Behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, there are always reviews being written, nominations being made, competitions underway and every foodie out there is making their own decision about how to share their next dining experience. Recently it was Brighton’s turn, a part of the country that deserves every bit of recognition. Thanks to local food writers Andy Lynes, Euan MacDonalds and Patrick McGuigan, who set up the first Brighton’s Best: Top 20 Restaurants awards, we can now shout out loud and clear for the booming Brighton independent restaurant scene and not just consider it a suburb of London. The awards were presented by restaurateur Russell Norman, CODE Founder Adam Hyman, Kate Henry (of Great British Bake Off fame) and other acclaimed industry leaders on the night. Even though some of the larger establishments are setting up shop (Polpo, Meat Liquor and Wahaca are all now establishing themselves in the city) it was the hard grafting, talented small local gems that were the heroes on the night.

Michael Bremner’s fantastic 64 Degrees took the number one spot of the city’s best eateries. Voted for by experts including national food writers, chefs, restaurateurs, business leaders, critics and gourmands, all of whom boast an intimate knowledge of the Brighton and Hove restaurant landscape, the awards were a celebration of the city’s burgeoning food scene and its growing status as one of the UK’s best dining destinations.

Michael’s menu of innovative small plates puts a focus on fresh, local produce, and was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin inspectors. The Chilli Pickle, The Salt Room, The Set and Silo completed the top five, in a hotly contested race.‘I’m overwhelmed,’ Michael told us. ‘My team works so hard to give our customers the best dining experience possible, so to win Best Restaurant is just amazing. I’m over the moon.’

Here’s the full list of Brighton’s best restaurants in 2016.