good vibe. I image booking is required in the evenings but for breakfast; lunch or just a coffee and a browse just pop in and see.

We just had the most amazing dinner here - it was so good, I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu! We shared the crab won tong to start, then my friend had the chicken supreme for main, which was succulent and was served with a lovely potato fondant. I had the lamb rump, served medium rare, on a bed of babaganoush, and with a side of an enormous platter of tagine, unctuous with stewed lamb, which I shared with my friend. We didn't really have room for dessert, but with food this good, we didn't want to miss out, and my friend's crumble + ice-cream and my lemon meringue tart didn't disappoint. All washed down with a carafe of the house red, a full-bodied Merlot. Wow! Just wow!! Get there quick before everyone else finds it!

Lovely spot for a brunch, coffee or lunch. Great food and such attentive service 😊. Will definitely be back! Thank you ☺️

Yo y mi amigo fuimos allí para el domingo asado y lo pasamos muy bien. El asado estaba lleno de sabor y estaba delicioso y delicioso. yorkshire era enorme y la carne era muy suave y había cargas en el plato.

Excellent in all respects...good food,varied menu,first class service,lovely atmosphere,great training ground for the students.

Great classic french bistro fare. Menu isn't massive which is good, couple of specials which were tasty. Service was good not overly attentive, just let you get on with your dinner. Really enjoyed our meal.

Very yummy Macaroons and cakes.

Amazing!! The food was delicious and the service was great!! Recommended✅✅

What a lovely place to come and enjoy and eat,great food and service I would highly recommend this place to come and eat

Break breakfast fresh ingredients absolutely amazing here. One of the best breakfast places in brighton i will suggest this all day long

Love this place. Great drinks list, including nice wines. Menu is excellent, and v good for vegetarians. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Delicious food and friendly service

Great food, and lovely stuff, clearly working very hard. Me and the family loved it.