Brighton · The Lanes · Since 1981

45 years of feeding Brighton.
Even the sceptics.

Independently owned, seasonally driven and genuinely welcoming — Food for Friends is Brighton's original vegetarian restaurant, where non-veggies come back just as often as the faithful.

Reserve a Table View Menus
Inside Food for Friends restaurant, Brighton
Our story

A table in The Lanes, for 45 years

In 1981, before oat milk or avocado toast existed, Food for Friends was already making vegetables the main event in Brighton. We opened in the heart of The Lanes when vegetarian restaurants were a novelty — and we're still here, still independently and family owned, still cooking with the same passion for honest, flavourful food.

Whether you're a committed vegetarian, a dedicated vegan, or simply someone who loves eating well, our kitchen is open to you. Seasonal menus, consciously sourced ingredients, and dishes made by people who genuinely care. We were Brighton's best-kept secret for a while. These days, it's harder to keep quiet about it.

1981Founded
45Years open
4,091Reviews
🐾 Dogs welcome 👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly ♿ Wheelchair access 🏆 Award winning
From our kitchen

Food worth talking about

Crispy Cep Polenta. Sussex blue cream. Oyster mushrooms. A menu that changes when the seasons do.

Crispy Cep Polenta
GF

Crispy Cep Polenta

Sussex blue cream, seared oyster mushrooms, maple drizzle, minted chards

Burrata
GF

Burrata

Salsa verde, red chicory leaves, orange segments, toasted hazelnuts, fresh herbs

Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
GF

Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

Sautéed spinach, broccolini, potato gratinate, garlic cream, crispy capers, sun-dried tomato

Cherry Blaze Cheesecake
GF

Cherry Blaze Cheesecake

Rich basque cheesecake, caramelised top, cherry coulis

What people say

Brighton's original — still its best

4.5
4,091 reviews on TripAdvisor Ranked #86 of 1,098 Brighton restaurants
★★★★★

"The food is imaginative, delicious and great value. The team are wonderful, the atmosphere is inviting, and the location is perfect in the Lanes."

— TripAdvisor reviewer
★★★★★

"We always use this restaurant when in Brighton. Absolutely lovely. Staff are attentive and friendly, the food is delicious — and it's dog friendly!"

— TripAdvisor reviewer
★★★★★

"Would particularly recommend the crispy tofu and butterbeans in lemon sauce, but everything was so tasty. It's still the best veggie restaurant in town!"

— TripAdvisor reviewer

Read all 4,091 reviews on TripAdvisor →

Time Out Magazine

"Well-loved vegetarian restaurant in The Lanes that's even a hit with non-veggies."

The Sunday Times

"Brighton's most significant vegetarian restaurant — decades of honest, imaginative cooking."

The Good Food Guide

"A genuine Brighton institution — the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with this city."

Gift vouchers

Give them a proper Brighton lunch

From £10 to £100, posted to their door by Royal Mail — the ideal gift for anyone who loves good food and The Lanes. Valid for 12 months from purchase.

£10 Gift Voucher

Perfect for a coffee and brunch, or a contribution towards a bigger table

Buy now →
£25 Gift Voucher

A lovely lunch for one, or a round of drinks between friends

Buy now →
£50 Gift Voucher

Dinner for two with drinks — a genuinely special Brighton evening

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£100 Gift Voucher

The full Food for Friends experience — bring friends, take your time

Buy now →
FAQ

Good to know

Everything you need before you visit — if we've missed anything, just give us a call.

17–18 Prince Albert Street, The Lanes, Brighton BN1 1HF. Right in the heart of The Lanes — look for us on the corner.
Book online via OpenTable, or call us on 01273 202310. Walk-ins are always welcome, though we recommend booking for evenings and weekend brunch.
Yes — a wide range of dishes are vegan (Ve) and/or gluten-free (GF), clearly marked on the menu. We also have an onion and garlic-free menu available on request.
Yes — well-behaved dogs are always welcome. Brighton's canine community is part of the family here.
Yes — we have a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs available. We love seeing families around the table.
Yes. For groups of 8 or more, please contact us directly at management@foodforfriends.com so we can arrange the best seating and menu options for your party.
Yes — brunch is served daily from 10am to 12pm (noon), seven days a week.
The restaurant entrance is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that due to the building layout, we do not have wheelchair-accessible toilets. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
There's no on-site parking, but several public car parks are available within a short walk of The Lanes.
Every Sunday from midday — a vegetarian and vegan take on the classic British roast with all the trimmings. Booking recommended.
Allergen information is included in our menus. Our team takes allergies seriously — please flag any dietary needs when booking or on arrival and we'll take great care of you.
Yes — in denominations of £10, £25, £50 and £100. Personalised with a message and delivered by Royal Mail. Valid for 12 months. Buy here.
Walk-ins are always welcome — but we recommend booking ahead for evenings and weekend brunch to avoid disappointment.
Yes — we have a special onion and garlic-free menu available. Download it here.
Come and eat with us

Reserve your table

Walk-ins always welcome. But to guarantee your spot — especially for evenings and weekend brunch — book ahead via OpenTable. Free cancellation.

Book via OpenTable
Booking for 8 or more? Contact us directly at management@foodforfriends.com and we'll sort the best setup for your group.

Find Us

17–18 Prince Albert Street
The Lanes, Brighton BN1 1HF

Opening Hours

Mon–Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri–Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 9pm

Get in Touch

01273 202310
management@foodforfriends.com

🐾 Dogs welcome 👶 High chairs 🍽 Kids menu ♿ Step-free entry
Accessibility note The restaurant has step-free access at the entrance. Please note: due to the building layout, we do not have wheelchair-accessible toilets.