Seemor
O'Shio Japanese and Korean RestaurantB+Worth Trying
87-88 Trafalgar St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ER
· Japanese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1297 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Japanese-Korean spot with fresh sushi and comforting stews; great overall but expect crowds, time limits, and occasional service inconsistency.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
O'Shio Japanese and Korean Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood dining through fresh sushi and comforting Korean stews paired with prompt service in a lively North Laine location. However, quality variation across visits and allergy-handling incidents prevent a higher grade, while peak-time crowding and occasional service rushing limit the overall experience. Reliable for repeat visits and group dining, but falls short of the area's premier destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Right off the station and into North Laine, the room feels buzzy and cozy with tables turning quickly and a steady clatter from the sushi bar. Staff are often friendly and fast, and many diners call the fish fresh and the hot pots soothing. One guest put it plainly: "After a long trip, the tofu stew and udon felt like a warm reset." However, do expect crowds and occasional time-limit nudges at peak times. The cooking leans Japanese-Korean with fresh sashimi, rolls, and a deep bench of stews like soondubu and kimchi jjigae. It is not showy; think comforting broths, crisp pajeon, and cleanly prepared sushi more than theatrics. Most nights deliver bright flavors and satisfying textures, though a few outliers mention seasoning misfires. Seafood quality drives value, and the menu breadth suits groups who like to mix and match. Families are generally welcome. There is a small kids menu (sushi or chicken katsu), and staff are warm with children, though desserts and drink choices for kids are limited. Udon, katsu, maki, and plain rice sides are safe bets for younger palates; spicy stews and stronger kimchi flavors may be better for adventurous eaters.
At a Glance
- Fresh sushi and comforting Korean stews praised by repeat visitors
- Lively atmosphere near Brighton Station with outdoor seating
- Peak-time rushing and strict bookings can dent the experience
- Allergy-handling complaints including one safety incident
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Japanese-Korean dual menu
- High-quality sashimi selection
- Cozy sushi bar seating
- Vegan hot pot options
What People Love
- Feel-good broths after travel or a long day
- Crispy pajeon with satisfying chew
- Clean, fresh sashimi and tamago nigiri
- Fast service that keeps the meal moving
- Cozy buzz that feels like a find
Points of Concern
- Time limits and queue pressure can feel rushed during peak hours
- Allergy handling inconsistent; several reports of poor accommodation
- Occasional off nights with bland or salty dishes
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (very high five-star share typical of popular venues, some marketing-style language) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For conservative palates: salmon avocado roll, chicken katsu, tamago nigiri, kitsune udon
- For adventurous eaters: soondubu jjigae, seafood pajeon, sashimi moriawase
- Vegetarian/vegan: vege-pajeon, wakame salad, vegan soondubu/doenjang jjigae
Perfect For
- Casual date with shared sushi and a hot pot
- Pre-train or post-arrival meal near the station
- Friends splitting small plates and sake flights
- Solo comfort-food stop with udon at off-peak hours
Location Insights
Area: Bustling North Laine near station; indie shops and cafes draw students, locals, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets with steady foot traffic; occasional crowding at peak times.
Nearby: Close to Brighton Station, shopping streets, pubs, and casual dining; heavy weekend footfall.
North LaineNorth Laine is a lively and bohemian neighborhood characterized by independent shops, cafes, and a strong alternative cultural vibe. The dining scene is diverse, with many casual eateries, trendy cafes, and international cuisine reflecting the area's youthful and artistic population.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →