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Burnt Orange

East Sussex, Brighton - Middle Eastern - Restaurant - £££

Colourful wood-fired cooking and creative cocktails

Overall Rating: Very Good

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

Part of the Black Rock Group, which also includes the Coal Shed, the Salt Room and Tutto, this remodelled 16th-century coaching inn remains one of the hottest tickets in town. It’s difficult to pinpoint the secret to the restaurant’s continued success because they do everything so well. As one diner noted: ‘Whether an occasion, a Sunday lunch or an early-doors dinner, this bistro can cater for anything’. With its flint stone walls, open kitchen, dining counter and burnt-orange banquettes, it still feels fresh and stylish (the charming enclosed courtyard is a great spot in good weather). Service is seamless, from the warm welcome at the reception desk to attention to detail at the table. More importantly, everyone seems genuinely pleased to see you. Chef Peter Dantanus’s regularly changing list of small plates combines wood-fired cooking and global influences to beguiling effect. A simple plate of plump, perfectly cooked mussels served on toast was made...

Part of the Black Rock Group, which also includes the Coal Shed, the Salt Room and Tutto, this remodelled 16th-century coaching inn remains one of the hottest tickets in town. It’s difficult to pinpoint the secret to the restaurant’s continued success because they do everything so well. As one diner noted: ‘Whether an occasion, a Sunday lunch or an early-doors dinner, this bistro can cater for anything’.

With its flint stone walls, open kitchen, dining counter and burnt-orange banquettes, it still feels fresh and stylish (the charming enclosed courtyard is a great spot in good weather). Service is seamless, from the warm welcome at the reception desk to attention to detail at the table. More importantly, everyone seems genuinely pleased to see you. Chef Peter Dantanus’s regularly changing list of small plates combines wood-fired cooking and global influences to beguiling effect.

A simple plate of plump, perfectly cooked mussels served on toast was made memorable by the gentle heat and richness of an Urfa chilli butter. Aubergine, smoky from the wood fire and deeply savoury from the addition of miso had the perfect combination of soft flesh and crispy skin, with a generous topping of crispy shallots, pomegranate and pine nuts adding crunch, while a sour cream dressing lent contrasting richness. Small, waxy skillet-baked potatoes, drenched in a herb cream and showered with gratings of hard sheep’s cheese have been a menu staple since day one and remain a must-order.

Not everything was perfect on our visit: the signature wood-fired flatbread with sesame brown butter was doughy and greasy, while charred grey mullet with buttermilk crab curry was served tepid in a grainy sauce. These did, however, feel like minor mishaps in the context of an otherwise pleasurable experience. The reasonably priced wine list is a bonus, but cocktails including the signature Burnt Orange Martini or something from the Margarita list, are the thing to drink here; the restaurant is open until 1am at the weekend for late-night drinks.

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C Hodgson

21 April 2025

Every morsel of food is a party on the tongue and shows the combinations of ingredients and flavours have been skilfully chosen and lovingly cooked to perfection. Everything was absolutely delicious and slightly unusual. Nothing is by chance in Burnt Orange, waiting staff want you to have a nice time and have everything you need. They exude excitement and care about what they do and this adds to the whole place feeling special. What a gem of a place. We can’t wait to go back!

H AlYousif

16 April 2025

Fresh baked flatbread, smoked miso aubergine and mix of tasty authentic Persian coal-fired plates along with great wines and cocktails. It's a family favourite for our adult daughters and ourselves, delivers the most exciting vegetarian options and is very welcoming, with a great vibe.

J Veldkamp

15 April 2025

Lovely food and great atmosphere. We always come here for celebrations, staff make us feel very welcome and well looked after. Food is delicious, doesn't disappoint. But please bring back the okra tempura!!

VENUE DETAILS

59 Middle Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1ALGB

01273 929923

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Outdoor dining, Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Credit card required

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