The Dorset

Food and drinks took forever and when the food came out it was disgusting. Massively over cooked. FYI a gourmet burger should never have a craft single cheese slice on it. In fairness the food was refunded and the waiting staff were really friendly, but I won't be going back.

We had our this year's Christmas dinner in this place. Good food and nice ambiance with the world cup going on.

A few months ago it was great! BUT, they have definitely cut costs as the prices are the same however food is completely different. Chips used to be great and now they are same as Wetherspoons. Burger used to be unreal and now it’s shameful. Really disappointed with this place and I can’t see myself ever returning. What have they done to this place it used to be amazing :

This is not a restaurant. It is a good upmarket, not too inexpensive cafe in a downmarket residential area, and it really is tiny. There are 4 small tables indoors and if all were occupied you would not be able to move. We planned a special lunch here based on the Trip Advisor recommendations and we designed our day around it. That was a mistake. To be fair, the young couple running it are friendly, enthusiastic and very nice. The atmosphere is good. I am told the food is authentic Sicilian and there is flair and imagination in the presentation. Our choices seemed bland and ordinary; perhaps we were unlucky in our choices. I do not want to undermine anyone who is trying hard with some success but there is no way this can be the No 1 restaurant in Brighton; that is complete nonsense. I would like to have this cafe at the end of my street for regular coffee and light lunch breaks, especially outside on sunny days, but please do not pretend it is a restaurant or you will mislead people, as we were misled.

Very disappointed. Saturday afternoon - busy but not full. 3 of 4 meals returned. First chicken burger burnt, replaced with pink one. Two veggie burgers stone cold in middle. Host, who admitted to struggling to get decent chef recently, took cost of the three meals off bill as opted not to re-order given debacle with chicken. Did charge for the one acceptable meal and drinks. Ladies toilet not pleasant - rather smelly. Possibly not even working now as flush handle was hanging off. Would not recommend - shame as nice looking venue in good location with ample outdoor seating Hopefully can get decent chef soon and raise standards

We just sat there for 30 minutes waiting to have our order taken while the “waiter” walked by us dozens of times. He was much too busy stopping to chat to even notice us. Other tables who seated after us already had drinks and we had yet to even place our drink order. It was not even particularly busy during a rainy Sunday in December for lunch. Waste of our time completely, would not recommend.

Bella Italia is a cute rustic restaurant that truly feels like you're sitting around the family dining table. The staff were absolutely wonderful, and are very attentive! My waiter was Salvatore I've seen him around every time I've wondered in and he was very genuine and he is a part of the reason the whole restaurant feels homey, he becomes more of a friend than a server. The food is amazing as well. Be sure to bring your appetite as the food servings are big! My only criticism would be it can take a long time to receive the check and pay. I would recommend Bella Italia to friends and family who would like to sit down, have some good food, and chat or for those who want to have a coffee and read a good book!

Service was nice enough however the food was awful. We had eaten here and the past and it was great but it’s clear they have cut costs. From one of the chosen places to eat in Brighton to food that would whetherspoons would serve..a real shame

There is a reason the wine is not listed on the drinks menu online - £14.50 for a large rioja!! And I swear when I then got a medium at £10 it was the same size as I put the empty on the counter next to it. When I queried £18.50 for a glass of wine and a bowl of fries I was told it was Laines prices . The Wine Cellar couple of streets away charges less than £7. The Dorset has lost the plot. Not a good legacy for the lovely founder Tony Baker

Great place to lunch. Had a delicious BLT and the best Bloody Mary in Brighton. I like my Bloody Mary extra spicy and most bars can't get it right and I end up topping up the spices myself but the lady who served me was spot on. Highly recommend this establishment and I will be returning soon.

Directions to The Dorset with public transportation

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