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 service. Nice busy atmosphere. I haven’t had a cassoulet since a very good one in Covent Garden at Chez Antoinette many years ago. Most disappointed with what I had today and certainly at the premium price of £20 for a small portion. My partner had the sausages from the Prixe menu. Better value and taste.

Este tiene los mejores macarons que he tenido. Los sabores son increíbles. La zona de estar es pequeña, pero el servicio es genial y he mencionado lo buenos que son los macarons?

Following a great afternoon at the “Natural Wine Fair” we went for a lovely bottle of Anatheme Red with some delicious Nibbles with friends. Just Perfect…

Popped in twice whilst in Brighton. First visit was just for drinks and second was for food!! Both occasions were excellent. Drinks were a little pricy but very enjoyable. Food was fairly priced. Beef bourguignon was very nice and beef was amazingly cooked.

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

Great Raclette in nice local pub. Good selection of fresh meat salad and cheese. Good wine list. Friendly staff Recommended!

Lovely patisserie! Tried a few of the items, particularly lovely the blackberry tart and the chocolate brownie. The brownie is seriously good!

Really warm welcome from a guy who appeared to be the manager or owner. However, he was let down by his staff- one off duty and one on who chatted/shouted across the tables at each other resulting in us knowing more than we need to about their personal life and who annoys who. It was very annoying. The manager guy noticed and did tell them to stop but still felt this let down the experience. Felt like the guy perhaps really wants to make a go of it but he needs to train his staff and not be quite so chummy with them. Another point to note for this guy is that the toilet desperately needs sorting out. Not pleasant. Just clean it properly in the corners. And the 10% discount if you order on the app? Ditch it. You don’t need it and many people would prefer to order with a person. I hope this venture works for you.