Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

You would not be mistaken to think that Japan has arrived in Brighton as the Oki-Nami Japanese shop and restaurant aim to introduce the important aspects of Japanese life, with its long history and distinctive customs, to the locals. Hence the name that loosely translated means 'provider of all things' is so applicable to them.

For those who find Japanese cuisine to be something of a mystery, there isn't a better way to initiate one's self than by trying their otsumami or the Japanese tapas of cabbage, pork, salmon or shiitake mushroom dumplings dipped in sesame sauce. Apart from these miniature delights, the highly regarded sushi selection is served with nigiri, pairs of rice balls or maki, rolls of rice. The sashimi dishes include fresh slices of salmon, tuna, squid and seasonal fishes served with wasabi, soy and finely grated white radish.

If all else fails there is always the origami and green tea option, with lessons in sushi and calligraphy as side orders, all of which are likely to make you very hungry indeed.

Situated in the heart of the famous Lanes, Casa Don Carlos is a small, family-run restaurant with a warm and affable atmosphere, serving authentic Spanish food from morning until night. There are forty reasonably priced tapas dishes on offer, so diners can savour quite a few of them without breaking the bank. The place is abuzz with genuine Spaniards including the waiting staff, so here's a bit of Spain in the middle of Brighton.

You might be tempted by the albondigas, meatballs in tomato sauce or alcachofas con jamón, artichoke with Serrano ham and wine or even the cocido, a Spanish stew of lentils and chorizo. Their special recipe for Sangria is strong, while the cheesecake dessert with a sublime red wine sauce is delectable. With a glass of Rioja to finish, one leaves with a mental note to go back next time for more.

If ever there was a celebration of food, Bill's Produce Store has to be it. Gathered under one roof is this incredible assembly of food, matters concerned with food, and a first rate café, simply buzzing with activity, laughter and enjoyment.

Amongst their concerns are outside catering, in the store fresh produce, groceries, flowers, hampers, all of the best with a major commitment to local producers and farmers, as well as drawn from sources the world over.

Here, however, the café is our main concern, where there is no concession made to propriety or political correctness, with an ' if you like it you can have it' approach.

So expect to find boiled eggs and soldiers, fish finger sandwich, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, bacon butties, crumpets with blackberry butter, or homemade flatbread with fried egg, bacon and HP sauce.

Drinks include smoothies of the day, cranberry juice and decent wine, but if a bloody mary or a singapore sling is going to lift your spirits, well just have one!

Expect to see more of these temples to delight in Britain.

Sanctuary Café has every reason to celebrate. Having been part of Hove's café scene for over fourteen years they are also one of the few places, which cater for vegetarians this side of Brighton. With an aim to work towards creating a greener planet, they source ingredients locally to avoid supply chain carbon footprints.

So whether it's one of their copious salads, homemade hummus with a drizzle of olive oil or quiches and pâtés, you can rest assured that it's all good, honest produce. Pump up your calorie deficit with a banana and coconut cake and raspberry brownie.

The rustic décor with assorted works of art and comfortable sofas accentuates the homely feel, while the Cella room downstairs is where all the action is, playing host to poetry reading, comedy and live music nights. Just off the busy Western Road, even the location is a boon to the diet conscious as you've got to walk up to the café along a steep road.

If you thought that the stylish American diners of the fifties existed only in movies, think again, for Woodies in Kingsway invites you to step across the Atlantic in to the chilled out atmosphere of old school 1950s jukeboxes and vintage surfboards.

The venue is a wonderful place to bring the whole family or friends to catch up over a juicy 8oz Scottish prime beef burger, potato wedges, stuffed corn tortilla wraps or one of the legendary thick milkshakes.

There are tempting salads such as the good vibrations with sliced mozzarella and cherry tomatoes; sandwiches for lunch and chicken nuggets, pizza and ice cream to keep the little ones happy.

If you visit Woodies after 6pm, try the hot rod ribs or a steaming bowl of spicy homemade chilli con carne, called route 66. Breakfast is served at weekends and what could be better than a stack of butter pancakes with ranch bacon on a lazy Sunday morning. Cool, isn't it?

Our traditional carving table restaurant hosts a treat of daily dishes, a true feast, sure to please the most discerning appetite, set in wonderful surroundings with high Victorian ceilings and beautiful chandeliers.

Sunday brunch - £17.50 (12.45 - 2.30pm) including a complimentary cocktail on arrival & jazz band.

Sam's of Brighton is a cosy, family owned restaurant in the heart of Kemptown, between the Brighton Pier and the Marina and just a few steps from the seafront. An ever changing menu, combined with personal touches like fresh flowers and a gallery of black and white family photos in a casual and friendly setting, have made this bistro style eatery a popular destination for lunches with friends, relaxed evening dining and family celebrations.

Customers are presented with a chance to sample classic yet imaginative dishes, created from the best seasonal ingredients, sourced wherever possible from the surrounding Sussex and Kent farms. The wine list is concise, affordable and has been carefully designed to include some unusual choices alongside other classic food matched options. There are cocktails and champagne for special celebrations.

They also offer a dedicated children's menu as well as baby changing facilities and highchairs if required. Among their list of starters, expect to find Shetland rope grown mussels with spiced coconut, vanilla and red pepper, pork rillette with toast, salad and red onion marmalade or sautéed woodland mushrooms with potato gnocchi cream and parsley.

For the mains, try their cassoulet of duck, pork and Toulouse sausage herb crust. If you're in the mood for fish, you could order the grilled pollock and cherry tomato on sautéed spinach and caper sauce. The Jerusalem artichoke leek and Beaufort cheese filo parcel with vine tomato salad is another dish that is worth trying too. They also feature a classic Sunday roast, daily black board specials and a weekend brunch menu.

The hot rice pudding with blood orange is a combination of delicate flavours and the Valrhona chocolate tart with crème fraiche and raspberry sauce is a delightful way to end a meal. This Sam Metcalfe run venture delivers a reasonably priced, high quality dining experience made memorable by tasty food and attentive service.