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Amari

East Sussex, Brighton - Spanish - Restaurant - ££

Superior Spanish neighbourhood dining

Overall Rating: Very Good

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

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very 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

This cosy and buzzy neighbourhood venue has raised the bar for Spanish food in Brighton significantly. The cheerful and stylish red-painted frontage is easy to spot on a side street close to the city’s Open Market and is just a short walk from the train station. The small, subtly themed dining room features decorative porcelain wall tiles, tasteful framed prints and a semi-open kitchen headed by Iain Swainson (whose CV includes The Samling, Pennyhill Park and The Pass at South Lodge Hotel). With partner Justyna Maria Ciurus (formerly front of house at The Little Fish Market in Hove) they bring the sort of attention to detail you’d expect at far swankier places than this good-value casual dining spot. Indeed, a fillet of torched mackerel – skin beautifully crisp, flesh cooked to perfection - wouldn’t have looked out of place on a smart tasting menu with its pearlescent sorrel and Gordal olive dressing and bed of smoky cod’s roe mousse. Even simple items su...

This cosy and buzzy neighbourhood venue has raised the bar for Spanish food in Brighton significantly. The cheerful and stylish red-painted frontage is easy to spot on a side street close to the city’s Open Market and is just a short walk from the train station. The small, subtly themed dining room features decorative porcelain wall tiles, tasteful framed prints and a semi-open kitchen headed by Iain Swainson (whose CV includes The Samling, Pennyhill Park and The Pass at South Lodge Hotel). With partner Justyna Maria Ciurus (formerly front of house at The Little Fish Market in Hove) they bring the sort of attention to detail you’d expect at far swankier places than this good-value casual dining spot.

Indeed, a fillet of torched mackerel – skin beautifully crisp, flesh cooked to perfection - wouldn’t have looked out of place on a smart tasting menu with its pearlescent sorrel and Gordal olive dressing and bed of smoky cod’s roe mousse. Even simple items such as cep croquetas and a textbook patatas bravas over-deliver on flavour and texture.

Although you could easily order a traditional three-course meal here, we chose to share a selection of snacks, starters, main courses and sides. With our crockery and cutlery replaced with each new dish, it meant we weren’t eating a boldly favoured dish of crispy chipirones with fideuà and squid-ink velouté off the same plate as a perfectly roasted skate wing pil pil. You can drink well too, with well-made and nicely presented cocktails and a concise list of Spanish wines and sherries from top producers.

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P narda

20 March 2025

The head chef, Ian, has such a passion for the local area and wants to create a little slice of Spain in Brighton. The atmosphere is always welcoming and fun, and I can think of nowhere better to try innovative new dishes and cocktails.

P Rickerby

17 March 2025

Friendly welcome, simple but well-executed menu that shows a deep knowledge of proper cooking techniques and flavour. Great bread. Affordable for regular visits.

W Spalla

17 March 2025

Excellent food from a chef with proven Michelin star experience, warm and professional front-of-house staff, NOT overpriced.

VENUE DETAILS

15 Baker Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 4JNGB

01273 435992

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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