Exploring Michelin Stars in Sussex: A Gastronomic Journey for 2026

The Michelin Guide, the esteemed series of guidebooks from the French tyre company Michelin, has gained worldwide recognition for its star system that rates restaurants and hotels. It’s a dream for chefs, a delight for food lovers, and a benchmark for culinary excellence. The stars—ranging from one to three—assess everything from the quality of ingredients and flavor to the chef’s personality and consistency. For diners, the guide serves not only to highlight exceptional cuisine but also to recommend a broader range of culinary establishments across various cities and countries.

The Significance of Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmands

While Michelin stars famously acclaim fine dining, the Guide also recognizes restaurants that offer impressive meals at more accessible prices through its Bib Gourmand awards, named after the Michelin Man, Bibendum. These awards showcase culinary spots that don’t compromise on quality, making delicious food more approachable for the average diner.

In Sussex, the Michelin Guide has identified several noteworthy establishments to explore in 2026, whether you’re a local or planning a visit.

Michelin Restaurants in Sussex Worth Trying in 2026

East Sussex

Although East Sussex currently does not boast any Michelin-starred establishments, it proudly hosts six Bib Gourmand winners that are worth a visit:

• Burnt Orange – Brighton and Hove
• The Royal – St Leonards-on-Sea
• The Flint House – Brighton and Hove
• Palmito – Brighton and Hove
• Dill – Lewes
• Cin Cin – Brighton and Hove

These restaurants offer a variety of dishes that embody the spirit of the local dining scene—creative, flavorful, and welcoming.

West Sussex

In contrast, West Sussex shines with three prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants:

• Restaurant Interlude – Lower Beeding
• Gravetye Manor – East Grinstead
• Ben Wilkinson at The Pass – Horsham

Each location showcases unique culinary talents and offers distinct dining experiences that delight the senses.

A Culinary Map of Sussex

To help navigate these culinary hotspots, here’s a visual representation of the Michelin-rated restaurants in Sussex:

Full List of Michelin Guide Restaurants in Sussex

The Michelin Guide recognizes a total of 35 restaurants across Sussex. Below is a more comprehensive look at the acclaimed dining venues categorized by region.

Michelin Restaurants in East Sussex:

• Maré by Rafael Cagali – Brighton and Hove
• The Union Rye – Rye
• Harry’s at The Gallivant – Camber
• The Set – Brighton and Hove
• Burnt Orange – Brighton and Hove
• Tillingham – Peasmarsh
• Lucky Khao – Brighton and Hove
• Wild Flor – Brighton and Hove
• Amari – Brighton and Hove
• The Royal – St Leonards on Sea
• The Flint House – Brighton and Hove
• Rathfinny Tasting Room – Alfriston
• etch. by Steven Edwards – Brighton and Hove
• Little Fish Market – Brighton and Hove
• Palmito – Brighton and Hove
• Embers – Brighton and Hove
• Dill – Lewes
• Tutto – Brighton and Hove
• The Bell – Ticehurst
• Dilsk – Brighton and Hove
• Furna – Brighton and Hove
• The Ginger Pig – Brighton and Hove
• Gingerman – Brighton and Hove
• Cin Cin – Brighton and Hove

Michelin Restaurants in West Sussex:

• Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Horsham
• The Swan Inn – Fittleworth
• E.Street Bar and Grill – Petworth
• Restaurant Interlude – Lower Beeding
• Cat Inn – West Hoathly
• Cassons – Tangmere
• Gravetye Manor – East Grinstead
• Chalk – Pulborough
• Ginger Fox – Henfield
• The Parsons Table – Arundel
• Ben Wilkinson at The Pass – Horsham

A New Addition to the Guide

Among the exciting news in the Michelin landscape is the recent addition of Maré by Rafael Cagali in Brighton and Hove to the guide. This spot has quickly garnered attention for its innovative menu, focusing on shareable dishes ranging from a couple of bites to substantial offerings like ox tongue and lobster rice. The service here is spoken of glowingly, complementing the dining experience with warmth and efficiency.

The Michelin Guide describes Maré as “living up to expectations,” establishing itself as a noteworthy player in the Brighton and Hove dining scene.

In your culinary exploration of Sussex in 2026, these Michelin-recognized spots promise to deliver remarkable experiences that are both delicious and memorable. Whether indulging in a star-rated meal or enjoying a Bib Gourmand feast, the local culinary scene invites you to savor every moment.