The ultimate foodie's guide to a weekend in Brighton

It's full of delicious surprises

Brighton is one of the UK's most popular seaside getaways, and it's easy to see why. Whether you're heading down to the south coast city to wander through the lanes, dip your toes in the sea or spend your pennies in the pier arcade, the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind. Friendly, fun, relaxed and colourful - it's a place where individuality is championed, and there's something happening on every street.

Plus, who can resist the smell of hot, sugary doughnuts or summer drinks in a quirky pub garden?

But Brighton is so much more than fish and chips, seagulls and salty sea air. A bohemian vibe courses through the city's veins. It's an utterly unique place - small enough to walk from one side to the other, but big enough to be home to hundreds of independent eateries.

From chocolatiers, to seafood specialists, to the only chip shop mayo-lovers need to know about, it's a heady mix of fun, fast and fine dining. Forget chain restaurants - make the most of Brighton's bursting food scene and prepare to get seriously stuffed.

Not sure where to start? Luckily, we've put together the ultimate foodie's cheat sheet to dining in Brighton. You're welcome.

Where to eat

Tuck into a hipster breakfast at Lost In The Lanes

It's everything you want from a brunch spot and more - all you have to do is look through the window on a Sunday morning and you'll see how many other people agree. Lost In The Lanes offers an all-day brunch menu in a cosy, stripped back setting, and you'll be impressed by plates on offer (and the coffee, too). Flat whites and lattes are carefully crafted here and the smoothies offer a welcome health boost the morning after the night before. Try the vegetarian Lost Breakfast or add salmon and poached eggs to a classic avocado on sourdough. Delicious.

Delight in south Indian cuisine at Curry Leaf Cafe

There are three Curry Leaf Cafes in Brighton and they all serve the same mouth-watering south Indian dishes. The scent of spices welcomes you as soon as you get through the door, and the open-plan dining space emits a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The focus is on sharing, so order a few different dishes and get a feel for the menu's diverse flavours. Start with gobi 65, deep-fried cauliflower, alongside a mini onion masala dosa. Then tuck into succulent spiced pudina lamb chops and try the curry tasting platter - which includes chicken, lamb rogan and prawn curry - to really get a taste of what Curry Leaf has to offer.

Prepare to be impressed at The Salt Room

Looking for the best fish in Brighton? Head to The Salt Room and prepare to be amazed. The award winning restaurant sits overlooking the West Pier and offers contemporary seafood plates using sustainable, local produce. Order a glass of fizz and a few fresh oysters - then you're ready to take on the à la carte menu. Octopus served with white beans and seaweed gremolata or the pollock ceviche are excellent starter choices, followed by the salt baked bream (which is a very theatrical experience when the crust is prized open by the waiter) or the halibut with miso and pancetta.

And let's not forget the beautifully designed desserts. Don't miss the epic Taste of the Pier sharing board, featuring blood peach 99s, lemon meringue fudge, white chocolate and raspberry bark, strawberry and lime doughnuts and two large sticks of candy floss.

Where to drink

Enjoy a tea-infused cocktail at Metrodeco

The quaint and wonderfully decorated Metrodeco is a gem of a find with friendly staff, leopard print chairs and a unique take on classic cocktails. When the evening rolls around the quirky tea room is a great spot for enjoying a tea-infused beverage. Try the Metro-Margarita - pink pride tea tequila, cointreau, lychee syrup and lemonade number - or the Rosie Lee - pink pride tea-infused gin with cranberry and Prosecco.

What to do

Sample just about everything in Brighton on an epic food tour

If you're ready and willing to eat your way through the city but have no idea where to start, book yourself a spot on the Brighton Food Tours. You'll get a thorough tour of Brighton's best independent restaurants and food retailers, so let your guide talk you through its interesting history and enjoy the city's best kept foodie secrets (if you find yourself pounding the pavements with Paul you're in for a treat).

Try the oysters at English's of Brighton, the seafood restaurant popular with celebrities, and chip lovers have to make time for BeFries, the one-stop shop for Belgian Fries and a range of house sauces (don't miss the black truffle mayo or dill and gherkin frites sauce).

Other hotspots include Smorl's tasty houmous shop and anyone with a sweet tooth needs to visit Rainbow Organic Chocolates, both found in The Open Market.

The sample portions at each stop are more than adequate, so prepare to finish the tour feeling sufficiently full.

Where to stay

Check in to The White House

The White House is an award winning boutique bed and breakfast located in trendy Kemptown and just 100 metres from Brighton seafront. In fact, if you're booked into one of the south facing bedrooms you can also enjoy sea views. It's impeccably clean and tidy, and the owners are super friendly. The rooms are kitted out with the usual modcons - a tv, iPod docking station and tea and coffee, along with Orla Kiely toiletries.

It also offers a superb breakfast (which you can take outside if the sun's out) using local free range produce, and if you want something filling opt for the creamy scrambled eggs with salmon on toast.

For more information about what to do in Brighton, visit www.visitbrighton.com or follow @visit.brighton on Instagram