Scallops
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Riddle & Finns The Lanes

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A premier seafood destination in Brighton, renowned for its fresh oysters, champagne, and classic seafood dishes in an elegant setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Scallops

Riddle & Finns The Lanes

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier seafood destination in Brighton, renowned for its fresh oysters, champagne, and classic seafood dishes in an elegant setting.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The seafood was out of this world every bite fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

TIP

Book in advance

The restaurant is popular, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Try popular dishes

Consider the fruit de mare, fish of the day, or Dover Sole for a truly exceptional culinary experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

$$$

Phone

+44 1273 821218

Address

12b Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oysters & Champagne Bar

Oysters & Champagne Bar

A classic champagne and oyster bar with fresh, sustainable oysters and an extensive menu of seafood delights.

TikTokThe Best Seafood Dives In BrightonThe Best Seafood Restaurant in Brighton+4
Extensive Seafood Menu

Extensive Seafood Menu

From fruit de mare platters to Dover Sole and fresh catch of the day, indulge in expertly crafted seafood dishes.

TikTokThe Best Seafood Dives In BrightonThe Best Seafood Restaurant in Brighton+3
Elegant Atmosphere

Elegant Atmosphere

Chic marble-topped tables and candlelit ambiance create a perfect setting for dates and special occasions.

TikTokBest restaurants East Sussex, Southeast EnglandBest places to eat in Sussex+3
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The loveliest lunch💌 @Riddle And Finns Brighton #brightonfood #brightonrestaurants
@millylydiac
723 likes • 13.3K views

Book in advance

The restaurant is popular, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Try popular dishes

Consider the fruit de mare, fish of the day, or Dover Sole for a truly exceptional culinary experience.

A spenny but nice meal at @Riddle And Finns Brighton #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #brighton #brightonrestaurants #eatwithme #dinner #eatdinnerwithme #riddleandfinns #brightonfoodie #seafood #shellfish
@toastwithhope
1.6K likes • 42.5K views
One of my favourite restaurants in the UK. Riddle and Finns in Brighton, specifically the one in the Lanes 🇬🇧 With the catch of the day numbered on the left, Riddle and Finns is one of the cosiest places to have a long weekend lunch by candelight. We got 6 jersey rock oysters to start and the kerelan fish curry as our main and it was amazing! Highly recommend you try! 🐟 #brighton #foodguide #ukfoo...
@undothebutton3
38 likes • 4.3K views

Arrive early

If you can't book, aim to visit during non-peak hours or early to minimize waiting times.

Daily specials

The 'catch of the day' board offers a selection of fresh, local fish prepared to classic standards.

Trying the Osters at Riddle & Finns The Lanes in Brighton. They were BOMB by the way #oysters #thelanes #brighton #brightonandhove #seafood #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ #food
@charlesuntitled
24 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in advance

The restaurant is popular, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Try popular dishes

Consider the fruit de mare, fish of the day, or Dover Sole for a truly exceptional culinary experience.

Arrive early

If you can't book, aim to visit during non-peak hours or early to minimize waiting times.

Daily specials

The 'catch of the day' board offers a selection of fresh, local fish prepared to classic standards.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Riddle & Finns is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh and delicious seafood, with particular praise for oysters and the daily catch. The elegant ambiance and friendly, charismatic staff contribute to an unforgettable dining experience, making it a top choice for seafood lovers in Brighton. While generally highly rated, some diners have noted caution with raw oysters.

"Truly grateful experience dining here!

The staff was so lovely and kind. We came during Saturday night no booking but still managed to get a table within 30 minutes.

Food was awesome and really fresh and all cooked with great flavour!

Really great vibe to spend time here and great to social with others with their table setting."

Weibin GUO

"Such a fantastic restaurant, the last time I visited was about 15 years ago when I lived in Brighton , so I had to stop by for lunch while I was in the area and it was every bit as good as I remember. If only you would open up in Manchester 🙏🏼.
Exceptional, fresh produce , great staff, I love everything about this place."

Mitch

"An absolute gem in Brighton!
The seafood was out of this world every bite fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

The oysters and scallops? Perfection.

But what truly made the experience unforgettable were the charismatic waiters who turned our lunch into full-on entertainment. Great energy, witty banter, and top-notch service from start to finish. If you’re in Brighton and want more than just a meal - go here. You’ll leave with a full belly and a big smile."

Анастасия Галай

What People Like

Freshness and quality of seafood
Attentive and lively staff
Elegant, date-night atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional issues with oysters

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and operates on a walk-in basis for some tables.

TikTokThe Best Seafood Dives In Brighton9 Best Spots For Al Fresco Dining In Brighton+1

Popular choices include fresh oysters, fruit de mare platters, Dover Sole, and the 'catch of the day'.

TikTokThe Best Restaurants In The Lanes, Brighton

The restaurant offers an elegant, candlelit ambiance with marble-topped tables, perfect for a special occasion or date night.

TikTokBest restaurants East Sussex, Southeast EnglandBest places to eat in Sussex+1

While booking is advised, they do operate on a walk-in basis for some tables, but arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.

TikTokThe Best Seafood Dives In Brighton9 Best Spots For Al Fresco Dining In Brighton

Yes, the open kitchen allows diners to see the chefs preparing their food, adding to the lively dining experience.

TikTok9 Best Spots For Al Fresco Dining In Brighton

The menu focuses on seafood. While specific dietary accommodations are not detailed, the staff are known for being friendly and accommodating.

Absolutely! The intimate, candlelit atmosphere and excellent seafood make it a perfect choice for a romantic evening.

TikTok

Mentioned in

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One of Brighton's glammest addresses, situated on the edge of the Lanes, Riddle and Finns is a classic champagne and oyster bar. The menu has an extensive "light bites" section, with everything from monkfish cheeks to Brighton scallops for under a tenner. Or drop in for a lazy weekend breakfast: strong coffee, eggs benedict and maybe a glass of champagne to kickstart the day with a buzz.

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Why we love it:Riddle & Finns’ Beach location is the best place to sample all the best seafood in town. Champagne and oysters are on the menu, and you can enjoy overlooking the waves. The dedicated team behind this Brighton classic also provide cooking master classes at the city’s community kitchen.

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Regarded as the town’s most refined seafood spot, R&F is light on gimmicky interiors (think white butcher-shop tiles, marble tables and candles) but heavy…

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Established in 2006 and drawing inspiration from the high end, counter seating oyster bars of New York, chiefly, the Grand Central, Riddle and Finns is nominally a ‘champagne and oyster bar’, but it’s actually far more than that. The menu is a globetrotting affair; there’s bouillabaisse, risotto, ceviche, sashimi, Thai bits…but we think it’s in the most straightforward preparations that the restaurant really excels. A blackboard detailing the local fish on offer that day, with a countdown of how many are left, reassures you of the product’s freshness, and when served grilled whole with some chips, cress and aioli, there really is nothing better.

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An elegant marble decked champagne and oyster bar, Riddle & Finns The Lanes continues to serve up some of Brighton’s best sustainably sourced oysters (fashioned with or without the champagne) on Meeting House Lane. There’s a no booking policy and we recommend you to stop by early to avoid to wait but once you’re in, there’s no limitation of the menu for you to choose from. While it’s the smoked Haddock fillet served with poached egg, prosciutto and colcannon or the garlic and herb butter lobster paired with nothing but extra butter, their inventive interpretations of classic seafood cuisines will keep you coming back for more.

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Tucked away in Brighton’s historic jewellery quarter, Riddle and Finns is a gorgeous spot that specialises in champagne and oysters, but you’ll find a smorgasbord of seafood available here too, from the freshest sashimi to an opulent fruits de mer platter. Following the aesthetic of a New York oyster bar, dining is communal with shared tables where you can perch on a stall and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis and doesn’t take bookings but you can go online to join the waitlist, and it’s a wonderful way to lunch after a morning exploring this eclectic seaside town.

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You won’t find a better sea view in Brighton, especially from the al fresco terrace or the window table in the first floor dining room of this sustainable seafood restaurant, built into one of the seafront arches. Ingredients come from the immediate area where possible, so your pan fried scallops are from Brighton waters and a rich and comforting fish pie is made with Sussex seafood. Local sourcing even extends to the drinks list, where you’ll find Court Garden Farm English Sparkling Wine from nearby Ditchling and Dark Star beers, brewed a few miles away in Partridge Green.

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Since opening their first Brighton restaurant in 2006, Riddle and Finns Champagne and Oyster Bars have earned a reputation as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts along the south coast. Their friendly and experienced hosts ensure that diners enjoy a relaxed and distinctive dining experience. With enviable locations and an award-winning menu featuring Champagne, oysters, locally sourced shellfish, impressive fruits de mer platters, and delectable sustainably sourced fish dishes, Riddle and Finns offer an unparalleled culinary experience.

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Utter the phrase ‘Brighton & Hove seafood institution’ to a local fish lover and they’ll reminisce waxily about Riddle & Finns. There are now two outposts of the restaurant; the original is a cozier affair on Meeting House Lane – we love the bar seating outside that peaks inside the kitchen – while its successor is a seafront staple. With a large al fresco section (booking absolutely required on sunny days) and that day’s catches cooked to classic standards the rest of the city attempts to match, it’s one for when the parents visit.

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Situated over two popular locations (one in The Lanes and one on the seafront), Riddle & Finn’s has long forged a reputation for serving the best in fine dining seafood cuisine. Principally a “champagne and oyster bar,” the restaurant prides itself on alfresco dining while visiting any of its two restaurants is an experience like no other. Its seafront restaurant offers panoramic views of the shore, while its sister restaurant situated in The Lanes boasts a cosy and excitable atmosphere.

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Riddle & Finns has become a household name in Brighton and is loved for its quality local seafood and champagne. Taking inspiration from the high-end liquor shops and oyster bars of New York and Paris, the team offers an impressive culinary experience. Whether you're looking for a bowl of chowder and a glass of wine or 24 freshly shucked oysters and a vintage champagne, the kitchen caters for every occasion.

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The compass Point Eatery, Little Miss Piggies, and Social Board and café marmalade make great choices for breakfast and brunch eateries during your stay in Brighton. That is 85 St. James Street for Little Miss Piggies where you can enjoy quality drinks, breakfast, and brunch with gluten-free options. You will find friendly service and a lovely atmosphere that will set the mood for the rest of your day.

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End your search for the finest seafood in the city at Riddle & Finns which has been beloved by locals and tourists alike since 2006. Located in the South Lanes near North Street, their original Champagne & Oyster bar is one of a few locations around the city. Beyond serving some of the best local seafood in Brighton, they also have an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal.

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Riddle and Finns (pictured above), serves up five-star seafood platters in a ridiculously romantic candle lit restaurant, set along a ridiculously cute cobbled street (Meeting House Lane) on the fringe of The Lanes shopping area filled with adorable jewellery shops in historic buildings. They also have another restaurant on the seafront in an old Victorian shelter hall (65 King’s Road).

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For some of the best, simply prepared seafood in the city, head to one of the two branches of this long-established, casual yet stylish restaurant. At the original in the lanes you’ll find a cosy candlelit dining room with marble-topped tables, white tiled walls and crystal chandeliers. At the circular Rotunda restaurant, there’s wraparound sea views and a balcony overlooking the beach.

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Riddle and Finn (The Oyster bar In the lanes) for local fish and seafood. Bincho Yakitori, a great Japanese restaurant with an open kitchen, cooking their food on a charcoal BBQ and modelled on Izakaya (boozy Japanese taverns) is one of our favourite and offers exceptionally tasty food for a reasonable budget. It is also vegan friendly but this is true of most Brighton's restaurants.

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Much like any creative pursuit, if you’re going to cop inspiration from anywhere cop it from the best. Seafood and oyster bar Riddle & Finns openly cite the high end liquor shops and oysters bars of New York and Paris as its Beatles and Elvis. It’s what it does with the inspiration that counts - its shucked oysters are reassuringly decadent; its selection of crustacea magnificent.

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As you might have guessed, locally-sourced seafood is at the forefront of this bijou, beachfront restaurant. If the weather allows, sit outside for some epic views of the beach and the ocean, which will fill your nostrils with that salty sea air that will undoubtedly add to your experience. Gulp down ceviche dressed with a chilli, red onion and lime salsa, or fresh oysters.

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The Lanes at Riddle & Finns is candlelit, with tiled walls and high tables and stools ...Read more. Monday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sun

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With its flagship restaurant located in the quaint, narrow streets of The Lanes, Riddle & Finns is a must visit when in Brighton. If you’re not into seafood, read on. If you’re a seafood lover however, this is hands-down one of the best seafood restaurants I’ve ever been to in the UK.

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For seafood enthusiasts, Riddle and Finns is a treasure worth seeking out. Nestled in one of the quieter lanes, this restaurant brings the sea to the city. The oysters are always fresh, shucked to order, and their champagne list is impressively curated.

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With a new seafront location, Riddle & Finns have a large menu with Light Bites and Starters, Crustacea, Main Dishes, Oysters and even vegetarian options!. Book on their website to ensure you get a table.

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