Drakes Brighton is the perfect fine dining destination right by the sea…
As soon as you arrive at Drakes Brighton you realise just why it has received the highest score of all restaurants in Brighton for five years in a row.
With an enticing ambience of relaxed glamour, you instantly feel as if you have arrived somewhere special – it is Brighton fine dining done well. Cleverly toned lamps create an intimately beautifully glow against the walls; a mixture of exposed brickwork, cool grey tones and hints of red- all designed to entice you in and make you want to stay there. And that it does…
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The decor and ambience of Drakes of Brighton sets off perfectly the quality, presentation and taste of the dishes brought out to you by warm and friendly staff.
A beautiful and wide range of dishes are available, all lovingly prepared by head Chef Andrew McKenzie and his culinary magic. McKenzie has won two AA rosettes for his cooking, as well as achieving the Highest diner rated restaurant in Brighton by the Good Food Guide and a Toptable Gold award in 2011. His food is known for its elegance and moreish bonhomie and with such things on the menu as ’21 day aged rib eye of beef (with spinach, new season carrots, potato galette and girolle mushrooms) and Turbot with Grilled violet artichokes, spinach, trumpet mushrooms.
When we visited Drakes Brighton, the quality of the food was a real highlight, not only because of the exquisite myriad of tastes, but because of the impeccable presentation and obvious care taken with each and every dish. It immediately offers itself credit as a real hotspot for fine dining in Brighton. The meal began with a salmon amouse bouche (delicious) and then a starter of soup for me and squid ink risotto for my partner.
The soup was a real winner, tangy, hot and not too filling. My partner was surprised at just how much he liked the risotto; being a totally new culinary experience. 
Andrew prides himself in only choosing the highest quality, seasonal ingredients for his dishes, with the location of the produce taking forefront in this part of the process. The restaurant endorses itself in the extensive range of food and drink available from a whole host of Sussex producers.
When it came to choosing a wine to accompany our meal, we asked our waitress which she would recommend. Drakes Brighton then selected a different glass for each of our courses, suiting the taste to our food choices. Not only were they more than happy to help, but they were more than knowledgeable on every aspect of our meal.
For mains I selected the roast beef- no longer when people say a home roast can’t be beaten will I agree, for this took Sunday lunching to an entirely new level. My partner chose salmon fillet and it was both tender and flavoursome.
When it came to desserts, the selection was varied, offering a range of tasty sweet offerings to more than satisfy that sweet-craving after a meal. Ever the chocaholic, I opted for the chocolate torte- a truly divine pudding with set off by the tang of the accompanying lemon sorbet. My partner went for the black cherry cheesecake, it was light, fluffy and filled with rich fruity flavours.
Price wise Drakes offers 2 courses for £32.50, 3 courses for £45.00 or 4 courses for £55.00 (including savoury course). As a romantic date night or a treat meal out for Brighton fine dining, Drakes is the ideal destination.
Drakes Brighton
43-44 Marine Parade
Brighton
BN2 1PE
