Wow. It's official, I love it. The key phrase here is gonna be 'melt in your mouth.' Booked in here as a fan of the Ginger chain but having not tried The Gingerman yet, we decided to give it a shot. So glad we did it has to now claim the spot of my favourite restaurant in Brighton! It is tiny, like being in someone's living room but ever so cosy I have never sat in a comfier formal dining spot in my life! Except it doesn't feel formal the atmosphere was very jolly, you don't have to watch your sound levels like in some places, it's a really nice ambiance. It's was only how exceptional the food was which is what gave it its formality! To start we opted for a glass of prosecco each and were presented with the most gorgeous little appetiser of Swiss chard soup. It was absolutely delicious and made me realise how hungry I was so it worked a treat. Next they brought out a dear little baked loaf and butter which had been finished with a big sprinkling of maldon salt and course black pepper which we scoffed, it was still warm - oooh yum! For starters I choose a beetroot terrine, with a deep fried ball of blue cheese, a quinelle of horseradish mousse which was very creamy served with a few snippets of pickled shallot. It all worked delicately together and left me gagging for main. Result! G went for the crispy gurnard on a tomato salsa which was his favourite dish - everything was so fresh and the flavours were soft and sharp. It worked beautifully. For mains I had rump of lamb with spinach an peas with confit potatoes. Daaayem giiiiiirl. This is where it starts to get x-rated. I'm fully convinced the lamb was trying to have sexual relations with my mouth. It was the softest most tenderest piece of pink lamb I have EVER had. Exactly the right amount of everything too. The spinach was succulent - I didn't even know spinach could be succulent?! Surprisingly what really lifted the whole dish were the micro herbs, I'm officially a convert. Boom. G had fillet of beef with dripping chips and crab mayonnaise. He said he would like to swim in that mayonnaise. He was as chuffed as me. To accompany our mains we had a Pinot noir which was perfect. We were stuffed but decided to share the cheese board. You only get three but the Yorkshire blue was out of this world. To round off the meal we had the best Irish coffees I've ever tasted served with moist little pieces of brioche-y cake. I was craving them as soon as I woke up this morning. Everything about the evening was faultless. The staff have got the perfect balance of catering to our needs and chatting but leaving us to it when appropriate. We got chatting to the table next to us who had come down from Surrey cos they love it here so much - if that's not sold it I don't know what will! read more

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The food here is, quite frankly, art. I'd heard amazing things about this place, so my expectations were considerably high going in for a three course Sunday lunch with my sister, and we were not disappointed. The flavours used here are absolutely stunning- each mouthful a delight- and the food is displayed like each plate has been lovingly arranged by an artist (see my pictures for proof). The staff were extremely accommodating and always on hand to top up drinks and ensure that each customer was well seen to. Among the three courses there were also a few little additional free courses - a soup and a chunky, fresh loaf of bread- which made the experience feel much more special. All in all, this place was charming and the food and service really lived up to its reputation. The price was also not unreasonable at all and so if you're looking for a lovely meal that won't break the bank, this is a great option! Tip: book in advance to make sure you don't miss out! read more

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Finally got around to going here for lunch after 15 years of waiting when my sons godfather came to visit. I have to say though after all the good things I'd heard I was somewhat underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong the service was great, the food on the whole was great and to to be honest 15 years ago I probably would have thought that it was fantastic. In fact I think that's the problem, it all felt a bit old fashioned, probably not helped by the average age in there being about 80 (do they do a senior citizens lunch offer?). There was no atmosphere what so ever, It felt like you had to whisper for fear of being told to ssshhhhh. I and my friend also found most dishes we had (rabbit, sea bass and quail) were all a tad over cooked and thus dry. Tasty, but dry. The beer was also not ice cold which is a pet hate of mine. The soufflé however was Devine and by far the highlight of the meal as was the service, polite and understated. It was an enjoyable meal but nowadays there are many more restaurants in Brighton with a bit more life in them, and frankly better and more interesting food. read more

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The Gingerman is part of a chain of luxurious restaurants throughout Brighton & Hove. If you are looking for top quality food, this is the place to be. I would say that they are probably some of the best restaurants in the city and probably the closest thing that we have to being Michelin-star level. This particular branch is situated in Norfolk Square which is just off Western Road - one of the main roads in the city. The interior is very nice indeed and the food is just divine. You can really tell when you eat it that it is good quality as everything is so fresh and full of flavour. It is a tiny little bit more expensive than a lot of restaurants but it really is worth the money. I really do not have anything bad to say about this place at all, which is rare for me! read more

This is the perfect fine-dining restaurant. The setting is intimate and cosy, the service is friendly and efficient, and the food is amazing! I've eaten at both the Ginger Pig and The Ginger Dog, and while I love them both, The Gingerman (the original in the Ginger Family) is by far the best. The restaurant feels like you are sitting in someones living room but the decor is still stylish and attractive. There is local artwork on the walls that is available to buy and although there were only two wait staff (for approx 30 covers at any one time) they did a great job - attentive but unobtrusive, and always available when you needed them. The menu is not excessive in size (this is a rare occasion where size doesn't matter!) but it is well thought out. We were presented with a freshly baked mini-loaf of bread to start, which we were required to slice at the table. To be honest, I would have been happy if this was all I had eaten, it was so scrummy - warm and smelling Divine, a great start to the meal. We were then presented with an appetiser of root vegetable soup with garlic oil on top - again delicious. For starter I had the seared Rye Bay scallops with pumpkin puree, next it was haunch of venison with blackcurrant and liquorice jus - so rich but 'melt in the mouth' at the same time. For pudding I plumped for the praline souffle with brown butter ice cream - it was a monstrous desert exploding from its dish! My dining companions opted for the assiette of puddings, and while different from the menu puddings, they were all scrumptious - I tried them all, of course. We were the last ones to leave the restaurant (in fact, after the kitchen staff) but in no way did we feel rushed. This restaurant has been around for 13 years now, its obviously doing something very right when their competitors come and go at an astounding rate. I believe, my friends, that the Ginger revolution is upon us! read more

The Gingerman is another of Brighton's famous best-places-in-town-to-eat, and often attracts a lot of guests from out of town. If you can get a table, it is a great place to eat: nothing is too ostentatious or formal, just good quality dining for proper posh-food prices. I don't think anyone on a student budget or less could really afford this on a regular basis, but it is one of the better places in town, apparently even in the South East, to go for an every-now-and-again treat. In the Gingerman's case, the hype is well and truly deserved: the food is outstanding, a credit to the chef and the restaurant. It's mostly British classics with modern twists, but none of these are too garish or over-the-top: it's just lovely, refined cooking. It is your typical posh cuisine prices, but they also do lunchtime set menus for slightly more reasonable prices: well worth checking out for a weekend. What impresses me the most about Gingerman, beyond the excellent food, is the wonderful atmosphere created by good interior design and excellent table-waiting. The staff here are something else: polite, efficient, worth every penny of a tip you can muster. Mix this with a very small room for dining, seating maybe ten at a time, and keep the modern yet relaxed design, and you have a very, very nice place to eat a meal; it is almost worth eating here for the ambiance alone! In short, it's great, it's pricey, and it's worth the price-tag. read more

My partner and I went here for lunch one weekend when we were visiting Brighton. We were pleasantly surprised after having some not so great experiences elsewhere. The Gingerman is an intimate dining room so make sure to book ahead, but it's worth it and the atmosphere is relaxing and calm. Next to us were two older women out for a long Sunday lunch and when they were done, one of the servers called the cab for them and then accompanied them out the door and to the car. The waitstaff all seemed really nice. We ordered the 2 course lunch menu which was fairly reasonably priced, as I recall. They do start with complimentary amuse bouches, which is a nice touch. I had fish, which was wonderfully seasoned and very fresh. All in all a really nice place. I only wish that we had gone the night before for dinner. read more

My husband and I enjoyed a nearly perfect meal here during a weekend getaway in Brighton. The service was flawless and attentive, and the ambiance here is restrained, elegant and modern. Without question, this is a fancy, upscale restaurant, but it's also not screaming it with white table cloths and elaborate place settings. We each opted for the three-course menu. We started with complimentary amuse bouches of mint and pea soup. Delicious, and a really nice touch when you are shelling out that much for dinner. My lobster and salmon ravioli starter was divine. The ravioli itself was perfectly cooked, and the texture and bite of the pasta combined with the meatiness of the lobster was yum-tastic. My main course, which was the fish of the day, was perfectly prepared and cooked. Honestly, one of the nicest fish dishes I've had in recent memory. The sauce was amazingly flavourful without overpowering the fish. We opted for the assorted dessert platter and were not disappointed. Stars of the night included a chocolate creme brulee, a lemon sponge cake, and mango sorbet. Yes, it's a spendy place, but if you are looking for a restaurant that will offer a suitably celebratory feel for a celebratory meal, you need to look no further. One of the finest dinners I've had in the UK, and worth the trip to Brighton from London for a repeat visit. read more

We really enjoyed the Gingerman. I was surprised that we had to make a booking at first because there were only two other tables occupied, but it quickly filled up and I'm glad we thought ahead. We had the lunch special which was 2 courses for 15 or 3 course for 18 pounds (really popular in Brighton, all nice places have this great deal on lunch). There were about 4 or 5 options per course, so something for everyone. The first dish I had was beetroot gnocci with mozzarella and fennel, and then the sea bream. Both were done very well, and the portions are small but satisfying. I'd say the food is a bit French/European continental, which typically isn't my favorite, but it was light and creative and good every once in a while. To be honest, what was most memorable was the freshly baked mini bread loaf with sea salt and pepper to start! It was so warm and steamy and the butter was perfectly room temperature, it was the winning dish! Also the wine list was proper and well priced. One down side was the view out the two small windows: dumpsters. Besides that, I will definitely re-visit next time I visit Brighton. read more

One of the best places to eat in Brighton. The food is amazing and has a fresh menu every week so you are eating the best of in season produce. Perfect place for a special occasion but it quite small so would recommend booking. If you want to enjoy a meal but the price of dinner is beyond budget then try the reduced price lunch menu. Fine dining at its best so a must for a foodie fan read more

The best food I have ever eaten, ridiculously cheap for the quality and an amazing dining experience for a special occasion. Go for the 3 course and you'll feel fat but your tastebuds will love you forever. It's a foodies delight! I advise the dessert selection as they all are very very good. You have to book, but it's worth it. Great friendly staff too with excellent service. I'm looking forward to going back again when I can for more heavenly food :) read more

It must be ten years ago that I first ate in the Gingerman when it was the Gingerman and his wife who ran the place. Since then I have been back many times and the quality of food, service, wines and ambience never fails to please. I always recommend this place as THE place to go for a special meal or when you feel like treating yourself. It's not that it's expensive so should be kept for special occasions, but it is just so good. read more

Of all the Gingerman restaurants and gastropubs this orginal is still the best. A tiny gem of a restaurant. My dad visited this restaurant when he was quite old and frail and the staff made him feel very welcome. He loved it here and I've had great meals with my husband here too. The wine choices are always delightful here. Recommended. read more

Even though I often walk past, I only heard about this restaurant through the owner's collaboration with the musician Matthew Herbert. The dinner menu may not be very cheap but the lunch menu at £15 for two courses is probably the best value in town for eating out if you like good food. And it's certainly the best meal I've eaten anywhere in Brighton. Not perfect or top-end stuff but miles better than other restaurants in town that charge far more. And for the same price as a pub roast, you're getting a far superior product. The cooking isn't highly technical but it's executed pretty damn well. Service was a little slow as the place filled up at the weekend but the freshly baked bread we had while waiting was not bad at all if a creamy little under-seasoned without salted butter available. The butterbean soup amuse bouche was fantasticly creamy. For starters we had confit duck croquette and confit pork shoulder. They were very similar but both were delicious moist and not over-brined or over-cooked. For mains, we had haddock and lamb shoulder. The tarragon beurre blanc with the fish was perfectly sharp and rich and the portion much more generous than is usual with this level of cuisine. The lamb was heavenly cripsy on the outside but still pink and juicy inside. The desserts were a chocolate and salted caramel pot and lemon mousse/curd. The chocolate would have gone much better with the light caramel if it was darker but was the perfect consistency. The lemon dessert was lovely and light but the shortbread biscuit was just a smidgen overcooked (but far from ruined). Overall, I'd highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We had our dinner here at Summer and it was a very enjoyable meal. I've heard this was a good restaurant and it did not dissapoint. The food was cooked properly, the quality was good and the staff were excellent in a nice friendly atmosphere. It cost us £72 for 2 people but it was well worth it! read more

I`m a little confused by the very tame reviews of this restaurant. I must say that this is one of the best restaurants I`ve ever eaten in, full stop. I don't say that lightly! I went along on a Thursday night, it was fully booked and we had just managed to get in on a cancelation. I wasn`t even very hungry being 30 weeks pregnant and I`m also particularly picky with my food when I'm with child! The waiter was very pleasant, experienced and didn`t mind or hesitate to answer my many questions about the menu. There was the surprise of the amazing freshly baked bread as an appetizer, a small palate cleanser of soup in between the courses and the loveliest little muffins with coffee, served beautifully on a slate tile. Stunning presentation all the way through. The portion sizes were not very big, but I found meals perfectly portioned to fit in 3 courses and to include all the extras thrown in to compliment the meal. The whole experience of eating there was exquisite and we only left after 3 hours. A beautiful South African wine, we chose from a good wine list was well sourced. I can't wait to return. read more

This is a fairly nice restaurant (But Overpriced). In my opinion, not worth a visit. The food is nice but nothing spectacular, and not in the least bit challenging. Freshly cooked bread was a lovely touch. Unfortunately the soup to go with it was very salty. The choice was limited and nothing jumped off the page. Not somewhere I would go back to under my own steam. But if someone else wanted to go I wouldn't drag my heels in to hard. read more

Gingerman is one of 4 establishments in Brighton. This one is a cosy (about 10 tables) neighbourhood fave in Hove that has the French bistro vibe going on. Once you enter you are immediately charmed. Best dishes are the delicately balanced ravioli and fluffy soufflé (starter or dessert), all for v reasonable prices (makes a change from London!). (Monikasays.com) read more

There are several Ginger restuarants in Brighton and Hove. Gingerpig, Gingerdog and this one, the Ginger Man which is down near the sea and the Lion and Lobster. Don't be confused by the address. It's not on Norfolk Square proper. Really posh and really tasty. A great place for a date. Especially if he pays! read more

Living in Brightin I have eaten at this restauarnat previously but was disappointed wiht my dining experience last weekend. My companion and I both chose the venison sausage for our starter and were literally presented witha venison sausage sitting in the middle of a plate, the presentation was poor. I had beef for my main course and my dining companion fish and both our starters, and our main courses were incredibly salty. Even the bread was salty. We did comment on this to our waiter who said that there was no change in the chef. It was disappointing and well below the srandard of the food that I have previously eaten in this restaurant. read more

Fantastic food. This is a good venue for a Sunday roast or a romantic evening meal. The restaurant is very small so you will need to book. This gives it a very intimate feeling, almost like eating in someone's front room at home. I went here on my anniversary and was very impressed. I had pheasant, which was very tender. As an added touch our desserts were delivered with happy anniversary written on the plate. The dessert looked so good it wasn't until I had finished my last mouthful that I noticed the message written on the plate! I will go back again and again. read more

Nice service and atmosphere but food unexceptionable for price

Totally spoilt what had been a great Birthday yesterday. This was booked as a surprise by my fiancé. The setting was nice and the service was good. I'm a fussy eater but my fiancé had found things on the menu for me, however unfortunately the menu had changed the day before and the vegetarian option was now something with quails egg, I do not eat eggs. I'm not a vegetarian as I eat fish and chicken breast. I settled for the monkfish and request no truffle oil which they were happy to do. Sadly everything on the plate tasted like a mouthful of salt, it was unbearable. Having been a chef years ago I know it can be easy to salt twice in error but this was a pretty big blunder...all that salt is not good for you! I discreetly advised them of the problem and they offered to cook an alternative, but I declined as I didn't want to eat alone, nor did I want to have anything from their very limited menu. Still hungry I was really looking forward to the great desserts available but unfortunately we must have sat with the menu over 15 minutes they just ignored us so upset was I that I left the restaurant and left my fiancé to pay. I cannot express how disappointed I was on my special day when I had been so looking forward to something more lavish than we have on our usually eating out evenings. read more