Japanese restaurant Taro to open Brighton branch this September

Japanese restaurant Taro is opening its first branch outside of London this autumn, launching in Brighton at the end of September. The new restaurant, located on Ship Street in the city’s Lanes district, marks the ninth location for the group, which has steadily expanded across London and the South East since it first welcomed diners in 1999. Founded by the mysteriously named Mr Taro, who opened the first location on Brewer Street in Soho, the brand is inspired by taishu shokudo, meaning “an everyday dining room” in Japanese, and remains true to the concept, serving traditional dishes in a casual setting.

Taro Brighton will serve a menu consistent with other locations, including ramen, udon, sushi, sashimi and tempura, all made fresh to order. Signature items include prawn or chicken gyoza, takoyaki (octopus balls with tonkatsu sauce) and a variety of bento boxes featuring sushi, tempura, katsu, edamame, miso soup and rice. The seaside branch will also feature a location-specific dish, the Brighton Roll – a rainbow sushi roll filled with salmon, prawn, tuna, yellowtail, asparagus, avocado and tobiko, topped with spicy mayo. Drinks on offer will include hot and cold sake, Japanese beers, soft drinks and cocktails including a Lychee Martini, made with Holy Grass vodka, lychee juice, coconut syrup and lime.

Speaking about the new opening, Mr Taro said: “We are incredibly proud to be opening Taro Brighton, our first major venture outside of London. Brighton is a city full of energy, creativity and diversity, with a rich sense of history and community spirit – it felt like the perfect home for Taro’s next chapter. We’re bringing our authentic Japanese flavours to the city, from fresh handmade sushi and our much-loved bento boxes to new special sushi rolls created just for Brighton by our chefs. As always, guests can expect warm, heartfelt hospitality – the kind Taro has become known for. We look forward to welcoming the people of Brighton into our restaurant and sharing what we love most: great food made with care.”

Taro Brighton will be open Monday to Saturday from noon to 10pm, and Sundays from noon to 9.30pm, with food available for delivery via Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

Food Desk

Taro Brighton opens at the end of September 2025 at 60 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE. For further information or to book a table, visit the group’s website here.