Seemor
Bincho YakitoriA-Worth Trying
63 Preston St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HE
· Restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (934 reviews)
Reservations
A cozy izakaya-style grill delivering standout skewers and small plates with buzzy vibes; book ahead and expect tight seating, swift pacing, and small portions that add up.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Bincho Yakitori delivers exceptional food quality with masterful charcoal technique and thoughtful specials, supported by welcoming, attentive service and excellent pacing. However, tight seating and physical comfort constraints prevent grade A territory, and the small-plate format requires intentional ordering strategy. A beloved local institution with strong loyalty and consistent execution across multiple visits.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and buzzing, with dim lights, counter seats by the grill, and plates landing as they are fired. Guests describe it as intimate yet lively—"the team kept dishes flowing without long gaps"—though seating can feel a little tight and winter drafts by the door are noted. The cooking leans classic yakitori with charcoal-forward flavors, anchored by pork belly, chicken hearts, and karaage, plus thoughtful sides like garlic rice and hispi cabbage with black garlic. Specials such as seabream tempura and grilled mackerel add range, while desserts like the miso walnut brownie finish strong. Portions are small by design; order a spread and enjoy the steady pacing. Families can make this work thanks to familiar items like fried chicken, salmon skewers, rice, and ice cream. There is no kids menu, seating is close, and it gets lively, but staff are accommodating and there are vegetarian and vegan options like aubergine with miso, tofu kara age, and edamame that suit varied preferences.
At a Glance
- Smoky, well-executed yakitori and standout specials
- Cozy izakaya vibe with welcoming service and good pacing
- Tight seating, lively noise, and time-limited tables
- Portions are small; ordering adds up
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- charcoal yakitori focus
- cozy counter seating by the grill
- strong sake and whisky pairing
What People Love
- Charcoal-smoky pork belly and hearts
- Garlic rice comfort factor
- Thoughtful specials like seabream tempura
- Friendly, efficient service despite the buzz
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
Points of Concern
- Seating can be cramped and some chairs uncomfortable
- Peak-time policies: strict time slots and limited walk-ins
- Small portions make costs climb for hearty appetites
- Noise levels run lively; not ideal for quiet chats
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair 2-3 skewers with garlic rice and a veg (hispi cabbage or aubergine) for balance
- Add one special like seabream tempura for variety
- Finish with the miso walnut brownie if you enjoy sweet-salty desserts
Perfect For
- Date night at the counter
- Casual friends meetups with shared plates
- Solo diners who enjoy bar seating
- Adventurous eaters exploring offal skewers
Location Insights
Area: Bustling dining corridor near seafront with independent eateries; lively evening crowd and casual nightlife.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked at night; typical city-center bustle with occasional late-night noise.
Nearby: Close to Brighton seafront, hotels, pubs, and other restaurants; popular with locals and visitors.
North LaineNorth Laine is a lively and bohemian neighborhood characterized by independent shops, cafes, and a diverse dining scene. The area is popular for casual and trendy eateries, attracting a crowd that appreciates unique and informal dining experiences in a vibrant social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–22:00
Wednesday17:30–22:00
Thursday17:30–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations
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