Not a good experience on a Sunday. We arrived too early for lunch service (30mins too early) but we said we were happy to get a drink and wait for food. They took our drink order (two different coffees), but forgot about the tap water. There hardly any other customers in the restraint at that point. Then didn’t come back to take our food order when the kitchen ordered. Had to get waitresses attention several times.
For charcuterie board (just look at the picture, I took it after we took off only two slices of chorizo and two pieces of crostini) and roast (pork and beef). The board was so bad, awful for £11. Roast was not good, only okay. We’ve had much better elsewhere. Beef was difficult to cut, pork wasn’t crispy or melting in your mouth type of fat. It looked nice on the plate but not tasty. The Yorkshire pudding was like a crispy piece of bread, with no rise.
Considering how quiet they were, I don’t understand how the service couldn’t have been so inattentive. Would be okay if the food made out for it a little bit but it was so disappointing.
Jonathan Fordham
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October 07, 2024
I’d been meaning to try out Il Bistro on any one of the many times I’d walked past in 15 years of living in Brighton, and finally made it having moved out of town, on a wet Sunday night. And I’m so glad I did! The place looks good from the outside… I was looking for somewhere where I could get a roast in mid evening, but to be honest my expectations were not that high. By the time I left two hours later, they had completely exceeded. Il Bistro, in the heart of the attractive and atmospheric south Lanes, is an absolute gem. The waitress was outstanding with her welcome and attentiveness, a lovely manner, engaging warmly with all customers, even bore with me mistaking their bottled limencello for water and trying to down a bottle of it! Roast pork from the roasts menu even at that time of day was superb, priced at pub prices, and within the atmosphere and candlelit interior of
the restaurant that felt like a massive win. Nothing was too much trouble for the front of house; I turned down what looked like banging desserts in favour of coffee but ultimately will be back before long to go full two or three course. In a sometimes jaded city Il Bistro carries a warmth, authenticity and quality that not only actually matches it’s veneer but exceeds it. An older school Brighton experience, it was like being back in the Brighton of the early 90s: liberated, hearty, stylish, and inclusive. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and I will be make this place a regular haunt on my frequent work trips to the city, I feel. The kind of dining experience that frames a weekend perfectly; and sets up the soul for the week.
CherryBomb Aesthetics
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September 18, 2024
Tonight I dined at Il Bistro with a friend, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish! Our waiter, Abe (I will get your name right next time), provided exceptional service—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu.
We ordered the Pollo Alla Milanese and the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, both of which were cooked to perfection. The Pollo Alla Milanese was crispy and flavorful, while the rigatoni was perfectly spicy with a rich, creamy sauce. For dessert, we indulged in the brownie and the intriguing "Butchers Ice Cream." Both were delightful, with the ice cream being a unique and delicious surprise.
Katherine Leonard
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August 02, 2024
This was a cute place, and the service was good. The pasta was tasty and cooked well, but the filet was not at all pleasant. It was quite charred and overdone on the outside, with just the innermost parts being enjoyable to eat.
Jack vockins
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January 29, 2024
Nestled in the heart of Brighton, Il Bistro is a charming fusion of French and Italian cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in a warm ambience that sets the stage for a memorable evening.
One of the standout features of Il Bistro is its commitment to using fresh ingredients, whilst offering an excellent varied menu to cater to all tastes.
What truly sets Il Bistro apart is the personalised attention extended to every guest. The owner's warm welcome and genuine appreciation for repeat guests create an atmosphere of familiarity and hospitality. It's not uncommon to be greeted with a complimentary drink or to engage in friendly conversation with both staff and fellow diners.
Having recently relocated our office to the area, discovering Il Bistro has been a delightful surprise. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary haven where great food, attentive service, and genuine hospitality converge. We look forward to returning to Il Bistro whenever we find ourselves in the area, knowing that each visit promises an excellent dining experience.
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Not a good experience on a Sunday. We arrived too early for lunch service (30mins too early) but we said we were happy to get a drink and wait for food. They took our drink order (two different coffees), but forgot about the tap water. There hardly any other customers in the restraint at that point. Then didn’t come back to take our food order when the kitchen ordered. Had to get waitresses attention several times. For charcuterie board (just look at the picture, I took it after we took off only two slices of chorizo and two pieces of crostini) and roast (pork and beef). The board was so bad, awful for £11. Roast was not good, only okay. We’ve had much better elsewhere. Beef was difficult to cut, pork wasn’t crispy or melting in your mouth type of fat. It looked nice on the plate but not tasty. The Yorkshire pudding was like a crispy piece of bread, with no rise. Considering how quiet they were, I don’t understand how the service couldn’t have been so inattentive. Would be okay if the food made out for it a little bit but it was so disappointing.
I’d been meaning to try out Il Bistro on any one of the many times I’d walked past in 15 years of living in Brighton, and finally made it having moved out of town, on a wet Sunday night. And I’m so glad I did! The place looks good from the outside… I was looking for somewhere where I could get a roast in mid evening, but to be honest my expectations were not that high. By the time I left two hours later, they had completely exceeded. Il Bistro, in the heart of the attractive and atmospheric south Lanes, is an absolute gem. The waitress was outstanding with her welcome and attentiveness, a lovely manner, engaging warmly with all customers, even bore with me mistaking their bottled limencello for water and trying to down a bottle of it! Roast pork from the roasts menu even at that time of day was superb, priced at pub prices, and within the atmosphere and candlelit interior of the restaurant that felt like a massive win. Nothing was too much trouble for the front of house; I turned down what looked like banging desserts in favour of coffee but ultimately will be back before long to go full two or three course. In a sometimes jaded city Il Bistro carries a warmth, authenticity and quality that not only actually matches it’s veneer but exceeds it. An older school Brighton experience, it was like being back in the Brighton of the early 90s: liberated, hearty, stylish, and inclusive. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and I will be make this place a regular haunt on my frequent work trips to the city, I feel. The kind of dining experience that frames a weekend perfectly; and sets up the soul for the week.
Tonight I dined at Il Bistro with a friend, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish! Our waiter, Abe (I will get your name right next time), provided exceptional service—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the Pollo Alla Milanese and the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, both of which were cooked to perfection. The Pollo Alla Milanese was crispy and flavorful, while the rigatoni was perfectly spicy with a rich, creamy sauce. For dessert, we indulged in the brownie and the intriguing "Butchers Ice Cream." Both were delightful, with the ice cream being a unique and delicious surprise.
This was a cute place, and the service was good. The pasta was tasty and cooked well, but the filet was not at all pleasant. It was quite charred and overdone on the outside, with just the innermost parts being enjoyable to eat.
Nestled in the heart of Brighton, Il Bistro is a charming fusion of French and Italian cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in a warm ambience that sets the stage for a memorable evening. One of the standout features of Il Bistro is its commitment to using fresh ingredients, whilst offering an excellent varied menu to cater to all tastes. What truly sets Il Bistro apart is the personalised attention extended to every guest. The owner's warm welcome and genuine appreciation for repeat guests create an atmosphere of familiarity and hospitality. It's not uncommon to be greeted with a complimentary drink or to engage in friendly conversation with both staff and fellow diners. Having recently relocated our office to the area, discovering Il Bistro has been a delightful surprise. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary haven where great food, attentive service, and genuine hospitality converge. We look forward to returning to Il Bistro whenever we find ourselves in the area, knowing that each visit promises an excellent dining experience.