BRAVO Awards 2026 Results Celebrate Sussex’s Thriving Food Scene

Dominic Kureen
Mar 31
3 min read

The results of the BRAVO Awards 2026 (Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online) are in, marking the tenth year of Brighton, Hove and Sussex’s biggest public-voted food awards — and the most significant yet.

Organised by Restaurants Brighton, with thanks to headline sponsor Recorra and category sponsors, the awards continue to champion the region’s independent hospitality scene.

This year saw more than 71,000 votes cast, with 190 individual venues recognised — including 33 appearing for the first time — reflecting growing engagement across Sussex and beyond.

At a time when hospitality continues to face intense pressure, the 2026 BRAVOs have once again shown the strength, resilience, and importance of the local food and drink community.

Top Highlights From The 2026 BRAVO Awards

terre à terre takes the top spot for Best Brighton and Hove Restaurant for the second time in three years
Embers wins Best Sunday Roast for the second year running
Jo & Co secures a double win for Best Brunch and Most Family Friendly
Starfish & Coffee continues its remarkable run, winning Best Café again
Bayon Bakery makes a major impact as a rising star in Sweets & Treats
The Earth & Stars highlights plant-based dining with its Plant Champions win
Fatto a Mano reinforces its reputation with another Best Value win
The Signalman wins Best Brighton and Hove Pub for the first time
Sussex venues continue to rise, showcasing growing regional strength
MOGUMOGU tops the International Cuisine category as a standout new winner

A Community-Powered Celebration

More than just an awards programme, the BRAVOs have become a vital platform for independent restaurants, pubs, cafés and food businesses.

From neighbourhood cafés to destination restaurants, voters turned out in record numbers to support the places they love — proving that, even in challenging times, hospitality remains at the heart of life across Brighton and Sussex.

A Growing Sussex Scene

While Brighton and Hove remain central, this year’s awards highlight the growing strength of the wider Sussex food scene.

In particular, Worthing is emerging as a serious foodie destination, with a noticeable increase in quality, creativity and recognition — alongside strong performances from villages and rural pubs across the county.

A Legacy Of Consistency

Alongside new winners and rising stars, 2026 also highlights venues that continue to earn loyal support year after year.

Among them are Burnt Orange, La Choza, Casazul, Oeuf Café, Moksha, Crabshack and Flour Pot Bakery — venues recognised not just for quality, but for long-term trust and connection with customers.

Hospitality Voices

Winners across the board spoke about what the awards mean in a challenging climate.

terre à terre said being recognised by the public “carries real meaning”, while Andalucia described its win as “a huge honour”.

The Real Junk Food Project said recognition helps celebrate the people behind its work, while Jo & Co said its double win left the team “smiling”.

The Signalman said the award reflects its role as “a home from home”, and Fatto a Mano said it means a great deal that customers value both quality and affordability.

Founder Nick Harvey said the awards continue to highlight just how valued Brighton’s independent food scene is, adding that the BRAVOs are also growing across Sussex, with Worthing rising and plant-based venues continuing to thrive.

Why The BRAVOs Matter

Now in their tenth year, the BRAVOs are decided entirely by the public — not critics or panels.

In an industry facing rising costs and ongoing uncertainty, that kind of support is more than recognition — it’s a lifeline, helping drive footfall, build visibility and remind hospitality teams that their work matters.