Discover why terre á terre, Brighton’s vegetarian and vegan-only restaurant remains the jewel in the city's crown. 

Since 1993 they have held this pole position for being the top dining choice, and vegetarians and vegans alongside numerous hardened carnivores have been melted by their offering of a fresh, delicious menu, that uses simple ingredients to create magical flavours. In a city bursting with gourmet spots to choose from, this multi-awarded gem is right in the heart of the Lanes, perfectly placed for lunch or a spot for dinner. For good reason, this legendary Brighton restaurant was recently voted the Best Restaurant in Brighton in the local BRAVO awards. My colleague Katie and I decided we were overdue a visit and headed there on a balmy Brighton evening.

^{Image supplied by terre á terre - credit Restaurants Brighton / Ellen Richardson}

What I have always loved about terre á terre is its simplicity, wonderful food served by friendly people, in a restaurant where you feel like you can relax and enjoy the menu without feeling like you should brush up on your French to understand it. After being warmly welcomed we took our seats and waited for the show to begin. Comfortingly this place is pretty much always busy, locals and visitors alike giving just the right level of atmosphere without being too loud or overwhelming.

^{Image supplied by terre á terre - credit Restaurants Brighton}

Focaccia and olives were a strong start to our evening, the bread was light and fluffy, perfect for dipping, if I hadn’t visited before, I might have been fooled into just enjoying another plate of that, simple perfection. Luckily, I knew to start small to enjoy all the meal ahead had to offer. After much deliberation over options, my colleague and I narrowed down our choices and waited in gleeful anticipation. We didn’t have long to wait before our starters, Sneaky Peaky Steamers for me and Cauliflower Za’atar for my companion were served. A tantalising bamboo steamer displayed two fresh rice buns, stuffed with halloumi, on a vibrant bed of Chinese cabbage. Served with this was a colourful plate that gives you the option to customise your buns. Lapsang souchong pickled watermelon provided the perfect buddy for the salty, marinated halloumi.

^{Image supplied by terre á terre}

For a moment I regretted not ordering this as a main, it was all over too soon for my liking. Our friendly waiter Jude took our drinks order and recommended a bottle of wine that would work well with our choices, the drinks menu is a sommelier's dream, with Sussex wines taking pride of place amongst its more exotic relations. With a wine menu boasting 100% organic wines with some great vegan and low or no sulphur choices available, you are spoilt for choice.

^{Image supplied by terre á terre - credit Restaurants Brighton / Ellen Richardson}

Mains were delivered with a friendly smile and a short description, I opted for the Better Batter, hunks of melt-in-the-mouth halloumi that have been lightly fried with a chip shop batter on a bed of vibrant pea mash. The cornichon in the fresh tartar gave the right level of balance to the fried food, although terre á terre’s legendary chips finished this dish off nicely. After eying up my starter, Katie opted for the main version of the sneaky peaky steamers and wasn’t disappointed. As it was a nice evening, we stepped out onto the new terrace area, bejewelled with beautiful plants and twinkling lights, this would be the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date or even just a nice place to enjoy when the summer heat hits the city.  

^{Image supplied by terre á terre - credit Restaurants Brighton / Ellen Richardson}

Dessert called us back to the main restaurant, sometimes with great choice comes indecision, and quite frankly when food is this good it is inhumane to make one choose. Luckily, they have a sweet sharing plate, a mix of smaller versions of puddings that were divine. Like children in a sweet shop, we explored this smorgasbord of perfectly matched flavours, mini churros gleamed with sugar and cinnamon, a fun small brandy Alexander milkshake, and plump polenta cakes sitting aside a palate-cleansing citrus sorbet, keeping you from total sugar overload. Mouth-wateringly good. We were sad to say goodbye to terre á terre, but it definitely won’t be long before we return.  

Our meal was gifted.

Caroline

 ^{Large image at top of page supplied by terre á terre - credit Restaurants Brighton / Ellen Richardson}