12 of The Most Delicious Cheap Eats in Brighton

As 6,000 students descend on the city, we give the low-down on the best budget-friendly dives in Brighton. And, as you’ll find many of them on the Wriggle app, going out and treating yourself doesn’t have to mean spending an arm and a leg. If nothing here tickles your fancy, remember you're bound to get a pretty tasty discount on most Wriggle deals so browse what's on today.

£2.50 Takeaway Dinner Box @ Foodilic North Street

Somehow each time we leave Foodilic we feel half a stone lighter and five years younger. Not from a lack of food; pile your plate high with rich verdant haricots, glistening roast veg, tartly seasoned cous-cous, hunky portions of marinated roast chicken and much more. Pair with healthy juice (carrot is good) for optimal smug points. Helpful, smiley and outrageously fit staff know everything about everything. Even the seating choices are zen; ground floor to scoff your five-a-day lording it over traffic-choked North Street, upstairs for more of a chillaxed Amsterdam hippy-hostel vibe. There’s even a bamboo-lined roof terrace when the weather behaves, with nice plump benches and conspiratorial booths. Good in so many ways.

Vegan Pizza Lunch for £5.95 @ Purezza

Taking the title for the UK’s first plant based pizzeria, is Brighton’s very own Purezza! Their menu consists of exciting vegan pizzas such as the Parmigiana party (smoked mozzarella, fried aubergines, sliced sausages, topped with basil and nutritional yeast), Here Comes Truffle (Black truffle base with mozzarella, wood smoked tofu, mixed wild forest mushrooms and finished with micro herbs) and SEASON.4.PIZZA.1 (Mozzarella, artichokes, kalamata olives, wild forest mushrooms and smoked beetroot carpaccio, finished with micro herbs). Pizza bases include tasty sourdough, hemp flour and a delish gluten free option. Those creative animal lovers also have a whole host of cruelty free cheeses - rice-blend mozzarella, coconut, almond and cashew based fromage. YUM.

Small Plates for £5.95 @ Mrs Fitzherberts

Mrs Fitzherberts, the woman, the bar. Brighton’s original cougar, who captured the heart of a king, is back in the heart of central Brighton. Sited two minutes from the Royal Pavilion, where the Prince wooed his sweetheart, and seconds from the Theatre Royal and the Dome concert hall, like the original tale, this pub's story is one of passion and infatuation. A passion to provide great local craft beers, simple but quality local pub food and showcase the best of live local talent. Set in an environment that is Fitz for a king, the newly refurbished Fitzherberts boasts two great heated and lit outdoor terraces. Their street terrace on Brighton’s premier pedestrianised thoroughfare, New Road, is the BEST place to watch Brighton play. At the first floor discover the ‘Lost Gardens of Fitzherbert’ roof terrace, complete with outdoor fireplace and disco shed, providing the best setting for breakfast or an after work cocktail under the stars. With a fantastic retractable roof, the terrace is open whatever the weather.

Make your own bagel for £4,50 @ Bagelman

Brighton’s antidote to mouthy hen dos and cancelled trains, local favourite Bagelman is beloved by anyone with a BN postcode. Everybody has a menu favourite; salt beef (served from midday) is of course a classic, as is the BLT, but the Reuben (pastrami, swiss cheese, tomato, pickles and mustard) gives both a run for their money. All your standard bread varieties (poppy, onion, wholemeal etc) are on offer, plus rewarding off-piste options such as Jalapeño bagels which add a lively dash of piquancy. And they do gluten free. Come join the inner circle…

Banging Pizzas for £5.95 @ Dead Wax Social

From the same duo that brought you mouthwatering cuban sandwiches at Idle Hands, and moreish tacos at Marwoods, the Wolfsmouth team are now taking over the kitchen at Dead Wax Social to bring you sensational Brooklyn-style pizzas. Get a load of this, 12’ sourdough bases topped with unreal ingredients such as clams, napoli salami, and figs. Our favourite is the Prosciutto with a white base, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, spinach, prosciutto toscana, peach and white balsamic. Vegan cheese is also available as a substitute or addition to any of these devilishly good little pizzas. You will most definitely want to try a pizza this place.

Burrito & Drink for £5.95 @ Carlito Burrito

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican street food, then call off the search party. This place is Mexican owned, with Carlito himself at the helm. Born from a festival stall, Carlito Burrito serves up delicious Tacos, Burritos and Quesadillas made with the freshest of ingredients. It’s no wonder The Guardian voted their food amongst the best available at Glastonbury ‘14. There’s a hefty range of Tequilas, Mezcals, and Mexican Craft Beers to sample, and even an Oyster and Tequila Shooter for more adventurous diners. Friendly staff, unbeatable food and fantastic music makes this hidden gem a must-visit for all Brightonians. The fish tacos may well change your life, güey.

£3.25 Pint @ Haus On The Hill

Haus On The Hill is one of the amazing spots from the dream team of Brighton Bier Brewery. Their quirky neighbourhood pub is the perfect place to grab a pint, catch up with your mates, and just have a good time We cannot not recommend the fantastic beer garden - an out-of-this-world terrace for you to get that perfect summer tan and unwind after a long day. You'll get to try any of Brighton Bier's very own, award-winning beers, but don't worry if you don't know which one to try first: the super friendly staff will help you pick your perfect match.

Burger & Fries for £6.50 @ The World's End

Wolfsmouth are hitting their second burger menu at London Road favourite, The World’s End. Unlike their sister burger pop-up, the burgers here will have a heavy weighting towards vegan and vegetarian burgers and snacks. Their plant based delights are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts and the homemade seitan has a big part to play. Using their extensive experience, knowledge and open-thinking, Wolfsmouth focus on ingredients which are often overlooked and strive to make them extraordinary.

Brunch & Hot Drink for £7.50 @ Brewed

Take a wander down to Lewes Road and discover the hidden gem that is Brewed. Known for their own house roasted single origin coffee which you may have seen dotted around some other notable Brighton eateries. Brunch lovers need to add this place to their bucket list immediately. Grab a pew on their decked sun terrace and tuck into a mighty fine brunch whilst sipping on a freshly roasted coffee for the ultimate mid-morning indulgence. They serve classic brunch staples alongside regularly changing seasonal plates. Open in the evenings too for craft beers and wine and tasty little vegan and omnivore friendly small plates.

Buffalo Wings & Curly Fries for £10 @ The Joker

Winners of Bravo Brighton's Best Pub Grub are laying the smack-down with their fiery Buffalo wings and proper banging burgers, bringing the tastes of New York to Brighton. Grab a table, or the railway carriage-style booth, and start working your way through the menu centred around two main offerings – wings and signature ‘sandwiches’. When it comes to the wings, tailor your choice with one of the four house sauces from the Wendy original buffalo to the smoking hot Shadow (over 18's only) or choose from one of the week's guest sauces. There’s a Buffalo chicken sandwich smothered in swiss and blue cheese dressing with your name on it, too.

Chicken Burger & Side for £7.95 @ The Bok Shop

Welcoming one of the newest additions to Brighton's food and drink scene, The Bok Shop. A brand new gourmet fried chicken and vegan faux chicken restaurant sat on the corner of East Street. Try their innovative chicken burgers such as 'The Hot as Cluck' or 'The Satay Night Fever' or make it vegan easily with vegan chicken, mayo, and cheese. Load up on their range of tasty homemade sides, dips, and crispy chicken/cauliflower pieces too. Their 'All You Can Eat - Wing Wednesday' is well worth checking out with a group of hungry mates as well.

Topped Mac for £5.95 @ Dirty Mac, Idle Hands

Dirty Mac is an artisan mac n' cheese pop-up kitchen serving up delicious twists on the classic dish. These guys are popping up all over the place, creating bespoke dishes to complement events and host venues. Wriggle is particularly impressed by their Mac Bites and Loaded Fries, not to mention their specials and eccentric toppings - from spicy taco meat or crispy pancetta to broccoli and caramelised onions, these guys spoil you for choice. It's good to know that a Dirty Mac is an accommodating mac - they always have plenty of meaty, veggie and vegan options!

Published -23rd September 2019

3 February