We’ll forgive you if picking a brunch spot in Brighton feels a little overwhelming – the place is absolutely teeming with them, after all. But while wading through the plentiful options might feel more daunting than demolishing a gargantuan stack of pancakes, we can guarantee that one of Brighton’s cafes will have exactly what you need.
Frumpets, hashes, sharing breakfast skillets and, of course, some bloody good eggs are just some of the cracking brunch dishes flying out of the kitchens round here, whether you’re after a humble hangover cure or a glamorous spot to fuel a celebratory weekend by the sea. So, if you’re headed to the south coast sometime soon, make sure you get stuck into at least one of our top brunch picks.
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This article was written by Liv Kelly, a writer from Brighton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Starfish & Coffee is tucked away from the city centre, but the food is well worth the detour. Perched opposite the archway into Queen’s park, this cafe does breakfast properly. Here you'll find classics like pancakes and eggs, but its also known for its delicious hash, sweetcorn fritters and more. The venue occasionally plays host to a super-cool supper club, too.
Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Kemptown, Egg & Spoon is one of Brighton’s best kept secrets. Frequented by the cohort of hospital staff, as Sussex County is only up the road, this café is super popular for sit-in and takeaway brunches and lunches. A delectable selection of sandwiches, cakes and coffee is on offer, plus all your favourite egg 'n' avo dishes too.
One of Brighton’s most central spots, the mini-chain of Café Coho, with its three branches in the South Lanes, Queens Road and Hove, is a worthy contender on our list. The original, bright South Lanes branch has a suntrap of an al fresco area to watch the world go by. Plus, a pledge to match any purchase of ‘invisible toast’ — that’s a £2.50 donation to homeless support charity The Clocktower Sanctuary — makes this place not only a great spot in the city, but a great part of the community.
Brunch for a special occasion? Mange Tout is the place to go. This French Bistro is known for it’s great natural wine selection and fresh ingredients, but their morning menu makes for an elegant start to the day with a classy french twist. Of course, the menu has to include an excellent Croque Monsieur, but they also do great brunch toasts (or ‘tartines’). It’s a bright and charming restaurant, where the menu is scrawled rustically on a blackboard wall, and there's outdoor seating in the laines. Ooh la la.
Moksha is a game changer when it comes to a late morning pick-me-up. The cafe-turned-brunch joint boasts a varied menu; think a full english, all kinds of eggs, breakfast burgers and huevos rancheros. They take pride in their coffee, juices and shakes, and they're also known for a cold brew martini, the most delicious way to whack some oomph into your brunch.
Though it’s without a doubt the most gram-worthy spot on this list, Oeuf is more than just a pretty setting. Since it opened in late 2020, the all-day-brunch cafe has maintained its unmatched popularity — you’ll likely need to reserve a table. However, it’s no surprise thanks to their extensive menu. Serving until 4pm daily, their super-creative cocktails, and signature Frumpets, are definitely worth the hype.
This teeny tiny cafe, nestled among the bustling eateries at the Seven Dials, does a truly great veggie brunch. Their menu is packed with meat alternatives as well as pure planty goodness – the hot skillet sharers, where you can get a full vegetarian english breakfast for two, are a messy, tasty highlight. T @ The Dials, and it’s sister, T @ Hove, also have a fab selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Cafe Rust, an aptly named family of rustic cafés, are another great brunch spot in the city, with branches in Brighton, Hove and Kemptown. Its breakfasts, eggs, sandwiches and pastries will cure any hangover, and we recommend checking out the team's fourth location Rust Oven, specialising in only baked goods.
This chic brunch spot is a casual diner-LA coffee house hybrid serving up simple classics. Perched at the bottom of Preston Street (one of the city’s best foodie hotspots), The New Club is renowned for its eggs, pancakes and breakfast rolls which make up the menu in the a.m., with tacos, burgers and salads joining the list after noon.
Baked, a bustling, elegant cafe, does classic brunch staples extremely well. The sunny corner of church road makes for a cracking people-watching spot, and its also known for a £25 prosecco brunch deal, where you can get a bottle of bubbly thrown in if you opt for one of the selected dishes (think feta eggs, syrup stack pancakes and more).
For all those who grew up in Brighton, there’s a good chance this was the spot you and your mates dashed to the first time you were allowed to venture adult-free. Out-of-towners, however, don’t fret — even if you’re new to the city, this café exudes nostalgia. The grungy wooden booths, classic breakfast grub (plus the most sought-after balcony spot in Brighton) make this a tucked-away treasure. Kenny's is located on the corner of Kensington Gardens and North Rd.
This down-to-earth former deli-turned-cafe is a simple but sought-after brunch spot. The terrace (which thankfully has heaters) is a stunning pitstop for a delicious coffee and bite to eat. Their menu takes pride in the best that the locality has to offer: think juices made from locally sourced fruit, or a crisp cocktail made with Brighton Gin. At only a five-minute stroll from the station, North Laine Cafe could (and should) be the best first stop when you roll into Brighton for the weekend.
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