Burnt Orange Menu Dishes, Reviews, and Timings
Brighton is one of the UK’s most vibrant food destinations, filled with seaside cafés, pubs, and high-end restaurants. Among these stands Burnt Orange, a place that has quickly become a favorite for its bold flavors, stylish setting, and buzzing atmosphere. To set the stage, let’s start with something sweet: Knoops Menu Guide to Chocolate Drinks, and Reviews in the UK. The burnt orange menu is built around fire-cooked sharing dishes, cocktails, and a relaxed dining experience that has won multiple awards.
This blog takes you through everything you need to know: restaurant background, ownership, customer reviews, a full breakdown of the menu, and essential timings.
Story and Concept
Burnt Orange opened in 2021 at 59 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL. The space is owned by Razak Helalat, who is also the mind behind Brighton’s celebrated restaurants The Coal Shed and The Salt Room. His vision for Burnt Orange was clear: a venue where food and drink merge into a social, grown-up hangout.
The building itself was once a coach house, giving the space a historic charm that blends perfectly with the modern interior design. Inside, you’ll find soft lighting, contemporary décor, and music curated by DJs, sometimes even by Fatboy Slim, who has a home in Brighton.
The idea is not fine dining, nor is it casual fast food. Instead, Burnt Orange sits comfortably in between, offering laid-back luxury and fire-cooked food.
Awards and Recognition
Since its opening, Burnt Orange has built a strong reputation. It was voted Best Restaurant in Brighton in 2022, 2023, and 2025 by the public. It has also been recognized in respected food guides, including The Good Food Guide and Harden’s Restaurant Guide, both praising its creativity and atmosphere.
These awards reflect not only the food but also the overall experience. Guests are encouraged to enjoy food slowly, sip cocktails, and treat dining as a social occasion.
Reviews from Diners
Google and food guides provide glowing reviews. Harden’s describes it as “a wonderful small-plates restaurant with fun interiors and super food.” The Good Food Guide wrote, “Every morsel of food is a party on the tongue.”
Many guests highlight the sharing plates as their favorite part. One diner said: “Really good sharing plates and great cocktails. Perfect for evenings with friends.” Another noted: “The lamb cigars and brown butter flatbread were the highlights. Excellent service all around.”
The reviews show that Burnt Orange is not just about food; it is about the whole experience, from flavors to atmosphere.
Exploring the Burnt Orange Menu
The burnt orange menu is divided into several sections. You will find snacks, starters, mains cooked over fire, sides, and sauces. All dishes are cooked with bold spices, seasonal ingredients, and a touch of smoky flavour.
Snacks
| Snacks |
|---|
| Spiced Nuts |
| Gordal Olives |
| Padron Peppers |
| English Peas in Pod |
| Wood-Fired Flatbread |
| Artichoke, Jalapeño & Basil Hummus |
Starters
| Starters |
|---|
| Spiced Calamari Fritti |
| Harissa Parsnips |
| Beef Tartare |
| Halloumi |
| Buffalo Mozzarella |
| Smoked Lamb Shoulder Cigars |
| Grilled Prawns |
Wood-Fired Mains
| Wood-Fired Mains |
|---|
| Flamed Sea Bream |
| Roast Stone Bass |
| Mackerel in Oats |
| BBQ Chicken Thigh |
| Grilled Pork Chop |
| Barbecue Skirt Steak |
| Smoked Miso Aubergine |
| Szechuan Pepper Cauliflower |
| Roasted Hispi Cabbage |
| Spinach & Leek Pastilla |
Sides
| Sides |
|---|
| Skillet-Baked Potatoes |
| Flamed Courgettes |
| Summer Tomatoes |
Sauces
| Sauces |
|---|
| Smoked Chilli Harissa |
| Preserved Lemon Aioli |
| Green Herb Zhug |
Each section is made to encourage sharing. The flatbread with hummus and smoked lamb cigars are favourites among locals and tourists alike.
Desserts
| Desserts |
|---|
| Dark Chocolate Tart |
| Seasonal Sorbet |
| Affogato with Espresso |
Drinks
| Drinks & Cocktails |
|---|
| Burnt Orange Martini |
| Classic Negroni |
| Seasonal Spritz |
| Craft Beer |
| House Red & White Wines |
| Non-Alcoholic Cocktails |
The full menu shows how varied and creative the offerings are. Every dish is bold, smoky, and built for sharing, while desserts and cocktails round off the experience.
Prices
The average price per dish ranges from £6 to £12 for snacks and starters, while mains are around £16 to £25. The Experience Menu at £39 per person offers the best value for groups who want to try everything.
Desserts are usually priced between £6 and £8, and cocktails range from £9 to £12. This is also a good place to mention another dining option: Karv Steakhouse Menu Guide to Dishes, and Timings in London.
The Experience Menu
Burnt Orange menu offers a special sharing menu called the Experience Menu. It costs £39 per person for the regular set and £37 per person for the vegetarian version. This menu must be shared by two or more guests.
The Experience Menu includes flatbread, hummus, grilled halloumi, lamb cigars, BBQ chicken thigh, roasted stone bass, smoked aubergine, potatoes, and summer tomatoes. It gives diners a taste of the best dishes without needing to order separately.
Opening and Closing Times
Burnt Orange is open every day for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
| Day | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 12:00 pm | 10:30 pm |
| Friday – Saturday | 12:00 pm | 01:00 am |
| Sunday | 12:00 pm | 09:00 pm |
The last food seating is usually around 10:00 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 9:00 pm on Sundays. The bar, however, stays open later on weekends, creating a lively late-night atmosphere.
Delivery and Takeaway
Burnt Orange focuses on dine-in experiences, so delivery is not part of their service. The restaurant aims to create a social dining atmosphere, which is why enjoying the food on-site is encouraged.
The burnt orange menu is designed much like other top UK restaurants, offering not only food but also atmosphere and drinks. This approach is similar to how No5 Dining & Lounge balances dishes, cocktails, and relaxed experiences, giving people more than just a meal.
Booking and Reservations
Burnt Orange is popular, so it is recommended to book in advance through their website. Walk-ins are sometimes available, especially during lunch hours, but evenings and weekends fill up quickly.
The restaurant also offers private dining spaces for groups and special occasions, adding flexibility for celebrations.
Ambience and Decor
The atmosphere is just as important as the food. The interiors feature exposed brick walls, soft lighting, wooden finishes, and modern touches. Seating is spread across intimate tables and social spots, while the music — sometimes curated by Brighton’s own Fatboy Slim — creates a vibrant yet relaxed mood.
The restaurant is equally comfortable for a romantic dinner or a lively night with friends. This balance makes it a standout in Brighton’s dining scene.
Why People Love the Burnt Orange Menu
The secret of Burnt Orange lies in its balance. The menu is bold yet simple. It uses fire, smoke, and spice to transform everyday ingredients into dishes that stand out.
Examples of why people love it:
- Dishes are made for sharing, which makes dining social and fun.
- The flavour combinations are unique, with smoky aubergine, spicy calamari, and rich lamb cigars.
- The drinks are crafted to complement the food, especially the signature cocktails.
- The setting is stylish yet relaxed, giving it a grown-up but welcoming vibe.
Customer Experience
Diners regularly comment on three points:
- The food quality is excellent, with smoky dishes and bold flavors.
- Service is professional but friendly, creating a welcoming space.
- Atmosphere is lively, with music and décor adding to the fun.
These qualities combine to make Burnt Orange menu one of Brighton’s most successful dining spots.
Conclusion
The burnt orange menu is more than a list of dishes. It is an experience shaped by bold flavors, cocktails, and a warm setting. From snacks and starters to mains, sides, desserts, and cocktails, every element reflects the vision of Razak Helalat and his team.
With multiple awards, glowing reviews, and a prime location in Brighton, Burnt Orange is one of the UK’s most exciting restaurants. Whether you choose the Experience Menu or order a mix of small plates, you’ll leave with the memory of food cooked over fire and shared among friends.
