Best Local Restaurant
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Brusco

East Sussex, Brighton - Italian - Wine Bar - ££

Smart, grown-up neighbourhood wine bar and eatery

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Sitting pretty on a tree-lined avenue in the smart Montpelier neighbourhood, this little restaurant and bar literally draws in passers-by with its good looks. Painted cream with striped café curtains and pavement tables, it wouldn’t feel out of place on a Brooklyn backstreet, while inside the bare plaster walls and simple decoration conjure a homely yet sophisticated mood. There’s only space for about 20, and if you’re feeling sociable, the best seats are at the dining counter, facing a bar lined with bottles of amaro and vermouth – Brusco’s specialist subject. Start with a refreshing vermouth soda or a cherry Negroni while perusing the short, Italian-leaning menu from ex-Moro chef Victoria Skinner. Meat from Trenchmore Farm yields a flavourful bavette with tonnato sauce or there might be rustic fennel sausages with lentils and punchy salsa verde, all wrought with a great deal of care and attention. Portions are generous and a one-dish meal feels pa...

Sitting pretty on a tree-lined avenue in the smart Montpelier neighbourhood, this little restaurant and bar literally draws in passers-by with its good looks. Painted cream with striped café curtains and pavement tables, it wouldn’t feel out of place on a Brooklyn backstreet, while inside the bare plaster walls and simple decoration conjure a homely yet sophisticated mood. There’s only space for about 20, and if you’re feeling sociable, the best seats are at the dining counter, facing a bar lined with bottles of amaro and vermouth – Brusco’s specialist subject. Start with a refreshing vermouth soda or a cherry Negroni while perusing the short, Italian-leaning menu from ex-Moro chef Victoria Skinner. Meat from Trenchmore Farm yields a flavourful bavette with tonnato sauce or there might be rustic fennel sausages with lentils and punchy salsa verde, all wrought with a great deal of care and attention. Portions are generous and a one-dish meal feels particularly good value – it just depends on how far you delve into the all-Italian wine list. Friday nights are typically packed, so it's best to book ahead at weekends.

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A Percy

5 September 2026

Warm, yet understated welcome form the front of house team. Also when the chef popped out to deliver food to a table she also greeted us and it just gives the very strong impression ALL the team are welcoming and underst...
Warm, yet understated welcome form the front of house team. Also when the chef popped out to deliver food to a table she also greeted us and it just gives the very strong impression ALL the team are welcoming and understand the definition of hospitality. The wine was delicious - obviously Italian centric and Trebbiano is such an under-rated offering, and the food was just so perfect and came as and when it was ready. To have food cooked to order and using such seasonal and fresh ingredients is i...
Warm, yet understated welcome form the front of house team. Also when the chef popped out to deliver food to a table she also greeted us and it just gives the very strong impression ALL the team are welcoming and understand the definition of hospitality. The wine was delicious - obviously Italian centric and Trebbiano is such an under-rated offering, and the food was just so perfect and came as and when it was ready. To have food cooked to order and using such seasonal and fresh ingredients is indeed a treat in this day and age. The front of house staff were extremely knowledgeable on the menu and our server told us that they taste all new dishes with the chef and she discusses the ingredients and taste combinations with them. The whole vibe is of an intimate and charming community based venue where yes, they know their regulars and offer a warm welcome to new guests. It is located on a delightful tree lined street in a residential area which is such a welcome change in a City like Brighton. Wishing the team continued success with the venture and thank you to the team for providing a superb alternative for dining out in Hove.
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D Wright

18 July 2026

Meatballs and risotto - fabulous. Really nice staff and ambience. Great feel.

VENUE DETAILS

16 Montpelier Place
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 3AFGB

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OTHER INFORMATION

Counter seating

New events are coming soon

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