IL Bistro

4.5

253 reviews

£25 and under

Steakhouse

Top tags:

In 1976 Michael Garman returned to Brighton and opened IL Bistro
after being inspired by the Italian and French culture and cuisine
during his travels to the Provence and the western coast of Italy.
His goal was to open Brighton’s first Mediterranean steakhouse.
For the first time, Brightonians were able to order fresh pasta,
arancini, dry aged beef, tiramisu and negronis.

47 years later and now being operated by Michael's son Abe,
IL Bistro still stands by the same principles, using local suppliers
and produce, fresh ingredients and the best available dry
aged British beef. The restaurant is situated in an 18th century
fisherman’s cottage which we find rather fitting after Michael
spent years in Portofino, Livorno and Saint-Tropez, Europe’s
most famous fishing villages.

Booking info:
Since reopening from covid we ask for a £10 per person deposit in our busier times which gets deducted from your bill at the end of your meal.
One of our team will be in touch after your bookings made.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

31 Jan 2023

19:00

Booked 6 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Italian, Mediterranean
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri–Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
01273 324584
Website
http://www.ilbistro.co.uk/
Payment Options
MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have two party rooms on the first floor. One room can accommodate 18 people and the other 10.

Location
6 - a Market Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HH
Area
Brighton
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Cosmopolitan£9.95
Vodka, cointreau, fresh lime juice & cranberry juice
Negroni£9.50
Gin, Campari & Martini rosso
Limoncello Martini£9.95
Vodka & limoncello shaken over ice
Aperol Spritz£9.95
Aperol, prosecco & soda
Old Fashioned£9.50
Kentucky Bourbon whiskey, sugar & angostura bitters
Espresso Martini£10.50
Vodka, Kahlua & coffee

Starters

Chorizo Sausage, Parma Ham & Salami Board£7.95
Served with pitta bread & onion chutney
Grilled Butterflied Sardines£7.95
Fish Croquettes£7.95
Chopped fresh fish and herbs, bread crumbed & deep fried, served with our own garlic mayonnaise
Pâté Maison£7.95
Creamy chicken liver & bacon pâté served with pitta bread
Gambas Pil Pil£8.95
Large peeled king prawns cooked in garlic, extra virgin olive oil, dry sherry & chilli
Wedge Salad£6.95
With bacon & a blue cheese dressing

Steaks

We pride ourself on using the best available prime cut, grass fed British beef that has been dry aged for a minimum of 28 days. Sauces $2.50: Poivre vert (Green peppercorns, cream & brandy); IL royal (Gluten Free) (Mushrooms, onions, cream & brandy); Blue cheese (Gluten Free) (Blue cheese, & cream); Hollandaise (Egg yolk & butter); Chimichurri (Gluten Free) (chopped fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, red pepper and chilli

9oz Sirloin£20.95
9oz Ribeye£23.95
7oz Fillet£26.95

Mains

Pan Fried 10oz Sussex Pork Chop£13.95
Served with our baked apple
Poulet Basquaise£15.95
Chicken breast in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, mixed peppers & onions, served with rice
Chicken Blue Cheese£16.95
Chicken breast in a blue cheese & mushroom sauce, served with sauté potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Fish Casserole£16.95
A traditional fish casserole made with locally fresh mixed seafood & served with croutons & rouille
Riso con Frutti di Mare£15.95
A selection of locally caught seafood mixed with rice & tomato sauce
Seabass Fillets£16.95
Two seabass fillets served with a cream, dill and lemon sauce
Deep Fried Fish & Chips£14.95
Home-made batter, crushed peas & tartar sauce
Traditional Fish Cakes£14.95
Salmon, white fish, onions & fresh herbs blended & fried in breadcrumbs. Served with a sweet chilli dip & a small salad
Grilled Warm Chicken & Goats Cheese Salad£14.95
Chicken Cream and Mushroom£15.95
Chicken breast in a white wine, cream and mushroom sauce served with sauté potatoes & seasonal vegetables
Gnocchi£12.95
Served in a homemade Napoli sauce
Tomato, Basil and Olive Risotto£12.95

For the Table

Bread, Aioli, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar£4.50
Garlic Bread£3.95
Mixed Marinated Olives£3.50

Sides

Mixed Salad£3.95
Chips£3.95
Garlic, Parmesan and Parsley Chips£4.95
Mushrooms with Garlic Butter£3.95
Petit Pois£3.00
Sauté Potatoes£3.50
Fried Spanish Onions£3.50
Seasonal Vegetables£3.50

What 253 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

CB
CBIrl
Dublin
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 14 January 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
Huge portions, wait staff were lovely. Food was only okay.
TT
TracyT
West Sussex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 January 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our forth visit in recent months and we still weren’t disappointed in the slightest! Absolutely love it there the whole evening food ambience service 5***** we will be back again very soon 😀
M
Mandyx
London
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 6 January 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Service and food very good. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the size and presentation of the cocktails for the price. Would definitely go again though as everything else was really good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Kent
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 December 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Friendly and welcoming staff, good food and enjoyable relaxed setting. Highly recommended and would use again.
TT
TracyT
West Sussex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 November 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came a few yrs ago so when staying in Brighton for a few days we loved it, then decided to go a few days before this as we were there for the weekend & loved it & went back as we were in Brighton again a few days later & still loved it ! Food amazing ambience fab just a great place to eat
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 7 November 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Venue was very quiet, only the two of us for 90% of our time in IL Bistro, it was however a Monday night. The two servers were extremely polite. Food was very good on the whole. Both having medium fillet steaks that were cooked perfectly. Only downside was my Gambas Pil Pil. It looked very bland with no garnish and the prawns had a tasteless rubbery texture, almost like they had been microwaved. Other then that it was a very pleasant venue. 👍🏻
PS
PaulS
Barcelona
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 5 November 2022
overall2food2service3ambience1
When we booked we were given a 2pm sitting for lunch which was great we expected a vibrant energetic restaurant however there was one other table with guests. I think it was just a bad day at the office as i ordered the Lambs Liver and Bacon with Colcannon . What arrived was a huge pile of braised Liver and a slice of bacon which was not right it was more a puree than fried Liver and Bacon. I was told the chef had been with them for 3 weeks which is no excuse i was indeed offered a drink on the house and another meal which was a Fillet Served Blue which was perfect so somewhat redeemed but please next time on the special board say braised Liver and Bacon.
JF
JoannaF
Surrey
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely atmosphere, staff attentive and the food was amazing. Would definitely go back!
S
Sonny
Brighton
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 September 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
Lovely food and value for money. Mains came out too quickly after starters, would have been nicer to have a gap in between. They originally wanted the table back and seemed to be rushing us then said they didn’t need the table back and slowed down the service. Kept pouring our wine into glasses too quickly ! Should let the customer drink at their own pace.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Newcastle
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 12 August 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lovely restaurant. Staff really friendly. Food was nice and served promptly. Only downside was the table was a little small for drinks and food. We booked, but it wasn't busy when we arrived, however it was when we left.
L
Lynnec
London
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 12 August 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food,service etc. Have been a few times and will definitely be back.
c
christopherb
Brighton
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 August 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Just what we were seeking for a quiet meal together after a brilliant overnighter in Brighton. Food was excellent and the service attentive. Would recommend this bistro to others
PM
PatriciaM
Brighton
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 July 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food great service. First time there definitely going back. Would recommend it.
BT
BenT
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 July 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
A great restaurant with lovely food and great service. Would recommend.
DJ
DavidJones
London
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 26 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a great place in the Lanes that offer great food with great service. The food is homely and very tasty. The staff are great and make you feel really welcome. Some great specials on offer in addition to a nice main menu with something for everyone. We’ve been back several times and will do again!
TA
TraceyA
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 2 June 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Booked a table a few hours before on open table. Downstairs was very busy so seated upstairs which ha one other couple. Maybe some music playing would be nice, as was very quiet and echoing. It felt like you had just been placed in an extra room, last minute. The food was still lovely as on our last visit.
MD
MarkD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal. Great food and wonderful service. We will definitely be returning.
SS
SarahS
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 31 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful meal whilst staying in Brighton for a few days. The waitress was attentive and very helpful and the food was exceptional. I would highly recommend eating here.
LB
LauraB
Kent
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for my daughters birthday was really lovely.
k
kaseyc
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great little restaurant, friendly staff and great food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Key West
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 24 April 2022
overall1food1service4ambience3
The day after my niece’s wedding. Family get together. Sunday roast had been recommended. Hi chose beef. The meat was like leather. So tough I couldn’t chew it. I never send food back but I had to. I had pork instead. It arrived swimming in gravy. At least it was edible. My daughter chose steak which she said was delicious. They gave no discount despite the fact I ate after the others.
MG
MG66
London
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 20 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal for two, wide range on the menu, great service and food tasted great.
GF
GrahamF
Buckinghamshire
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 18 April 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
So good we went twice in three days! Will certainly go again on our next visit
AW
AmyW
Liverpool
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 April 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
Awful- just don’t bother I dined here on Sunday 17th April Upon eating my starter i found a metal button in my food It was just smaller than a five pence piece however i have never had such an experience in a restaurant Staff were apologetic and offered a free drink but i declined and advised i would not pay for starters as i only had a mouthful of mine Food was average definitely not worth the cost On the bill, the starters were left on and the owner had the cheek to say that they were only happy to remove the discretionary service charge!! They are lucky I even paid for anything after finding a piece of metal which could’ve resulted in a cracked tooth/ chocking Plenty of other restaurants around just avoid this one
GF
GrahamF
Buckinghamshire
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 16 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very friendly staff made us feel very welcomed. Most of the other diners seemed to be regulars which is always a body sign. Food was delicious and you certainly will not go hungry with their generous servings. So good we went back again two nights later. Highly recommended.
CR
CraigR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant in Brighton. The Menu is not the most extensive but the food is excellent. The service was impeccable and the staff absolutely brilliant. I would highly recommend Il Bistro and will go back when we return to Brighton.
MJ
MJB9
Brighton
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 27 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, attentive and friendly service in a charming restaurant which is right in the heart of the Lanes. An all round great experience.
JB
JohnB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 25 March 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Could not fault the food. The staff were very friendly, and the venue creates a good atmosphere. Also the cocktails were devine.
SB
SumitB
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 February 2022
overall3food2service3ambience2
Underwhelming on all fronts sadly.
RN
RachelN
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Really friendly staff, yummy food and good atmosphere.
G
Grant
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 February 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Was a intriguing nice and small restaurant on a weekend away in Brighton, didn’t know what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed our evening, meal was fantastic
OT
OpenTable Diner
Surrey
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 14 February 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
Good starters and dessert. Great service. Quite literally the worst steak I’ve ever eaten for main unfortunately. Perfect medium rare in the middle. Absolutely charred outside tasted of charcoal.
P
Pratty
Kent
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 12 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Booked at the last minute, given a lovely window table, food was superb and price extremely reasonable. Staff warm and friendly. Will definitely go back. Thank you
AH
AshleyH
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 February 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful gem...came in late after traveling from the US for work and what a reward to find this place! Absolutely perfectly cooked steak, wonderful service, and invited me to stay while they wrapped up and enjoy my glass of wine without rush after an excellent meal. I will be back every time I am in the country, and recommend it to all of my local co-workers!
j
jec973
London
62 reviews
vip
4.0
62 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
A nice little restaurant in the heart of Brighton's laines area, with a nice varied menu which should suit all tastes. A warm welcome and excellent attentive service throughout made this a very enjoyable dining experience. Its not Michelin Star Gastro food, but more hearty classics with a twist using decent quality ingredients with healthy portion sizes. I would say this is an ideal restaurant for couples and families dining out, I will definitely return
M
Mandraki
Berkshire
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on 31 January 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent meal (very generous and delicious fish cakes)! Very friendly staff. Nice ambience.
DJ
DavidJones
London
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 30 January 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A little gem in the Lanes. Good food, warm service and nice wine list. Very impressed with last weeks Sunday roast. Have also had the steak and fish and chips on two other occasions. Both delicious. Took friends there for a reunion and they loved it! Specials are also good- one friend raved about the liver and bacon!
L
Livvyandfamily
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 January 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely time here on Saturday night. Amazing food, fantastic staff. We really enjoyed and will be back soon
IR
IanR
South Wales
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
food and service was second to none - the only thing that spoilt our evening was a rather loud talking diner sat on another table - obviously not the fault of the restaurant - evening improved once the other diner had left
PS
PaulS
Manchester
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 31 December 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
Booked into Il Bistro for New Year and they were busy which is a good sign for us and a good sign for them. Really nice service and great food. Forgot my saute potatoes but rectified it in minutes. Would we go back? Certainly. It was a really nice New Year and a lovely little restaurant. Good food, good service and really good prices. Thank you and happy New Year.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

FAQs

IL Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 253 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

31 Jan 2023

19:00

Booked 6 times today

6 - a Market Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HH

Additional information

Area
Brighton
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri–Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Italian, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Payment Options
MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Website
http://www.ilbistro.co.uk/
Phone number
01273 324584
Private party facilities
We have two party rooms on the first floor. One room can accommodate 18 people and the other 10.

IL Bistro

Make a booking

Additional information

Sharpeners

Cosmopolitan£9.95

Negroni£9.50

Limoncello Martini£9.95

Aperol Spritz£9.95

Old Fashioned£9.50

Espresso Martini£10.50

Starters

Chorizo Sausage, Parma Ham & Salami Board£7.95

Grilled Butterflied Sardines£7.95

Fish Croquettes£7.95

Pâté Maison£7.95

Gambas Pil Pil£8.95

Wedge Salad£6.95

Steaks

9oz Sirloin£20.95

9oz Ribeye£23.95

7oz Fillet£26.95

Mains

Pan Fried 10oz Sussex Pork Chop£13.95

Poulet Basquaise£15.95

Chicken Blue Cheese£16.95

Fish Casserole£16.95

Riso con Frutti di Mare£15.95

Seabass Fillets£16.95

Deep Fried Fish & Chips£14.95

Traditional Fish Cakes£14.95

Grilled Warm Chicken & Goats Cheese Salad£14.95

Chicken Cream and Mushroom£15.95

Gnocchi£12.95

Tomato, Basil and Olive Risotto£12.95

For the Table

Bread, Aioli, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar£4.50

Garlic Bread£3.95

Mixed Marinated Olives£3.50

Sides

Mixed Salad£3.95

Chips£3.95

Garlic, Parmesan and Parsley Chips£4.95

Mushrooms with Garlic Butter£3.95

Petit Pois£3.00

Sauté Potatoes£3.50

Fried Spanish Onions£3.50

Seasonal Vegetables£3.50

Overall ratings and reviews

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Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

How is IL Bistro restaurant rated?

Is IL Bistro currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information