Brighton launches Dome Awards as answer to Michelin Star ratings
Brighton's Best Restaurants has unveiled its new annual Dome Awards, a homegrown rating system celebrating the city's independent dining scene with a fresh, locally-inspired approach.
A Brighton solution to fine dining recognition
Brighton now has its own answer to the prestigious Michelin Star. Brighton's Best Restaurants has unveiled the Dome Awards, an exciting new annual rating system designed specifically to celebrate and recognise excellence within the city's independent restaurant scene.
The awards take their name from the distinctive domes of Brighton Pavilion, creating a uniquely local identity that reflects the character of our community. The system operates across four tiers: three domes for 'the best cooking in the city', two domes for restaurants delivering 'a high level of attention to detail in all areas: food, service and ambience', one dome for 'reliable, good value, delicious food', and a separate 'Local Favourite' category.
How the awards work
The Dome Awards are based on nominations from followers of Brighton's Best Restaurants and readers of its Serving Up newsletter. A panel of culinary experts, led by founder Andy Lynes, reviews these nominations and awards are given following meals experienced by the panel members. This hands-on approach ensures the judgements reflect genuine dining experiences across our city.
The winning restaurants are now featured in a new map-based searchable restaurant guide that launched on 24 September, designed to help residents and visitors find the perfect dining spot for any occasion.
The winners
This year's three-dome winners—representing the very best cooking in Brighton—are Dilsk, Etch by Steven Edwards, Furna and Maré by Rafael Cagali.
The two-dome honours went to Amari, Burnt Orange, The Chilli Pickle, The Flint House, The Little Fish Market, The Set and The Coal Shed.
One-dome winners include Baby Bao at the Pond, Bincho Yakitori, Brusco, Fourth and Church, Ginger Pig, Kindling Kitgum, Namo Brighton, No No Please, Palmito, Plateau, Riddle & Finns, Salt Room, Spice Circuit Kitchen, Stem, The Crazy Goose, Vine House Voya and Wild Flor.
Local favourites recognised this year are Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Embers, English's, Halisco, Petit Pois, Reading Room, Terre a Terre and Tutto.
What's next
Brighton's Best Restaurants, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has also refreshed its branding with a new logo and colour scheme created by the Bread and Butter marketing company. This updated look reinforces the organisation's vision to become 'the definitive and most relied-upon expert curated guide to the independent restaurant scene in Brighton and Hove.'
The initiative continues with OctoberBest, running from 10–25 October, which will showcase award-winning restaurants alongside guest establishments offering special menus priced between £15 and £35. Details of the 38 participating restaurants were announced on 24 September.
Brighton's Best Restaurants also publishes Serving Up, a twice-monthly newsletter keeping locals informed about the city's vibrant dining scene.
Source: Brighton's best restaurants revealed in new Dome Awards