[Food] Restaurant 2025

[seagulls99]

Has anyone been to El Bolillo on Church Road? Been meaning to pay a visit ever since it's opened

 

[Hotchilidog]

Went to Embers in Meeting House Lane on saturday, it was absolutely terrific.

Another small plates restaurant that really delivered hugely on the flavours from its wood-fired oven. Also the spicy Margherita was superb. My friends all took advantage of the meat, but the menu was vegan friendly for me and the celeriac main course was just off the charts.

We liked it so much we are going back for a birthday meal in April. Really one of the best meals out I have had in ages.

 

[Half Time Pies]

MANJUS

Anyone who was reading the Chinese v Curry thread yesterday might have seen that an old mate of mine came down for a beer, a curry and a catch up last night. We both arrived in town by train so had a couple of pre dinner beers in The Albert and then tried to decide where to eat. We were in the mood for flock wallpaper, sitar music, base sauces and pilau rice. And there is literally nowhere that is near to the station that does that sort of thing.

So, a choice. Uber it over to Ganges / Ashoka or walk down the road to Manjus, which is next to the George.

My mate is vegetarian so, despite a fear of small plates, in that you can easily end up over or under ordering, we took the walk. Time for this carnivore to reappraise vegetarian food with someone who appreciates it and knows good from bad.

It is the literal opposite of what we first thought we'd do. And it's great. Or mostly great.

Poppadums were just that but the chutneys with them were home made and unique, each one having a slightly different balance of sweet and spice. The chilli paneer starter was incredible, authentic Indo Chinese absolutely laced in spice but with complex sweetness following. The paneer masala and dosa curries were equally good, each served with more home made condiments and each balancing spice and flavour. I was worried that a mostly protein free meal of small plates would leave me feeling hungry. We left stuffed. But.......

Service is excellent and friendly and we tipped. However, I can't help feeling it's all a bit too pleased with itself. The food arrives and the waiter gives you a description of it's history and provenance, how it came to be in India, what they made it with, even how long the preserve their lemons for. And, because it's small with tables virtually next to each other you then get to hear them repeat the same story word for word to the next table. The Set used to do this and I never went back because of it. And the atmosphere? It's almost reverent. Like people are so pleased with the authenticity they've forgotten to speak. Of course, matey and I who haven't seen each other for a while and were four pints in were engaged in loud conversation. I couldn't help feeling we were wrecking evenings.

It is the best vegetarian meal I have ever had. It is probably the most authentic Indian meal I've had since spending months in Chennai for work. They prepare everything with love. The ingredients are incredible and they have real passion for what they do. But it is a FOODIE experience and we really wanted base sauce, Cobra, vindaloo and loud, convivial chatter. That sort of place doesn't seem to exist in Brighton any more so next time I'll go up to his.

Been a while since I went but the Bayleaf in Kemptown is a decent more traditional Cobra, Vindaloo sort of place if you are looking for something in central Brighton.

 

[NutterDave]

Went to Embers in Meeting House Lane on saturday, it was absolutely terrific.

Another small plates restaurant that really delivered hugely on the flavours from its wood-fired oven. Also the spicy Margherita was superb. My friends all took advantage of the meat, but the menu was vegan friendly for me and the celeriac main course was just off the charts.

We liked it so much we are going back for a birthday meal in April. Really one of the best meals out I have had in ages.

Their Sunday roast is terrific too.