vegan small-plate restaurant kokedama opens

The team behind the fabulous (and award-winning) plant-based pub The Roundhill have just opened Kokedama, a two-storey, vegan small-plate restaurant in the heart of Brighton.

If you ever went to their Kokedama pop-up in The Needlemakers Cafe in Lewes, then you know you’re in for a treat. And if you didn’t, then you’ve got lots to look forward to as Kokedama’s dishes prove time and again that vegan fine-dining does exist and is damn good, too.

They’ve tweaked the concept a bit for the new Brighton restaurant, though. In owner Max Aben’s words: “It’s luxurious food, with an easy-going atmosphere”.

kokedama brighton dishes

Think creative small plates that create magic from vegetables, such as trombetta courgette and baby artichoke with red pepper marmelade and green olives or tenderstem broccoli with sunflower and nettle pesto and preserved lemon and capers.

They’ll also be serving up unique cocktails like the Nitro (coffee and cardamom-infused bourbon, banana and black walnut) and the Flying Lotus (Haku vodka, jasmine tea, sake, pickled lotus root, blue pea flower), as well as natural wines.

kokedama brighton cocktail

Diners can opt to pick and choose their plates from the a la carte menu – sharing is encouraged – or book in advance for the carefully curated chef’s set menu at £45.

As you might expect from the team, there’s a strong focus on sustainability and they use seasonal vegetables and natural ingredients to produce their inventive and tasty dishes.

kokedama brighton inside

The subtly lit space is pretty special, too. There’s a ground floor bar for cocktails and snacks while the main dining area is upstairs. It’s decorated with heaps of natural materials, including kokedama (those beautiful Japanese moss plants that the restaurant’s named for) and is designed to create a sanctuary for an intimate evening with friends.

A beautiful space to showcase beautiful food. It’s got to be a win.

Opens Friday, 1st April
Kokedama, 36 East Street, Brighton BN1 1HL
Wednesday – Sunday; midday – 11pm

theroundhill.co.uk