Brighton’s new seafront seafood spot with Hong Kong soul
Brighton seafood lovers, there’s a new catch in town. Aberdeen Seafood Brighton has dropped anchor on Kings Road, directly opposite the West Pier where The New Club (RIP) once reigned. The restaurant is bringing fresh seafood delights like lobster, razor clams, succulent prawns and more paired with big Asian flavours to the city’s seafront dining scene. The twist? It’s casual dining vibes, and you can tuck into your seafood feast while watching live sport on a big screen, pint in hand. Oh, and its actually named after the famous floating fishing village of Aberdeen in Hong Kong, so don’t worry, there’s no haggis on the menu.
Friendly owner CK is the heart and soul of the place, which is a homage to the flavours and culture of Hong Kong. Already known for two much-loved Brighton restaurants CK Bistro and Stir Fried by CK, he’s now brought his hometown’s food culture to the seafront. Throughout our visit he was chatting with diners, laughing with customers and sharing stories about Aberdeen, from its floating seafood restaurants to bustling fish markets. You get the sense that this isn’t just a business, it’s a love letter.
Relaxed vibes, seafront views
Despite lobster being the star of the menu, the setting is anything but formal. With exposed brick walls, a giant lobster mural, industrial lighting and a big screen showing football, it’s a laid-back place for a pint and a plate of something delicious. Outside, there’s pavement seating that’s prime people-watching territory, with the West Pier ruins as your backdrop.
What to eat at Aberdeen Seafood Brighton
Seafood here is made for sharing, and CK has opinions on what you should order (trust him). The steamed scallops were buttery-soft and drenched in umami-rich soy and spring onion, perched on delicate glass noodles. Sichuan chilli oil dumplings delivered just the right hit of mouth-tingling spice, slippery and swimming in a rich, fiery sauce. Meanwhile, the salt and pepper razor clams arrived piled high and covered in a punchy, moreish garlic crumb we couldn’t get enough of.
The belle of the ball, without a doubt, was the wok-fried sea bass with black bean and chilli. Served whole on its own carved wooden throne, the fish was drenched in glossy sauce brimming with garlic, soy and chilli. CK explained the secret: slow cooking the fish followed by a quick deep-fry. The result was a sea bass with perfect juicy, flaky flesh inside, and satisfyingly crisp, lightly fried on the outside. We will absolutely be back for this.
A very close second was the seafood baked rice. Topped with a bubbling golden crust of melty cheese, it was comfort food at its finest. Sweet, spicy and saucy beneath the surface, the rice came studded with prawns, sweetcorn and chunks of pineapple. Sounds random, but trust us – it works, and it’s delicious.
Why visit Aberdeen Seafood
Aberdeen Seafood Brighton nails that tricky balance: proper seafood dishes without the fuss. It works whether you’re corralling mates, having a casual date, or just fancy an excuse to order half the menu and call it ‘sharing’. Service is warm, portions are generous enough to test your waistband, and the location? Well, that seafront view is unbeatable.
Whether you’re after lobster in Brighton, a casual pint with some delicious small plates, or an authentic taste of Hong Kong on the seafront, this new restaurant is well worth adding to your list.
The BOTI lowdown
Best for: Feasting with friends
Eat this: The wok-fried sea bass with black bean and chilli
Drink this: A cold pint of Asahi, or, if you’re curious, Hong Kong Milk Tea
BOTI pro tip: Balance out the fried dishes with something steamed – your tastebuds (and your arteries) will thank you
Open Tuesday – Sunday; midday – 10pm
Aberdeen Seafood, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FN
aberdeenseafood.co.uk
