Sunlit bay windows, the crackle-scent of wood-fired dough, and accents straight from Naples give Buon Appetito—81 Western Road, Hove—its unmistakable “holiday in Italy” feel. Family-run since 2011, the trattoria draws Brighton foodies, post-beach families, and date-night couples with big-hearted Southern Italian cooking, an 80-label wine wall, and staff who greet regulars by name. Rustic brick arches frame an open pizza oven, Chianti bottles line tongue-and-groove walls, and soft canzone classics drift above the chatter.
Services
• Lunch & dinner seven days (12 pm–10 pm) with last pizza orders at 9:30 ⏰
• Call-ahead takeaway—most boxes ready in 15 min 🚗
• Deliveroo & Uber Eats coverage across BN3 📲
• Vegan mozzarella, gluten-free penne, and dairy-free sorbet on request 🌱
• Set menus for birthdays / hen nights (two- or three-course, free Prosecco) 🎉
• Children’s half-plates plus colouring sheets 👧🖍️
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance, step-free restroom & nearby car park ♿
Menu
• Bruschetta Pomodoro – toasted sourdough, heritage tomatoes, basil & garlic drizzle 🌿
• Mozzarella Fritta – hand-cut cheese, crumbed & fried, spicy arrabbiata dip 🧀
• Margherita Classica – San Marzano sauce, fior di latte, garden basil (£9.95) 🍅
• Pizza Contadino – roasted peppers, capers, olives & mozzarella on 72-hour dough (£14.50) 🌶️
• Spaghetti Carbonara – pancetta, free-range yolk, pecorino; no cream, just Roma tradition 🍝
• Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini – wild porcini, truffle oil & Parmesan clouds 🌲
• Seafood Risotto – prawns, mussels & calamari simmered in saffron broth 🦐
• Wild Mushroom Risotto – earthy mixed fungi, white wine, shaved truffle 🌾
• Tiramisu della Casa – espresso-soaked savoiardi, mascarpone, cocoa snowfall ☕
• Limoncello Cheesecake – zingy Amalfi-lemon lift on buttery biscuit base 🍋
Pros
👍 Real wood-fired pizza oven—gives leopard-spotted crust & smoky aroma.
👍 Wide vegan / gluten-free range so everyone eats happily together.
👍 Generous portions—one pizza plus salad often feeds two light appetites.
👍 Family vibe: staff remember favourite wines and kids get free gelato on birthdays.
👍 Five-minute walk from Hove seafront; perfect after-sunset pasta stop. 🌅
Reviews
- “The Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini tasted like a forest picnic—rich, silky, and perfumed with truffle. Service was swift even on a packed Saturday.” 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- “Booked for ten on Mum’s birthday. Set menu arrived piping hot, Prosecco kept flowing, and the kitchen added a complimentary sparkler on the tiramisu.” 🎂
- “Love that they do genuine Roman Carbonara without cream. Portion huge; I boxed half for lunch next day.” 😊
- “Waited 30 minutes past reservation once, but free bruschetta and a Chianti sample eased the pain—worth it when the seafood risotto landed.” ⏳
- “Margherita base blistered perfectly, vegan cheese option melted well, and our server brought chili oil unprompted. Patio tables are prime for people-watching Western Road.” 👀
Buon Appetito blends Italian nonna generosity, Brighton-beach ease, and artisan craftsmanship—making every visit a mini-vacanza brimming with pizza crust crunch, pasta twirl comfort, and that lingering “can’t wait to come back” after-glow. 🇮🇹❤️