Brighton Restaurant Tips by themajor Top 5 Page for this destination

SHAKEAWAY: THERE'S A WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOIN' ON!

If you fancy a liquid lunch that is bereft of alcohol than this is the place for you. Offering an extraordinary number of flavour combinations that draw on an array of chocolate bars, biscuits, cereals fruits and spreads this is milkshake heaven. Although it is possible to pop in and ask say 'Just a vanilla thank you' that would arguably be missing the point. If you desire a Cadbury's Cream Egg and butterscotch shake then it can be yours. The oddest combination I've come across is an 'Arthur' (they do name some after creative customers) - Farleys rusk, ginger nuts and Maltesers! I'm not altogether convinced but perhaps one day I'll order that one and be pleasantly surprised.

As of June 2008 prices were £2.70 for a regular shake, £3.70 for a large; 70p for each additional flavour added to your first choice and 30p for extra ice cream. They can top them with cream or even serve them hot! Go on, indulge yourself!

Favorite Dish: Boost and Dime Bar!

Address: 8 Bond Street, Brighton, BN1 1RD

Phone: 01273 711179

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.shakeaway.com/

Bom-Bane's: MECHANICAL HATS AND MUSIC!

Well this is certainly different. An eclectic eaterie run by Jane Bom-Bane, well known singer/performance artist on the Edinburgh Fringe, wearer of mechanical hats and maker of mechanical tables. No, really.

The lunch/dinner menu runs the gamut from Oxford pork sausages with stoemp (mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal veg) and caramelised onions (£7.50) to Bom-Bane Plate (vegan) which is red pepper & almond pesto, olive tapenade, hummus, slow-roast tomatoes and mixed olives, served with mixed salad garnish and chewy brown bread (£6.25), Mediterranean fish & seafood casserole: monk fish, squid, prawns and mussels cooked with tomato, fennel, white wine and herbs served with garlic crostini (£11.90) and the comforting cinnamon toast (£1.75).

Musical evenings run throughout the year (often on Tuesday evenings) with various guest performers but Jane and her multi instrumentalist husband Nick Payne can also be seen performing a few nights each month . Booking is usually essential as this is not a big venue. I am desperate to make it to one of these evenings and will report back as soon as I manage it! Listen to some of the soundfiles on the website , peruse a few pics and you'll soon realize that it's going to be intriguingly different.

Address: 24 George Street, Brighton, East Sussex. BN2 1RH

Comparison: about average

Directions: Be warned! The best known George Street in the area is in Hove - but that isn't the one you want. You want Brighton's George Street lies between St James Street and Edward Street.

Phone: 01273 606400

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 0

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.bom-banes.co.uk/

Fish and Chip Restaurants: WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN...

Well I can't say I've frequented all the fish and chip shops in Brighton but for any visitor to a British seaside resort, a traditional serving of cod (or haddock) and chips sprinkled with salt and vinegar and wrapped up in newspaper is as good as it gets on the comfort food front. A meal will set you back around £5 per head in most fish and chip shops and of you're sitting down whilst eating you have to have it with slices of bread and butter and a nice cup of tea. Sitting inside a takeaway to eat will add additional tax to your meal so be warned. Watch out for places with fried fish being kept warm under a heating element. This is fine if it was lifted out of the oil in the last minute or so but ideally you want it fresh from the fryer. Delicious!

Bankers along Western Road is well thought of. The Pier has it's own but I have yet to try it. Harry Ramsden's opposite the Pier is part of a large chain of fish and chip shops - I've had meals ranging from excellent to mediocre depending upon the day and the branch. The Athena B in Station Road Portslade served me the delicious meal in the photograph this very day! Basically there a few fish and chips shops that can claim to serve superb meals all the time - the freshness of the catch and the cooking is vital yet can be variable in the best of outlets. My all time favoutite 'chippies' are actually in Headingly, Leeds and Giacopazzi's in Eyemouth, Scotland which also serves superb ice cream.

Favorite Dish: Haddock and chips replete with gherkin and a dollop of mushy peas!

Comparison: least expensive

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Carluccio's: POSING WITH YOUR PASTA!

This café/restaurant has quickly developed into a favourite with the denizens of Brighton particularly as it's situation and glass-walled exterior makes it ideal for posing both inside and out. It can get terribly busy at lunchtimes and particularly at weekends but it's normally easy enough to pop in for a coffee and cake on the off chance. There is a small deli area at the front where you can buy all sorts of pasta, confectionary, freshly baked cakes and bread. Plenty of ready prepared savoury dishes are on offer too - from chicken to pizza slices and pesto.

Main courses in the café (June 2008) include Roast Ham Focaccia (£5.50), Insalata di Mozzarella (£6.75), Lasagna (£7.60), Milanese di Pollo (£9.25). It must be popular for a reason!

Address: Jubilee Street, Brighton. BN1 1GE

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Anyone in the centre of town should be able to direct you here as the restaurant is next to Brighton Library and a minute's brisk walk from the Theatre Royal.

Phone: 01273 690493

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian