BRIGHTON, UK. March 31st, 2026 – The results of the BRAVO Awards 2026 (Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online) are in, marking the tenth year of Brighton, Hove and Sussex’s biggest public-voted food awards — and the most significant yet.
Organised by Restaurants Brighton, with thanks to headline sponsor Recorra and category sponsors, the awards continue to champion the region’s independent hospitality scene.This year saw 71,285 votes cast, with 190 individual venues recognised, including 33 appearing for the first time, reflecting growing engagement across Sussex and beyond.
At a time when hospitality continues to face intense pressure, the 2026 BRAVOs have once again shown the strength, resilience, and importance of the local food and drink community.
Top 10 Highlights from the 2026 BRAVO Awards
- terre à terre takes the top spot for Best Brighton and Hove Restaurant for the second time in three years
- Embers wins Best Sunday Roast for the second year running, reflecting the rise of fire-led cooking
- Jo & Co secures a double win for Best Brunch and Most Family Friendly
- Starfish & Coffee continues its remarkable run, winning Best Café again and maintaining a perfect BRAVO record
- Bayon Bakery makes a major impact as a rising star in Sweets & Treats
- The Earth & Stars highlights the strength of plant-based dining with its Plant Champions win
- Fatto a Mano reinforces its reputation with another Best Value win
- The Signalman wins Best Brighton and Hove Pub for the first time, a major community accolade
- Sussex venues continue to rise, with winners from across the county showcasing growing regional strength.
- MOGUMOGU storms to number one in International Cuisine as a standout new winner.
More than just an awards programme, the BRAVOs have become a vital platform for independent restaurants, pubs, cafés and food businesses.
This year, the message was clear: the community showed up.
From neighbourhood cafés to destination restaurants, voters turned out in record numbers to support the places they love — proving that, even in challenging times, hospitality remains at the heart of Brighton and Sussex life.
While Brighton and Hove remain central, the 2026 BRAVOs highlight the growing strength of the wider Sussex food scene.
In particular, Worthing is emerging as a serious foodie destination, with a noticeable increase in quality, creativity, and recognition. Alongside strong performances from villages and rural pubs, this reflects a regional food culture that is expanding and evolving.
The Class of Every Year
Alongside new winners and rising stars, 2026 also highlights a powerful legacy story — venues that Brighton has voted for again and again.
Among the perennial BRAVO champions are:
- terre à terre — a true BRAVO dynasty across multiple categories
- Burnt Orange — a consistent top performer since winning Best Restaurant in 2023
- Fatto a Mano — a long-time favourite in value and family categories
- La Choza — consistently recognised across multiple categories
- Casazul — quietly one of the most consistent performers
- Starfish & Coffee — a loyal favourite with continued recognition
- Oeuf Café — a standout brunch destination with a devoted following
- Moksha — a long-established favourite known for its strong community support
- Crabshack, Worthing — a consistent performer highlighting Worthing’s growing food scene
- Flour Pot Bakery — a well-loved Brighton bakery brand with strong ongoing support
Hospitality voices: what winning a BRAVO means
“Hospitality in all its forms is the thread that binds people and communities , and we’re fortunate to help weave those connections every day. To be recognised among such exceptional contemporaries, and as a fully vegan and vegetarian restaurant, is an honour that carries real meaning for us. An award chosen by the public is especially meaningful; it reminds us why we open the doors every day. Thank you.”
“Winning a BRAVO is a huge honour! Sussex is full of incredible restaurants, so this recognition celebrates our team’s hard work, dedication, and passion…”
“We don’t do this for awards — but when the work gets recognised, we celebrate the people who make it happen… FEED BELLIES NOT BINS — that’s not just a motto. It’s a movement.”
“It always feels fantastic to win a BRAVO and this year it’s double fantastic — we can’t stop smiling.”
“Winning a BRAVO means the world… a home from home for everyone… we’re so grateful that this has resonated with people.”
“Quality and affordability have always been at the heart of what we do, so it means the world that our customers feel the same.”
“We’re incredibly proud to see over 71,000 votes cast again, nearly matching last year’s record. It shows just how valued Brighton’s independent, creative food scene is. Despite ongoing challenges, hospitality is resilient and dynamic. The BRAVOs are growing across Sussex too, with Worthing rising and plant-based venues continuing to thrive.”
With 33 new venues entering the awards for the first time, the 2026 BRAVOs continue to evolve.
Now in their tenth year, the BRAVOs are not judged by critics or panels — they are decided entirely by the public. That makes them unique. In an industry facing rising costs, staffing challenges, and ongoing uncertainty, this kind of direct support from customers is more than recognition — it’s a lifeline.
The BRAVOs drive footfall, build visibility, and remind hospitality teams that their work matters.
- terre à terre – Best Brighton and Hove Restaurant
- Andalucia – Best Sussex Restaurant
- Jo & Co – Best Brunch and Most Family Friendly
- Starfish & Coffee – Best Brighton and Hove Café
- The Signalman – Best Brighton and Hove Pub
- The Eight Bells, Jevington – Best Sussex Pub
- Embers – Best Sunday Roast
- Kindling – Best Lunch
- MOGUMOGU – Best International Cuisine
- Fatto a Mano – Best Value
- The Grand Brighton – Best Cocktails
- Poco, Alfriston – Best Wine List
- Bayon Bakery – Best Sweets & Treats
- The Earth & Stars – Plant Champions
- The Real Junk Food Project – Sustainability Champions
- Moksha – Best Team
- Oowee Vegan – Best Takeaway